A Gift of Sanctuary - Softcover

Robb, Candace M.

3.98

1,646 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0312974779 ISBN 13: 9780312974770

Publisher: Minotaur Books, 2000

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Mayhem and miracles in Wales beckon Owen Archer back to his roots...and to a ruthless killer.

In the wet spring of 1370, a time of political unrest, a murdered man is left outside the gates of St. David's, Wales. Not far away, a wounded stranger, drenched in blood-- not all of it his own-- is carried to sanctuary by a wandering bard. And a mystery linked to warring passions for a woman and a nation begins for Owen Archer.

Owen, leaving his family behind, has undertaken a holy pilgrimage to Wales with his ailing father-in-law and his friend Geoffrey Chaucer-- and has agreed to carry out a mission for the English king. But he is unexpectedly moved by his return to his native land. And when asked to investigate the killing at St. David's, Owen-- sharp at discerning truth from falsehood-- begins to see the momentous import of a fugitive shrouded in secrecy, a lady betrayed by love, and the ties binding a man's soul...that tighten to torment his heart.

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About the Author:

Candace M. Robb, author of The Apothecary Rose, The Lady Chapel, The Nun's Tale, The King's Bishop, and The Riddle of St. Leonard's, lives with her family in Seattle, Washington, and makes frequent trips to England to research her novels. She writes full-time.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Another labyrinth adventure for one-eyed Welshman Owen Archer (The Riddle of St. Leonards, 1997, etc.), captain of the Archbishop of Yorks retainers in 14th-century England. This time, Owen is to journey to Wales, his long-unseen homeland, to recruit archers for the Duke of Lancaster, bolstering the Dukes forces against a rumored (soon-to-come) attack on England by King Charles of France. Owen is accompanied by Geoffrey Chaucer, whose mission is to inspect and report on the fortifications at the Dukes Welsh castles, overseen by his steward John Lascelles. Traveling with them are Owens ailing father-in-law, Sir Robert DArby, and Brother Michaelo, the Archbishops secretary, both on a pilgrimage to St. Davids shrine. Owen is to meet with John de Reine, the stewards son, at Castle Carreg Cernen, but de Reines murdered body has been left at the Tower Gate of St. Davids. Owen and Geoffrey offer to escort the body, in company with Father Edern, to his fathers home at Castle Cydweli. Once there, a second killing occurs and Lascelles beautiful wife Tangwystl vanishes, along with Father Edern. Tangwystls father is Gruffydd, deeply involved in a money scam and said to have ties to the infamous traitor Owain Lawgoch. There are endless comings and goings, a surfeit of characters and conflicts, and much soul-searching as Owen rediscovers his roots, suffers a deep personal loss, identifies the killer, and prepares to return home. A literate, meticulously researched jumble of confusing subplots and unpronounceable names. In all, a disappointing sixth outing for this often enthralling author. -- Copyright �1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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