"Please take us to that realm unknown Where Cerid fled when hope had flown, And hid so well that none can tell Where hangs the sword of Aradel."
by Alexander Key
Brian's only real friend at the medieval abbey is Brother Benedict, a burly blacksmith who teaches Brian history, quarter staffing, and sword handling. Only, peasant serf boy, Brian is mysteriously called on for a special mission--a search for the true sword of Aradel.
Escaping from the abbey by a secret route, Brian finds himself in a magical forest. There Merra, the strawberry girl who is half Dryad, comes to his aid and uses her special powers. The two magically whirl through time, and land in modern, midtown Manhattan, pursued by the evil monk Albericus, who has also traveled from medieval times.
Merra and Brian find themselves in all sorts of situations. They try buying hamburgers with a twelfth-century gold piece and have trouble explaining their "costumes" to the gang-busting New York City police. Finding refuge in the Tate Museum, they discover that there are two swords, almost alike. Tension rises. The sword lends its supernatural strength to the evil monk. Shall they escape through time, or stay to pit human skill against black magic?