Magic Casement

Inos, daughter and only child of good King Holindarn of Krasnegar, is bored. She longs to go riding and hang out with the servants' children, but imperious old Aunt Kade is determined that the marriageable young princess cultivate a ladylike air and learn the social graces. To further that end, Inos is sent off to the estate of Kinvale, a combination finishing school and matchmaking bureau. There, she is swept off her feet by Sir Andor, a man of uncertain motives whose natural charms have been enhanced by a ``word of power.'' Back in Krasnegar, Rap the stableboy, a childhood friend of Inos's, is exhibiting some magical prowess of his own, not to mention a rush of adolescence. The latter transforms his friendship into an undying love certain to be requited before the series--of which this is the first installment--is over. This is a childish romance wrapped in a thin veneer of fantasy which, despite the presence of sorcerers, imps, goblins and the like, fails to invest a weak story with the slightest bit of real magic. Duncan's works include A Rose-Red City. (Dec.)