Good historical adventure and recreation of a period, making it come alive in the experiences of Hugo, who starts unrecognized, virtually in exile, and ends as a member of his uncle the Emperor's household, student at the Emperor's school, and acclaimed as a squire of no mean virtue, who through his courage and quick wittedness, did his part in bringing victory out of defeat. Covers that period of Charlemagne's career during which Susa and Pavia were conquered.