Kinley MacGregor, Knight of Darkness

Knight of Darkness

Kinley MacGregor

Avon, November 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 0060796626

In Avalon, Aquila Merlin tells Varian du Frey that one of them is a traitor. She shows him an image of Grail Knight Tarynice lying in blood, obviously dead, he had been captured and tortured by their enemy led by Morgen of Camelot. Someone informed Morgen how to identify a Grail Knight by the tattoo on the arm. Merlin wants Varian to bring home the corpse and learn if he gave away any secrets, especially involving the other five remaining knights, who all have one clue each to the whereabouts of the sacred Grail.

Varian goes to the third city pulled into the Fey universe, the cesspool Glastonbury Abbey. Among those stuck in the city is Princess Merewyn, who made a deal with the evil Narishka that has left her as a deformed hag for eternity. In a bar Varian learns that the demon Bracken killed Tarynice before going home with the body. Varian travels to Camelot to learn what Bracken found out from Tarynice. However, Varian's mother Narishka placed a magic restricting bracelet on him so he cannot use his skills. He is locked in the dungeon where he is tortured. Merewyn is sent to show him kindness because his mother believes pity is his weakness. They escape; while trekking the dangerous path home, accompanied by a dragon and triplets, Merewyn and Varian fall in love.

The latest Lords of Avalon tale (see THE SWORD OF DARKNESS) is a fresh, unique and at times amusing look at what happened to Camelot and Avalon. The lead couple consists of brave ethical individuals, who believe they are not good enough for the other, while their comrade Blaise the Dragon adds depth to the fantasy species. Arthurian fans will want to read this terrific romantic fantasy.