Most good stories start with a fundamental list of ingredients: the initial situation, conflict, complication, climax, suspense, denouement, and conclusion. Great writers sometimes shake up the recipe and add some spice.
Exposition
The Coiner's Apprentice
Edmund is the coiner's apprentice. Unfortunately, Otto (the coiner) is found guilty of hoarding the king's silver. Yikes. And since this is the Middle Ages, Edmund's guilty by association. So double yikes. Luckily Edmund's saved from his miserable fate by Sir Nigel, who's on his way to the Crusades and offers to take him on as a second squire. Phew. And with that, our story is off and running.
Rising Action
I'll Make a Man Out of You
The motley crew hits the road, winding their way through Europe to the Holy Land. It's a life-changer for Edmund, who has not only never traveled, but also never even ridden a horse. As they make their way through France and Italy, Edmund slowly starts looking and acting like a real Crusader. He also learns to fight alongside Hubert, Nigel's other squire.
Climax
Expectations vs. Reality
Sir Nigel and company finally arrive at the Crusader camp in Acre. As fighting becomes reality, Edmund and Hubert start facing doubts and fears (which is only natural). They participate in the Siege of Acre, and after being splashed with blood and guts they realize that war isn't all fancy sword tricks and shiny armor. Go figure, right? But the battle is just the beginning—the truly dark stuff happens when King Richard the Lionheart orders a couple thousand prisoners of war to be executed. Edmund just can't un-see this slaughter.
Falling Action
Onward March
Camp breaks up after the battle of Acre. The French get ready to leave and the English Crusaders prepare to march on to Jerusalem. They move slowly in a large mass toward Jerusalem, fighting the heat until they encounter a Saracen army at Arsuf. Another epic battle ensues.
After the battle, Nigel is wounded so he and Hubert have to return to England. Rannulf is also wounded, but gives Edmund the option to stay on with another knight.
Resolution
The Unwritten Future
We leave Edmund in a moment of uncertainty, at a fork in the road. He has the choice to either return to England to his friends and dream girl, or go on to fight at the gate of Jerusalem.
What's he going to do? Guess we'll just have to read the sequel (The Leopard Sword) to find out.