Eighth-Century Adventure for Twenty-First Century Children In this exciting conclusion to Peter Ward's epic Viking Trilogy, Eric Bignose, bravest of the young Viking rebels, embarks on a dangerous journey. Together with Beowulf, his rescued mystical bear cub, Eric confronts the legendary demon dog, Black Shuck. But in so doing, he brings a curse upon his adopted Saxon village, and the villagers banish him to the wild. Yet Eric's loyal Viking comrades have not forgotten him. They rally to their friend's side and sail to Orkney, the islands north of the Scottish mainland. Here the young warriors avoid a sea witch's whirlpool, huge whales, and angry rock-tossing giants. When their longboat is wrecked by alluring mermaids, the youngsters are taken captive in a dark and dismal sea cave. All hope seems lost. But Beowulf and his extraordinary Merman friend, the Murrough of Scottish legend, may have the final say in their fate. Will Eric and his friends survive or is this the end of their journey-and their lives? A thrilling ride for young and old alike, "Eric and the Mystical Bear" will transport you to another era filled with adventure, danger, and courage