Elaine "The Mink" LaCroix had just cat-burglared into a temple in Japan and reaches for the Eye of Buddha - a blazing green emerald as big as a man's fist - when she slumps to the ground. A white bony hand strips the glowing silver ring from her finger. Half a world away, Merlin opens his eyes and whispers, "It is not to be, little Mink, " then drifts to the sleep of the enchanted.

The year is 2009, and the only ones standing between light and darkness are four unlikely teenagers and an Oxford professor. The defeat of the Dark Powers depends on their locating the legendary wizard, Merlin, and finishing a quest begun by their Camelot forefathers...all over the course of a one-week Spring Break.

First up is Lucas Moreno, a video-gaming, football-playing, hanging-with-his-homies, 15-year-old in San Antonio. Those who join him are 14-year-old Des Moboto from Morocco, 15-year-old Maya Hosokawa from Japan, and 15-year-old Ryan Casey from Ireland.

They share only two things: the inheritance of medieval rings forged by Merlin, and the murders of their fathers.

The rings set the Crusaders on a path where they must battle not only ninjas, dragons, fierce temple dogs and other fantastical creatures, but also their own emotions, to save the world and each other.

It could be right of one of Lucas's video games. Only this one's for real.