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Medieval #0.5
A Knight and a Spy 1403: A Knight and a Spy series Prequel
Before Agincourt. Before knighthood. Before secrets and war — a twelve year old boy stands on the edge of a bloody battlefield.
21st July 1403, Shrewsbury
On the brink of beginning his training, twelve-year-old James de Grispere finds himself a witness to the most savage battle ever fought on English soil.
As Henry “Hotspur” Percy rises in rebellion against the crown, King Henry IV moves swiftly to crush the threat. On a blood-soaked field outside of Shrewsbury, loyalty fractures, treachery festers, and the fate of England hangs in the balance. Standing at Prince Hal’s side is the Earl of Warwick, a fiercely loyal friend to both prince and crown, whose counsel and steel help guide Hal toward the coming confrontation and sustain him at the height of the battle itself.
Prince Hal fights to prove himself worthy of succession, paying a terrible price for his father’s throne, while James watches the deadly discipline of England’s archers tear through armoured ranks. What he learns that day about war, power, and survival will shape him far beyond boyhood, leading him toward paths of service, secrecy, and battle on distant French fields.
A complete story in its own right, this prequel to the A Knight and a Spy – Road to Agincourt series, reveals the moment Sir James de Grispere’s journey truly begins, on a single day of blood and betrayal that will echo through the rest of his life.
Medieval historical faction at its finest, blending real events with compelling fictional characters immersed in the fifteenth century — a time of battles, intrigue, and secrets, when England’s destiny was forged.
21st July 1403, Shrewsbury
On the brink of beginning his training, twelve-year-old James de Grispere finds himself a witness to the most savage battle ever fought on English soil.
As Henry “Hotspur” Percy rises in rebellion against the crown, King Henry IV moves swiftly to crush the threat. On a blood-soaked field outside of Shrewsbury, loyalty fractures, treachery festers, and the fate of England hangs in the balance. Standing at Prince Hal’s side is the Earl of Warwick, a fiercely loyal friend to both prince and crown, whose counsel and steel help guide Hal toward the coming confrontation and sustain him at the height of the battle itself.
Prince Hal fights to prove himself worthy of succession, paying a terrible price for his father’s throne, while James watches the deadly discipline of England’s archers tear through armoured ranks. What he learns that day about war, power, and survival will shape him far beyond boyhood, leading him toward paths of service, secrecy, and battle on distant French fields.
A complete story in its own right, this prequel to the A Knight and a Spy – Road to Agincourt series, reveals the moment Sir James de Grispere’s journey truly begins, on a single day of blood and betrayal that will echo through the rest of his life.
Medieval historical faction at its finest, blending real events with compelling fictional characters immersed in the fifteenth century — a time of battles, intrigue, and secrets, when England’s destiny was forged.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2026
About the author
Simon Fairfax
24 books29 followersSimon Fairfax writes in three different genres: International financial thrillers, medieval fiction and Classic Westerns.
He is a former Chartered Surveyor, Editor of an online polo magazine (having played for a number of years) and practiced martial arts, fencing and shooting. He now restore old classic sports cars for fun.
As a lover of crime thrillers and espionage, Simon turned what is seen by others as a dull 9 – 5 job into something that is exciting, as close to real life as possible, with Rupert Brett, his unwilling hero.
The medieval series now has 6 books released in a 6 book series. The first A Knight and a Spy 1410 set in a tumultuous time at the English court. It tells the story of Jamie de Grispere squire in training and his two companions as they fight the French to save Calais, Welsh treason and Scottish revolts. The final book in the series, A Knight and a Spy 1415 is now available.
Details of all his books can be found at www.simonfairfax.com or email him at simonfairfaxauthor@gmail.com
He is a former Chartered Surveyor, Editor of an online polo magazine (having played for a number of years) and practiced martial arts, fencing and shooting. He now restore old classic sports cars for fun.
As a lover of crime thrillers and espionage, Simon turned what is seen by others as a dull 9 – 5 job into something that is exciting, as close to real life as possible, with Rupert Brett, his unwilling hero.
The medieval series now has 6 books released in a 6 book series. The first A Knight and a Spy 1410 set in a tumultuous time at the English court. It tells the story of Jamie de Grispere squire in training and his two companions as they fight the French to save Calais, Welsh treason and Scottish revolts. The final book in the series, A Knight and a Spy 1415 is now available.
Details of all his books can be found at www.simonfairfax.com or email him at simonfairfaxauthor@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 2, 2026
great historical fiction
This is just the type of story I like: it really happened and the author has created characters that are compelling to tell the it. I appreciate the comprehensive notes at the end. Thank you, Simon Fairfax!
This is just the type of story I like: it really happened and the author has created characters that are compelling to tell the it. I appreciate the comprehensive notes at the end. Thank you, Simon Fairfax!
June 9, 2026
A good read
A knew piece of history and a new series on the road to Agincourt New friends and old enemies will aid and slow the journey
A knew piece of history and a new series on the road to Agincourt New friends and old enemies will aid and slow the journey
September 5, 2026
1403
A good story well told although some of words passed me by, a little more plain English please. Keep writing.
A good story well told although some of words passed me by, a little more plain English please. Keep writing.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews