Irons in the Fire (66 page)
Ulick: A mercenary serving with Beresin Steelhand.
Parnilesse
A Lescari dukedom.
Insignia: a green wreath overlaying black sword and halberd crossed on a blue ground.
Colours: green and black.
Duke Ostrin.
The Kingdom of Solura
An ancient kingdom beyond the Great Forest that borders the west of Ensaimin.
Evord Fal Breven: Retired captain-general of mercenaries now living peacefully at Castle Breven.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet E McKenna has been interested in fantasy stories since childhood, from Winnie the Pooh to
The Iliad
. An abiding fascination with other worlds and their peoples played its part in her subsequently reading Classics at St. Hilda's College, Oxford. After combining bookselling and motherhood for a couple of years, she now fits in her writing around her family and vice versa. She lives with her husband and children in West Oxfordshire, England.
Acknowledgements
This book sees the beginning of a new series, with a new publisher, through the good offices of a new agent. A writing life is always subject to change, so I'm grateful other things remain so constant.
Heading into the twentieth year of our married life, and my tenth as a published author, Steve always provides unfailing moral and practical support together with crucial insights whenever I'm hesitating over the best next step. Mike and Sue, best of friends, sister Rachel and invaluable pal Gill sustain me with timely reassurance and unflagging encouragement. These days, the next generation's lively interest in exactly what I'm doing with all the maps and notes and bits of research also keeps me keen.
Maggie Noach's untimely death robbed me and many others of a champion. Thankfully, working with new agent Sam sees me looking to the future with enthusiasm and optimism. Similarly, it's a tremendous pleasure to be working with the Solaris team, George, Christian and Mark, as their passion and professionalism spur me on. Lisa has done her usual sterling service polishing the blemishes out of my prose, for which I remain sincerely grateful. None of this would be possible without Marc's original vision and initiative so my profound thanks to him.
The community of SF & Fantasy writers and fans, through the Internet, through conventions and much else besides, provides support, inspiration and opportunity to grow as a writer. Listing half the people who deserve a mention would be impossible, so I'll content myself with acknowledging this book's particular debt to Pete Crowther. Writing the novella 'Turns & Chances' brought the Lescari Civil Wars into focus for me; the people, the places, the plots and calamities. Reading that, Chaz Brenchley was the first to see that resolution demanded revolution. Thanks for pointing it out, Chaz. This series is the result.
Read the first novel in
The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin
, the bestselling fantasy series from Rowena Cory Daniells and Solaris Books!
Only seven minutes younger than Rolencia’s heir, Byren has never hungered for the throne. He laughs when a seer predicts that he will kill his twin. But the royal heir resents Byren’s growing popularity. Across the land the untamed magic of the gods wells up out of the earth’s heart. It sends exotic creatures to stalk the wintry nights and it twists men’s minds, granting them terrible visions. Those so touched are sent to the Abbey to control their gift, or die. At King Rolen’s court enemies plot to take his throne, even as secrets within his own household threaten to tear his family apart. Political intrigue and magic combine in this explosive first book in an exciting new fantasy trilogy.
www.solarisbooks.com
Read the second novel in
The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin
, the bestselling fantasy series from Rowena Cory Daniells and Solaris Books!
Thirteen year old Piro watches powerless as her father's enemies march on the castle, while a traitor whispers poison in the King's ear, undermining his trust in her brother, Byren. Determined to prove his loyalty, Byren races to the Abbey; somehow, he must convince the Abbot to send his warriors to defend the castle. And Fyn, the youngest of King Rolen's sons, has barely begun his training as a mystic, but wakes in a cold sweat, haunted by dreams of betrayal...
www.solarisbooks.com
Read the final novel in
The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin
, the bestselling fantasy series from Rowena Cory Daniells and Solaris Books!
Now a slave, Piro finds herself in the royal palace of Merofynia, serving her parents' murderer. She must watch every step, for if her real identity is discovered, she will be executed. Fyn is desperate to help his brother, now the uncrowned king of Rolencia. Byren never sought power, but finds himself at the centre of a growing resistance movement as people flee Palatyne's vicious soldiers. Can he hope to repel the invasion with a following of women, children and old men?
www.solarisbooks.com