With Belgrade under pressure, control of the Danube and Sava becomes as important as the city’s walls. Tom Swan is drawn into efforts to move men, messages and supplies past Ottoman forces while the defenders wait for relief that may arrive too late.
The river campaign demands seamanship as well as swordsmanship. Swan must coordinate people who do not trust one another, expose false information and accept that a successful passage can save thousands even when it offers none of the visible glory of a cavalry charge or assault.