A LAST STAND AGAINST INSANE ODDS. Charismatic Spanish sea captain and Armada castaway Francisco de Cuéllar has hardly been rescued by Santiago and Muireann, when terrible tidings reach the Irish kingdom of Dartry at the start of a winter that is harsh beyond memory. Queen Elizabeth's viceroy has left Dublin, leading an army of two thousand strong across Ireland. As one rebel chieftain after another is crushed in his path, the English commander's destination appears to be Santiago's hideout in Dartry. The tribe's sufferings are set to greatly worsen as they are forced to withdraw to the frosty mountains with their herds and belongings. They leave behind them nine Spaniards led by the brash Captain de Cuéllar, sworn to defend the island fort of Rossclogher. As the viceroy's army gathers about the tower-house, Santiago must fight a lost cause of his own making. Vile betrayal worsens the odds faced by the defenders, who must choose between fatal surrender and a heroic last stand. Remember the name of rising author James Vella-Bardon - Reader's Digest Encyclopaedic knowledge of the times - The London Economic Chomping at the bit to read more Vella-Bardon - The Pigeonhole online book club