A brother to dragons, and other old-time tales

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26356

Title

A brother to dragons, and other old-time tales

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in 1586, this collection of old-time tales explores themes of love, loyalty, and supernatural belief through the eyes of a skeptical farrier and his superstitious wife. Featuring a ghostly blue chamber, a forbidden romance, and a tragic misunderstanding, the narrative blends rustic humor with poignant emotion, offering a glimpse into Elizabethan life and the enduring power of human connection.

Summary up to 500 words

In Amélie Rives' 'A Brother to Dragons,' the narrative unfolds through the eyes of Turnip Butter, a pragmatic farrier married to the superstitious Marian. The story centers on the volatile relationship between Lord Robert, the young Lord of Amhurste, and his twin sister, the Lady Margaret. A central conflict arises from a disagreement over a blue ghost said to haunt the castle's east wing; while Lord Robert and Marian dismiss the specter, the Lady Margaret is terrified. Seeking to prove the ghost's existence, the Lady Margaret orchestrates a prank, appearing in her nightgown to frighten her brother. The scheme succeeds, causing Lord Robert to flee the castle in shame and banishment, leaving his sister heartbroken. Following his departure, the Lady Margaret undergoes a dramatic transformation. She becomes a formidable warrior, mastering fencing, archery, and horsemanship, eventually surpassing her brother in skill. Meanwhile, a subplot involving two young women, Keren and Ruth, reveals the complexities of love and rivalry. Both women are in love with Robert Hacket, but Hacket chooses to marry Ruth, leaving Keren devastated. The farrier witnesses this heartbreak, noting the deep emotional toll it takes on the village. The plot intensifies when news arrives that Lord Robert has deserted to avoid military service, leading to a search for his body. The Lady Margaret, believing him dead, spends days pleading at the entrance of a cave where she believes he is hiding. Her despair is interrupted by the arrival of Marian, who discovers the truth: Lord Robert has been feigning death to escape his duties. A fierce struggle ensues between the two women as they fight over the unconscious man. Marian eventually subdues the Lady Margaret and enters the cave to check on him. Upon finding Lord Robert, Marian initially believes he has died from exhaustion or injury. However, in a shocking twist, the Lady Margaret suddenly realizes he is alive. She drags him from the cave, shouting that he is free to ride to war. As she celebrates his survival, she discovers he has died, likely from the injuries sustained during the struggle or by his own hand to end the deception. The story concludes with the Lady Margaret kneeling beside her beloved brother's body. After a moment of grief, she begins to laugh softly, accepting his fate with a strange, tragic peace, having finally understood the depth of his sacrifice and the cruel irony of his 'punishment.' The tale blends supernatural elements with sharp social commentary, exploring themes of gender roles, the cost of honor, and the enduring power of love.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• Fiction