She grows up in the wild wood, in a cave with her mother, but visions of a faraway lake drift to her on the spring breeze, scented with promise.
And when she hears a traveller speak of Artos, king of Caer Leon, she decides her future lies at his court.
So, brimming with magic and eager to test her strength, she breaks her covenant with her mother and sets out on her bony gelding for Caer Leon.
With her stolen hunting spear and mended armour, she is an unlikely hero, not a chosen one, but one who forges her own bright path.
Aflame with determination, she begins a journey of magic and mystery, love, lust and fights to death.
On her adventures, she will steal the hearts of beautiful women, fight warriors and sorcerers, and make a place to call home.
Spear by Nicola Griffith is published in hardback on 24 May, 2022.
Nicola writes about the inspirations for her latest book in History, historicity, historiography and Arthurian legend.
