Ganymede

Pagan's Scribe, Catherine Jinks (359pp) The fourth in a series of four volumes following the life of Pagan a man who is found in Jerusalem as a young boy, becomes a squire and participates in the defense of Jerusalem with the Templer Knights and eventually becomes an Arch Deacon. Of course I haven't read any of the other volumes: yet. This fourth one is not told from Pagan's viewpoint as I am presuming the other three are. Rather, it is told from the point of Isidore a cleric whom Pagan hires as his Scribe. Isidore is a very bitter young man (with good reason) and much of the tale is told through inner dialogue with lots of heartfelt prayers to the Lord, as I would imagine any text ofthe times would include. Isidore loves to read and this volume makes many references to classical historical texts: Augustine, Livy, Sallust, Cicero, Boethius; and personages. The author is not shy about presenting the Medieval era as a smelly, dirty time but also one in which humanity can rise above its temporal self.

I also have Pagan's Cusade which is the first in the series. I may start it tonight.
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Today I found out Becket is playing down the street from me. I love a Peter O'Toole movie!
***CV

Lais

Arthur at the Crossing Places, Kevin Crosley-Holland (362pp) A crossing place can be as immediate as a bridge, a crossroads, a birthday; or it can be a bit more ephemeral as in the choice to do or not do something, to speak up or to hold silent. In this second of a proposed trilogy Arthur continues his quest to become a knight and what it means to be a person when often position and belief are at odds with self determination. Once again we are given tales of Arthur's namesake and Merlin makes an appearance or two, along with Morgan le Fay and Nimue. Mainly this is young Arthur's tale. I did enjoy the insight into types of vellum (goat anyone) as well as a guest appearance by Marie de France.

Hopefully the third volume will be out within a year. **CV