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:
Wow! I was on the edge of my seat just reading the premise. What a clever premise for a book. I've always been intrigued by the Arthurian legends, too. I love following new theories, etc. Do you remember the end of Bedknobs and Broomsticks when Arthur and his knights came to the aid of Angela Lansbury's character?
ReplyDeleteYes! That was such a great ending, wasn't it? I'm so glad we have the Arthurian legends to "fall back on" in our times of stress or worry--it gives us some hope, even though many believe it's fictional (hey, it could be true!) LOL Thanks so much for stopping by Bea!
DeleteI have my copy, Cheryl, but wanted to let you know I loved your post. Since the first time I learned of them, I've been fascinated by the Arthurian legends.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, I have, too. When I think back to what I loved to read about in childhood days, that was one of the main things I really gravitated toward. I think it was the idea that there COULD be a chance he would come back, when he was needed most. I hope you enjoy the story!
DeleteI just ordered a Kindle copy! Looking forward to an unusual read. My friend (now deceased) Persia Woolley wrote a Camelot trilogy from Guinevere's . Great read but she was very disappointed by the film made from her work. Arletta
ReplyDeleteArletta, I always loved The Mists of Avalon--well, heck I love any Arthurian tale, but The Mists of Avalon was very unique. It's been so long since I read it, I need to go back and re-read it again. It's told through the women's points of view. What was the name of your friend's trilogy? I would love to read it. And what is the name of the movie? I know many authors are disappointed with the treatments of their books when they're made into movies.
DeleteCheryl, THE GUINEVERE TRILOGY by Persia Woolley"1. Child of the Northern Spring, 2.Queen of the Southern Stars and 3. Guinevere, The Legend of Autumn.
DeleteSorry I don't remember the name of the movie but I think Rob Lowe starred... perhaps in the early to mid-1980"s.
Thanks, Arletta! I want to read these!
DeleteThat story is one of the most creative versions I've ever read! I loved it. Doris
ReplyDeleteDoris, I'm so glad you loved it. I enjoyed working on that one so much. I was glad to give them all a chance at forgiveness, but I also knew Arthur's work was not yet done. And Merlin surprised me! LOL
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ReplyDeleteBea I think you are the winner by default! LOL If you'll contact me at fabkat_edit@yahoo.com I will see that you get your copy of THE KEEPERS OF CAMELOT! Thanks to everyone for stopping by and commenting!
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