This is a story that could begin in the outback of Australia, along the banks of its mightiest river, the Darling, amongst the grand cattle and sheep stations with names such as Thurloo Downs and Urisino. It could begin underneath the diamond studded night sky with river gums dripping with the scent of honey and a tale of adventure, of horseback.

It could start on the battle field of Beersheba and the charge of the light horse and the heroic deeds of Australian Mounted Infantry, or begin in the filth of the first settlement in South Australia where a doctor struggles with the authorities to help save lives and build a hospital from the dirt.

This could be a story that begins with the women, their hard fought struggles on the land, or the aboriginal tribes, who lost so much in the British "invasion" of this land.

Or perhaps it could begin in Bermuda aboard the Kings royal navy vessels or even in Ireland amongst the lush and green hills and fishing villages with quaint pubs, the whips of smoke from the chimneys, and quiet life. Each is a story within a story, each an adventure with an adventure in a world were adventure seems lost.

However, this story will start further back, to Eric the Red, a Viking. You see, the name Cotter comes from the Norse "Ottarr." "Otti" meaning fear and dread, "Tarr" meaning army.

So, this is a story thats begins in murder, a long boat and an army of fear and dread....