With Sword and Crucifix: Being an Account of the Strange Adventures of Count Louis Sancerre, Companion of Sieur LaSalle, on the Lower Mississippi, in the Year of Grace 1682

"With Sword and Crucifix" by Edward S. Van Zile is a historical novel set in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the adventures of Count Louis de Sancerre, a courtier who has left the comforts of France to join the expedition of Sieur de la Salle along the lower Mississippi River in 1682. The story interweaves themes of love, revenge, and faith against the backdrop of exploration and the clash of cultures. The opening of the tale introduces Count de Sancerre as he engages in a midnight conversation with Sieur de la Salle, reflecting on his past and the nature of love. As they camp near the Mississippi, de Sancerre shares with La Salle tales of his life in France and a woman he loved, leading to a deadly duel with a Spanish rival. In a supernatural twist, he is soon visited by an old woman who cryptically connects him to his past love, Julia de Aquilar. De Sancerre’s internal conflict and quest for redemption are highlighted as he grapples with the implications of his violent history. The story sets the stage for a rich exploration of personal ties, adventure, and the varying motivations of those navigating this treacherous new world.