The Hallowed Isle Book One: The Book of the Sword (Book of the Sword/Diana L. Paxson, Bk 1)

A retelling of the classic Arthurian legend, full of action, adventure, and epic thrills! Mighty Rome subjugated the isle of Britain only to abandon it, leaving behind a bloody patchwork of warring tribes. The fragile peace imposed by the conquerors has been shattered, compelling Artoria Argantel -- Lady of the Lake and Druid priestess -- to call upon the Spirit of War and Justice to deliver a champion who will unite the broken land. It is from Argantel's ancient and royal blood that the hero will spring; his sword will be forged from star-steel by ancient spells, carried by soldier-priests from the steppes of Asia to the edges of the Empire. Only one man can wield this holy steel, aided by the wizard Merlin, whose heritage is a magic wilder still. Only one man can free the sword from its prison of stone ... Artor, a fosterling of unknown parentage. The promised High King. A unique retelling of the beloved King Arthur legend in four parts--each related from the distinctly different perspective of the four prevalent tribal cultures of sixth century Britain