Sonny and Gogo are not yet quite thirteen but are plunged into a series of events which would challenge adults. They are made aware of inequalities in societies which in our world are perpetuated, but in theirs must be dealt with quickly and with compassion. The societies of the Islands draw, consciously or unconsciously, on the teachings of King Arthur based on the honouring of women and the defence of the weak. Time in the Archipelago is not linear, so theoretically communication across the bands of time is possible. A modern-day admirer of King Arthur is dubbed a Knight and requested to defend the weak. In this book the boys begin to realize what it must mean to grow up and take up the responsibilities which fall on the shoulders of all those who accept the basic challenge of growing up.
