FREE: Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

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In 1377 A.D. England, a 13-year-old boy, known only as Asta's Son, lives as a peasant in the village of Stromford. The village is part of the territory of the feudal Lord Furnival, which, in Furnival's absence, is under the control of the steward, John Aycliffe. When his mother dies, Asta's Son is left alone, as he has no other known relatives. Shortly afterwards, Aycliffe falsely accuses him of theft, and declares him a Wolf's Head, which means he is not considered human anymore and anyone may kill him. Aycliffe also offers a large reward (one pound) for his death.

Asta's Son turns to the village priest, Father Quinel, his only friend. He shows Father Quinel a lead cross that his mother gave him before death. Father Quinel reveals that his true name is Crispin. He promises to reveal the truth to Crispin of who his father was the next night, but before he can, Aycliffe's men murder him. Aycliffe then sends a boy, Cerdic, to lead Crispin into an ambush, forcing Crispin to flee the village by himself. While fleeing from Aycliffe and his men, Crispin comes across an abandoned village, vanquished by the Black Death, where he meets Orson Hrothgar, but people call him Bear, because of his body and strength. Bear claims Crispin for himself, as according to the law, if someone runs away from his master unlawfully, the next free man who finds him may become that person's master. He learns of Crispin's lead cross and notices the writing on it. While Bear does not tell Crispin what the words say, Crispin realizes that the cross and its words are important. Bear is rough with Crispin, but during their travels together, a true bond of friendship develops between them. Bear eventually asks Crispin if he would like to become his apprentice, and Crispin happily agrees.