This is a story of adventure and romance set in the early Scotland of saints and swordsmen. A young, Scottish, queen must rule, and seek a husband, whilst in imminent peril from a sea-borne Viking attack. The author, James Hogg, claimed the tale to be true, handed down in story and song, and many characters are historically authentic. The remnants of Beregonium, first palace of the Scots, still exist on a vitrified, rocky hill top. Excavations in 1874 produced the remnants of a sword, a dagger and a ring.

Hogg was a self-taught writer from very humble origins whose book, “The Justified Sinner”, is regarded by many as the best Scottish novel. He liked “Queen Hynde” the best of all his works. The character of Wicked Wene, the queens companion, is a delightful study of the impish, teasing nature of young girls. Sparks fly when she comes up against the bachelor monks of Iona!

This abridged version makes for a smoother read and retains the best poetic parts while moving the story forward with prose commentary. Illustrations help the reader to visualize the scene, and notes on the historical accuracy leave you wondering how much was true.

You are left with a lingering feeling that something dramatic once happened here. No poet could fail to be moved by the vista that overwhelm the gaze from this ancient site. An inspirational presence drifts in the shadows around Beregonium awakening the poetic spirit to an awareness of the fading echoes of a splendid past.

Whatever the truth, standing on the mighty cliff of Dun Bhaille an Righ, the 'Fort of the King' and gazing westwards over the magnificent bay it is easy to imagine that great deeds once chose this land as their stage. And that some beautiful, royal, lady gave birth to a legend whose shadows will cling here forever.