The Archer’s Tale by Bernard Cornwell

The Archer's Tale (The Grail Quest, Book 1) - Easter morning 1343, French marauders invade the small English village of Hookton. They killed all the men and captured the women. They also stole the relic that was kept in the small church. By hiding in the woods, Thomas alone escaped, and actually was able to kill one of the leaders with an arrow. Because of this, Thomas vowed to kill the man who murdered his mother and father and return the relic. Thus launches Thomas into his life as an archer in King Edward III’s army at the beginning of the Hundred Years War.