Clothar the Frank by Jack Whyte is the first novel in The Golden Eagle duology, a companion to the acclaimed A Dream of Eagles series. In this richly detailed historical epic, Whyte explores the reign and downfall of Riothamus, the first High King of All Britain, through the eyes of Clothar—better known as Lancelot.
From Gaul, now the land of the Franks, young Clothar is the son of one king and nephew of another. Orphaned at ten when his parents are murdered by a usurper, he grows into a skilled warrior and leader, driven to reclaim his birthright and avenge their deaths. Before he can act, he is drawn into a civil war in Benwick, the land of his childhood—a brutal conflict pitting brother against brother.
After emerging with honor, Clothar’s fate is steered by his mentor, Bishop Germanus, who sends him to Britain to find his old friend, Caius Merlyn Britannicus. Merlyn—mysterious, powerful, and rumored to be a sorcerer—has pledged that his young ward, Arthur Pendragon, will one day build the first Christian church in Britain from stone and found a new order of knighthood dedicated to God’s glory.
Clothar’s journey becomes the story of loyalty, love, and betrayal, revealing his role as Arthur’s friend—and ultimately, his betrayer.
