Perori by Paul McDermott
When Bard and linguist, Easten wins the right to bear Perori at an Eisteddfod, he little suspects how exceptional this lute really is. Perori means music in Welsh, but her music does more than soothe and entertain. When Eastens liege lord, Caradoc, comes under attack from an aggressive neighbour, Easten sets off to plead for assistance from Caradocs relative, High King Cormac of Tara.
On his journey from Cymru to Ireland, Easten discovers more of Peroris healing powers and soon the instrument reveals that she can also help him understand even more languages, a skill that helps with his first task of negotiating safe passage from the small Viking colony in the place that will become Liverpool, still part of the Danegeld. There he also meets a young novitiate monk from Birkenhead Priory, who becomes Eastens travel companion.
When the ship is attacked by pirates and a violent storm, Perori helps to save lives on both occasions, and continues to rescue the party as they march across Eire to Cormacs court.
Will Cormac be persuaded to send a fighting force to help his cousin? What dangers will Easten and Perori face on the treacherous journey home? Will they reach the harbour where their ship awaits? And what then?
An immersive adventure that resonates with myth and enchantment. Fast-paced and vivid, Perori is a compelling story that will leave you wanting the next instalment. Afte rall, as the saying goes, If an Irishman dies while telling a story, you can be sure he'll be back to finish it.'