The Firts Lance

A good horse. Old armour. A few coins. And a name worth nothing.
Alden of Ashcombe is a third son with no land to inherit and few prospects at home. Rather than accept the quiet security chosen for him, he crosses the Channel to seek his fortune among the knights and tournament households of France.
He believes years of training have prepared him.
They haven't.
Under the demanding eye of Lord Amaury de Vervins, Alden discovers that becoming a professional knight requires far more than courage with sword and lance. He must learn to judge men; read danger; understand the value of horses and prisoners; recognise when information cannot be trusted, and discover that sometimes the cleverest victory is the fight you avoid.
Alden will make mistakes. He will lose, learn, adapt and try again.
Because in this world, courage may win a fight, but judgement determines whether you live long enough to enjoy the victory.
He arrived in France carrying his father's armour and his teacher's reputation.
Now Alden of Ashcombe must earn a name of his own.
The First Lance is Book One of The Ashcombe Chronicles — a character-driven medieval historical adventure of knighthood, tournaments, loyalty, ambition and the making of a commander.