Although this novel is set during the time of King Arthur, it does not tell the story of his life and achievements. Instead, it uses characters and events from his time as a backdrop for a murder mystery. A young girl has been killed, the sister-in-law of Malgwyn, whose wife was ravaged and killed by the Saxons in a raid. Because of this, Malgwyn has become an alcoholic and has sent his only daughter away to be raised by his brother and his wife. His rage over the killing of his wife sent him on many raids with King Arthur. During one of the battles, he lost his arm and was saved by Arthur, who he now says he hates. Without his arm, he feels useless. He is not a real man because he can't fight, he can't farm, he can't do anything. Arthur sends him to Avalon to be healed and to be taught how to scribe so that he may feel useful. With the ability to read and write, the medical skills he picked up from the monks and his cunning strategy in battle, Malgwyn is a useful comrade.
This background information is important so that the reader understands why Arthur has chosen Malgwyn to solve the murder. Arthur is worried that his friend and mentor, Merlin, is being framed in order to discredit Arthur and prevent him from becoming the next Nostradamos or High King of Britain. Indeed, much of the evidence points to Merlin, but it is all circumstantial - a mutilated body, a missing heart, Merlin's knife. Malgwyn notices important details easily and is able to make inferences that will help him eventually solve this tragic mystery. But time is running out. The leaders of the consilium are all gathered for the vote so Malgwyn must work quickly to save not only Merlin but also Arthur's hopes of becoming High King.
No comments:
Post a Comment