14 February 2015

A Taste Of Copper by Elin Gregory

 Your master has the field for today, but his name, whatever it might be, is without honour.

Olivier the squire worships the Black Knight and takes a fierce joy in his prowess as he defends a bridge against all comers. Olivier only wishes that his master loved him as much in return instead of treating him as a servant and occasional plaything.

Then word comes that the King desires to cross the bridge. With an army approaching, a bright eyed archer enticing him to desert and the first cracks beginning to show in the Black Knight's gruff demeanour, Olivier is left wondering if his honour is worth more than a chance for happiness.

Olivier is a squire for Maheris, the Black Knight. Maheris has given a task of defending the only bridge that crosses the gorge and being a man of honor accepted his order and will defend to the death.
This is a simple yet powerful novella about honor, love and trust. In a time where knights and Kings ruled the land and squires were left to tend to their needs. I enjoyed how we got a glimpse of the jousting but we aren’t bogged down with all the old names and phrases. I love how that honor wasn’t just for the Knight but for the squire as well. The connection between all the characters was very well done.  And the ending, very nicely played.

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