The Road to Jerusalem

Arn Magnusson is born into a noble family in western Götaland and, after surviving a childhood fall, is entrusted to Varnhem monastery in fulfilment of his mother’s vow. The Cistercians educate him in languages, theology, medicine and practical administration, while Brother Guilbert, a former Knight Templar, recognises his unusual gifts for horsemanship, archery and swordsmanship. Arn grows up protected from the rivalries that divide the Erik, Sverker and Folkung interests, but his training prepares him for a world far more violent than the cloister.

When Arn returns to secular society, his innocence leaves him vulnerable to clan politics and church law. He falls in love with Cecilia Algotsdotter, but an earlier encounter with her sister allows their enemies to accuse the couple of a grave sexual offence. Cecilia is confined at Gudhem and Arn is sentenced to twenty years of service with the Knights Templar in the Holy Land. The novel was originally published in Swedish as Vägen till Jerusalem.