Edzio Andruszkowicz, 34 years old, had been a knight of the Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. He was a member of the family's Polish Crusaders that went to the holy land to save their aging cousin Sebastian, the Red Devil, from the massacre that was coming to Jerusalem at the hands of the Franks and Germany. Arriving in the Holy City, they found that Sebastian and his wife Beth had already died several years back. They did manage to save his youngest son, his future wife, her daughter, and as many Jews, Christians, and Muslims as possible. When the young Poles returned to Poland, Edzio's dedication to the Hospitaller Order kept him in Jerusalem. Years later, he finally married a member of the Polo Family and settled in Korcula.
Ignacy Andruszkowicz, 14 years old, was a lad of 5 feet and growing, with a slender body. Nearly all the Andruszkowicz family had golden blond hair; long and wavy down just beyond their shoulders. He was an expert horseman and very good with the sword and bow, just like the rest of the family. He was a dreamer of far-away lands and wanted to travel, seeking wealth and adventure.
On a trip to Krakow, Edzio introduces his family, Lucia, and their two children, to William Andruszkowicz, and the other members of the Polish Crusaders he served with. During his visit, Ignacy befriends his uncle Edzio. They talk about the Holy Land and the lands further east. They discover that they both have a desire to know what lies beyond Persia. Ignacy fantasizes of adventure and Edzio misses the excitement of his years in Palestine. His life as a merchant is boring and draining him the last ounces of his youth. Would Duke Mieszko III give his blessing for this expedition? Would they receive the funds needed to make this journey? Do these two adventurers have the personal strength, determination, and stamina to make and survive this Journey?
