A Sword from Galway

the long version

A historical novel based on Rice de Culvey and the legend that Christopher Columbus came to Galway in Ireland before setting sail for the New World. From *Kirkus Reviews*: Out of Ireland, where he is a Norman descended foreigner who has apparently been betrayed by his Gaelic sweetheart, Rice de Culvey--fleeing his thwarted romance--goes to Spain where, first adverse, then anxious, he joins Columbus' world- shaking flotilla, ceding his place on the *Santa Maria* to the Castilian Lady Carla, who is being sought by the Inquisition. Sailing with the youngest Captain, Pinzon, De Culvey experiences a new love in a new land, and is saved by his faithful wolfhound, Crom Dubh, as is his unwilling wife, Carla. And with his voluntary exile in Haiti in the colony Villa La Navidad he learns the ferocity of the natives, the treachery of those left behind by Columbus. To him, after the loss of his Spanish wife in childbirth, comes the fulfillment of his real love when he returns to Ireland and Fiona, and to his position of importance in the fortunes of Connacht. A 16th century romance, with all period, historical decorations, that has dashing adventure, action and love to offer.