Past imperfect : elusive foe

The Danny Sharp series Time and Again is a fast-paced adventure story with strong characters set in the realistically portrayed Late Iron Age and the modern day, with a sprinkling of sci-fi to link them.

The differences and similarities between the two ages are manifest, but the characters and the changes in their lives dominate the fast-moving saga. Wounded in the previous battle, and still in turmoil from the loss of his parents and yesterday's violence, Danny rides with Kelly in a warband to save his mother.

The two of them are learning to cope with life in the past, Danny's wounds being treated by a Druid, and Kelly fending off the advances of amorous young men.

Determined to protect Kelly, Danny rides with her as they chase the 'sorcerer' Kuillok, who they now realise is another time traveller.

At a holy spring, powerful Druids bless their mission, their seemingly benign words holding a grim power.

Battle forges friendship between Danny and his cousin Tasgo, but the pact between Tasgo and Menki is made at knife point, with Danny involved.

As they go into battle once again, Danny tries to find the commitment his soldier father must have had.

As battle rages, Danny sees Kuillok, with his mother in a chariot, fleeing the scene.

Danny gives chase, but it is Kelly who saves the chariot from going over a cliff, while Kuillok escapes. When Dugal helps them take Danny's mother back to the modern, things become more complicated still; D I Raynes turns up, anxious about Moira, and highly suspicious of Dugal, and what Danny and Kelly have been up to.

With more police on the way, Danny suggests that they show him where they have been.

While Kelly stays behind, Raynes, not realising what is involved, goes with them through the portal to the past. It should be all over, as in the Parisi village of Seahome a feast celebrates their success, but Menki breaks his pact and it is Danny who challenges and defeats Menki, to Raynes' surprise.

Later that night, unable to sleep, Danny hears the howling of the blacksmith Madog's slave as he mourns the passing of his master.

While others sleep, Danny joins Brec in mourning the dead.