Robert Barr
A Prince of Good Fellows
"A Prince of Good Fellows" by Robert Barr is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of 16th-century Scotland, the story revolves around King James V and explores themes of loyalty, treachery, and the struggles of power. The novel features several characters, including the young King James, who faces conspiracies against him, and various nobles and commoners who become embroiled in the political intrigue of the time. At the start of the story, a young man named Ballengeich is introduced, navigating the streets of Stirling Castle amidst a darkening evening. He narrowly escapes an encounter with a court noble and seeks refuge with a cobbler, where a conversation reveals tensions surrounding the king and the people's discontent. The cobbler discusses a plot against the king, hinting at a conspiracy involving the abduction of King James. This opening sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of plots, loyalty, and the dynamics of power in a tumultuous period of Scottish history.