Rodrigo Salazar: A Warrior's Tale

Book excerpt: Rodrigo Salazar is the story of a youth’s rise from obscurity in mid-10th century Iberia (Spain) to become a trained and trusted warrior and noble for King Ramiro of Leon, who is engaged in an ongoing struggle with the powerful Caliph of Cordova for control of northern lands. Rodrigo’s adventures range widely from education in a monastery, enslavement to Muslims, escape, training as a man of war and success in battle. During his rise to increased responsibility and nobility an unlikely mutual attraction develops between Rodrigo and the king’s daughter. Station inhibits expectations, but their regard grows in spite of convention.