The story of Tim Blackburn's search for his missing daughter, Nicole, who disappeared in the company of Caspar von Rellsteb, an environmental activist, who believes the only way to save the planet is through ruthless force.
British ex-marine Nick Breakspear, who skippers charter boats out of the Bahamas, dreams of refurbishing a classic boat and sailing off with beautiful Ellen, ship cook and practicing celibate. On the verge of realizing his fantasy, he agrees to take the cokehead son and daughter of a U.S. senator on a cruise to kick their habits. The son forces a rendezvous at sea with vicious traficantes who sink the boat, kill a crew member and almost kill Nick and Ellen.
Nick Sandman's spine was shattered by a bullet in the Falklands. He has no money and no prospects, only a dream of sailing far away from his troubles on his boat, Sycorax. But Sycorax is as crippled as he is, and to make her seaworthy again, Nick must strike a devil's bargain with egomaniacal TV star Tony Bannister. Signing on to the crew of Bannister's powerful ocean racer, Wildtrack, Nick is expected to help sail her to victory. But the despised celebrity has made some powerful enemies who will stop at nothing for revenge. . . .
A story of love, war, loyalty and betrayal that begins with the failure of Lancelot's rebellion and the ruin of Arthur's marriage. Sensing disunity, the Saxons declare war. However, Arthur is victorious at Mount Badon, but the promises he made come back to haunt him after years of peace and glory.
Essentially this is a modern political thriller, told in flat American diction. Narrated by Derfel, an ordinary, likable man who rises through the ranks to become Arthur's friend and advisor in peace and war, the story doesn't follow the traditional patterns. Mordred is Uther's infant grandson, the legitimate king; Arthur is one of Mordred's guardians, sworn to hold the kingdom against the Saxon warlords until Mordred comes of age. Warfare is incessant. Arthur's dream of peace and unity seems unattainable.
