Sword and the Sun

England, 1702, is at war with its old enemy France, the realm of Louis XIV, the Sun King, over the throne of Spain and trade routes to the Indies. Richard Molesworth, (ancestor of Princess Diana, Princes William and Harry)against his father's wishes,runs away from his studies at The Temple in London to join the newly formed English army in Holland, led by the charismatic John Churchill, Earl,later Duke of Marlborough. Richard quickly rises in rank and finds himself aide-de-camp to Marlborough. He idolises the clever,diplomatic,driven duke and is willing to die for him serving him loyally through the major battles of the war, saving the duke's life at Ramillies. He finds his feat overshadowed by the death of Colonel Bringfield, Marlborough's senior aide and becomes disallusioned when the rescue is hushed up and goes unrecognised due to political reasons. Richard begins to see another side to the duke and finds himself increasing surrounded by treachery, intrigue and suspicion as the war continues and Marlborough's power and influence begin to wane. Will Richard stay loyal to the duke or turn against him as others are doing around him? Set against the backdrop of early eighteenth century England, France, Bavaria, Holland, Spain and Ireland, Richard writes his story as a memoir dedicated to his beloved poetess sister, Mary Monck. The memoir is populated with his exploits and experiences, the characters of his family, fellow soldiers,and best friend Thomas Ashe and his wife Ellen. It encompasses bravery, action, adventure, friendship and tragedy, including a secret love which haunts him throughout the war. Based on true story and historical characters, family letters and anecdotes this biographical fiction tells of thirteen years of war and the early life of Richard Molesworth, later Third Viscount Molesworth. Richard is an ancestor of the late Diana, Princess of Wales and her two sons Prince William and Prince Harry. The First Duke of Marlborough is also an ancestor of Princess Diana, the royal princes and Sir Winston Churchill.