Under Camelot’s Banner

Under Camelot’s Banner (2005) Sarah Zettel

Lynet Carnbrea is the daughter of Steward Kenan, the man who holds Camilard for Queen Guinevere, whose name is under a shadow, for she acted as a go-between for Tristan and Iseult. Shamed, and broken by her penance, she is seen as damaged goods, and so unlike her sister, cannot even be used in a political alliance.

Gareth is Sir Lancelot’s senior squire, and a man who has mistakenly take his cues on women from Lancelot. Gareth is out of graces with his brothers, and quite soon to be with even his knight.

Interestingly, unlike the first two books, these two don’t get together until the end of the book, for Lynet–justifiably–sees Gareth as someone to avoid. And she fears her reputation has ruined her. But despite this, she wants more than anything to save her home, so she travels to Camelot to fetch their Lady, Queen Guinevere.

There is a lot of politics in this story–the reasons why Guinevere didn’t return to Camilard, Morgains machinations to take down Arthur, Lancelot’s place in the court–but it’s all very interesting, especially as we get a different take on Tristan and Iseult, as well as the relationship between Guinevere and Lancelot (Lancelot is an asshole, so it’s interesting to see how things are spun between them.)

“There goes one who knows his own worth a little too well.”

One of the problems I had with the story was with Colan. She tried to make him somewhat sympathetic, but it just doesn’t happen for me, no matter how regretful he may be.

Time and again, he saw his hands reach for the dagger, felt the give of cloth and doft flesh, saw the startled look… Time and again, he wanted to cry out to his remembered-self to stop, to think, to drop the blade, and yet that other self never did. He never could. Colan had come to welcome the thirst and hunger that racked him…

Colan repeatedly regrets his actions, and then turns around and once again betrays.

I just have a hard time accepting that Morgaine could have such a hold one men that they would behave as they do. I get that she finds a weakness, and worms her way in from there, but the action is still taken by the men (and women) themselves.

I really like Lynet, and think she deserves someone better than Gareth, who I never quite feel has repented for being such a rake.
Rating: 7/10

Published by Luna

 
 

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