The White Company

The White Company is a historical adventure novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, set during the tumultuous years of the Hundred Years' War, specifically in 1366-1367. The narrative follows Alleyne Edricson, a young man raised in a Cistercian monastery in England, who embarks on a journey to experience the world after completing his education.
At the outset, Alleyne meets Hordle John, a large and boisterous man expelled from the monastery for his unruly behavior, and Samkin Aylward, a seasoned archer recruiting for the White Company, an English mercenary group fighting under the command of Sir Nigel Loring. The trio sets off to join Sir Nigel, who has been summoned to lead the Company in a campaign to restore King Peter of Castile to his throne.