Book excerpt: More than a decade after claiming Nottingham Castle and founding his Rangers, Rob Stokes ? the Hooded Man ? has seen off Britain?s would-be conquerors, thrown his support behind the newly-restored Crown, and extended his peacekeeping force onto the Continent. He?s getting old, getting ready to hand over to his adopted son, Mark, feeling like retiring. Trouble is brewing in the newly peaceful Britain. King Jack?s soldiers go armed with guns and armoured vehicles, even as Stokes? Rangers disarm the people. A resistance movement is rising, led by the charismatic Virgil Sorin. Amidst the rioting, shots are fired. A fire is about to start...