The Protector's War

Plot summary

Eight years after the Change, Clan Mackenzie, led by Juniper Mackenzie, and the Bearkillers, led by Mike Havel, have carved sections out in the Willamette Valley for their groups. They have become bitter rivals with the predatory Portland Protective Association (PPA), led by the Armingers. The Barons of the PPA constantly violate ceasefires between the three warring factions. During one of their raids, Eddie Liu, Baron and Marchwarden of the PPA, is confronted by a small group of Mackenzies, led by Eilir Mackenzie and Astrid Larsson. After a short skirmish, Liu leaves, again swearing revenge against the Clan. In the meantime, a small group of British soldiers, led by Sir Nigel Loring, Alleyne Loring, and John Hordle, formerly of the Special Air Service, are on their way to Portland. They left England by sailing ship after freeing Sir Nigel from imprisonment imposed by King Charles III. On their arrival, Lord Arminger isolates them; he has them help him find and obtain nerve gas. They trick him into taking a test canister of nerve gas and other canisters that have been neutralized. The British then defeat their guards and escape to the south.

Mike Havel, the Bear Lord, and Signe Larsson Havel, his wife, go on a scouting mission to find and destroy Crusher Bailey, a PPA Associate who has been raiding and taking slaves. Crusher Bailey attempts to ambush the couple, who are masquerading as travelers with a horse herd and a wagon of valuables. When attacked, Mike and Signe retreat to the ruins of what was once a pornographic video store. The two prepare to fight off the bandits while they wait for their backup force, led by Will Hutton, to arrive. The British refugees see the fight and attack the bandits. The bandits flee, losing most of their forces; then the British help the Bearkillers find and annihilate the enemy camp. Sir Nigel and his son meet the Mackenzies and come across their old friend Sam Aylward, who was formerly a sergeant under Sir Nigel, so the British troops choose to join the Mackenzies. The Mackenzies tell of their raid into PPA territory where they ambushed a horse-drawn train and captured Norman Arminger's daughter and heir, Mathilda.

Soon after, Eddie Liu and his massive bodyguard Mack arrive on a diplomatic mission. After negotiating with Lady Juniper, they leave. Astrid Larsson and Eilir Mackenzie with their small band of Rangers discover an enemy camp of PPA knights. Liu returns as they attempt to warn the Mackenzies. Liu shoots nerve gas at the guards, killing all of them, and frees Mathilda. Liu searches Rudi Mackenzie's tent for a book that Mathilda gave Rudi, whick contains the key to PPA codes. A fight breaks out, with Liu and his troops fighting the Mackenzies and Rangers. Mack seriously wounds Rudi before he is killed by Hordle, and Liu is killed by Eilir Mackenzie. The Bearkillers arrive soon after and mop up the remaining PPA knights. Rudi is saved by Signe, who overcomes her distaste for him and saves him with a blood transfusion. The book ends with Rudi's initiation into Wicca.