by Doug McKim (Author), Richard McKim (Author), Mike Winer (Illustrator)
THE NATIONS OF EMBREY AND BRANELL ARE AT WAR Embrey's bloody border dispute fuels the flames of civil unrest. A power-mad general seeks to usurp the despotic ruler, through fear and bigotry. In response an aging legislator works to to make Embrey a more prosperous and progressive society, with the help of his adopted son, an assassin-turned-bodyguard. The students of Lord Kelly's Academy, mostly orphans, remain oblivious to their country's conflict. A newcomer of foreign-descent and a disreputable upbringing, clings to his one friend. But both boys are violently thrust from the safe confines of the school and become unexpected stewards to a group of younger students. Meanwhile a disgraced Army major plans a covert mission for a mysterious and distant island. Desperate, he promises anyone who will volunteer; wealth, fame, and fortune. On a hell-bent quest for restitution, the major fervently rallies his ragtag team to death or glory. Obsessively, he conceals his own self-doubts and fears with one inciting phrase.... "Are You Man Enough?"