Brian C. Austin

"The god who hangs the stars in the heavens, who gives wings to Mercury, who makes the moon wane and wax; the god who from an acorn births an oak tree - to that god will I pledge allegiance if ever I can find him." Bold words for a slave, beaten and abused. . . Standing in the very ashes of victims sacrificed to Woden, Theodoric declares his allegiance to a greater, though still unknown god. In the harsh world of northern Britain at the close of the 9th century, Theodoric has suffered a beating so brutal it has distorted his memories. Now, baffled by a past that has given him rare skills, he searches for clues to his origin, to his heritage. A fabled ring A growing conflict Ancient prophecies Ruthless enemies bent on destruction All challenge Theodoric to the utmost. Brian Austin's poetic prose put life into this excellent novel. I felt myself reeling from the sting of the lash, ducking Pictish arrows, raging at the horror of slavery, and weeping as love spanned impossible gaps.