Who likes the stories of King Arthur and his knights? I do! I have been fascinated with the entire legend of Camelot since I was a child. The Sword In the Stone, the Disney cartoon movie, was a favorite when I was young.
As I got older, I couldn’t get enough of the movie musical, Camelot, with Vanessa Redgrave, Franco Nero, and Richard Harris in the starring roles. I valiantly tried to struggle through T. H. White’s “The Once and Future King” but finally had to admit, it was too heavy for a twelve-year-old. As an adult, I enjoyed it, along with Mary Stewart’s series of the Arthurian legend as told from Merlin’s POV—a “must read” set if you’re a Camelot fan.
So, the story I wrote for the “Six Guns and Slay Bells: A Creepy Cowboy Christmas” anthology is one that is dear to my heart in many ways. Even the title, “The Keepers of Camelot”, was not something I had to think about for long.
Legend says that Arthur will rise once more when the world needs him the most. But in my story, something goes awry, and Arthur has returned in many times, many places, throughout the centuries since his final battle.
The story opens with Arthur on a stagecoach in the American west—Indian Territory—of the 1880’s. But in this life, he comes across two people he’d never thought to see again—Lancelot and Guinevere. Why are they here—and how will it all end…this time?
The stage is attacked by Apaches minutes before the driver gets the passengers to the safety of the next stage station. Though they’re safe for the time being, a nerve-wracking Christmas Eve is in store as the Apaches wait for them outside.
Arthur has a plan. He’s seen the fearless leader of the Apache—the man they call “Sky Eyes”, a man he knew as Lancelot du Lac a hundred lifetimes ago.
Will Lance’s prowess as a warrior combine with his legendary arrogance to seal the fate of the people inside the station—including Guinevere, the woman he gave up everything for in the past?
One young boy in the group unknowingly holds the key to Lance’s decision. But will the glorious legend of Camelot be remembered?
I'm giving away one free digital copy of THE KEEPERS OF CAMELOT to a commenter today, so be sure to leave your contact information with your comment! If you just can't wait to see if you won, here's the Amazon buy link:
How do you do it? Come up with a story about King Arthur and Lancelot and Guinevere and make a western out of them?
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing. But you pulled it off. So, as usualy I applaud you and your story, and wish you much luck in writing for ever.
Celia, that story just came to me. It was one of the easiest flowing stories I've ever written, I think. And you know we've talked before about how knights and cowboys have many similarities. Thanks for your kind words, dear friend.
DeleteI'm a big fan of the Arthurian legends. This all sounds like so much fun to read.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I love the Arthurian legends, too, Mary. Like I said, I have loved those ever since I was a little girl. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI love all things about King Arthur and Guinevere. Read the Crystal Cave books years ago. Probably need to pull them out again. The Keepers of Camelot sounds like a fascinating twist. Will take a look Great post!
ReplyDeleteOh, Linda, I just loved those Mary Stewart books! I remember there were four of them, and once I started reading them, I couldn't wait to get to the next one. Also loved The Mists of Avalon, too. I think I need to read all of those again! LOL Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteAND my winner of THE KEEPERS OF CAMELOT is....
ReplyDeleteLINDA LAROQUE!
Linda, if you will contact me at fabkat_edit@yahoo.com I will see that you get your prize!
Thanks to everyone for stopping by and commenting!