Publisher's Synopsis
What to do with a magic sword when a fellow is being pursued by a troll?The epic tale of the Lad in Elven Chain and his perilous journey through the Land beset with terrible monsters and unfriendly folk. It is the prelude to the OLODAHN, the monumental story of the War of the Black Spirit. The Barnill relates to the discovery of the Barnill Sword in the Crypt after it had been struck into the solid stone floor by the Hunter. The Lad in Elven Chain discovers the Sword and determines to keep the blade as his own. In the course of his wanderings he discovers that the Sword has a massive bent towards evil due to the foul ichor that had corrupted the blade during its stay in the accurst Crypt. He decides then to take the Blade back to Barn Isle where it had originally been forged, with the intention of destroying the corruption or if that fails to destroy the Sword itself.Little does he realise the terrible journey that lies before him or his easy-going nature may not be so casual about the trip. He is on the road for many days, crossing land and sea in his quest to rid the world of the Barnill's foul corruption. The denizens of the Land view his passage with dislike; he is alone in his endeavour while every hand appears to be turned against him. Too late he realises that it is not he that has sparked this animosity; it is the foul Sword he wears at his belt. There will be danger and peril wherever he goes. Even if he makes it safely to the island where the Sword was originally made things will not become any simpler there as the Isle is fraught with enemies. And if he ever finds his way to the Barnill Tomb there is still the Guardian of the Tomb with whom to reckon. At the end of it all what reward can he expect? Who will recognise the valour with which he undertakes this terrible journey? Or will he simply fade into the history of the Land, forgotten and relegated to the dusty past for which nobody really has any time?The Lad in Elven Chain goes boldly forth to the rhythm of this monumental poetic triumph; his passage through the Land is brisk and swift; it has to be, with all the dangers on his tail! Through caves, past fallen stones, over mountains and down raging rivers, the fantasy and excitement ranging swiftly from one peak to the next. The Dragon's lair, filled with gold, is a fitting place for his adventure to come to its powerful climax.Modern fantasy poetry has neglected the rules that govern this gentle art form for too long; with The Lad in Elven Chain respect for the old ways emerges and a poem that rhymes and scans takes its rightful place at the crown of poetic endeavour.The Lad in Elven Chain is suitable for anybody who enjoys fantasy; even those who are nervous of poetry! This is an easy read and a pleasant poetic experience for all readers.
