THE PRINCE OF BRIM-LOCH TUM is simple rustic fantasy, vintage in bearing and romantic in scope. Set in a world of Elves and Men and Little People, it tells the lives and histories of many—both of the evil, and the good—who become embroiled in the struggle for mastery over a rich and diverse land called Cen-Tuin. Seven nations have covenanted together against a common enemy. Being thus bound, they find themselves not only at war with the Black Flower, but in conflict among themselves as well.As the story opens, two children have been born on the same calendar day—Storr Mason of the Minnekens, and Llam of the Mariner kings. On the same day twenty years hence, each will inherit the Opalescent Stone of his ancestors, becoming the federal head of his people. Will the Evil One find a way to defraud them of their inheritances? When the time comes for their coronation, will either of them still possess breath to draw or sense to wield a sword?The final wreckage of Cen-Tuin dawns at last with the rising of the misbegotten Prince of Brim-Loch Tum. Who is this prince? And who must be measured against him in the end?BOOK ONE—THE STONE SHALL BE MINE: Come, walk with me up Apple Creek and meet old Rhim Cooper, the Minneken Chief who lives at Springgate Cottage.Amble down to Otter Lake and take breakfast in Aunt Fay's kitchen, and on to Saltford where we can learn the news from Dilly Brock, keeper of the Stonehouse Inn.Accompany the High King and the Chief of the Little People as they pursue the minions of the Evil One.Ride with Buckthorn Leithgait into the spawning cave of the Black Flower; follow the King across the Wire O'er the Abyss; look behind the visor of the armored Knight who wields the Sword of Brim-Loch Tum; and wonder at an ancient rhyme spoken by the lad Storr Mason.