The year is 1684. Young Eustache BrĂŠman leaves a life of misery begging on the streets of France for a second chance in the New World with his mom, his sweetheart Marie-Ălisabeth, and Marie-Ălisabethâs family. But life is tough, with plenty more tragedy and disappointment to come on Cavelier De La Salleâs ill-fated expedition to the Mississippi. Mutinous leaders, bloodthirsty freebooters, a hostile Karankawa nation and the wild Gulf Coast bayous make for heartbreaking adventure. Weaving real historical events into the day-to-day concerns of a young boy, this action-packed novel poses some troubling questions along the way. Will God answer Eustacheâs prayers? Will young love conquer all? Or will the menâs true nature be revealed and bring about their downfall?