The Tree of Life — Lucian Barnes

In his insatiable lust for power and world domination, the Black Knight has deployed an entire army of mechanical monstrosities to eradicate any who stand in his way. Despite his best efforts to exterminate Edward the White and his friends, they continue to be a thorn in his side. The Black Knight thinks he has the upper hand when the small band of his adversaries seemingly flee to the south in order to escape the wrath of his regiment of machines, but somehow they keep managing to elude him. Little does he know that Edward has an agenda of his own. Employing the use of his new servant -- who although younger than the Black Knight's former slave, is essentially a carbon copy of the headhunting serial killer -- the demonic entity tracks the troublesome party of humans. Using George as his scout, he witnesses the growth of Edward's group as they gain allies on their trek southward. When he begins to figure out what the group is up to, the Black Knight decides to take matters into his own hands. One thing is certain: failure is not an option. Will the Black Knight succeed to claim what he feels is his rightful seat upon a dais at the Throne of the Gods? Or will Edward and his friends thwart the attempt yet again?