Black Horses for the King

When young Galwyn, a mistreated apprentice on his uncle's ship, meets the Briton Lord Artos, he is filled with admiration for this man who will someday become King Arthur. Thanks to Galwyn's knack for languages and knowledge of horses, he is invited to join the warriors on their quest to purchase warhorses and transport them back to Britain. When the voyage ends, Galwyn has succeeded in earning Artos' favor and a job on his estate continuing to care for the horses. At home, Artos attempts to unify the Britons against the Saxons while Galwyn and the other horse hands breed, train, and care for the growing herd. Even in the safety of Artos' estate, threats to the horses lurk in the form of horse thieves, bandits, and lameness caused by the moisture from the soggy terrain. Artos' strategy to drive out the Saxons depends on these horses; if they lose the horses, Galwyn will have not only disappointed Artos, but will have failed his country as well! Horse-lovers are sure to especially enjoy this Arthurian adventure! 218 pgs, pb. By Anne McCaffrey. - Jess