Misfortune
of Song
(The
Druid’s Brooch Series #5)
By
Christy Nicholas
Even a
soldier cannot fight love
In
12th century Ireland, all Maelan wants is to do his duty to his Chief and
maintain his family’s good name. However, his granddaughter Orlagh, is hell
bent on wreaking havoc, with no care for the consequences
When
Orlagh falls in love with an itinerant bard, Maelan must rule with an iron fist
to keep her from running away. However, her rebellion against his strictures
results in disaster and he almost loses her in the same way he lost his beloved
wife.
-->
Maelan
must make some difficult decisions and bargains with the Fae to save his
granddaughter’s life and future. Can he save her happiness as well?
-->
Book Excerpt
Orlagh held up the blue léine.
Eolande shook her head. “No, too much like the
one last night.”
“But it’s a completely different color!”
The slim girl took the léine
from Orlagh’s grasp. “This one is cut the same way. You want something to show
off your figure. You want him to realize you’re a woman, yes? A belt helps, but
you need something else. Hmm. What about this one?” Eolande held up an older
yellow outfit, one Orlagh had outgrown the winter before.
She held the smaller outfit up to Orlagh,
nodding. “Yes, this is perfect.”
“This one’s too small! I’ll be popping out all
over!”
“Exactly. Now here, before we go out, you should
wear the brat over your shoulders. That will hide the… popping… until he sees
you.”
Orlagh glanced at Eolande as the latter fussed over
her outfit. Her friend stopped and stared back. “What?”
Orlagh gave her friend a grin and a quick hug.
“Nothing. I’m thrilled you’re willing to help.”
“I could do no less, my friend. Now, let’s get
you beautiful for your love, aye? How about some tiny flowers in your hair?
Something regal to match the gold.”
Bedecked like a sacrificial cow, Orlagh felt
ridiculous as they walked out of the royal hillfort. A few admiring glances
from young men gave her confidence, though, and she nodded to each with increasing
boldness. The last one, Caiside, leaned on his spear and gave a low whistle.
“And where are you two lovely girls off to on
this day?”
Orlagh almost answered, but Eolande said, “And
what business is it of yours?”
After staring askance at Eolande, Caiside
shrugged. “Just trying to be friendly. No
need to be testy.” He turned away, looking out toward his patrol area, ignoring
them.
When they descended the path, Orlagh asked,
“Eolande, why be so rude?”
Her friend glanced at her sideways. “Do you
really want your grandfather to know what you’re up to tonight?”
“Oh. I hadn’t thought of that.” Of course, any
soldier would report such an excursion to her grandfather. He positively
wouldn’t approve of her having a liaison with the bard. He would be so angry if
he found out. He would yell and throw things, maybe even get a rare beating.
Available
for Pre-order
Christy Nicholas
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 she knows 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.
Combine this love of beauty with a bit of financial sense and you get an art business. She does local art and craft shows, as well as sending her art to various science fiction conventions throughout the country and abroad.
What a beautiful cover!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with your more! Such a stunning cover!
DeleteFunny story about the cover - the bottom half is a photo I took on my travels to Ireland. We had gotten the cover most of the way through the process when we noted a small black object near the bottom left 'leg' of the dolmen. It was someone's head! They were evidently walking downhill on the other side when I took the photo and none of us noticed!
DeleteThank you! I have a brilliant cover artist :)
ReplyDelete