WOW what an adventure! King Bridei embarks on a campaign to rid Fortriu of the Christian Gael's. This is a major undertaking involving all the chieftains of Fortriu. One of his ploys for success is to get the chieftain of Briar Wood (Alpin) and his huge fighting force to stand against the Gael's. To do this he offers marraige to his ward (hostage), Ana. The journey to Briar Wood is a major focus of the book. Ana and Faolan (King's assassin) set off with a guard in hopes of a treaty which would basically prevent Alpin from entering the war on either side. Alpin is a savage and an abusive ruler. Ana and Faolan (who have become great friends over the months of treacherous travel) enter a dangerous court and must play the game very carefully.
Ana stumbles upon Alpin's brother, Drustan, who has been Alpin's prisoner for seven years, under mysterious circumstances. After getting to know Drustan, Ana cannot help but try to find out the truth about his imprisonment. This puts Alpin on alert and suddenly Ana and Faolan, not to mention Drustan, are fighting for their lives and freedom.
A superbly written sage of love, friendship, betrayal and war. A slow read due to the many characters, plots and minute details. Absolutely wonderful.
Ana stumbles upon Alpin's brother, Drustan, who has been Alpin's prisoner for seven years, under mysterious circumstances. After getting to know Drustan, Ana cannot help but try to find out the truth about his imprisonment. This puts Alpin on alert and suddenly Ana and Faolan, not to mention Drustan, are fighting for their lives and freedom.
A superbly written sage of love, friendship, betrayal and war. A slow read due to the many characters, plots and minute details. Absolutely wonderful.
