by Jann Rowland
“Well, Wisteria?” Terrace prompted. “I am waiting for your answer.”
“I do not make light of my father’s death,” Wisteria responded. “I mourn his passing as much as anyone, but as I am the eldest and the leadership of our people must be maintained, I have put my personal feelings aside for the good of the people and so that I might act in obedience to Terrain.”
Terrace glared at her niece. Wisteria had rarely been obedient to anyone, and Terrace had always thought her devotion to the earth god to be little more than superficial.
“Where is River?” Terrace asked, deciding a different tack was required. “Where are Sequoia and Tierra?”
Watching for Wisteria’s reaction as she was, Terrace was not surprised when an expression of almost insane revulsion crossed the young woman’s face. Wisteria had always hated Tierra with an antipathy so deep that Terrace suspected Wisteria would not shed a tear if Tierra fell over dead.
“My mother disappeared in the chaos,” Wisteria replied, though her short tone indicated her patience was being exhausted. “As for River and Tierra, they are safe at present. That is all you need to know.”
“River is my daughter, and I demand—”
“You are in a position to demand nothing!”
Aunt and niece glared at each other, neither giving an inch. Wisteria stared with cold eyes, her gaze almost seeming to bore through Terrace as though she were not even there. Belatedly, Terrace realized that this woman now held absolute power over the castle and its surrounding environs. These strange Iron Swords guaranteed that.
Wisteria would not be loved by her people. She did not have the ability to inspire such loyalty. Rather, she would rule by fear and her implacable will. Judging by the atmosphere in the throne room, she had already made a start down that path.
It was time to take greater care. Terrace could not do anything from the inside of a cell, and Wisteria would have no compunction about incarcerating her own aunt if her displeasure grew too great.
“I am merely concerned over my daughter,” Terrace said. Her attempt at a conciliatory tone was likely an abject failure, but Terrace thought Wisteria would care more about outward respect than inner feelings.
“I know you are concerned,” Wisteria replied, her grating attempt at a soothing tone nearly causing Terrace to grimace, “but at present, you must trust me. River will be returned to you, and I promise you she has not been harmed.”
Terrace did not miss how Wisteria did not even attempt to mollify her concerning the fate of Tierra. “And when will that be?”
Again, Wisteria’s composure cracked, though she controlled her tone. “That is yet to be determined. I will keep you informed of her status. At present, I believe it would be best to return to your home.”
Though it galled Terrace to be forced to retreat in such a manner, there was nothing more to be done. “Very well. But I must insist you inform me the moment there is any news.”
Terrace inclined her head in farewell and turned to leave, but she was arrested by the sound of Wisteria’s voice.
“Aunt, I am afraid I must ask you to remember that my father is dead . . . and I am now the queen. My father’s reign was marred by laxness, not only in the manner in which his subjects were allowed to behave, but also in . . . other matters that he championed before his death. I have restored the order of our kingdom now. I require all my subjects to behave properly, as our god would require it. I will not hesitate to enforce my dictates. Am I understood?”
Once again, Wisteria and Terrace stared at each other, Terrace searching for any hint of weakness. If there was any, it was well-hidden, for Wisteria’s expression was unreadable. It appeared Tillman was correct after all. He had often mentioned his concerns over the fitness of his daughter to rule when he passed away, and Terrace could see nothing before her but the realization of those fears. Wisteria was not to be trifled with, and if she were not stopped, then she had the potential to become the worst despot in the history of their people.
“Perfectly,” Terrace replied.
“Excellent! Then we shall see each other anon. Changes are coming, Aunt, and we must do our part to bring about our god’s designs.”
Terrace nodded and turned to leave the room, her retinue trailing behind her. She did not understand what Wisteria meant concerning Terrain, but she feared it nonetheless. It was at times like this that she wished Heath was still with her. He had always known what to do, and he had possessed an instinctual ability to read others and determine their motivations with a single glance. Terrace missed him; she had loved and cherished him, and theirs had been a marriage of the hearts.
But there was no point in dwelling on her loss. Terrace had to take action. First, Terrace needed to try to find Sequoia. She was the key. If Terrace could find Sequoia, then Tierra and River could be located afterward.
But first, Terrace needed to involve Basil. As it was his fiancée who was missing, Basil had a direct interest in the matter, and Terrace would not leave him out of it.
And so Terrace departed the castle. But it would not be for the last time. She was now convinced that Wisteria had played a part in Tillman’s demise. Terrace meant to find out what had happened to her brother. Wisteria would be held responsible, even if she had only failed to act to save him.
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For Readers Who Liked Chaos Comes to Kent
A Life from the Ashes
A sequel to Jann Rowland’s beloved first novel Acting on Faith, A Life from the Ashes chronicles Lydia’s journey toward self-discovery, knowledge, and a future she never knew she wanted.
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Fitzwilliam Darcy finds Miss Elizabeth Bennet visiting her friend, Mrs. Collins, in Kent, only to realize that she detests him. It is not long before he is bewitched by her all over again, and he resolves to change her opinion of him and win her at all costs. Though she only wishes to visit her friend, Elizabeth Bennet is soon made uncomfortable by the presence of Mr. Darcy, who always seems to be near. As their acquaintance deepens, them much learn ore about each other in order to find their happiness.
My Brother’s Keeper
When Fitzwilliam Darcy accompanies Charles Bingley to Netherfield, he is accompanied by George Wickham, a friend of many years. At first, Darcy does not see Elizabeth Bennet for the jewel she is, but his eyes are soon opened to her true worth. As Darcy and Elizabeth grow closer and love begins to blossom between them, the actions of a scoundrel threaten their happiness. All is in the balance when one who they call friend is forced to make a decision which will affect their felicity.
Shadows Over Longbourn
The approaching death of Mr. Bennet threatens to leave his five young daughters at the mercy of the vengeful Mr. Thaddeus Collins. But Mr. Bennet plays one final desperate card before he passes, calling on his distant relatives—the Darcys—to provide his children with a home.
The Angel of Longbourn
When Elizabeth Bennet finds Fitzwilliam Darcy unconscious and suffering from a serious illness, the Bennets quickly return him to their house, where they care for him like he is one of their own. Mr. Darcy soon forms an attachment with the young woman he comes to view as his personal angel. But the course of true love cannot proceed smoothly, for others have an interest in Darcy for their own selfish reasons…
The Mistress of Longbourn
When the Netherfield party arrives in Hertfordshire, the family they find at Longbourn is small, composed only of Elizabeth and her younger sister. A change in the circumstances of the entail has left Elizabeth Bennet as the mistress of Longbourn, beholden to no one. But the challenge before Elizabeth is to recognize a deep and abiding love when it fi
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For more details, visit
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When Robin Hood comes up with a scheme that involves disguising himself as a prince and participating in a series of contests for a queen’s hand, his Merry Men provide him their support. Unfortunately, however, Prince John attends the contests with the Sheriff of Nottingham in tow, and as all of the Merry Men know, Robin Hood’s pride will never let him remain inconspicuous. From sneaking peas onto his neighbors’ plates to tweaking the noses of prideful men like the queen’s chamberlain, Robin Hood is certain to make an impression on everyone attending the contests. But whether he can escape from the kingdom of Clorinda with his prize in hand before his true identity comes to light is another matter entirely.
About the Author
Jann Rowland is a Canadian who enjoys reading and sports, and dabbles a little in music, taking pleasure in singing and playing the piano.
Though Jann did not start writing until his mid-twenties, writing has grown from a hobby to an all-consuming passion. His interest in Jane Austen stems from his university days when he took a class in which Pride and Prejudice was required reading. However, his first love is fantasy fiction, which he hopes to pursue writing in the future.
He now lives in Alberta with his wife of more than twenty years and his three children.
For more information on Jann Rowland, please visit http://onegoodsonnet.com.