During the Crusades, a family is displaced from their farm where they raise horses. Fielo, the father convinces his wife, Elizabeth, and young sons, Erik, Andre and Paul, they must leave. They lead their herd east to find a home in the forest Fie had visited long ago. They trade most of the horses for a small deserted castle in a village under dominion of Lord Randolph. Working together the family turns the ruin into a home. As time passes, the family builds good relationships. Fie teaches forest lore to his boys and their friends. Growing older they come to love nature, gain self confidence and acquire great knowledge of the forest. Erik begins to assume leadership roles. Fielo instructs his sons and friends in archery. Skill with bow and arrow is paramount for survival. The young people learn the craft of making equipment from materials found in the forest. Popularity of archery increases after Erik impresses villagers at a local contest. Erik and his friends form "The Order of the Arrow", enlisting Fie, the Friar, some parents, and a "Boyer" and "Fletcher" from the castle. Skill in archery improves to a level previously unsurpassed. A Fourth Crusade was fought and ended in disaster. It was followed, thirteen years later, by the Fifth Crusade. Due to previous failures, nobles were required to provide many soldiers to the distant war. As a result, bandits roam freely. With the homeland unprotected, Lord Randolph enlists The Order of the Arrow to train as squires for possible elevation to knighthood if they agree to defend his castle. He asks younger members, also good archers, to serve as pages. Under tutelage of five knights they gain skill in weaponry, horsemanship, military tactics and social graces. Archery, the primary defense from the castle walls is practiced by all. Hebron, a Comandeor of previous wars, seeing the countryside ripe for plucking, ruthlessly moves to increase his holdings. With help of Lockner, another veteran, they enlist bandit