From the framework of the old Swiss tale of Wiiliam Tell, Behmal takes this story and constructs his own. In this instance, the people are in revolt against taxation and unfair legislation. When Thell's son fires a crossbow arrow after a spot of skylarking, the Imperial Counsellor, Guessler, accuses him of high treason - Thell undergoes a trial by ordeal - forced to shoot an apple from atop his son's head. He is banished for a year, his daughter taken by Guessler, his son left to fend for himself. Thell is at the centre of an uprising, exiled for ten years, returns and with the aid of mercenaries the castle of Altdorf is taken. In the final scenes, the rebels face off against the imperial army of Duke Leopold of Austria - showdown is at the Morgarten Pass.

Set in the very early years of the 14th century, this is a fast paced, action packed story about the beginnings of the Swiss Confederacy - you know how it ends, but then again, with Behmel's spin, you do and you don't. For those seeking something different in the historical fiction genre, this may be for you.