Misfortune of
Vision
Book #4 in
The Druid’s Brooch Series
by Christy
Nicholas
Historical
fantasy set in 12th century Ireland
~ Prophecy can be dangerous ~
In 12th century Ireland, Orlagh has been Seer to her king for forty years. He doesn’t want to hear her prophecies of war and destruction, and dismisses her efforts to warn him. Therefore, she is determined to fulfill her own quest: to find a worthy heir for her magical brooch.
In the course of events, she must pass judgment on a thief, escape a Norman war camp, and battle wits with a Fae lord. She receives some prophecy of her own and enlists the help of a grizzled old warrior, who happens to be a long–time friend.
In 12th century Ireland, Orlagh has been Seer to her king for forty years. He doesn’t want to hear her prophecies of war and destruction, and dismisses her efforts to warn him. Therefore, she is determined to fulfill her own quest: to find a worthy heir for her magical brooch.
In the course of events, she must pass judgment on a thief, escape a Norman war camp, and battle wits with a Fae lord. She receives some prophecy of her own and enlists the help of a grizzled old warrior, who happens to be a long–time friend.
Excerpt
As
they entered the bustling market, many vendors and shoppers taking advantage of
the rare bright winter day, Orlagh saw more soldiers than normal. Cu-Uladh went
off on an errand of his own while she bought some items at the tanners. He
returned shortly with a smug grin.
“I’ve
something for you.” He rooted in the leather pouch on his belt and came up with
something that shone in the sun.
Holding
it up, Orlagh saw a gleaming green stone. He handed it to her and she peered
closely at the swirling surface.
“It’s
Connemara green marble, so the man says. I thought you used so many different
things in your poultices and potions, a legendary stone might be of use to
you.”
It
was absolutely silly to feel tears burn behind her eyes. She swallowed them and
nodded at him.
“Thank
you for the gift, Cu-Uladh. It was a kind thought.”
He
grinned, showing a missing canine. “I’m glad you like it. That’s not my only
gift, though.”
She
raised her brows. “Oh?”
“A
gift of knowledge, as it were.”
“Do
tell. Or do I have to beat it out of you?”
He
laughed deep and long. “I’d love to see you try! No, no beating necessary. I
have information related to what you’ve told the Chief.”
Orlagh
looked around in alarm. “Cu-Uladh! This is not the place to be speaking of such
things!”
“It’s
no secret, truly. It’s common knowledge around here now. We’ve been away
several days, but the gossip is everywhere. The Normans are coming north. Most
bets are on them coming here.”
“Here?
Blast it all to the deepest hell. Why did I have to be right?”
“Well,
it’s a good thing you were. My Chief was in no mood to muster his soldiers
without that particular Vision from you. At one point, he spoke of leaving, but
between the rumors and your own words, he had no choice. He’s at least pulled
in favors and has called on a few allies to help. With luck, they’ll be here
before the Norman army.”
“Army?
How many are marching then?”
“No
one is certain, but the rumors say over four hundred men, but who knows.”
A
glimpse of bright colors made her steady her gaze. Several well-dressed men had
entered the market. One in particular she recognized when he stopped dead in
front of her.
An Dunn Sléibhe stood with his arms
crossed over his chest, with the Bishop looming behind him. “So you return,
Orlagh. I’d wondered if you’d gone off forever.”
Links for Purchase
Celtic
Fairies, Fables, and Folklore! Bestselling author (top #100 Amazon Canada, #1
in Paranormal Fantasy, Amazon Canada)
Christy Nicholas, also known as Green Dragon, is an author, artist and accountant. After she failed to become an airline pilot, she quit her ceaseless pursuit of careers that begin with 'A', and decided to concentrate on her writing. Since she has Project Completion Disorder, she is one of the few authors with NO unfinished novels.
Christy has her hands in many crafts, including digital art, beaded jewelry, writing, and photography. In real life, she's a CPA, but having grown up with art all around her (her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists), it sort of infected her, as it were.
She wants to expose the incredible beauty in this world, hidden beneath the everyday grime of familiarity and habit, and share it with others. She uses characters out of time and places infused with magic and myth.
Christy Nicholas, also known as Green Dragon, is an author, artist and accountant. After she failed to become an airline pilot, she quit her ceaseless pursuit of careers that begin with 'A', and decided to concentrate on her writing. Since she has Project Completion Disorder, she is one of the few authors with NO unfinished novels.
Christy has her hands in many crafts, including digital art, beaded jewelry, writing, and photography. In real life, she's a CPA, but having grown up with art all around her (her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists), it sort of infected her, as it were.
She wants to expose the incredible beauty in this world, hidden beneath the everyday grime of familiarity and habit, and share it with others. She uses characters out of time and places infused with magic and myth.
Christy
Nicholas loves to hear from readers. You can find her… Website Blog Facebook Twitter Publisher
Congratulations on your new release!
ReplyDeleteLovely writing. I could enjoy this too. I read medieval Irish History in my first year at University QUB. Belfast University. Love the atmosphere in this piece.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting me! I'm envious of your subject and location, Carol!
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