Where Magic Dwells

May 2, 1994
Rich settings always bring Becnel's medieval novels ( My Gallant Enemy ) to life, as in this tale of an English knight and a feisty Welsh seeress. Seven years after Wales defeated England in war, Wynne ab Gruffyd has made it her personal mission to care for the bastard children of that war. Cleve FitzWarin has invaded her magical forest to find and retrieve the illegitimate son of his liege lord, William Somerville. Wynne will do everything within her power to prevent him from taking one of ``her'' children, including using her (not very magical) herbal potions on him. Cleve, born out of wedlock himself, tries to convince Wynne of the importance of knowing one's parentage. Although fearing for the safety of a defenseless child amidst Sir William's jealous family, Wynne comes to realize that Cleve is right but, to protect the boy, she leaves her beloved Welsh forest for England. Cleve is neither threatening nor unpleasant--there is no solid motive for the tricks Wynne pulls on him, and her hostility grows tiresome. Readers might find themselves skimming . . .