Author Description

The Battle of Hastings casts a long shadow... The English exiles, under the command of Siward of Gloucester, sail into the Mediterranean, where there are wonders awaiting them and treasures ripe for the taking. Braving storms and Saracens, they sail on undaunted, their spirits higher than ever. But as they settle on the island of Sicily, they find their old enemies, the Normans are already there and discover the wounds of the past are not as healed as they had hoped. When Siward realises the ghosts he thought he had left in England are waiting for him on the island, his fear of failure returns with a vengeance. Consumed by terror, he struggles to maintain authority over his men, finding even his old friends, Bridwin and Frebern no longer support him. With his behaviour spiralling out of control, Oswyth tries desperately to help her husband until their love too is stretched to breaking point. With Siward no longer appearing to care if he drives everyone away, she is left broken hearted, convinced her marriage is in tatters. As it seems Siward will lose both the leadership and everyone he loves, he draws strength from a surprising source. But with Bridwin preparing to take command, has that help come too late to save either his marriage or his friendships? And as the Norman threat lingers, will Siward's quest for New England end as just one more broken dream?