The Black Arrow · Chapters

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Chapter companions for The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson.

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Chapter 1
Prologue
The prologue introduces the setting of Tunstall during the Wars of the Roses, where loyalties shift frequently. Dick Shelton and Bennet Hatch recruit the old archer Appleyard to defend the Moat House, but Appleyard is killed by a black arrow bearing the name 'John Amend-All.' Sir Oliver Oates suspects Yorkist lords or Ellis Duckworth, while Hatch warns of local resentment. Dick is sent with a sealed packet to Sir Daniel Brackley.
Chapter 2
Book I: The Two Lads
Dick Shelton, a young man under the guardianship of Sir Daniel Brackley, is awakened by an alarm bell at Tunstall Moat House. He learns that Sir Daniel is away and that the house is under threat from the 'Black Arrow' fellowship. Dick is tasked with escorting a young boy named Matcham to safety, but their journey is fraught with danger as they cross the fen and encounter a leper. Dick begins to question the circumstances of his father's death, suspecting Sir Daniel's involvement.
Chapter 3
At the Sign of the Sun in Kettley
Sir Daniel Brackley stays overnight in Kettley, squeezing tenants and extorting money. He interrogates and threatens Condall, then inspects his troops. Dick Shelton is present and given a letter to return to Tunstall. A young lad named Master John (actually Joanna Sedley in disguise) asks Dick for directions to Holywood and later escapes. Sir Daniel discovers the deception and orders Selden to hunt her down before marching to join the battle.
Chapter 4
II: In the Fen
Dick Shelton rides through the fen at dawn, encounters a lost and frightened lad named John Matcham, and agrees to help him reach Holywood sanctuary. They discuss marriage, Joan of Arc, and Sir Daniel's oppressive schemes, while fleeing Sir Daniel's pursuit.
Chapter 5
The Fen Ferry
Dick Shelton and Matcham cross the River Till with the ferryman Hugh, who warns them of John-a-Fenne lying in wait. Despite precautions, they are ambushed, their horse is shot, and the boat capsizes. Matcham saves Dick from drowning, and they escape into the woods, where Dick jests about Matcham's girlish appearance and they share food before Dick scouts ahead.

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Prologue

Book I: The Two Lads

At the Sign of the Sun in Kettley

II: In the Fen

The Fen Ferry