Delighted to welcome Amy Maroney with news of her new book, The Queen's Scribe

 

 

The Queen’s Scribe 

by 

Amy Maroney

Queen Charlotta of Cyprus, a forgotten monarch

 While researching the Sea and Stone Chronicles, a collection of novels about ordinary people living under the rule of the Knights Hospitaller in medieval Rhodes, I stumbled across a woman of power whose story captivated me. Her name was Queen Charlotta, and she ruled the Kingdom of Cyprus for a moment in time during the exact era of my research. 

Just what the Kingdom of Cyprus was, I had no idea. So, like any overzealous historical novelist, I dove down an exhilarating research rabbit hole in search of more details.

I was astonished by my findings. The Kingdom of Cyprus, Jerusalem, and Armenia (the latter two designations were purely titular) was ruled by the French Lusignan dynasty for hundreds of years. Its zenith came in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. By 1458, when the fifteen-year-old, widowed Queen Charlotta ascended the throne, the Lusignan dynasty was hobbled by war and debt, and poisoned from within by corruption and betrayal. 

Queen Charlotta therefore faced a formidable set of complications when she donned her crown. She not only accepted the challenge, she exhibited tremendous ambition and courage. Less than two years after taking the throne, she moved her courtiers to the seaside fortress of Kyrenia, where they survived a massive siege by her power-hungry half-brother, Jacco. Then, when her second husband Louis of Savoy proved a weak leader, she left him in Cyprus and sailed around the Mediterranean entreating allies to help save her crown. 

Clearly, this courageous queen’s story had to be told. So I resolved to bring her to life with a novel, The Queen’s Scribe.

KYRENIA FORTRESS, WHERE QUEEN CHARLOTTA RESISTED A SIEGE BY HER HALF-BROTHER

Though her father, King Jean, was a Frenchman born into the Lusignan dynasty, Charlotta’s mother, Eleni Palaiologina, was a proud Greek woman who defied the “Latin” influence of her husband’s court. Charlotta grew up a Greek girl in her mother’s apartments, and never learned much French. 

But when Charlotta was married to Prince João of Portugal at fourteen, she was suddenly required to communicate in French (their common language). Her need for trusted interpreters would only grew stronger as time went on and she was forced to seek assistance from Western allies such as the Knights Hospitaller, the Pope, and the king of France. This is how I developed the concept of a fictional heroine serving the queen as a skilled interpreter and scribe. 

ST. HILARION CASTLE, WHERE THE ROYAL FAMILIES OF CYPRUS RETREATED FOR LEISURETIME PURSUITS

After the 1457 murder of her husband, Prince João, Charlotta faced a new betrothal. This time, her fiancé was her first cousin, Louis of Savoy. In the Greek Orthodox tradition, the marriage of first cousins doomed the bride and groom to hell. Charlotta’s mother naturally opposed the union. But as soon as she died, the marriage was on. 

Fortune’s wheel turned again when King Jean died just a few months after his wife (whether it was due to natural causes or poison was a matter of dispute). Teenaged Charlotta ascended the throne, her father’s council members whispering in her ear just as they had done with her father. Meanwhile, her half-brother, Jacco, vowed he would seize the kingdom. His plan: gain the favor of the Sultan of Egypt, raise an army, and attack Cyprus. Charlotta would spend the rest of her life fighting to preserve her throne.

I chose to tell Queen Charlotta’s tale through the eyes of fictional Estelle de Montavon, daughter of a French falconer. I first wrote a story starring her in an anthology a few years ago, and she plays a minor role in my novel Island of Gold. 

In The Queen’s Scribe, Estelle—a talented scribe and linguist—becomes as valuable as gold when the royal court retreats to Kyrenia Fortress and civil war looms between the queen and Jacco. As Queen Charlotta voyages across the Mediterranean Sea beseeching French-speaking allies for help, Estelle is at her side, witnessing every triumph and disaster along the way. 

MURAL OF A WEALTHY FIFTEENTH CENTURY FAMILY IN A CYPRUS CHURCH, WHICH SHOWS HOW PEOPLE DRESSED IN THAT TIME AND PLACE

This extraordinary queen’s ambition and courage burned brightly, but all too briefly. Like so many other women who deserve a place in history books, her story has been relegated to the shadows. I hope that The Queen’s Scribe plays a role in bringing Charlotta of Lusignan’s story back into the light.

Amy Maroney studied English Literature at Boston University and worked for many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction. She lives in Oregon, U.S.A. with her family. When she’s not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, dancing, traveling, and reading. Amy is the author of The Miramonde Series, an award-winning historical fiction trilogy about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day scholar on her trail. Her new historical suspense series, Sea and Stone Chronicles, is set in medieval Rhodes and Cyprus.

The Queen’s Scribe is on Kindle Unlimited and is available worldwide from Amazon: https://mybook.to/QueensScribe

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.amymaroney.com/

Twitter: twitter.com/wilaroney

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amymaroneyauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amymaroneywrites/

Alison Morton celebrates the tenth anniversary with INCEPTIO 10th Anniversary Hardback Edition

Book Title: INCEPTIO (10th Anniversary hardback)

Series: Roma Nova

Author: Alison Morton

Publication Date: 28 March 2023 (original ebook and paperback 1 March 2013)

Publisher: Pulcheria Press

Page Length: 390

Genre: Thriller

Twitter Handle: @alison_morton @cathiedunn

Instagram Handle: @AlisonMortonAuthor @thecoffeepotbookclub

blog Tour Schedule Page: 

INCEPTIO

Alison Morton

“It's about Roman blood, survival and money. Mostly yours."

In an alternative New York, Karen Brown is running for her life. She makes a snap decision to flee to Roma Nova - her dead mother's homeland, the last remnant of the Roman Empire in the 21st century. But can Karen tough it out in such an alien culture? And with a crazy killer determined to terminate her for a very personal reason? 

Stifled by the protective cocoon of her Roma Novan family, deceived by her new lover, she propels herself into a dangerous mission. But then the killer sets a trap - she must sacrifice herself for another - and she sees no escape.

A thriller laced with romance and coming of age, this first in series is Roman fiction brought into the 21st century through the lens of alternative history and driven by a female protagonist with heart and courage.

This 10thAnniversary hardback edition includes bonus content: Three character ‘conversations’, two short stories and the story behind INCEPTIO.

Buy links: 

INCEPTIO 10th Anniversary special edition hardback: 

International Buy Link:  Barnes & Noble: Book Depository:

Your local bookshop or library All other formats (ebook, paperback, audio)

When I saw this at the top of your website, Judith, I couldn’t help nodding strongly in agreement:

 “History was recorded by monks, men to whom women were largely irrelevant, and as a result women were not given sufficient space on the record. This has robbed them of a historical voice, they are left on the side lines, playing a supporting role to the men who dominated their world.”

I would substitute ‘elite men’ for ‘monks’, but yes, all the way.

In my thriller novels, Roma Nova is governed by women. The Ancient (‘real’) Romans had a very interesting way of viewing women: they were granted the status and respect, but had no public rights or (officially) a say in their world. In law, women were viewed more or less as disposable property belonging to the family. How then do I reconcile the view of the ‘real’ Romans (the ancient ones) with the 21st century Romans in my Roma Nova alternative timeline?

If they were free-born, women in most of Ancient Rome’s recorded periods were citizens – an important status in a world where a hefty proportion of the population was slave. Towards the later Imperial period in particular, women gained much more freedom to act, trade, own property and run businesses of all types. But they still held no direct political power. Producing the next generation, running complex households and contributing to social, religious and cultural life, while important, were not activities valued at the same level as men’s roles, status and actions.

Nevertheless, women from wealthy or powerful Roman families could and did exert influence throughout Rome’s history: Cornelia Africana, mother of the Gracchi; Livia Drusilla, wife and councillor of Augustus; the later, the Severan Julias; and Galla Placidia, daughter, wife and mother of emperors towards the end of the Roman Empire.

In my Roma Nova novels, the first of which – INCEPTIO – I’m celebrating today as a 10th Anniversary hardback, women rule, but men are not disadvantaged. Life there is much more nuanced than that! Roma Nova survived through the centuries by changing its social structure. As men constantly fought to defend the new colony, women took over the social, political and economic roles on the home front, weaving new power and influence networks based on family structures.

So far, only a few, if significant, steps away from the traditional Roman cultural pattern…

But given the unstable, dangerous times in Roma Nova’s first few hundred years, especially during the Great Migrations in Europe, Roma Nova ran out of young and older men to put in the front line. Fit and tough as pioneers tend to be, daughters and sisters put on armour and hefted weapons to defend their homeland and their way of life. Fighting danger side by side with brothers and fathers reinforced women’s roles. And they never allowed the incursion of monotheistic paternalistic religions. So I don’t think that it’s too far a stretch for women to have developed leadership roles in all parts of Roma Novan life over the next sixteen centuries. 

My female protagonist Karen’s story starts in INCEPTIO in a 21st century Western style society, although with some differences from ours. When she’s compelled to flee to her dead mother’s homeland in Europe, she finds the Roman-infused culture unnerving; Roma Novans live to a tough ethic of self-sufficiency, and an ingrained sense of duty to their state – core Roman values which have been crucial to their survival down the centuries. The strong female characters surrounding Karen – her grandmother, cousin, female colleagues and friends – are the result of this and form the pattern for her. Of course, we see political intrigues and conspiracies to overthrow governments – Roma Nova is a Roman society in every way. Enter the heroines…

And the biggest challenge when writing about strong women in a historical context? Plausibility.

You can’t jump from a passive, protected fragile flower to super-heroine, even if she passes through one or several formative traumatic events. Writers need to give early hints about resilience, integrity and an ability to develop confidence as well as physical abilities. Undoubtedly, a strong female character must have an equally strong will and a passion to drive through what she believes in.

An avid reader of spy, thriller and crime stories from childhood and a life-long devotee of all things Roman, I yearned to write a Roman thriller with a true-hearted heroine imbued with Roman virtue but a tendency to go off-piste. Lindsey Davis does this beautifully with Flavia Albia, Falco’s daughter, in the first century AD and to a certain extent with Helena Justina, Falco’s wife. But although sparky and often going beyond the expectations and constraints of their time, both (mostly) accept the prevailing values and social mores. 

However, I wanted women in my New Rome to run things at every level. Yes, I had also read a lot of science fiction including wonderful stories by Anne McCaffery where women were equal and often leading their society. But I didn’t want to write space opera. I wanted to stay in the Roman mindset so brought my Roman stories with its women at the fore up to the 21st century.

 ***

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her ten-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the ancient Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with a sharp line in dialogue. INCEPTIO starts the adventure…

She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading historical, crime and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.  

Six full-length Roma Nova novels, including INCEPTIO, have won the BRAG Medallion, the prestigious award for indie fiction. SUCCESSIO, AURELIA and INSURRECTIO were selected as Historical Novel Society’s Indie Editor’s Choices.  AURELIA was a finalist in the 2016 HNS Indie Award. The Bookseller selected SUCCESSIO as Editor’s Choice in its inaugural indie review. The Historical Novel Society recently selected JULIA PRIMA, the first Foundation story set in the 4th century, the accolade of Editors’ Choice.

Alison lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit. Oh, and she’s writing the next Roma Nova story.

Social media links:

Connect with Alison on her Roma Nova site: https://alison-morton.com

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alison_morton

Alison’s writing blog: https://alisonmortonauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonmortonauthor/ 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton

Alison’s Amazon page: https://Author.to/AlisonMortonAmazon

Newsletter sign-up: https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/

Coffee Pot Blog Tours present Pagan Warrior by MJ Porter

Book Title: Pagan Warrior

Series: The Seventh Century

Author: MJ Porter

Publication Date: 25th May 2015 (new cover from January 2022)

Publisher: MJ Publishing

Page Length: 294

Genre: Historical fiction/Action and adventure

Tour Schedule Page: 

 Pagan Warrior 

MJ Porter 

Audiobook narrated by Matt Coles

From bestselling author, MJ Porter comes the tale of the mighty pagan king, Penda of Mercia.

Britain. AD632.

Penda, a warrior of immense renown, has much to prove if he is to rule the Mercian kingdom of his dead father and prevent the neighbouring king of Northumbria from claiming it.

Unexpectedly allying with the British kings, Penda races to battle the alliance of the Northumbrian king, unsure if his brother stands with him or against him as they seek battle glory for themselves, and the right to rule gained through bloody conquest.

There will be a victor and a bloody loser, and a king will rise from the ashes of the great and terrible battle of Hædfeld.Excerpt in which Penda and his brother, Eowa, have one of their very enlightening discussions. Two brothers, both desiring the same kingdom to rule.

 

Chapter 14

AD631 - Eowa of Mercia – The lands of the Hwicce

 

This is it. My brother watches me with an open expression. By the end of today, we’ll either be enemies or allies. I really don’t know which way the conversation will turn.

We’re within my hall in the kingdom of the Hwicce, and I’m the king here, not him. Not that Penda doesn’t want to be. I know he wants it. I could share it with him, make him my sub-king, a prince of the Hwicce as opposed to its king, but I don’t know if I want to do that. Penda’s a powerful man in his own right. He’s made himself invaluable to King Cadwallon of Gwynedd instead of myself.

I have a fledgling alliance with King Edwin of Northumbria. He’s made it clear to me, by sending his son Osfrith to me, that if I intend to keep the alliance, I have to turn Penda away from Cadwallon. Either that or my brother and I must become enemies. If I weren’t already so unsure of him, I might be offended, but as I’m uneasy about Penda’s intentions, I can understand Edwin’s desires.

Neither is Penda doing himself any favours. He’s swaggered into my hall, filthy and dirty from wherever he’s been, and he’s not instructed his men to leave their weapons at the doorway. Neither has he led by example.

He’s wearing war clothing of byrnie and helm, his weapons belt filled with blades and edges. He stinks of sweat and metal.

Penda bristles with aggression and anger. I could almost laugh at him if he weren’t so bloody dangerous.

I wish I had half his skill in battle.

“Brother, speak your mind to me,” Penda demands, leaning forward and helping himself to a decent piece of beef from the table. I try not to notice that it’s the piece I’d been considering eating. He’s always known to take what I want.

“Brother,” I respond, rolling the word around my mouth.

He meets my eyes, waiting for me to say something further, but I still haven’t decided what I want to say.

“Tell me about King Cadwallon,” I finally mouth, and he quirks a smile at me.

“Tell me about King Edwin,” his immediate response. He’s blunt. His weapons are sharp, his mind is sharp, but he’s blunt. He’s bloody deadly.

“King Edwin is a Christian king, keen to share his experiences.”

Penda roars with laughter at my response. His eyes sparkle with delight.

“Don’t tell me. He did actually try to convert you, didn’t he?”

I feel a grin tugging my lips. And that’s the other thing about Penda. He makes men happy.

“He asked Bishop Paulinus to speak to me. I agreed to listen to his words, but I didn’t take it any further than that,” I respond defensively.

He’s still smirking.

“Is this the great Bishop Paulinus that all new Christians speak about?” His tone is anything but respectful. The use of the word ‘great’ slides from him easily, but it’s not what he means when he says it.

“Yes, it is,” I retort. I wish I could tell him everything about my trip, say to him that King Edwin is as smug as Penda believes, that he does think more of himself than he should, and that his elder sons all hate him and want him dead. But I can’t. My brother is my enemy, not my friend. At least not yet.

“Tell me of him?” Penda demands, but I shake my head.

“No, you tell me of your travels. Rumour has it you’ve been far and wide.”

He chuckles again. He expects me to keep track of him. It’s arrogant of him, and yet I do, so he’s correct.

“I’ve been surveying the land, yes. But not for any great purpose.”

Now it’s my turn to splutter with amusement as I help myself to the second tastiest piece of beef from before us both.

“You need to work on that,” I say, and he growls as he eats. It’s hard to keep secrets from brothers.

I take a mouthful. He does the same. I’m trying to decide what to say next, but he’s first to speak, as always.

“King Cadwallon says that King Edwin isn’t to be trusted. Ever.”

“King Edwin says King Cadwallon’s not to be trusted,” I respond.

“I told King Cadwallon not to trust you,” Penda replies. I arch an eyebrow at him, unsure how to interpret his tone.

“I told King Edwin the same about you.”

“So no one is to trust anyone else, even brothers.” Again, Penda beats me to the heart of the matter.

“No, not even brothers,” I agree, a little sadly. That’s what it comes down to with us. He is my brother. I’d happily split the known world with him if I could, but it’s not just him and I. And we don’t yet govern the world. If I want to get to that point, then I will have to make some difficult decisions first, and they’ll be to the detriment of my brother.

“So we’re not going to call on our family alliance?” he asks. He’s far too accepting of this.

“You don’t seem surprised?” I demand. Did he come to tell me this, or have I forced his hand? Was he thinking along the same lines as me?

“We both want the same thing. We can’t both have it. At some point, we have to acknowledge that and deal with the consequences.”

“And that’s all right with you?” I query. I know we’re no longer close, but I had expected something more from him.

He’s still eating and drinking the food from my table as I watch him suspiciously.

“None of this is acceptable to me, but until you acknowledge that I’m the superior warrior and war leader and that I should be king here, there’s little you or I can do.”

I’m spitting at his audacity. He simply winks and reaches for more of my best beef. I put my hand out to clamp down on his questing fingers. He glares at me with his deep blue eyes. Gods, I’d forgotten how strong he is. Even with all my strength, he’s still able to move forward and claim my beef. I can’t stop him. I hope it’s not a portent of things to come. I don’t want him always to be the tougher one.

I wonder how much of what he says he means. Does he genuinely think that he’s the better man than me? Does he just toy with my nervousness?

“When I leave here tomorrow, we’ll officially be working apart, not enemies, but not allies. We’ll be family, nothing more. We’ll not be honour bound to do anything other than enforce our familial bonds. If King Edwin,” and Penda grins at this showing me his strong, white teeth. “Kills you, then I’ll be able to kill him in retaliation or take your blood price.”

I breathe deeply before I respond. How does he know to get under my skin so quickly?

“Likewise, if King Cadwallon kills you, I’ll be able to do the same.”

Penda chuckles. “You can try. King Cadwallon won’t take too kindly to your accusations.”

“I’m not going to argue about that. The point remains. We won’t be working towards a common goal, but we can still avenge each other, should the need arise.”

My smug brother is still grinning at me. Not for a moment does he think he’ll be dying anytime soon. Clearly, Penda believes I might be.

“What do you want, Penda?” I ask him. I’m curious to uncover what drives him. I’ve always thought that I knew, but now I’m not sure.

“I want everything,” he says, still chuckling. “From one side of the island to the other. I want it to be mine, but for now, I’ll be happy to be King Cadwallon’s ally and see where that takes me. Now, brother, what is it that you want?”

I wish I could downplay my heart’s desire as well as he does.

“I want Mercia,” I say roughly. There, I’ve said it. His eyes dangerously flash as they scan the hall before him. He grew up here. This was his home. Beneath the blackened rafters, we played as children and dreamed of our future together. He’s distanced himself from the place because I’m the older brother. I’m its king and war leader.

“And I want you to have it,” Penda says flatly, his humour fled. I think he does mean it.

I wish I understood my brother better.

 

Universal Link:  Barnes and Noble:  Waterstones:  Kobo: iBooks: iTunes: Audio: Bookshop.org:  

 

MJ Porter is the author of many historical novels set predominantly in Seventh to 

Eleventh-Century England, as well as three twentieth-century mysteries. Being raised in the shadow of a building that was believed to house the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia, meant that the author's writing destiny was set.

Website: Twitter:  Facebook: LinkedIn: Instagram: Pinterest: BookBub: Amazon Author Page: Goodreads:   Linktr.ee: Tiktok:

Narrator, Matt Coles:

Instagram:Tiktok: Website:  

Helen Hollick celebrates her 30 year publication anniversary of The Kingmakng AND a very special birthday!!

Special 30th Publication Anniversary and 70th Birthday Celebration!

Book Title: The Kingmaking

Series: The Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy (Book #1)

Author:  Helen Hollick

Publication Date: March 2023 (new editions, excl. US/CA)

Publisher: Taw River Press

Page Length: 570 

Genre: Historical Fiction / Arthurian Fiction

Twitter Handle: @HelenHollick @cathiedunn

Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #KingArthur #30YearAnniversary #70thBirthday #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page:  

The Kingmaking

Helen Hollick

New Editions for 2023

 (sadly, this edition is not available in USA/Canada)

The Kingmaking: Book One

Pendragon’s Banner: Book Two

Shadow of the King: Book Three

The Boy Who became a Man:

Who became a King: 

Who became a Legend... KING ARTHUR

There is no Merlin, no sword in the stone, and no Lancelot.

Instead, the man who became our most enduring hero.

All knew the oath of allegiance: 

‘To you, lord, I give my sword and shield, my heart and soul. To you, my Lord Pendragon, I give my life, to command as you will.’

This is the tale of Arthur made flesh and bone. Of the shaping of the man who became the legendary king; a man with dreams, ambitions and human flaws.

A man, a warlord, who united the collapsing province of post-Roman Britain,

who held the heart of the love of his life, Gwenhwyfar

- and who emerged as the most enduring hero of all time.

A different telling of the later Medieval tales. 

This is the story of King Arthur as it might have really happened...

"If only all historical fiction could be this good." Historical Novels Review

"... Juggles a large cast of characters and a bloody, tangled plot with great skill. " Publishers Weekly

"Hollick's writing is one of the best I've come across - her descriptions are so vivid it seems as if there's a movie screen in front of you, playing out the scenes."  Passages To The Past

"Hollick adds her own unique twists and turns to the familiar mythology" Booklist

"Uniquely compelling... bound to have a lasting and resounding impact on Arthurian literature." Books Magazine

(contains scenes of an adult nature)

The Kingmaking is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Universal Link: Amazon UK: new edition  Amazon AU: Amazon US:  Amazon CA:  Barnes and Noble: US edition 

Helen Hollick is celebrating her 70th birthday and thirty years as a published author. Her Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy, a fifth-century version of the Arthurian legend, was accepted for traditional publication in April 1993 by William Heinemann (Random House UK) a week after her 40th birthday.  The Trilogy has been widely acclaimed since then – and gone through several different editions. 

Helen moved from Random House UK in 2006 and went ‘Indie’, now in 2023 to celebrate she has brought out her own fabulous new editions! (The Trilogy is published mainstream by Sourcebooks Inc in USA/Canada. The publisher was offered the new cover designs for free, but declined.)

Helen became a USA Today Bestseller with her historical novel, The Forever Queen (titled A Hollow Crown in the UK) with the sequel, Harold the King (US: I Am The Chosen King) being novels that explore the events that led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. 

She writes a nautical adventure/fantasy Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Sea Witch Voyages and has also branched out into the quick read novella, 'Cosy Mystery' genre with her Jan Christopher Murder Mysteries, set in the 1970s, with the first in the series, A Mirror Murder incorporating her, often hilarious, memories of working as a library assistant.

Her non-fiction books are Pirates: Truth and Tales and Life of A Smuggler. She lives with her family in an eighteenth-century farmhouse in North Devon with a variety of pets and horses. 

Website:  Twitter: Facebook: Newsletter subscription:  Blog: Amazon Author Page:  Goodreads: 

Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tours present: The Last Great Saxon Earls series by Mercedes Rochelle

 

Book Title: Godwine Kingmaker

Series: The Last Great Saxon Earls

Author: Mercedes Rochelle

Publication Date: April 4, 2015

Publisher: Sergeant Press

Page Length: 351 

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Tour Schedule Page: 

 THE LAST GREAT SAXON EARLS 

 GODWINE KINGMAKER

 THE SONS OF GODWINE

 FATAL RIVALRY

by 

Mercedes Rochelle

Blurb:

They showed so much promise. What happened to the Godwines? How did they lose their grip? Who was this Godwine anyway, first Earl of Wessex and known as the Kingmaker? Was he an unscrupulous schemer, using King and Witan to gain power? Or was he the greatest of all Saxon Earls, protector of the English against the hated Normans? The answer depends on who you ask. 

He was befriended by the Danes, raised up by Canute the Great, given an Earldom and a wife from the highest Danish ranks. He sired nine children, among them four Earls, a Queen and a future King. Along with his power came a struggle to keep his enemies at bay, and Godwine's best efforts were brought down by the misdeeds of his eldest son Swegn. 

Although he became father-in-law to a reluctant Edward the Confessor, his fortunes dwindled as the Normans gained prominence at court. Driven into exile, Godwine regathered his forces and came back even stronger, only to discover that his second son Harold was destined to surpass him in renown and glory.

This series is available on Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link: Amazon UK:  Amazon US:  Amazon CA:   Amazon AU:  Audio:  

Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. She believes that good Historical Fiction, or Faction as it’s coming to be known, is an excellent way to introduce the subject to curious readers. She also writes a blog: HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story. 

Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the Univ. of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to “see the world”. The search hasn’t ended! 

Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.

Website: Twitter:   Facebook:  Book Bub:   Amazon Author Page:   Goodreads:   

EXCERPT: Duel between Canute and Edmund Ironside

 

The isle of Olney was little more than a long sandbank with willow trees growing unsteadily on its shore. The two Kings and their followers disembarked on opposite sides at the same time. They made their way to the center, where an enclosure was quickly roped off.

 

Godwine was even more impressed by Edmund's great size from close up, and he understood Canute's reluctance to meet him in single combat. The man was intent—nay, grim—and there was no evidence of any softness or weakness about him. Edmund's mouth was set and his black eyes were steady as he scrutinized his antagonist, looking for shortcomings. He motioned with his head for the man beside him to step forward.

 

Tearing his eyes from Edmund, Godwine assumed he was facing Eadric who walked to the center, acknowledging both opponents with a glance and a nod, as though he ruled the assembly. Godwine was surprised at the man's ugliness; his bulging blue eyes so pale they seemed empty. For just a second Eadric's eyes met with Godwine's, and the Saxon couldn't suppress a shudder; how could such a loathsome creature inspire such confidence?

 

And then Eadric spoke, clearing up the little mystery. His voice was so melodic that it was a delight just to listen to him. Godwine had heard that Eadric was of common ancestry and had risen in Aethelred's favor by way of his own abilities. It was no wonder, he thought to himself. One could get lost in that man's voice.

 

"We are gathered here," Eadric was saying, "to decide the fate of the kingdom by single combat. Canute claims the crown by right of his father, Swegn Forkbeard." He bowed to the Dane.

 

"And Edmund Ironside claims the kingship by right of his inheritance from King Aethelred." He bowed to the Saxon. "Both men have good and valid claims; and yet, it stands to reason that the misery wrought on our good country should come to an end. Let God in heaven make the decision for us, and grace the rightful King with a victory this day."

 

Pleased with this little speech, Eadric moved back, waving for the assembled to give the combatants more room.

 

Canute and Edmund moved into the center of the clearing, their eyes locked. The Saxon was armored in chain mail like Canute, his choice of weapon broadsword and shield against the Dane's axe and shield.

 

No one in the crowd made a sound.

 

The two Kings circled, each looking for an opening, then suddenly they both dashed together, shattering the silence with a deafening crash of steel against wood. Both men had aimed a blow for the head; both easily stopped the blade with their shield.

 

Canute was transformed by the first encounter. He lost all of his uncertainty when the fighting began. Crouching so that Edmund had a smaller target, Canute began concentrating on the Saxon's timing, and forgot about his overwhelming size.

 

Edmund followed quickly with a series of well-aimed blows—first high, then low—and pushed forward, trying to overcome his enemy with brute force.

 

Quickly recognizing Edmund's reliance on his strength, Canute began to weave and duck, cutting in and out of his opponent's range. He struck quickly, more to weaken Edmund and draw blood than to maim him; Canute realized that one solid blow from the Saxon could easily finish him.

 

The chain links began to burst and fly off Edmund's armor, displaying Canute's skill. Edmund was forced back momentarily and stopped, gasping for breath. The Dane straightened up, seeing his difficulty, and said in a loud voice, "Edmund, you are too short-winded."

 

Stung, the Saxon jumped forward, responding with a stunning wrap-around blow to Canute's head; the Dane fell to the ground.

 

"Not too short-winded if I can bring so great a King to his knees.”

 

Smiling grimly, Edmund stood back for a moment, allowing his opponent to recover; then he moved in again, chopping so heavily at the Dane's shield that huge splinters flew in every direction.

 

Canute stepped back, then again, and realized that he was not going to hold up much longer. His shield arm was growing numb; frenziedly defending himself, he couldn't return any of the blows.

 

Then, with a gasp, the Dane was forced again to one knee. "Bravest of youths," he cried out, "why should either of us risk his life for the sake of a crown?"

 

Edmund stopped his hammering and stood back, waiting for Canute to continue.

 

"Let us be brothers by adoption," Canute went on, staying on one knee, "and divide the kingdom, governing so that I may rule your affairs, and you mine."

 

The Saxon looked at Canute with lowering brows; he seemed unconvinced.

 

"Even the government of Denmark I submit to your disposal."

 

These last words came out more reluctantly; they cost Canute dear. Edmund knew that. He dropped his shield, passed the sword to his left hand, and gave Canute his right, helping him up.

 

"I hope he knows what he is doing," Ulf growled to Godwine. "This is more than the rest of us bargained for."

 

Godwine glanced at Ulf, worried at his tone.

 

King Edmund ceremoniously held Canute at arm's length, then gave him the kiss of peace; as though they were brothers, the Dane returned his gesture, amid the cheers of the Saxons. Canute's followers were less vociferous in their enthusiasm, but out of regard for their chief, they raised no objection.

 

Edmund seemed to have come prepared; releasing Canute, he motioned for his scribes to advance, and record all that was to be decided. It seemed that the division was going to take place in that very spot.

 

"He must want witnesses," Godwine said, nodding, "so that there will be no questions later. It seems that Edmund wants to be rid of our presence at the soonest."

 

Canute did not react to this hasty gesture, nor did he give any indication that he suffered humiliation from his defeat. His first demands were for the Danish fleet to be paid a certain amount of money, as a matter of course. Edmund agreed without demurring, so habitual was this method of dealing with the Danes. Then, the actual division was decided upon. Edmund was to have all the land south of the Thames: the earldom of Wessex. In addition to this, East Anglia, Essex, and London. Canute was agreeable. "Done. Those last belong to you anyway, even with my troops all over them. Wessex has always been yours."

 

Canute was to have all of Mercia and Northumbria: a sizable portion of England, if somewhat less populous. It was agreed that each would succeed to the territories of the other in case of death; Edmund's two children were very young, and therefore given little consideration for the moment.

 

Both Kings appeared content, though Godwine wondered how deep that satisfaction went. But when all was finished and Canute came nearer, an angry glint in his eye gave the Saxon his answer.

 

However, Ulf didn't seem to notice. "Why did you do that?" the Jarl said angrily. "You should not have included Denmark in the bargain."

 

Canute turned on him furiously. "What business is it of yours, what I do with my kingdom?"

 

Ulf stepped back, but he was too committed to stop now. Nor did he want to. "It is very much my business. Do not forget the rest of your Jarls. Without our support, where would you be?"

 

Canute's face tuned red, but he restrained his temper. He said icily, "I would watch what I say, if I were you."

 

His manner made Godwine more nervous than if he were to explode in anger. But still Ulf did not heed his wrath. "You had just better watch yourself, Canute. We will have no foreign king telling us what to do."

 

"You will do as I say!" Canute turned to the field, observing the last of the Saxons. When he looked at Ulf again, his eyes were shuttered, his voice even. "Do not worry, Ulf. What you fear will never happen." Then he spun on his heels and strode off, motioning for his Danes to follow.

The Coffee Pot Blog tour for The Scots of Dalriada by Rowena Kinread

Book Title: The Scots of Dalriada

Author: Rowena Kinreead

Publication Date: January 26th, 2023

Publisher: Vanguard Press

Pages: 287

Genre: Historical Fiction

Tour Schedule Page: 

The Scots of Dalriada

By Rowena Kinread

THREE BROTHERS

Fergus, Loarn and Angus, Princes of the Dalriada, are forced into exile by their scheming half-brother and the druidess Birga One-tooth.

THREE FATES

Fergus conceals himself as a stable lad on Aran and falls helplessly in love with a Scottish princess, already promised to someone else. Loarn crosses swords against the Picts. Angus designs longboats.

TOGETHER A MIGHTY POWER

Always on the run the brothers must attempt to outride their adversaries by gaining power themselves. Together they achieve more than they could possibly dream of.

Fergus Mór (The Great) is widely recognised as the first King of Scotland, giving Scotland its name and its language. Rulers of Scotland and England from Kenneth mac Alpín until the present time claim descent from Fergus Mór.

Full of unexpected twists and turns, this is a tale of heart-breaking love amidst treachery, deceit and murder.

Read an Excerpt:

 

When they return from Brodick, Beth accompanies them. The two women, best of friends, have been through much together. Rhianna talks of the loss of Eòghann. Beth is certain that there has been foul play, but she cannot imagine how or what. She doesn’t speak out; she doesn’t want to agitate Rhianna.

 When Rhianna realises she is with child again, she frets and cannot sleep. 

“I’m worried Beth, I’m terrified the baby might have some inexplicable disease and die again.”

“The monk said you needn’t be worried; you have two healthy children.”

“I can’t help myself, I brood on it, day and night.”

“Well how about some distraction? Today is market day, shall we walk down to town?”

“That is a good idea.”

The two women wander along the rows of market stalls, selling everything from foodstuffs and live animals to ribbons and knives. In one corner of the market, they see an old lady with just one small table and a few cheeses. She has a crooked back and is dressed in rags. Rhianna nudges Beth. 

“The poor dear, we should buy a cheese from her.” 

They approach her table. She has prepared a plate with small pieces of cheese for people to taste before buying. She holds the plate out towards Rhianna and Beth, her hand shakes with the effort.

 Will you try a piece of wild garlic cheese, my Ladies?” she asks.

Rhianna notices she has only one tooth left in her mouth.

They both take a small piece and chew it carefully. “Why it is absolutely delicious,” Rhianna compliments the woman. “We must buy one, Beth.”

Beth agrees and starts to pick a cheese up from the table. 

“No,” the woman says, reaching down below the table and retrieving a cheese from a box. “It has been in the sun, take this one!”

Beth puts the cheese in her basket and the women continue on their way. Birga-One-tooth keeps a sharp eye on them. Once they are out of view, she packs her things up quickly, and goes to the harbour where a boat is waiting for her. 

“I told you Rhianna would come to the market sooner or later,” she tells Cartan. 

They had come to the market for five weeks running and today finally been rewarded with Rhianna’s presence. 

“I hope that the whole family eats from it,” Cartan replies. “Soldiers hiss the sails! We must depart quickly.”

Back at the castle, Rhianna and Beth put their basket of shopping on the table. Rhianna cuts some bread, whilst Beth pours them two mugs of ale. 

They sit down and have just begun to eat, as Lisanda runs in screaming, “Mother, Mother come quickly, the boys are fighting again!”

 Rhianna sighs, stands up and follows her. Tudwal is pulling Domangart’s hair and Domangart is kicking Tudwal. 

“Stop it, the two of you, stop it at once!” she tells them off. Suddenly an agonising pain rips through her body. She grips her stomach and falls to the floor. 

“Mother!” The children stop fighting and run out of the room to find help, a monk, a healer, an adult, anyone. Racing through the kitchen they see Beth lying on the floor in a pool of vomit. They hold their breath a second, then run outside screaming.

Rhianna drifts in and out of consciousness. Sometimes she thinks she hears someone speaking to her. She tries to open her eyes, but her vision rotates and her head thumps. 

Fergus holds her hand. 

Will she recover?” he asks the monk tending to her. Rhianna has lost her baby and has a high fever. She has been hallucinating for two days now.

“If we can reduce her fever, yes. I have tried to give her elderberry juice, just a drop at a time, but she cannot hold it down.”

“What can I do?”

“Nothing. Luckily, she didn’t eat as much of the cheese as Beth.”

“And it was poisoned with lily of the valley?”

 “It might have been an accident; the leaves are very similar to those of wild garlic.”

 “My men questioned every stallholder. Nobody knows who the woman is, she had only just started selling her cheeses at the market. But the strange thing is that she hasn’t been seen since.”

“It is lucky no one else has been harmed.”

“That is what makes me suspicious.” 

Rhianna’s eyes flutter open. “Fergus?” she asks.

“Yes, I’m here, I’m with you,” he says.

“I’m thirsty,” she says.

The monk gives her a sip of water. She keeps it down.

 

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Rowena Kinread grew up in Ripon, Yorkshire with her large family and a horde of pets. Keen on travelling, her first job was with Lufthansa in Germany.

She began writing in the nineties. Her special area of interest is history. After researching her ancestry and finding family roots in Ireland with the Dalriada clan, particularly this era. 

Her debut fiction novel titled “The Missionary” is a historical novel about the dramatic life of St. Patrick. It was published by Pegasus Publishers on Apr.29th, 2021 and has been highly appraised by The Scotsman, The Yorkshire Post and the Irish Times.

Her second novel “The Scots of Dalriada” centres around Fergus Mór, the founder father of Scotland and takes place in 5th century Ireland and Scotland. It is due to be published by Pegasus Publishers on Jan.26th, 2023.

The author lives with her husband in Bodman-Ludwigshafen, Lake Constance, Germany. They have three children and six grandchildren.

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