The second book in the series of the Schmidt Chronicles finds our hero, Teddy Schmidt, and his gray-haired companions in a tight spot. Their world is falling apart. Teddy's father is dead. The hometown of Teddy's youth has been destroyed by creatures out of a nightmare. Federal, state, and local authorities are hunting Teddy and his brother, Michael, for murders they did not commit. Other frightening things also pursue the group from Wyoming as they travel to Avalon.
Their escape from Laramie was harrowing, but it was only the beginning of their trials. The bloodthirsty minions of the Shadow Lord are hot on their trail. Aided by Artamis, a pixie warrior, Teddy and his companions disappear into the mountainous wilderness of western Wyoming. They are led to a high mountain pass and the hidden passageway to Avalon.
Avalon is a wondrous land, filled with mythical creatures and breathtaking vistas. It is a world where magic is the law of the land. After the group arrives in the foreign land, the war continues. They soon find that their escape from Wyoming has only placed them in more danger. An unknown traitor keeps the enemy well-informed. The Shadow Lord knows they have come to Avalon, and he now bends his will to find and destroy them. Every plan and every step is fraught with danger.
Teddy is horrified by the power of the Shadow Lord and the creatures that serve him. With each small success, another-larger-calamity follows. However, the setbacks only harden the resolve of Teddy and his comrades.
Like many parents who tuck their kids into bed and tell them stories, I told stories to my boys. Now, I tell them to my grandkids. The stories entertain and teach our children.Children learn that it is important to know the difference between right and wrong, to tell the truth, and to stand up for what's right. The Schmidt Chronicles are stories for adults. I hope that you will see the story, not in vague shades of gray, but in the stark contrast of good vs. evil. In the real world, we sometimes get lost in that battle and look for what is safe, not what is right. Perhaps that is why I like to tell stories, because we can lose ourselves in the struggle to do what's right. In our hearts, we want to do what's right, but it is often so damned hard.
