Mikelle Fraizer's second published novel, War Leader, is also a historical romance - this time set in King William I's ("The Conquer") England. Four years into his reign, William is still fighting Saxons for the English throne and calls his earls and barons to Winchester for a late-summer council about the latest rebel threat. This was the year of the razing of the north -- and historical figures emerge onto the pages with fictional characters to depict the realities of medieval marriages, warfare and relationships. Voth Dothson is a scarred commander of William's army denoted as War Leader, because he leads from the front of the battle. His rise through the ranks has left him with little respect from the Norman lords who fill William's court and only his skill at battle earn him the title of earl and the grant of lands in England. To reward his War Leader for his service, the King's own niece is offered to him as a bride. Voth discovers the lady has taken his own squire to her bed, and is pregnant by him. To save his squire from a traitor's death, Voth must marry the girl. A younger, innocent girl comes to court at the same time, and this noble lady sees Voth as the hero of England, a viewpoint he knows will not stand against the realities of his reputation as the despicable Commander who put children to death. She throws herself into his path at every turn, and he is captured by the infatuation the girl has for him - something the War Leader knows will not last. Added to the mix of characters is a Viking princess who would prefer to be a warrior, a cursed squire who tries to prove himself and medieval characters aplenty - noble wives, stewards, knights and King William's family. Set in 1070, this is the first of a three-part series "War Leader."