The Atheling Chronicles , Book #4
Historical Fiction
Date Published: 11-12-2023
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
In 1030 C.E., Cnute, king of England, Denmark, and Norway, sends Harald,
his middle son, to the Kingdom of Dublin to meet with his Norse-Irish
allies. Harald’s mission is to coordinate an invasion of the northern
Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd, to replace King Rhydderch who is growing too
powerful on England’s borders. Harald is reluctant to be involved in
affairs of state, but agrees to go, even though his beloved wife, Selia, is
unwell. Harald tells Selia he will not have to take part in the
fighting.
While she waits for Harald to return, Selia and her friend Gudrun befriend
a young and attractive gleeman (poet-minstrel). When the gleeman is accused
of a crime, Selia seeks witnesses in his defense.
Harald becomes involved in a conflict with Dublin’s neighbor, and to
appease the king of Dublin, he commits to leading their combined forces in
the attack on Wales. The plan is to replace King Rhydderch with Iago, the
weaker King of Anglesey. The more Harald learns of these monarchs, the more
his allegiance leans toward the man he has been sent to kill.
Will Harald unseat a strong and just ruler to carry out his
father/king’s commands, or will he tread a more righteous road, which
will destroy the life he and Selia have built in England?