Hawkwood is an important character on the margins of Adam's story. However the lawlessness that armed bands of otherwise unemployed soldiers created, was to have a profound effect not just on the character of life in Italy in the 14th century, but also England and France. The way in which these soldiers were able to run what amounted to a protection racket, whilst being certain of protection of the English King gave them a courage born of opportunity, a far sterner training ground than that provided by any feudal master.