The Oathbound Wizard: Christopher Stasheff

Book II of Wizard In Rhyme. Ensorcelled runes on a scrap of parchment had whisked Matt Mantrell into a world where reciting poetry worked magic. There he won fame, power and the heart of the beautiful Queen Alisande. But then Matt learnt he cannot marry his true love; Lord High Wizard or not, he was still only a commoner. Matt swore he would conquer a kingdom, if that's what it took to claim his bride. Then he found, in this land of enchantment, that such an oath could not be broken. He'd committed himself to win a crown - any crown - or die in the attempt. Matt set his sights on Ibile, where the loathsome Gordogrosso held his throne through vile magics and evil armies. Matt marched against the tyrant, gathering a few allies - a surly dracogriff, a well-spoken Cyclops and a chased damsel - along the way. But against Gordogrosso's evil genius, Matt would need more than a few stout-hearted companions and some well-worded verse... Cover art by Darrell K. Sweet.