"The year is 1662. Cromwell is dead, and England's king has been restored to the throne. But Charles II presides over an uncertain court ... And with rumours of treason brewing in the Scottish Isles, he urgently needs men he can trust to sail north and blow the conspiracy apart ... Enter Matthew Quinton. A loyal but inexperienced young sea captain from a family of staunch Royalists, Quinton's first command was lost at sea; he barely escaped with his life. This time, aged twenty-two, he is determined to complete his mission without loss of life or honour. Vital to his success is Kit Farrell, a young mariner who has promised to help Matthew master the sea ... With Kit's help, Matthew must tackle the dangers of the voyage: a resentful Cornish crew, a suspicion of murder, and the growing conviction that treason lies closer to home than anyone thought ..."--Publisher description.
