Song of the Skald - Ann Neve

When Conrad attains his boyhood dream of becoming a Companion in Arms - a mounted warrior in the service of the Lord Gustavus - he thinks all his trials and all his suffering are behind him. But he has reckoned without the cunning of his master's arch-enemy, Ulric the Bold. Only the persuasive powers of Thorkell the Skald save Conrad from summary execution for his negligence in allowing Ulric to wreak vengeance. However, they also condemn him to a living death in Carlo's Company of criminals. Once more, Conrad is an outcast; despised by all. Can he ever find redemption? Can he atone for causing the death of his friend? Can he keep his promises to little Tilly, his childhood friend whose teachings had enabled him to realize his dream? Can he regain the respect of his chieftain?This Dark Ages adventure takes place at a time when Alemannian and Burgundian tribes were settling the land we now know as Switzerland - a time when warlords ruled the land! These young warriors are the forerunners of the medieval knights. This rousing tale follows the fortunes of Conrad in his pursuit of honour and glory and of Tilly who, unbeknown to Conrad, leads a double life: to him she is a sweet innocent servant; to her father, the Lord Bardolph, his clever devious heir. An exciting tale for older children, it will enthral even the most reluctant readers - from ten years old to a hundred!