Medieval Monday continues the nature theme. In this excerpt from Ashley
York’s The Seventh Son, we see the beauty and the restlessness of the new
seaside home of Tisa, a reluctant bride. Enjoy the read.
Excerpt from The Seventh Son
The day Tisa arrived at her new home
it was dark and stormy. They’d been keeping ahead of the impending rain the
whole day. From the rise overlooking the sea, dark, angry clouds hugged the
coastline, making it impossible to see the ocean. The sound of crashing waves
pounding along the rocky shore made her stop. Her mount shifted beneath her as
if wary as well. Darragh come up alongside and pointed out the little cluster
of roundhouses nestled into the valley below.
“That is yer new home,” he said.
Several small buildings surrounded a
larger longhouse in the center. It appeared quite peaceful despite the many
barren trees no longer protecting it from the sea breezes.
“It looks peaceful.”
He snorted beside
her. “Dunna be fooled. There is nothing about my father, including his clan,
that is peaceful but ye’ve witnessed that yerself.”
His father had been relentless in
keeping track of their whereabouts. He’d continued to impose on them, making
lewd suggestions when they separated from the group at night. Tisa would almost
believe she had become dulled by his comments. Almost.
“Darragh!” Aodh barked at his son.
“See to the ships.”
Her husband sighed. “Father, I will
see my bride settled before leaving her alone.”
Aodh laughed. A cruel laugh. The
belittling laugh he often used with his son. “Afraid to leave her unprotected?”
Darragh turned to face the man that
had come up behind him. “Aye, I will have her well protected before I venture
off to see to yer ships.”
Aodh smiled at her. “But I’ve been so
patient.”
“Then be patient about yer ships!”
Darragh took the reins of Tisa’s
horse and led them both down the graceful hillside ahead of the others.
Tisa dared not breathe at this
blatant show of disobedience. Once out of earshot, she whispered to her
husband.
“Darragh, he is still not following.”
“I’ve shocked him into immobility.”
Back Cover Copy:
Drogheda,
Ireland 1075
The sixth son bears a curse as
certain as the seventh son bears a blessing. When Tadhg MacNaughton’s betrothed
is ripped from his arms and married to another, he believes the legend is true.
Tisa O'Brien's life slams into a
downward spiral at the news she is no longer betrothed to the love of her life
but to the tanist of a warring, prideful clan with dangerous political
aspirations, the Meic Lochlainn. She faces her destiny with all the strength and
dignity of her Irish heritage despite dealing with a husband who resents her
and meets his needs in the arms of others, fighting off the lustful advances of
her father-in-law, Aodh, and longing for the husband of her heart.
Tadhg MacNaughton makes a deal with
the devil to ensure the survival of his clan as he is commanded to fight for Aodh
who envisions himself the new High King of Eire. Up close and personal, Tadhg must
witness his true love's marriage and remain silent even as it rips him apart. When
a sinister plot to overthrow King William of England led by the exiled Leofrid
Godwin and Clan Meic Lochlainn comes to light, Tadhg is faced with saving his
clan or endangering his sister and her Norman husband.
An Irish beauty and a warrior
betrayed, doomed in love from the start or does fate have something else in
store for them?
Love the excerpt. Can't wait to read it.
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