ANNE McCAFFREY is one of the most popular fantasy authors writing today, and she is the first woman to have won both the Hugo and the Nebula Awards. Her many bestselling novels in the Dragonriders of Pern series include three for young readers, two of which were chosen as ALA Best Books for Young Adults. Born in Boston, Anne McCaffrey now lives in Ireland. www.annemccaffrey.net

Galwyn, the son of a bankrupt and dishonored aristocrat, has always had an ear for languages. So when Lord Artos?later known as King Arthur?needs an interpreter to help him buy large horses to breed a troop strong enough to carry armed warriors against the Saxon invaders, Galwyn gets a chance to redeem his father's honor and make a name for himself. Includes an author's note..