It is an age of kings, war lords, heroes, knights, magi, giants, demons, and elemental powers-and through it all journey a mystical cat named Thomas Graymalkin and his companion, a young boy named Arthur.
Ancient Britannia is deeply divided, and warring tribes-the Bretons, Romans, Hibernians, Scotti, Saxons, Angles, and Danes-all vie for power. Fleeing under the very hooves of battle, a lost and dying cat struggles to give birth in a stable yard during storm and flood. Thomas is the only survivor of the kittens, clinging to life by a thread, a harsh and heroic birth heralding a harsh and heroic destiny.
Thomas is rescued by the gentle Drusilla, who has been taught secret wisdom by the folk who dwell under the fold in the vale. The powers of these mysterious ones save Thomas life and restore his dying body, but bring about startling changes. Thomas begins to grow as much human as cat. He can walk on two feet, converse with any creature, and memorize classical literature.
After Thomas is forced to leave Drusilla and his new home and family on old Jodocs farm, he encounters many dangers and narrow escapes. He is ingenuous and falls prey to the schemes of cut-throats and villains, but survives through his inner resourcefulness. During one such harrowing adventure, he meets Arthur, an heroic youth, to Thomas the embodiment of Apollo himself, who has a still hidden destiny. Under the strict but loving tutelage of Merlin the Magus, the two are prepared for the grueling trials that await them in their war-torn land.
In Thomas Graymalkin, author John R. Horn presents an intricate retelling of the Arthurian legend structured after the traditional tarot deck.
About the Author
John R. Horn has always loved classical literature and esoteric studies. He attended the University of California at Los Angeles, where he majored in motion-picture production and minored in classical studies.
Horn worked for the US Navy and the Defense Department as an intelligence officer. He served as acting naval attache to Liberia during an unstable period of military upheaval.
Horn also worked as head writer for a midwestern advertising agency. He now lives in Virginia, where he continues his classical and esoteric studies.
