The Water of the Wondrous Isles

by William Morris

"The Water of the Wondrous Isles" by William Morris is a fantasy novel published in 1897. Stolen by a witch as a child, Birdalone escapes in a magical boat and journeys through mysterious islands. She encounters three imprisoned maidens awaiting rescue by their knight-lovers and seeks help from the paladins of the Castle of the Quest. What follows is an adventure of rescue, love, loss, and unexpected betrayals, as destinies intertwine and hearts are won and broken.