The Sorceress and the Cygnet
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 Cover of first edition | |
| Author | Patricia A. McKillip |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Romas |
| Language | English |
| Series | Cygnet series |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Publisher | Ace Books |
Publication date | 1991 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 231 |
| ISBN | 0-441-77564-0 |
| Followed by | The Cygnet and the Firebird |
The Sorceress and the Cygnet is a fantasy novel by Patricia A. McKillip. It was first published in hardcover by Ace Books in May 1991, with a paperback edition following from the same publisher in January 1992. The first British edition was published in hardcover and trade paperback by Pan Books in June 1991, with a standard paperback edition following from the same publisher in May 1992. It was subsequently combined with its sequel The Cygnet and the Firebird into the omnibus collection Cygnet, issued in trade paperback by Ace Books in March 2007.[1]
Corleu of the Wayfolk stands out from his kin due to his blond hair and obsession with his people's myths, according to which a war was once fought between the Cygnet, the Gold King, the Blind Lady, the Dancer, and the Warlock, resulting in the Cygnet's victory and the others' exile. These characters are now commemorated in the constellations and the patron signs of the regional hold settlements. Today, the sign of the Cygnet is borne by Ro Holding, and the remaining signs by the other holdings under its rule.
When Corleu and his companions, including his beloved Tiel, are bespelled and trapped in a timeless swamp, his knowledge enables him to cross into the parallel world where the mythic figures exist and seek help. Meeting a tinker who is actually the fearsome Gold King, he is tasked with seeking the Heart of the Cygnet, which he is told might release his people from their limbo. The King's true motive is to free his ancient allies and turn the tables on the Cygnet in their age-old war.
With the aid of the sorceress Nyx Ro, estranged heir to Ro Holding, whom he must keep ignorant of his goal, Corleu begins his journey. He encounters the Fire Bear in its lair, catches the Blood Fox by its shadow, and evades a female warrior, Meguet, whose fate seems bound with his. At each step of the journey another legendary character is awakened; the Blind Lady, the Dancer, and the Warlock.
The Ro clan works against the questers, aware that if the Gold King prevails and the Cygnet falls, the balance keeping peace among the holds will be upset, and all who live will be doomed. Their efforts are continually countered by the wily king, and all the players gather for the endgame in a final confrontation at Ro Holding, Nyx's home.
