The curse of chalion

A 2001 fantasy story by Lois McMaster Bujold, this is a medieval sword and sorcery adventure. Cazaril overcomes betrayal to return to the royal household as tutor to a princess threatened by dark forces. Initially Captured by Sybian riding women, he risks all to save the princess and Chalion itself. This has been selected as one of the 100 greatest fantasy books even ranked above one hundred years of solitude