Death hovers just beyond Thomas, novice of the coca-driven St. Brendan. Mad Brendan wars for gold and the powers of the sky gods of Machu Picchu. Thomas' death raven of endless journeys beyond time beats black wings, luring the wounded Irish monk to the ageless paths of his Druidic Filid spirit. His strong right arm, Brosius of the many adventures in Ireland, the northern seas and the steamy jungles of the Promised Land can only stand helpless. Their Chin friends struggle to apply the medical skills of ancient China to the failing Thomas as they race across oceans unknown uncharted by Europeans.