The King of the Northern Fells

Book excerpt: About the Book The King of the Northern Fells chronicles the rise of Crown Prince Harald Gunnarson as King in the Northern War of Succession following the death of his father, King Gunnar Alfreddson. The succession is rocky as Harald’s youngest brother, Ragnar, has assassinated his two older brothers and plotted against his father and oldest brother, Prince Harald. Harald has spent many years in the unstable northern territories; the kingdoms, principalities and fortified cities that comprise the new colonies of the kingdom in its far north. As Harald assumes the throne, there are not only challenges within the kingdom, but threats from their longtime and historical enemies, the Southern Kingdom led by King Joachim in his capital city of Avil Baden. The novel interweaves stories of family and love, with war and kingship, duty and honor, tolerance and acceptance. The warrior Lesti, an all-female paramilitary militia, the Wiccan Witches of the Northern Fells, Pagans and intelligent Beasts are introduced, as are the intrigues, plots and conspiracies of the many men and women who seek power and wealth. The Lesti, and their Beasts, long the subject of arbitrary slavery and death in all kingdoms and realms, are rising to power, and to take their place among the free peoples. This is a new world, an ancient world of people, heroes and monsters all juggling for power and freedom. Enter a feudal world, a chaotic and sometimes cruel world. Enter a world of strong and valiant women warriors who lead armies and struggle against the unspeakable horrors of slavery, servitude, and conspiracies of the many men and women who seek power and wealth. The Lesti, and their Beasts, long the subject of arbitrary slavery and death in all kingdoms and realms, are rising to power, and to take their place among the free peoples. This is a new world, an ancient world of people, heroes and monsters all juggling for power and freedom. Enter the world of the King of the Northern Fells.