The Holy Land, 1187 Salah-adin is poised to conquer the Kingdom of Jerusalem. For 10-year old Lucca "the Louse," it's life as normal. The streets of Acre—the wickedest city in the world—are his playground. But when a violent act of betrayal leaves him homeless and alone, he's drawn into a terrifying web of violence, espionage and holy war. The murder of a local clerk sends Lucca and the mysterious Brother Marco into a race against time to stop the Kingdom from tearing itself apart and becoming easy prey for their enemies. Can one lone boy save the Crusader Kingdom from disaster at the Horns of Hattin? This exciting, sometimes wry tale, takes an adult look at the Crusades through the eyes of its most innocent victims—the children. Wayne Turmel is the author of the best-selling The Count of the Sahara. He lives and writes in Chicago, where his motto is "Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. The rest of us are doomed too, but get to smile and say 'told you so'."

"A rollicking adventure with new peril at every turn" Ten-Year-old Lucca the Louse narrowly escaped the worst disaster to befall the Kingdom of Jerusalem, but he’s not safe yet. His beloved but doomed city of Acre is about to fall into Saracen hands, and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop it. Days after his return, he uncovers a plot to rip apart what remains of the Crusader Kingdom. Acre’s only chance lies in the last Crusader stronghold; the port of Tyre. Carrying an important secret, Lucca—accompanied by a young Lebanese girl, a leprous nun, and a Hospitaler with a dark secret—must make his way through bandit-infested wilderness to seek help. Will he find assistance for those left behind, or will it be too little, too late? This exciting sequel to “Acre’s Bastard” is a rollicking, humorous and thrilling adventure story that stands alone, but adds to the growing legend of Lucca le Pou. “… another rollicking and gritty medieval romp for the incorrigible orphan-hero, Lucca Le Pou. A delightful read for any historical fiction devotee… accessible, violent, and naughty enough for adventurous YA readers, too. “ Jeffrey K Walker, author None of us the Same