The Long Way Back

PART 1 Volume 1 55-year-old Ray Stone is a Canadian pharmacist who sets out to re-invent himself as a freelance photographer in a distant country embroiled in civil war, where federal control is unstable and large areas have been carved into personal fiefdoms by ruthless warlords. For reasons he can't comprehend he is invited to join a group of five other journalists granted special permission to enter the territory of a warlord known only as The Spear, whose true identity is unknown despite the efforts of the world's top intelligence agencies. Ray suffers from foot fungus, severe headaches, and panic-attacks that induce fugue states. As if medical conditions weren't troubling enough, character flaws slowly emerge as he drifts far from the watchful eyes of contemporary western morality. In time he discovers that, like himself, each of his fellow journalists also harbours a secret that may compromise their objective and endanger their lives. As the group proceeds deeper into a dystopian landscape, Ray witnesses the unravelling of civilization, environmental devastation caused by unbridled greed, political and social turmoil due to the irresponsible and self-serving policies of local as well as foreign leaders, and unspeakable atrocities perpetrated by warlords, criminal gangs, and even ordinary civilians. Every step on his journey takes Ray further from home and closer to The Spear, until the path between good and evil becomes blurred and he begins to lose the way back.