This is a short tale about a land of magic, where the ugly reality of a sweeping plague has destroyed many of the old customs. One of them is a culture of traveling musicians, minstrels who learn the different types of music needed for all the festivals throughout the year. The deadly plague has made many suspicious of the travelers, and the lack of welcome is a real danger to those looking for shelter.

One such man is Kerryll. He is a gifted musician, guild-taught and accredited, but he wants to settle down. The lack of welcome just before the Dark Solstice is the last straw for him, and he almost dies before Duke Gryff in the north takes him in and nurses him back to health. Kerryll plays for the solstice festivities, and has a decision to make about his future before he is even done.

Gryff is a duke, he knows what he wants, and he is shocked when he hears a village refused Kerrylll shelter in the blizzard that almost killed the minstrel. He likes what he sees, he enjoys Kerryll's talented music, and is determined to keep the minstrel right by his side.

If you like stories about new beginnings, symbolized through the Dark solstice that celebrates the return of the light as well as Kerryll and Gryff's new relationship, if you enjoy reading about magical rituals, and if you're looking for a read in a fantasy setting that is as fascinating as it is romantic, then you will probably like this short story.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.
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