As the first volume in a series of four, Arthur the Legend begins with Vortigern''s treachery in granting the Saxons a foothold in Britain, which in turn drives him to seek assistance from the original Merlin, or Myrddin the Mad, the wild man of the woods. Myrddin is the druid, prophet and seer who recognises the young Arthur as the son of prophecy who will grow and save his people. With his heroic rise as warlord, Arthur leads his people from one decisive battle to the next in his ruthless quest to keep his land free from the Saxon foe.