Maze of Moonlight
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| Cover of 1993 US release | |
| Author | Gael Baudino |
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| Cover Artist | Thomas Canty |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Strands Series |
| Genre(s) | Fantasy novel |
| Publisher | Roc Fantasy |
| Released | 1993 |
| Media Type | Print (Paperback) |
| ISBN | ISBN 0451452305 |
| Preceded by | Strands of Starlight |
| Followed by | Shroud of Shadow |
[edit] Plot summary
Maze of Moonlight, the second book of the Strands Series by Gael Baudino, picks up two generations after the end of Strands of Starlight. Baron Roger of Aurverelle's grandson, Christopher, has just returned after being away on Crusade for several years. He returns a broken man, both physically and mentally. His loyal servants nurse him back to health, but he remains changed. He has seen what "nobility" really is, and how shallow it can prove to be when tested on the battlefield. He attempts to help his people in the field and in any other way he can, as a way of atoning for his privileged life. A representative of the Pope arrives to have audience with him, but Christopher refuses. The man stays at the local inn until he can find a way in.
When a young peasant woman from Saint Blaise who is on her way to a convent is savagely beaten by the Papal legate, who is taking out his frustrations on her, Christopher kills him, seeing in her something worth saving, something that symbolizes to him everything he has lost. She is barely alive, suffering from massive head wounds, and the prospects for her survival are slim, even according to the best physicians he can find.
Mirya and Terrill arrive, posing a doctors from far away. In his despair, Christopher allows them to try. Mustering the fading powers available to her, Mirya heals her, much to Christopher's amazement.
