Elizabeth Bell

Raising Offa Elizabeth Bell

Based on the 5th century Old English Legend of Prince Offa of Angeln, this is the story of Tanwen, who plans to become a shield-maiden and lead a war-band against her two brothers, in retaliation for leaving her to drown, but when she is befriended by the young queen, her life takes an unexpected turn. An enemy tribe is snapping and snarling at the borders. Prince Offa, accompanied by Tanwen and his nurses, is sent away to be fostered by his kinsman, where Tanwen and the prince become embroiled in the bloody murder of the king of a neighbouring tribe. Prince Offa is unable to speak and is spurned by all but Tanwen and her companions. The king is ageing, blind and infirm. His men are deserting him, and the enemy is poised to take over his land. All agree that Offa is unfit to rule, so who can the king call upon to save the kingdom? Set in a period of hate, violence and legendary heroes, Raising Offa is mostly a story of love.