The Black Lion and the Crocodile - H Edward Schmidt

The three thousand year dynasty is in its death throes. Haile Selassie, King of Kings, Lion of Judah's five decade reign is over. In his place, restless and ambitious officers of the Ethiopian army. They call themselves the Derg. Age old enmities between tribes and between princes and peasants burst to the surface and civil war rocks the country. The family of Tekle Melikot now part of the royalty that served the Emperor for four generations is in danger. Caught as well in the chaos are the Peace Corps volunteers, among them a dairy farmer from Wisconsin, Wolfgang Steinbach. Ethiopians and volunteers alike call him Wolfie. A veteran of the Korean War, Wolfie is determined to steer clear of the civil war. When one of his students is killed by the Nebelbah, he knows he cannot.