Loyalty is tested when brothers find themselves on opposing sides in this historical adventure set during the English Civil War. In the opening days of 1644, there seems to be little hope for Parliament's soldiers. To William Sparrow and his men, the woods of Dorset are a snow-covered sanctuary-even on Christmas Day-from the horrors of Penmethock and pursuit by the King's men. Hugo Telling has finally returned home, ready to introduce his "wife" Bella Morrison, to his family. But the Telling family is now as affected by the war as any in England; Hugo's brother has volunteered-but on Parliament's side . . . When Hugo and Bella make their way back to Prince Rupert's stronghold in Oxford, they must consider their justifications for Hugo's absence. Surprisingly Bella is ordered to the Queen's service, and now it is up to her to save Hugo-if, for the first time, she is able to put another's needs above her own. And all the while the Scots, the hardiest fighters of all, are making their way through the north of England, bringing new dangers and new fear to the torment that is the Civil War. Stand by the Colours is the fifth thrilling installment of The Shadow on the Crown series. Praise for the writing of Nicholas Carter: "Ringing to the clash of blades and the roar of cannon and pungent with the whiff of gunpowder . . . A storming read." -Peterborough Telegraph "Carter's stories are in a league of their own." -Bristol Observer