Sir Humphrey du Val's life has been better. He used to be a Knight of the Round Table, respected by all. But after his wife ran off with another man and the disgrace that followed that, he has been demoted down to the Table Of Less Valued Knights with those knights who just don't cut the mustard and must sit looking longingly at his former station. So when a damsel in distress shows up looking for a knight to help her on a quest, Humphrey jumps at the chance.
Elaine is the damsel and she is looking for help to find her fiance. He was kidnapped right after the tournament at which their engagement was announced. Her parents seem to think it was her fault and have tasked her with the job of getting him back. Sir Humphrey and his squire, a young giant named Conrad who rides an elephant, suit up and off the three go.
They aren't the only ones with a quest. Queen Martha Of Puddock is on the road as well. When her father died, she became queen but it was not what she wanted. Along with the crown, she is married the day after her father's death to an obnoxious young prince who is determined that he is the true ruler and his ruling needs to start with controlling Martha. She is determined to get out of being the Queen and the best way to do that is to find her long lost brother. She takes to the road to find him and to flee her husband. When the two groups meet and join forces, events start to fall into place quickly.
This novel was nominated for the Bailey's Prize for Women in 2015. It is a rollicking tale that reimagines how it was to be royalty or a knight in medieval times and how those roles might be improved. Readers will be delighted at how things turn out and will enjoy their time with Sir Humphrey, Elaine and Queen Martha. This book is recommended for readers of literary fiction.
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