Jackaroo // The Tale of Gwyn — Cynthia Voigt

Gwyn, the Innkeeper's spunky daughter, is too clear-headed to pay much heed to the stories about Jackaroo, a masked outlaw rider who helps the poor in times of trouble. But goods are short in the Kingdom, and at times like these, the stories are on everyone's lips.

One bitter winter day, Gwyn helps guide two guests, a Lord and his son, through the snow. But she and the lordling, Gaderian, are separated from the rest of the party in a blizzard. Seeking shelter in a cabin, they are stranded together for weeks. Slowly, as the snow continues, the two become friends and Gaderian even teaches Gwyn to read, a skill forbidden the people.

Meanwhile, hidden in the cabin, Gwyn discovers a strange garment that resembles the costume Jackaroo is said to wear....