I'm delighted to find The Beltane Choice is climbing up the amazon uk charts! To celebrate, here's another tantalising excerpt.
Nara wants to be sure she knows exactly what Lorcan is talking about...
“That you listen is all I ask.” Riveting looks relayed
his strength of purpose. “Now is a time when all Celtic tribes must work
together. The Brigantes confederation is large in numbers, and we are spread
over a huge area, but it is vital we join forces with other tribes to repel the
Roman threat. That means we must make peace with our neighbours.”
“You seek the impossible, Lorcan.” Her answer was
derisive, but she needed him to appreciate she was not fooled into believing
him. “How do you expect to achieve peace? We have been enemies for time
immemorial, yet you expect accord at your command.”
“It must not be impossible, Nara. We must join forces. It is the only
solution for our whole way of life to be safeguarded. We must be in accord,
standing together, when we confront the Romans.”
Lorcan’s voice rose dangerously, passion flaring with
every utterance. Firm fortitude set his features in a grim mask, yet Nara found she was not
cowed by it; rather she was impressed by his stubborn persistence. The man was
indeed a worthy enemy. Lorcan slowed their horses to a walk when they skirted
the edge of a forest.
“We have no time to waste, Nara. They march on us even now.”
“Though you ignored me, I listened well to your talk
with Gyptus. Your warriors brace themselves for conflict with the Romans, but I
heard no mention of your plans for allying yourself with tribes such as the Selgovae.”
She shook her head remembering her failed attempt to pass on the information to
her father. “There was no talk of making peace with my tribe, but now you tell
me these ambitious plans of yours.” Her voice rose,
agitation mounting. “I am your enemy, yet I seem to be told more of your plans
than your faithful warriors. Why me, and why now?”
Lorcan looked as exasperated as she felt. “What you
say is not true. I discussed this with Gyptus, and the other warriors, when you
were with Lleia. Nara,
do you not see we are the answer?”
“The answer to what? Now you have lost me, Lorcan.
Explain!”
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Another great snippet. Best wishes on this story.
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