O Greenest Branch - Water, Bk 1 Author:Gael Baudino A tiny realm, stagnant from internal conflict and three centuries of drought ... until a diplomatic mission arrives from the Righteous States of America. They seek to win a foothold in this faraway land -- and a launching point for troops to halt French conquest. — The strangers approach at a crucial moment in the Kingdoms' history, for many ... more »are eager for change. Crown Prince Aeid yearns to embrace the future against his father's wishes. Bakbuk owes loyalty to the king but cannot resist flirting with more than danger. Sari, an old Naian woman, searches for her past and the goddess she left behind. Once the diplomats sail into the Kingdoms' harbor, all their lives will be new and different, forever changed.« less