The Black Fox of Lorne

The Black Fox of Lorne by Marguerite De Angeli

Young Viking boys, Jan and Brus, are identical twin brothers who often play the game of switching places. They do not switch places only to trick their family and friends although this they do and often. No, even though they look as one, their characters and talents are different. Jan willing writes runes and well. He can compose and sing a ballad at will. Brus has an affinity with animals. He knows how to take care of them and they recognize him as friend. Brus doesn’t mind skinning their dinner either. In this adventurous tale, the boys’ knack for passing themselves off as one another will save their lives as well as a kingdom and its rightful king.

Jan and Brus’ father, Harald Redbeard, is but a foster son. He lives on the lands of his deceased foster father and his living foster brothers. His brothers decide that they want their lands and animals back. A peaceable exchange takes place where the brothers allow Harald to leave with his family, servants, a portion of the animals, three ships and a jeweled talisman in the form of a brooch. Immediately, Harald’s family goes a’viking, heading out to sea to find his wife’s Danish family who has settled on the British Isle. The twins are eager to go a’viking alongside their father on the lead ship.

A storm separates the ships and the ship the twin’s mother is aboard is lost. The lead ship fares no better. It is dashed against the rocks of the Scottish shore. Everyone abandons ship. A share of the Vikings finds sleep beneath the waves. A smaller portion, including Harald, Jan and Brus, make it ashore alive, but they are not safe for long. They have crashed on the lands of the giant Scot known as Bègan Mòr. His son-in-law, Gavin Dhu captures Jan and decides to take him as prisoner to the castle keep. The Vikings are invited to join the company for an engagement feast.

Harald warns Brus that they have no way of knowing if the Scots are friends or foes until they reveal their intentions at the feast. The Scots have not seen Brus. Harald orders him to stay hidden and pretend that he and his brother are one – that it may well save the stranded Vikings. This ploy will save many, but not Harald’s life. He is murdered and his jeweled talisman is stolen. The boys vow vengeance on their father’s death. They bide their time until an opportunity presents itself.

This is an unusual book of adventure for contemporary times. It received Newbery Honors in 1956. I do not believe such a book would find itself on the list these days. The setting is Scotland in the tenth century after Jesus Christ. As the twins make their way across the wilds of Scotland, battling savage Picts and keeping their ears open for English alliances, they gradually convert to Christianity and recognize themselves as Scots allegiant to King Malcolm II. Quite an eye-opener and worth the Interlibrary Loan. Recommended to boys with an interest in European Historical Fiction.