Tim Severin writes some fantastic tales, setting fictional characters against historical events and personalities, and make them look integrated as if they actually existed.
Sigwulf, a minor Saxon prince, is saved from execution after his family is slaughtered by the ruthless King Offa of Mercia. Thanks to his Devil's Mark - his eyes of different colours - Sigwulf is exiled to the Frankish court of Kign Carolus, the future Charlemagne.
He gains the friendship of Count Hroudland, Carolus's powerful and ambitious nephew - but, mysteriously, several attempts are made on Sigwulf's life. When he obtains a Book of Dreams, a rare text giving understanding to the meaning of dreams, he attracts the attention of Carolus himself. But the book proves to be a slippery guide in a world of double dealing. Sent into Spain to spy on the Saracens, Sigwulf becomes caught between loyalties: either he honours his debt to new Saracen friends, or he serves Count Hroudland in his quest for glory, gold and even the Grail itself.
One after another Sigwulf's predictions come true, but often not as expected, and he finds himself swept forward into a final great battle that reveals who his enemies are...
A catching story, this was another great book to read through, and read through I did. It's one of those books you just go "just another page" and then curse it is way past bedtime! Now to hunt down the other books in the series...
At least I didn`t miss any busstop this time round :-D
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