Edward William Bonadio

The Last Settlement Edward William Bonadio

Haldair, leader of a dwindling pagan clan, has decided to flee a Viking raiding party. He gathers his people and they flee to safer lands on the less populated western side of the island. The clan is made aware an abandoned village by a strange Arab mystic who is rewarded for his effort. But no place seems secure when a Christian bishop is alerted to their presence by a clan outcast. The churchman demands conversion or agree to pay tribute to look the other way. Gromm, a Viking chief raiding along the western shores searches for opportunities away from the full force of Christian king. He knows of the abandoned settlement that the villagers have resettled decides to use the settlement for his winter quarters. But a creature conjured in revenge is released from dormancy to fulfill its mission. It will take the unique powers of a village maiden and a pact made with the Viking chieftain to preserve the lives of those they both vow to protect. But things have changed since making a deal with the christian bishop. His king has been replaced by his half-brother and an edict is presented to the village. They must leave the isle, convert, or face death. In the end it will take the counsel of a mysterious entity from beyond to bring about a just resolution and hopefully long-lasting peace for the last pagan settlement.