True to form, Rosemary Sutcliff has dramatized another aspect of British history with the same skill and accuracy that characterized her earlier books. In this, she tells of the grueling 12 year odyssey of Owain, a young farm boy whom the Saxon warriors had left unharmed in the Battle of Aquae Sulis. Turning away from the campfires of the victors, Owain takes the north road -- a path which leads to a host of exciting adventures, close shaves with death as well as to the abiding friendship and love of a few. There was old Einon Hen who prophesied a new time for Britain, Regina, the lost wanderer to whom he returns years later, Bryni, his trusted companion and Beornwulf, who returns to his land literally out of a raging sea. An era few history courses tackle is enlivened and portrayed for the admirer of historical adventure.
