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CHAPTER ONE  

“If the Turks should prevail against the Isle of Malta, it is uncertain what further peril might follow to the rest of Christendom”

Queen Elizabeth I of England

Eric gasped for fresh air as he lifted the visor of his steel armet with a sharp move. His eyes stung by smoke and his nostrils filled with the metallic smell of blood. The deafening sound of a cannon thunder rolled through his ears although they were still protected by the close helmet t...