Master of Earth and Water Author:Diana L. Paxson, Adrienne Martine-Barnes Through the mist-shrouded forest, across rivers swollen with rain, a newborn infant is spirited away by two old women-fleeing the fearsome minions of the most powerful druid in all Eriu. It is here in the heart of the great wood that the boy, called Demne, must be reared and tutored-safely hidden from the world of men...and the enemies who wish ... more »him dead. From the mystical bendrui Bodbmall, he learns the secrets of the trees, the course of the summer stars and the wisdom of the waters. From the aging warrior woman, the Liath Luachra, he learns to move soundlessly and to strike quick and sure. But Demne's fosters remain silent about his mysterious parentage...and the remarkable destiny that awaits him.
So begins the stirring tale of Ireland's greatest hero, left alone at a tender age to seek his true identity in lands perilous and strange-realms of great men and their blind vengeance, of fairy folk, terrible beasts and hideous monsters. But while his trials and triumphs will earn young Demne the accolades of kings-and the glorious name that will live on in legend and song-death will be his constant companion on the road to knowledge. And the truth about his noble heritage will reveal to him a life's path strewn with blood...and a craven murder he must ultimately avenge.« less