THE HOLLOW HILLS by Mary Stewart

This is the second book in the Merlin Trilogy.
the story now follows with the growing up of Arthur; how Merlin is led to the sword (Caliburn - which ws later romanticised to Excalibur) and Arthur being crowned The High King of England.
We are led into the boyhood years of Arthur, from his very erly time in Brittany, and then into the household of Ector, a trusted lord of Uther of Pendragon.
Merlin now proceeds to teach Arthur all of the things that will help me in his destiny.
You appreciate the depth of feeling and research that hs gone into this book - the historical angle is also interesting, with the early years of Britain.
Very compulsive reading.