CNN - Review: 'The Dragon in Lyonesse'

(CNN) -- Who hasn't imagined what it would be like to live in the days of swords and sorcery, when knights rescued fair maidens and a wizard lived in every tree? Jim Eckert certainly entertained such fantasies. Then he made them real. The mathematician from the 20th century has taken up permanent residence in the 14th. He has an advantage over the people of the time -- his understanding of science and technology, which leads him into the study of "magick." He also has the power to turn himself into a dragon, a handy skill for getting out of nasty medieval scrapes.

"The Dragon in Lyonesse" is the third adventure of Jim Eckert penned by veteran science fiction author Gordon R. Dickson. Once again, Sir James is called upon to do battle with the Dark Powers, evil forces that would undo history and plunge the world into chaos. This time, they threaten the realms under the sea. Their target: Lyonesse.

Legend has it that the Knights of the Round Table retreated to Lyonesse following their final conflict with Mordred, the son of King Arthur. It is a land suffused with Old Magic. Even though centuries have passed, the Knights are still there, and will remain so long as people in the world above remember and believe in them.

Dickson marshals all the trappings of Arthurian legend to aid Sir James in his quest. In Lyonesse, he is guided by the Questing Beast (who insists on being called "QB") and runs afoul of the sorceress Morgan le Fay. He enlists the assistance of King Pellinore in rounding up Arthur's Knights. And he calls upon the master magician Merlin, who has sealed himself inside a tree.

It turns out trees are very important in Lyonesse. They appear to be a conduit to the Old Magic. If Jim is to succeed against the Dark Powers, he will need their help. How does one go about asking a tree for help? Apparently, by hugging it.

"He stepped over to the yew tree. Close up, it did not seem to have so much of the strange, alien look that the forest had as a whole. He stopped in front of it, hesitated, gritted his teeth, and put his arms around it.

"He hugged it. Actually, although it was not in any sense warm to his touch, and its bark was somewhat rough, the tree also had a strangely friendly feel, as if it and Jim were old acquaintances. It was a well-meaning, good-natured tree, he could feel that now, solid and deep-rooted ..."

Dickson obviously delights in telling the tales of Sir James. They are the literary descendants of "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." Unlike Mark Twain, however, Dickson is less interested in satire than in spinning a good yarn. The "fish-out-of-water" elements supplement the characterizations. Jim Eckert has no intention of remaking the past in the image of the present. Instead, he is remaking himself in the image of a 14th century knight and sorcerer's apprentice.

There is a great deal of charm in "The Dragon in Lyonesse." Actually, there is a great deal of everything. Dickson provides lavish descriptions of the landscapes and the people, who tend to talk a great deal. As a result, the pace of the novel is not particularly brisk. It's more of a leisurely stroll.

As all such stories must, "The Dragon in Lyonesse" reaches its climax on the battlefield. The Knights of the Round Table, outnumbered ten-to-one, face off against those allied to the Dark Powers. They have little chance of victory, but the code of chivalry demands they defend their land even if it means the end of their way of life. Just as it seems all hope is lost, there's a flash of steel that can only come from the sword Excalibur. The knights rally 'round and ride off for honor and glory.

Dickson's depiction of everyday life in the dark ages unfolds in loving detail. Jim Eckert learns the true meaning of knighthood, and valuable lessons about himself. It all makes "The Dragon in Lyonesse" an entertaining jaunt through the mists of legend and magic.

L.D. Meagher is a senior writer at CNN Headline News. He has worked in broadcasting for 30 years.

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