A Short History of Kings by Chris James Click on the picture for a larger view Historical Fiction Adventure Mature Themes  Rated for Teen and Up Audiences Proudly presented by

A note from Chris James
     It is once again my duty to inform you that this is a story written over a decade ago. I know there are far better authors who write about some of the places I depict in this story, but I make no apologies. They will understand my words are here for the entertainment of the readers.
     The purpose of posting old stories is to pad the library, but essentially what I am doing is buying time to spend on new works. I am convinced that if I could slow down the clock you would get nothing but new material, but alas, I have no power over time.
     My first note would be to tell you that this story is fictional, and for good reason. Time in this story is only relevant to the plot and not to the historical facts ... it was just more fun that way. But even accepted written history has muddled over some of the events I use to inspire my characters.
     I did try to paint an accurate picture of the places my characters venture even though I have not seen many of them personally. But that is like describing all McDonald's restaurants after just viewing one. Possible, but not always credible. Our knowledge of the past is filled with misconceptions and fantasy, and so I play with that in this story. As I have often noted before, just believe everything I tell you and enjoy the reading.

Story Notes
Henry the Young King (28 February 1155 – 11 June 1183)
     He was the eldest surviving son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine. In June 1170, the fifteen-year-old Henry was crowned king during his father's lifetime, a traditional practice of the French Capetian dynasty. The physical appearance of Henry at his coronation in 1170 is given in a contemporary court poem written in Latin, where the fifteen-year-old prince is described as being very handsome, "tall but well proportioned, broad-shouldered with a long and elegant neck, pale and freckled skin, bright and wide blue eyes, and a thick mop of the reddish-gold hair". He was said to be very handsome in a boyish way, but apparently quite spoiled. He died before his father at age 28. But alas, our story is not about young Henry, but another young boy that rose to the crown. Enjoy.
    Chris James

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine and the Epilogue


Chris James Story Page

A Short History of Kings Copyright © 2010 Chris James. All rights reserved.
This work may not be duplicated in any form (physical, electronic, audio, or otherwise) without the
author's written permission. All applicable copyright laws apply. All individuals depicted are fictional
with any resemblance to real persons being purely coincidental.