Book description
High comedy, low pratfalls, and thrilling derring-do combine in a
magical and fantastic epic about the Ancient and Honorable Kingdom of
the Hydrangeans; the mighty, though rather stupid, warrior Gudge; and
the mysterious Black Weasel.
"Confusion reigns in this often funny, frequently precious
fantasy about usurped thrones and lost heirs. After the Gorgorian
barbarians conquer the civilized kingdom of Hydrangea, their leader
Gudge makes himself king, marries Hydrangean Princess Artemisia and
settles down to a highly satisfactory life of drinking and debauchery.
Royal triplets, separated at birth because of a Gorgorian superstition
that multiple births suggest the mother's infidelity, receive very
different upbringings. The only girl, Avena, is brought up in the
palace as Prince Arbol, heir to the throne and a fearsome swordsman.
One brother, Wulfrith, is raised by a shepherd; although a young ewe
is his favorite companion, his size makes him a fearsome battler. The
other brother, Dunwin, reared by the outlawed wizard Clootie, develops
into a talented magician. To this basic brew Watt-Evans (the Ethshar
series) and Friesner (Gnome Man's Land ) have added a couple of
dragons, some attempted seductions, mistaken identities and misguided
spells to produce a lighthearted fantasy." -- Publishers Weekly
