Escape and Betrayal

(The second book of Athlandia)

Bryony is once more trapped in Kynbury Castle, a captive of her cousin Unwin, King of Athlandia. When Unwin finally reveals his startling plans for her, Bryony is shocked and knows she must escape.

An unexpected ally comes to her rescue but, even back amidst the security of her friends and family, Bryony discovers she is still not safe from the scheming of the King... And not everybody can be trusted.

'"We believe that the rebel scum and their vagabond leader have a bolt hole near here," Sir Botolf growled loudly at the suddenly silenced assembly. "We will handsomely reward anyone who gives us information leading to the discovery of that cesspit or to the capture of any of this filth. They have recently stolen something that belongs to the King and he wants it back."

Again Botolf rotated on the table; this time he slowly and purposefully drew out his sword and ran his finger along the sharp blade as it glinted starkly in the sporadic torchlight. When he spoke again, his voice was dark and menacing.

"Do not misjudge me. Anyone who has information and doesn't deliver it to me or anyone who is known to harbour this rabble will pay dearly."

A heavy silence met Botolf's cold words, his own dislike returned by the people.

Bryony shrank closer to Will, aware that his muscles were taut, his other hand poised on his hidden sword hilt ready for action, and was grateful for his proximity. Even hidden in the shadows, she suddenly felt very vulnerable. She smiled grimly at the thought she was the King's stolen 'thing'.

Botolf spoke once more before he leapt back down from the table to join his men.

"Make no mistake: dealing with the rebels means death!"' (p.112)

Book 2 in the Athlandia series not only sees Bryony in desperate need of escaping from Kynbury Castle and the King but also sees the beginnings of romance, even if not every relationship is read clearly by those involved. It also sees the introduction of illustrations drawn by me at the start of each chapter ~ a little snippet into my imagining of Athlandia but hopefully without ruining your own.

'Bryony, breathy and pink from her exertion, beamed at him. She threw herself into the dancing with gusto and it was a short while before Bryony glanced up at Will and caught him studying her in a rather intense way. A tingle shot through her body from where his hands held hers. Flustered, she looked away, suddenly concentrating hard on her footwork.' (p.85)

Love and Restitution

(The third book of Athlandia)

Bryony sets off on a journey back to Athlandia and her childhood home. Joined by family and friends, the rebels spark the fight back against the ruthless usurper King Unwin, hoping to restore Will, their leader and rightful king, to the throne.

But, with battle looming, will Bryony find a path to peace... and love?

'Jay reached into the brown, leather pocket bag slung around his waist, took out a small, folded piece of parchment and handed it to Bryony.

"Will asked me to give you this," he said quietly. "I think he hopes it will help put your mind at rest about one or two things."

Trembling slightly, Bryony turned the square of silk-shot paper over in her hand. She ran her fingers over the wax seal that held the corners together, recognising the imprint of an oak leaf as coming from Will's signet ring. Walking a few steps away from the others, her back turned to them, she carefully broke the seal and opened the paper out. Her heart skipped a beat. On it was a sketch she had drawn of Will when she had first met him a few years ago but he had added some words in his own handwriting, 'Wither you go, I will go...' She was surprised and pleased that he had managed to keep the sketch all this time. Recognising several possible connotations to his words, Bryony hastily tucked the drawing away, as her face flushed, her stomach churned and her eyes began to sting from unbidden tears. She didn't want to let loose her emotions; she wanted to hold herself and her resolve steady.' (p.30)

The road to freedom is filled with trials and battles, both physical and emotional, that changes and develops relationships. It will be hard for all their friends to come through unscathed.

'The rain had finally cleared by sunset but the distant, red glow brought sudden anguish to the girls. Black smoke curled in dense, dark plumes, fogging the sky and clouding the glorious colours. Another battle had taken place nearby.

Apprehensive about what they might find, the group hastened forward...' (p.146)

The Keystone

The castle is full of important guests, including Knights of the Round Table, and busy with activities in preparation for a betrothal feast but something is seriously - maybe magically - wrong with Keely's sister Alana. Can Keely find out what is wrong in order to help Alana before it is too late and will she make a new friend of Evan, one of the many guests, in the process?

'Keely and Evan stopped at the stream; they looked at each other. Keely bit her lip, remembering all the rumours she'd ever heard about the forest, and Evan, affected by its brooding aura up close, took a big gulp of air.

"We've followed her this far - we have to carry on now!" exclaimed Keely but in barely more than a whisper.

"Even into the heart of the forest?" queried Evan. "And will we be able to find our way back out again?"

They both glanced into the depths of the mysterious forest, seeing nothing but shades of grey, back to each other again, and then together they plunged into the water with a large splash, diving towards the gap in the trees.'

This is a magical adventure story for younger readers set in the castle and lands of one of King Arthur's loyal knights. We follow the adventures of his daughter Keely as she makes new friends while rescuing her sister.