In this intense action/drama, a man undertakes a harrowing quest to defeat the tyrant king of a rival land, and rescue the princess he is responsible for protecting—and with whom his is in love with.

SYNOPSIS:

Brom Grey, Captain of princess Emeline Payne's guard, is aboard the "Lance of the Gods", a ship built for combat. Emeline has been kidnapped by King Hadrian de Bolbec. Brom is determined to rescue her.

De Bolbec mines the river with floating explosives, based on real-world designs. The "Lance of the Gods" encounters them. Brom helps the ship's captain, Walter Drake, clear the way.

De Bolbec reveals his plan to Emeline - marry her, and murder her parents, making himself King of both lands. Emeline works to escape.

The "Lance of the Gods" continues after de Bolbec's ship, the "Tyrant's Stay". They encounter another threat - two small boats that are piloted explosive weapons. These are based on real-world ancient designs. An action sequence leaves the "Lance of the Gods" dead in the water. Brom sets out on his own using a skiff.

Emeline escapes to the water. From there, she goes into the forest. When darkness falls, and a storm moves in, she shelters in a barn.

De Bolbec learns of Emeline's escape, ordering the ship turned back.

Brom discovers the enemy ship moored, with a large group disembarking. Brom realizes that Emeline has escaped. He sets off into the woods to find Emeline.

Thad Dargin finds Emeline. He has cruel streak, and wants some fun, not believing her claims to be the princess. He threatens her with a pitchfork. Emeline screams. Both Brom and the search party hear. The search party breaks in, laying claim to Emeline. Thad realizes that she had been telling the truth. He tries to enter into her graces by protecting her. He is overpowered, but saved by the timely arrival of Brom, who fights de Bolbec's men. In the chaos, Thad rushes out, dragging Emeline with him. Brom escapes, running after them.

Emeline tries to lead them to the river. Brom refuses, knowing that more of de Bolbec's men will be in the way. Not wanting to run into the enemy, he leads them on a circuitous route back.

Brom allows a rest. As Emeline takes her privacy, Thad accuses Brom of being in love with the princess. Brom denies it, but Thad won't be fooled. Thad expresses barely-disguised lecherous interest in her himself. Brom, angry, reaches for his sword. The encounter is put on hold when Emeline returns. They decide to rest until daylight.

In the morning, Brom finds fresh footprints. He urges caution. Thad claims that the tracks are from vagabonds. He knows the men, saying they are led by William Canfield. He wants to take Brom and Emeline to the vagabonds for help. Reluctant, Brom agrees.

Thad leads them to the camp, and leaves them alone, while he speaks with William. They concoct a plan to get rid of Brom, and trade Emeline to de Bolbec. They hope to gain large amounts of favor with de Bolbec by helping him. In the camp proper, Brom and Emeline grow closer. Thad and William return, extending William's offer to allow them to stay briefly. Brom turns them down, wary. William tries to convince them to stay. Brom refuses. Thad insists on going with them, taking a small group of the vagabonds to help keep them safe. Brom doesn't like the idea, but agrees.

Brom, Emeline, Thad, and six vagabonds head out. Brom and Emeline do not trust Thad, or the men. Thad's every action and motive now seems suspicious. Thad begins sneezing. Brom cautions him to be quiet. Thad blames the cold and wet. The sneezes lead to a fight that ends with Thad on the ground, Brom's sword at his neck. Thad, furious, backs down.

The search party from the "Tyrant's Stay" moves through the forest. They hear voices, and change direction.

There is a large amount of tension between Brom and Thad. Before long, Emeline expresses her need for a rest. Brom agrees. Emeline wants to go off alone with Brom. He agrees. Thad is upset over their leaving. Once alone, Emeline lets Brom know that she knows of his feelings for her. She professes feelings for him. They kiss, but are interrupted by screams. They rush back to find the search party. The vagabonds are dead. Thad is captive. Thad immediately turns on Brom and Emeline, offering them for his own freedom. A fight ensues, in which Brom takes on the entire search party. Thad tries to sneak away, but is captured by de Bolbec's men. Brom escapes with Emeline. Once clear, Brom sends her on alone. Brom turns back toward de Bolbec's men to hold them off.

On board the "Tyrant's Stay", de Bolbec is furious that his men are taking so long. He is further enraged when the "Lance of the Gods" comes into view. Battle between the two ships ensues.

Brom picks off part of the search party with a stolen crossbow. The survivors flee. Brom confronts Thad. The confrontation results in Thad's death.

The water battle continues, drawing de Bolbec's men from the woods. Emeline reaches the edge of the forest, cautious of the enemy. Brom reaches her, telling her they need to get on board the "Lance of the Gods". He thinks they can swim out, despite the danger. Brom keeps himself between Emeline and the "Tyrant's Stay". They are spotted in the water by Walter. As they are helped aboard, de Bolbec watches. He orders the attacks to be intensified. Brom gives orders for the ship to head for home. His only concern is getting Emeline to safety. The "Lance of the Gods" turns, outpacing the "Tyrant's Stay". De Bolbec orders chase.

Once their ship is out of reach of the enemy, Brom and Emeline clean up. When they meet again, Brom assures her that the enemy won't catch them.

The "Tyrant's Stay" runs into a group of the floating mines that the "Lance of the Gods" had encountered earlier. The mines devastate the "Tyrant's Stay". De Bolbec escapes on a small boat.

The flirtation between Brom and Emeline continues, leading to a marriage plans, followed by sex between them. They fall asleep afterward.

Brom meets with Walter. Talk quickly turns to Brom's engagement to Emeline. Walter wonders how the king and queen will react. Brom explains that Emeline thinks they can convince them to allow the marriage given Brom's part in bringing Emeline home. After the meeting, Brom returns to Emeline. They are woken as they are pulling into their home port.

Brom and Emeline are before King Oliver and Queen Juliana, who are thrilled to see Emeline safe. Emeline cuts through the reunion with news that, if de Bolbec is still alive, they are in danger. A retreat to the throne room is ordered.

At the port, de Bolbec arrives, shouting "Now is the time!" Many of the workers on the docks - de Bolbec's own people undercover - join de Bolbec, who leads them to the castle.

In the castle throne room, Brom and Walter are bringing the king and queen up to speed. The sounds of battle reach them, and de Bolbec strides in, followed by most of his undercover people. A number of bodies lay behind them. Emeline refuses to leave with him. De Bolbec sends his people after her. Brom and Walter defend the king, queen, and Emeline. In the confusion, de Bolbec creeps up on Emeline, taking her captive. The fighting stops. De Bolbec leaves with Emeline, giving orders to kill everyone else in the room. The battle resumes.

Emeline struggles against de Bolbec, slowing him down. He forces her along.

In the throne room, the battle finishes, ending with all of de Bolbec's people dead. Brom orders Walter to stand guard over the king and queen. He races after de Bolbec and Emeline. The king and queen refuse to stay behind, following Brom. Walter goes, too.

They catch up with de Bolbec, who is still struggling along with Emeline. Upon seeing Brom and her parents, Emeline struggles harder, breaking free. Brom attacks de Bolbec. Brom wins the fight, subduing de Bolbec. The king orders de Bolbec imprisoned. However, de Bolbec breaks free, attacking Brom. Brom defends himself, and the two fight one last time. The fight ends with de Bolbec's accidental death. In light of Brom's heroism, the king bestows his blessing upon the wishes of Brom and Emeline.

DARK RIVER LORDS