1214. King John Plantagenet of England has failed in his final attempt to win back the lost territories of the Angevin Empire. Arriving back on English shores after his defeat at the Battle of Bouvines forced him to abandon his campaign, he discovers that the northern barons are close to rebellion.In the midst of this turmoil, Sir Robert Spurling, Knight of the Turin Shroud Brotherhood, has received word that his friend and mentor, Commander Reynard, is missing. With the help of loyal and trusted friends he must journey to the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire to find the Commander, before their deadly enemies, followers of the Order of the Blooded Cross, reach him first.Returning to his homeland, Robert discovers that war between the northern barons and King John has begun, and England is engulfed in Civil War. Sir Robert must decide where his loyalties lie, to the crown and John 'Softsword', or to the rebel barons who claim they are fighting for the people.As well as the escapades undertaken by Robert and Commander Reynard, The Crusader's Escape gives a fascinating account of the backstory to one of the most important documents in history - the great charter still known to this day as Magna Carta.