And so we say farewell. . .
Gil, Janetta, Sir Palamedes and Floki Magnusson sail the Atlantic aboard the South Bay Cat, Jack of the Beach. Reading their course in the passage of sea birds and fish shoals, seeking the endless sun and pale stars of Arctic summer, they skirt the coasts of Canada and Greenland and reach Iceland and its formidable Crossing to 9th century Orkney.
Two winters have passed since their defeat at Merlin's Tower. Emboldened, Jocelyn Guidbairn proclaims himself the islands' overlord, even as his mercenaries raid, burn and kill.
On Hrolf's Isle, Magnus Redbeard takes the High Seat of Floki's Hall, and with his council of grey-headed chieftains, condemns his returning son and companions to separation and exile.
But rescue comes from an unexpected quarter, and they escape to the summer pasture shielings where Gil's deposed heir, Ciarnan, and the young warriors who followed Gil Broadaxe to Caledon, hold a rebellious earldom.
Reunited with his friends, his father, and his pony Lionheart, Gil rejoices in days on the hill with Janetta, and nights of song and story in a cloth-roofed shieling hall, But as summer passes, Guidbairn's raiders strike.
The island is divided: old men argue caution, while their sons chafe for battle. But it is the wise counsel of his father Lance'lot, that sets Gil on the dangerous course of disguise and duplicity that will take him to the heart of Camelot, and seat him at Guidbairn's High Table, as Helmsman to the King, sworn to defeat Floki Magnusson in the Northlands seas.
Set sail with the Warriors of Tir nan Og
Set sail across the Sea of Time
Set sail to the end of the Quest