In this book, Aubrey, George and Caroline actually visit Holmland, despite the dangers posed by this warlike nation – but not before Aubrey has an encounter which could lead to a cure for his condition, but at cost of the life of one of his friends.
Dr Tremaine reappears, his power and influence becoming even greater. Hugo von Stralick is thereabouts as well, but Aubrey’s adventures bring him into contact with strange raftsmen, fanatical rebels, outlandish bandits and plenty of mysterious strangers. He also learns much about magic and about his own state, but is it enough to save himself and Albion?
Much of what happens in Time of Trail is, naturally, inspired by my research in the period just before World War I. It was a time of intense manoeuvring, shifting alliances, intercepted communications, false promises, and some very foolish movements on all sides. As well as the warmongers, many people were doing their best to avert conflict, and it was behind the general thrust of the narrative – the trip to Holmland. After that, of course, imagination takes over…
I’m excited about Time of Trial. It’s always pleasing when, finally, I manage to bring all of the threads, all of the characters and all of the events together into a whole.
I hope you enjoy it.
