Ironclad: Battle for Blood

Five years after the events of *Ironclad*, the de Vesci family faces unrelenting assaults from Scottish raiders. The violence threatens their stability and survival as they struggle to defend their stronghold along the perilous English-Scottish border.

Gilbert de Vesci, the patriarch of the family, is weary and injured, feeling powerless against the increasing violence. He watches as his son Hubert tries to maintain order amid the chaos of ongoing attacks, highlighting the dire situation they find themselves in.

After a brutal attack leads to the death of a Scottish chieftain's son, a fierce blood feud erupts. The violence threatens to engulf the entire region, escalating tensions between the de Vesci family and Scottish raiders.

In a bid to save his family from devastation, Hubert travels to find Guy de Lusignan, a once-great warrior. However, he is unaware of Guy's transformation into a cynical mercenary more focused on money than honor.

Upon Hubert's arrival, Guy demands a hefty sum for his services, draining the resources of the de Vesci family. Even as Hubert struggles to comply with his exorbitant demands, it becomes evident that survival is costly.

In a surprising turn, Guy intervenes to save Crazy Mary, a condemned murderer. This act inadvertently earns him valuable allies even as the headsman Pierrepoint closes in on them, setting up a tense confrontation.

Hubert returns to rally the beleaguered de Vesci garrison, revitalizing their morale amidst the sieges. Their spirits are lifted as they prepare for battle against the looming Scottish attacks, but the strain of ongoing conflict remains palpable.

Guy's reunion with his cousin Blanche is fraught with resentment due to their tumultuous past. Initially rebuffed by her, Blanche’s feelings shift after Guy risks his life to save her from Scottish infiltrators.

As the chaos intensifies, a secret romance blossoms between Mary and Hubert. Their love story unfolds in the shadows of war, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the ravaging turmoil of battle.

The de Vesci family suffers significant losses as the siege intensifies. Gilbert succumbs to his injuries and, overwhelmed by grief, Joan takes her own life, believing all hope has vanished.

Following Gilbert's death, Hubert inherits the leadership of the family during a pivotal moment. He is tasked with leading the remaining members of the de Vesci family as they face the harsh realities of their situation.

Amid fierce resistance, the Scottish forces launch a brutal assault, with flames and chaos engulfing the castle. Mary seeks vengeance against Pierrepoint as the de Vesci stronghold crumbles under the strain of the siege.

In a tragic twist, Berenger faces off against the chieftain of the Scottish raiders in a duel. The clash ends in misfortune as Berenger falls, further diminishing the strength of the de Vesci family.

In a climactic moment, Guy challenges the leader of the Scottish raiders in a one-on-one duel, driven by a desire to reclaim his honor. Supported by Blanche, he achieves a hard-fought victory that significantly shifts the battle's momentum.

With the Scottish leader defeated, the fierce clan begins to retreat, their fury diminished. Despite the victory, Hubert reflects on Guy's path, revealing that he remains a mercenary, destined for further conflict and bloodshed.