The Seer

A Bronan the Druid Story, #1

In the spirit of Arthurian legend, it's been thirteen long years since an internal threat instigated a desperate, magical plan with King Manfred's most trusted friend, his Druid advisor, Bronan, when their kindly sovereign's apparent death left the people of Edenshire vulnerable and an orphaned Princess Brigit as the Druid's ward. Childhood schooling for her now done, Bronan keeps deliberate distance as Brigit chafes at lessons in ladyship and longs to pick up the sword put into her hand in secret by her uncle in heart, Sir William, Captain of the king's guard. Brigit is coming of age and while uselessly lovestruck by their celebrated seer, must keep focus on defending herself.

Against Manfred's younger brother, her real uncle, King Barry.

Brigit may never sit on the throne despite Bronan and the knights of the old honour guard protecting her. They would all die for her. And will if Barry has his way. A despot reputed for his appetites with his secret gaol the venue for his unholy feasts, over a decade of Barry's slaughter makes enemies of Manfred's allies and the people perish for blood sport. The Goddess looks to Bronan, protector of the Land she is, for justice.

Faltering in the face of evil while his heart betrays him over the woman, no longer the child, he vowed to protect, Bronan can't see past the flames in the divining water of his gazing bowl predicting he'll undo the same kingdom he's sworn to protect. The weight of an old secret that broke his honour tells him why, but time is passing and Barry wants the seer dead. The Land cries for vengeance. 4th century Christendom sweeps earthy gods into myth around them while the poet-warriors of lore, the power of the Elementals and the Goddess all wait on Bronan to shake off the unconscious bounds he placed upon himself.

As Barry descends into bloody madness, can Bronan regain his honour in time to keep his promise to Manfred and save them?