Mourning and Machinations Begin

The story opens with the funeral of Rhys, Gwerbret of Aberwyn, as his mother Lovyan mourns yet must also navigate the treacherous politics of succession. With Rhodry, the rightful heir, missing in exile, the Council of Electors begins to scheme, and dark dweomer (sorcery) is suspected in Rhys's death. Lovyan, aided by the ancient sorcerer Nevyn, must balance her grief with the urgent need to secure her son's inheritance and protect her granddaughter, Rhodda, from assassination attempts orchestrated by unseen enemies. The stage is set for a struggle not just for power, but for the soul of Aberwyn itself.

The Exile's Disappearance

Rhodry, Lovyan's last surviving son and the true heir, has been exiled due to his brother's jealousy. Now, with the throne vacant, his absence becomes a crisis. Unknown to his family, Rhodry has been kidnapped by agents of the dark dweomer and sold into slavery in the Bardekian islands. His memory is magically erased, leaving him nameless and vulnerable. Meanwhile, Lovyan and Nevyn desperately search for him, aware that time is running out before the Council can usurp the succession.

Slavery and Lost Identity

Rhodry, stripped of his memory and identity, is sold as a slave in Bardek. He is renamed Taliaesyn and passed from one master to another, his innate nobility and skills shining through even as he is treated as property. Haunted by flashes of memory and a sense of lost honor, he befriends the Wildfolk—spirits only those with elven blood can see. His journey through servitude is marked by both cruelty and unexpected kindness, as he struggles to reclaim a sense of self and purpose.

The Wizard's Pursuit

Jill, Rhodry's beloved and a budding dweomer-practitioner, teams up with the half-elven bard Salamander to rescue him. Disguised as traveling performers, they journey to Bardek, using magic and wit to trace Rhodry's path through the slave markets. Their quest is complicated by the need to avoid the attention of the dark dweomer's agents, and by Jill's own awakening powers, which threaten to overwhelm her if left unchecked.

Plots in the Shadows

In Bardek, the Old One—an ancient, powerful sorcerer—plots to lure Nevyn to his doom, using Rhodry as bait. He manipulates the Hawks, a guild of assassins, and his own apprentice Baruma, whose cruelty and ambition know no bounds. The Hawks, in turn, have their own agendas, and alliances shift as greed, fear, and the promise of power drive them. The web of intrigue tightens around Rhodry, Jill, and their allies.

The Slave's Awakening

After surviving an assassination attempt, Rhodry begins to recover fragments of his past, spurred by dreams and the return of his true name. His elven heritage and connection to the Wildfolk become more pronounced, and he is sold into the household of Alaena, a wealthy widow. There, he is both pampered and used, caught in a web of affection, jealousy, and the ever-present threat of discovery by his enemies.

The Road to Rescue

Jill and Salamander, following Rhodry's trail, navigate Bardek's complex society, performing magical shows to earn money and gather information. They encounter Brindemo, the slave trader who once owned Rhodry, and learn of Baruma's treachery. Meanwhile, the Hawks close in, and the Old One's plans near fruition. The rescue party must balance speed with caution, knowing that a single misstep could doom them all.

The Wolf Unleashed

In a moment of fury and desperation, Jill creates a magical wolf, a thought-form powered by her hatred, and sends it after Baruma. The wolf becomes both a weapon and a liability, as it draws the attention of the Old One and the Hawks, and threatens to turn on its creator. Jill's struggle to control her burgeoning dweomer abilities becomes a central conflict, mirroring the larger battle between light and dark magic.

The Old One's Trap

The Old One, sensing his enemies' approach, prepares a final trap at his villa. He manipulates the Hawks into confronting Nevyn and the rescue party, hoping to destroy them all and cement his own power. Nevyn, aware of the danger, leads his allies into the heart of darkness, determined to end the threat of the dark dweomer once and for all. The stage is set for a confrontation that will test the limits of magic, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Fire and Vengeance

In a climactic battle, Nevyn unleashes the full power of the dweomer, setting the Old One's villa ablaze and scattering the Hawks. Rhodry, driven by a vow of vengeance, hunts down Baruma and kills him, reclaiming a piece of his lost honor. Jill, using her newfound mastery, calls upon the Lords of Fire to save herself and Rhodry from the flames. The Old One, defeated, flees into the astral, only to be destroyed by Nevyn's magic and the judgment of higher powers.

The Return of the Dragon

With the dark dweomer vanquished and his memory partially restored, Rhodry returns to Aberwyn. His homecoming is triumphant but bittersweet, as he must navigate the expectations of rulership and the scars left by his ordeal. The political crisis is resolved, and the succession secured, but Rhodry is changed—older, wiser, and marked by both his elven heritage and the burdens of leadership.

The Price of Power

As Rhodry settles into his role as gwerbret, Jill must decide between her love for him and her calling to the dweomer. Realizing that she cannot serve both, she chooses the path of magic, leaving Rhodry and the comforts of court life behind. Their parting is painful but necessary, as each must follow their own Wyrd. The cost of power and destiny is made clear: sacrifice, loneliness, and the courage to walk alone.

The Heir's Homecoming

Rhodry's return is celebrated with feasts and ceremony, but beneath the surface, old wounds and new challenges remain. He must reconcile with his mother Lovyan, secure alliances, and prepare for the future of his house. The people rejoice, but Rhodry is haunted by what he has lost—and by the knowledge that his time as lord is finite, for his elven blood will one day force him into exile.

The Dweomer's Choice

Under Nevyn's guidance, Jill begins her formal apprenticeship in the dweomer, delving into the mysteries of magic, memory, and past lives. She recalls her previous incarnations and the ancient bond she shares with Nevyn, once known as Galrion. Their reconciliation brings peace, but also the realization that the cycle of Wyrd continues, and that the choices of one life echo through many.

Farewells and New Roads

Jill and Rhodry say their final goodbyes, each accepting the necessity of their separate paths. Jill rides out with Nevyn to a new home, ready to embrace the challenges of the dweomer. Rhodry, now secure in his rule, must look to the future of Aberwyn and the legacy he will leave behind. The long road of exile, love, and magic has come full circle, but the journey is far from over.

The Silver Dagger's Return

The magical silver dagger, symbol of Rhodry's lost honor and identity, makes its way back to Aberwyn through a series of unlikely hands. Its return is both a sign and a closure, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The power of Wyrd and the interconnectedness of all things are affirmed, as even lost objects are drawn home by the currents of fate.

The Circle Closes

With the defeat of the dark dweomer, the restoration of Aberwyn, and the resolution of Jill and Rhodry's love, the story's major arcs are brought to a close. Yet the echoes of past lives, the burdens of power, and the mysteries of the dweomer remain, promising further adventures and challenges for those who walk the long road.

The Next Exile

As time passes, Rhodry's unnatural youth and elven heritage become impossible to hide. The seeds are sown for his eventual exile, and the next turning of the wheel. Jill, now a master of the dweomer, prepares to guide the next generation. The story ends with the promise that the cycles of love, loss, and magic will continue, as each character faces the future shaped by the choices of the past.

Characters

Rhodry Maelwaedd

Rhodry is the youngest son of Lovyan, exiled from Aberwyn due to his brother's jealousy. Kidnapped and sold into slavery, his memory is erased by dark dweomer, reducing him to a nameless, drifting soul. Yet his innate nobility, courage, and elven heritage shine through, drawing allies and Wildfolk to his side. As he regains fragments of his past, Rhodry's journey becomes one of reclaiming honor, identity, and purpose. His love for Jill is both a source of strength and sorrow, and his eventual return to Aberwyn is marked by wisdom hard-won through suffering. Rhodry's arc is one of transformation—from lost exile to rightful lord, and ultimately, to a man marked by the burdens and sacrifices of power.

Jill (Gilyan)

Jill, daughter of the famed mercenary Cullyn, is a fierce, independent woman with a natural gift for dweomer. Her love for Rhodry drives her to risk everything for his rescue, but her journey is also one of self-discovery and magical awakening. Under Nevyn's guidance, she confronts the dangers of uncontrolled power, the temptations of vengeance, and the pain of choosing her calling over personal happiness. Jill's psychological complexity lies in her struggle between love and destiny, and her ultimate decision to walk the path of dweomer, even at the cost of her heart. Her development is a meditation on agency, sacrifice, and the price of wisdom.

Nevyn (Galrion)

Once known as Galrion, Nevyn is a centuries-old sorcerer bound by a vow to set right the wrongs of his past lives, particularly his betrayal of Brangwen (Jill's former incarnation). Wise, patient, and burdened by guilt, Nevyn manipulates events from behind the scenes, guiding Jill, Rhodry, and others toward their destinies. His psychological depth comes from his weariness, his longing for release, and his unwavering commitment to the Light. Nevyn's arc is one of redemption, mentorship, and the acceptance of mortality after lifetimes of penance.

Salamander (Evan)

Salamander is a bard, magician, and Rhodry's half-brother, known for his wit, flamboyance, and linguistic prowess. His elven heritage gives him a unique perspective and magical abilities, but also a sense of alienation. He serves as both comic relief and a voice of wisdom, guiding Jill and aiding in Rhodry's rescue. Salamander's psychological complexity lies in his balancing of lightheartedness with deep loyalty and occasional melancholy. His journey is one of self-acceptance and the responsible use of power.

Lovyan

Lovyan is the matriarch of Aberwyn, forced to navigate the treacherous politics of succession while mourning her sons. Her strength, intelligence, and emotional restraint make her a formidable regent. She is both nurturing and pragmatic, willing to make hard choices for the good of her house. Lovyan's arc is one of endurance, leadership, and the bittersweet acceptance of change and loss.

The Old One (Tondalo)

The Old One is a centuries-old sorcerer, physically decrepit but mentally formidable, who seeks to destroy Nevyn and secure his own legacy. His psychological profile is marked by paranoia, ambition, and a deep-seated sense of betrayal. He manipulates others with cold calculation, but is ultimately undone by his own hubris and the intervention of higher powers. The Old One's arc is a cautionary tale of the corrupting influence of power and the inevitability of judgment.

Baruma

Baruma is the Old One's student, a sadistic and ambitious man who delights in breaking minds and wills. He is responsible for Rhodry's ensorcelment and serves as a catalyst for much of the story's suffering. Baruma's psychological makeup is defined by fear, opportunism, and a desperate need for approval from his masters. His eventual downfall is both a result of his own actions and the inexorable workings of Wyrd.

Gwin

Gwin is a member of the Hawks, a guild of assassins, who becomes entangled in the pursuit of Rhodry. Haunted by his past and drawn to Rhodry's nobility, Gwin ultimately switches sides, seeking a new sense of honor and belonging. His psychological journey is one of self-loathing, longing for acceptance, and the painful process of change. Gwin's arc is a meditation on the possibility of redemption and the power of choice.

Alaena

Alaena is a wealthy Bardekian widow who purchases Rhodry as a slave and becomes his lover. Intelligent, bored, and emotionally complex, she is both a benefactor and a captor, offering Rhodry comfort and security but also complicity in his captivity. Her relationship with Rhodry is marked by affection, jealousy, and the limitations of her own desires. Alaena's arc is one of self-realization and the acceptance of loss.

Perryn

Perryn is a mysterious figure with magical abilities, responsible for past harm to Jill but also a victim of his own nature and circumstances. His psychological profile is one of confusion, longing for acceptance, and a struggle between instinct and conscience. Perryn's journey is one of seeking belonging and atonement, ultimately finding peace in a new life far from the main stage.

Plot Devices

Cycles of Wyrd and Reincarnation

The narrative is structured around the concept of Wyrd—fate or destiny—and the cycles of reincarnation. Characters are haunted by past lives, old vows, and the need to set right ancient wrongs. Nevyn's centuries-long quest for redemption, Jill's awakening to her previous incarnations, and the recurring patterns of love, betrayal, and sacrifice all reinforce the theme that the past is never truly past. This cyclical structure allows for deep psychological resonance and a sense of inevitability, while also offering hope for change and growth.

Duality of Light and Dark Dweomer

The story's central conflict is not merely political or personal, but metaphysical: the battle between the dweomer of light (selfless, healing, redemptive) and the dark dweomer (selfish, destructive, corrupting). Characters are continually tested by the temptations and dangers of power, and the choices they make define their fates. Foreshadowing is used throughout, as omens, dreams, and magical visions hint at future dangers and the consequences of past actions.

Memory, Identity, and the Power of Names

Rhodry's loss and gradual recovery of memory serves as both a plot engine and a meditation on the nature of self. The erasure and restoration of names, the significance of magical objects (like the silver dagger), and the struggle to reclaim honor all underscore the importance of memory and identity. The narrative structure often mirrors this, with flashbacks, dreams, and revelations that recontextualize earlier events.

Political Intrigue and Social Hierarchy

The succession crisis in Aberwyn, the machinations of the Council, and the interplay between noble-born, commoners, and slaves provide a realistic backdrop to the magical drama. The story uses these plot devices to explore themes of legitimacy, loyalty, and the burdens of leadership. The tension between personal desire and public duty is a recurring motif, especially for Rhodry and Lovyan.

Magical Objects and Thought-Forms

Objects like the silver dagger, magical rings, and Jill's conjured wolf are not just props but active participants in the story. They serve as foci for magic, catalysts for change, and embodiments of the characters' inner struggles. The creation and destruction of thought-forms (like the wolf) dramatize the dangers and responsibilities of power, and the need for self-mastery.

Analysis

Katharine Kerr's The Dragon Revenant is a masterful fusion of Celtic-inspired fantasy, psychological depth, and metaphysical inquiry. At its heart, the novel is about the cost of destiny: the ways in which love, power, and fate demand sacrifice, and the courage required to choose one's path. Through the intertwined journeys of Rhodry, Jill, and Nevyn, Kerr explores the tension between personal desire and higher calling, the pain of exile and the longing for home, and the redemptive possibilities of forgiveness and self-knowledge. The cyclical structure, with its emphasis on reincarnation and the echoes of past lives, invites readers to reflect on the patterns that shape their own stories. The novel's treatment of magic as both a moral and existential struggle elevates it beyond mere adventure, offering a meditation on the responsibilities of power and the necessity of self-mastery. Ultimately, The Dragon Revenant is a story about transformation—of individuals, relationships, and the world itself—and the hope that, even in the face of loss and sorrow, new beginnings are always possible.

Last updated: September 20, 2025