September, 1940

Relentless bombing in London and evacuated once again, 8-year-old Billy finds nurture from the elderly couple who foster him. Sinister cousin Kenneth is evacuated nearby and both boys must remain for the rest of the war. As war develops and Kenneth continues to invade his psychological territory, Billy summons courage from a photograph of his icon, the Cossack sabre. When this goes missing he must draw on his new strengths and skills, especially as a family catastrophe causes a new threat from Kenneth. This one will affect both their futures, permanently.

This story tells of childhood resilience despite separation, dislocation, a devious rival, world war and parenting ignorance. It follows a boy's growth into personal responsibility.