The Forest King

About the Book

During the Crusades, a family is displaced.   Fielo, the father, his wife, Elizabeth, and young sons; Erik, Andre and Paul must leave.  They lead a herd of horses east to find a home in the forest Fie had visited long ago.  

Fielo instructs his sons and friends in archery.  Skill with bow and arrow is paramount for survival.  The young people learn the craft of making equipment from materials found in the forest.  Popularity of archery increases after Erik impresses villagers at a local contest.  Skill in archery improves to a level previously unsurpassed. 

The Fifth Crusade was to be fought in Egypt.  Nobles were required to provide many soldiers.  As a result, bandits roam freely.  With the homeland unprotected, Lord Randolph enlists The Order of the Arrow to train as squires if they agree to defend his castle.  Under tutelage of five knights they gain skill in weaponry, horsemanship, military tactics and social graces.  Archery, the primary defense from the castle walls is practiced by all. 

Hebron, a Comandeor of previous wars sees the countryside ripe for plucking and moves to increase his holdings.  He enlists bandit chiefs to train an army of over two-thousand.  With the promise of plunder, they pillage the land, moving ever nearer the forest region.  

Erik leads a band of raiders against them.  They hide in the forest they attack Hebron’s army as it lays siege to the castle.  Numerous ambushes distract Hebron and he sends men to deal with the raiders.  Erik is driven farther into the forest.  Their friends, Tierra and Madelyn risk their lives to assist Erik but are captured.  Another threat is Lockner who is moving toward them from the west to reinforce Hebron.  Desperate measures are needed or the region will fall under Hebron’s control. 

About the Author

Youngest of five, Carson Clay was raised near the Mississippi River.  His father’s parents came from Sweden; his mother, with her family, came from Belgium.  Stable family values and work ethics were pivotal in his upbringing.   

Carson's dream was to be a military pilot.  He worked nights in a factory and construction during the day to earn money to complete two years of college.  Passing U.S. Navy tests he was sent to Los Alamos’ Naval Air Station in California for pilots training. 

Carson’s dream was shattered when they found inadequate peripheral vision.  The military offered other options.  He entered the Army’s Southeastern Signal School after Basic Training in California. 

Carson served at Headquarters of the Third Infantry Division in Germany.   He was assigned to Long Range Recon there.   

Following military service he was hired by John Deere.  He worked nights and through the GI Bill, completed daytime courses and improved his writing skills.  He graduated from Augustana College in Illinois in 1974 with degrees in Economics and Business Administration. 

He continued at Deere until 1984.  He then moved to Michigan for employment in the Automotive Industry.  There, as Corporate Senior Quality Engineer, he worked with customers such as; Daimler-Chrysler, Ford and GM as well as many top German, Italian, Japanese and Swedish manufacturers.  Some of his products achieved World Class status.   

In all seasons Carson, with his family enjoy outdoor recreational activities.  Many camping, canoeing, skiing, fishing and backpacking trips are made into mountains or the forested north.  Carson and his wife Rita were involved as coaches of their three son’s youth activities.  Today they still enjoy close relationships with them at their home in Michigan.