La Flèche Noire
1888
A historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set during the tumultuous period of the Wars of the Roses in England, the story revolves around a young man named Richard Shelton who navigates loyalty and treachery amidst the power struggles of noble houses. The novel intricately weaves themes of honor, ambition, and identity as Richard grapples with his relationship to his guardian Sir Daniel Brackley and the looming threat of rebellion. The opening of ''La Flèche noire'' introduces the village of Tunstall, whose inhabitants are stirred by the ominous ringing of a bell, signaling impending conflict. The protagonist, Richard Shelton, is quickly embroiled in the tension surrounding a looming battle as he learns that his guardian has summoned all able men to arms, highlighting Richard's inner conflict regarding his loyalties. The narrative introduces a mix of local characters including the apprehensive villagers and a rebellious element represented by a mysterious figure named Jean Répare-tout, who sends a dark message signaled by a black arrow. As the story unfolds, Richard finds himself at the center of a brewing storm, caught between duty to his lord and the emerging chaos that threatens his own fate.
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“[H]e began to understand what a wild game we play in life; he began to understand that a thing once done cannot be undone nor changed by saying "I am sorry!””
— Robert Louis Stevenson
“I had four blak arrows under my belt,Four for the greefs that I have felt,Four for the number of ill menneThat have oppressid me now and then.One is gone; one is wele sped;Old Apulyaird is dead.One is for Maister Bennet Hatch,That burned Grimstone, walls and thatch.One for Sir Oliver Oates,That cut Sir Harry Shelton’s throat.Sir Daniel, ye shull have the fourt;We shall think it fair sport.Ye shull each have your own part,A blak arrow in each blak heart.Get ye to your knees for to pray;Ye are ded theeves, by yea and nay!JON AMEND-ALLOf the Green Wood,And his jolly fellaweship””
— Robert Louis Stevenson
“A hanging in a good quarrel is an easy death they say, though I could never hear of any that came back to say so.””
— Robert Louis Stevenson
“I know; I don't care to die either. But when whining mendeth nothing, wherefore whine?””
— Robert Louis Stevenson
“and for the first time began to understand the desperate game that we play in life; and how a thing once done is not to be changed or remedied, by any penitence. But””
— Robert Louis Stevenson
“Well! marriage is like death, it comes to all.””
— Robert Louis Stevenson
“Nay,' said Dick. 'And now that I have seen you for what ye are - the fairest maid and stateliest of England - think ye I would turn? - if the deep sea were there, I would straight through it; if the way were full of lions, I would scatter them like mice.””
— Robert Louis Stevenson
“If the barons live at war, ploughfolk must eat roots.” “Nay,””
— Robert Louis Stevenson
“He is one that goes to bed Lancaster and gets up York.””
— Robert Louis Stevenson
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Stevenson, Robert Louis. La Flèche Noire. Lex, lex-books.com/book/la-fl-che-noire-d6dce1b2-7525-4cc6-ad19-3a4dccde4879.Stevenson, R. L. (1888). La Flèche Noire. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/la-fl-che-noire-d6dce1b2-7525-4cc6-ad19-3a4dccde4879Stevenson, Robert Louis. La Flèche Noire. Lex. https://lex-books.com/book/la-fl-che-noire-d6dce1b2-7525-4cc6-ad19-3a4dccde4879.
