The Changeling

Iron Age western Britain. The Epidii believe that the older Dark People sometimes steal a seventh child for sacrifice and leave one of their own infants in exchange. Tethra grows up in the chieftain’s household under the suspicion that he is such a changeling, tolerated but never allowed to forget that his belonging is doubtful.

As he becomes old enough to understand the fear surrounding his identity, Tethra must choose whether to accept the role others have assigned him or act for both communities. The story uses the changeling belief as a way of exploring prejudice, ritual and the boundaries through which neighbouring peoples define themselves. Its supernatural atmosphere remains rooted in the social consequences of what the characters believe.