THE PEACE CRUMBLES... Set ten years after the events recounted in Prince of the Blood, The King's Buccaneer is a new and exciting epic adventure from one of the world's most popular fantasy writers. Long recovered from the ravages of the Riftwar, the people in the Kingdom of the Isles enjoy peace and prosperity. Nicholas, third son of Prince Arutha of Krondor, is a bright and gifted youngster, but sheltered by the restrictive life of his father's court. To learn more of the world outside the palace walls, Nicholas and his squire, Harry, set sail for pastoral Crydee. Shortly after their arrival, Crydee. is brutally attacked by unknown forces. The castle is reduced to ruins, the townspeople slaughtered and two young noblewomen - friends of Nicholas - abducted. Soon the young Prince and his companions discover that the surprise attack was no isolated incident. The invader have come from the distant Sunset Islands, home to cut-throats from every known land, and have gathered to make war upon Nicholas's homeland. But it is more than a simple raid for slaves - they serve a dark force which threatens the entire world of Midkemia, a terrifying force that Nicholas must confront.