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by Emma Restall Orr (Author), Walter William Melnyk (Author)
Ten long years have passed in the wide world since the first appearance of The Apple and the Thorn. Ten times the length of the Tale itself, yet less than a moment in the span of the timeless ages. For all these years, Vivian and Eosaidh have traveled far beyond the earthly bounds of Avalon; have become a faint memory in the minds and hearts of those who still walk her reed lined shores, her ruined walkways, and mysterious hills. Yet the story remains as young as it is ancient. So it seems good that a new hearth fire be kindled, and new generations gather around its warm light shining in the darkness to hear told once again the Tale of the Apple and the Thorn. This story is not true in the sense that most people use that word. It emerges out of the mists of time, rooted deep in the heritage of Britain and western spirituality. It is a weave of mythologies, theologies, traditions, and histories. The story stands upon the traditions of two mythical characters: the Lady of Avalon, and Joseph of Arimathea. But the land is itself a living character in the tale, as is the surrounding marsh, the invading Roman legion, and a very special cup of blue glass that unites them all. Tales of Avalon: A magical sequel to "The Apple and the Thorn," This is a novel of ancient Avalon in which the thirteen Marsh Tales are recounted. It is the story of a priestess of Avalon who has survived the Roman massacre of the druids on the Isle of Mona, and the Celtic tribal Healer who brings her back to health. Woven into this story are the thirteen "Marsh Tales," the ancient Wisdom of Avalon, original myths by Melnyk, based upon traditional Welsh fairies. Fianna, called to return to Avalon before it is enclosed forever by mists to protect against the Romans, teaches the Tales to Cethin the Healer. The unique and intriguing format is that of a novel containing thirteen short stories, in which the timeless quest of the human spirit is brought vividly to light.
