The Blackbird and the Snake was written by Lesley Pardoe and illustrated by Lucy Rose Turner and was independently published by the author in 2024. 

"It is the sixth century. Aiken has walked to King Arthur's castle in Camelot in search of his friend Lily, and soon discovers she is in terrible danger. There is danger all around, in the castle kitchen, in the great hall and in the fast flowing river. And who is the mysterious lady in the forest? Aiken is desperate to take Lily to safety, but is caught up in the same dangerous web, and the people in King Arthur's household are too afraid to help."