Strands of Starlight

Miriam is a frail young outcast whose healing powers have branded her a witch in the Inquisition of 14th century Europe. Fleeing her city in search of the Free Towns and acceptance she is brutally violated by a man she heals from the brink of death. Saved by the intervention of the elves Miriam swears to exact revenge on her assailant. But first she must learn the art of swordsmanship and train to be a warrior with her newfound powers of elfin sorcery. When the Free Towns come under siege by the Inquisition led by Miriams attacker the safety and very existence of her people is threatened. Miriam knows her strength will be tested in a face to face confrontation with her enemy, but how can she battle for the freedom of others when her own revenge is a mere swords length away...

Baudino ( Dragonsword ) sets this engrossing fantasy-adventure in a mythical land that replicates the political and religious tensions of 14th-century Europe. The heroine, Miriam, unwillingly gifted with the power to heal, falls victim to a savage Inquisition that condemns her ability as witchcraft, and to a ruthless nobleman who rapes her after she saves his life. Baudino understands the psychology of the persecuted, astutely motivating the self-immolating rage that consumes Miriam and leads her to undergo a complete, magical physical metamorphosis (she becomes tall, strong and beautiful) so that she can be a scourge for her enemies. Though the plot has its share of exciting sword fights, bold rescues and similar stock-in-tradehyphens ok?-pk/ yes-rl , Baudino focuses on Miriam's interior journey--her spiritual (which accompanies the corporeal) transformation through contact with the uncorrupted Elves, with the pagan priestesses known as witches and with simple Christians. Her tale acquires an elegiac power, mourning the loss of innocent sources of wisdom even as it vividly imagines them.
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