Joined by their husbands, the sisters were summoned back inside the vestibule, and there, after all these long, long years, stood their half-sister, the Empress Matilda, along with her son, the future king of England. “I am told you are all to be commended,” said the Empress, casting a brief glance toward Marcella le Fae. Her gaze fell first upon Elspeth, and she nodded her gratitude, grasping Elspeth’s hand, and holding it delicately. “You above all, I must give my gratitude. We have endured,” she said. “Against our enemies, and against the odds, we stand tall in the eyes of God.” She patted Elspeth’s hand. “Our father would be proud.”
Elspeth inclined her head, and said, “We remain in your service, Your Eminence.”
Rhiannon said nothing. She reached for the arm of her beloved and drew him back, letting her sisters enjoy Matilda’s attention, because she and Matilda were not related by blood.
The Empress and her son exchanged pleasantries with her sisters and their husbands, laughing easily amidst themselves; the sight of them all together made Rhiannon’s heart swell with pride. “England will never know how close it came to its doom,” said Cael.
Rhiannon grinned up at her husband and said, “This I know.”
“And you, my beauteous wife, you may never get your proper thanks, except from me.” He bent to whisper into her ear. “But I vow I’ll find new ways to express my undying love and gratitude for the rest of my days.”
Fearing his whisper would carry in the vestibule, Rhiannon squeezed his arm to silence him, but he wouldn’t be silenced. He pulled her aside, taking her into his arms. Haplessly, she gazed up at her beautiful, loyal husband, her dark angel, in truth. Though he might never again spread his wings on earth, she knew the truth—as all who were there to witness did as well: Angels did exist, and walked amongst men.
However, so, too, did witches.
“Rhiannon,” said Matilda, her shrewd gaze finding Rhiannon’s at last. And then, she and her son came to address her and Cael. “I am told you, in particular, are to be honored.” As she had with Elspeth, she reached out to seize Rhiannon by the hand, patting it gently. “I only wish you to know that… I know.” She nodded very meaningfully, and said, “Your loyalty will be rewarded, my sister. And please, do remember, if ever you should find yourself in Rouen… my house is your house.”
“Thank you, Empress,” said Rhiannon graciously as Duke Henry insinuated himself into the conversation to kiss Cael upon both cheeks.
“Lord Blackwood,” he said. “’Tis good to see you again. I trust you are enjoying your new commission?” As Marcher Lord.
“I am,” said Cael. “I am grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me, my Prince, and I will endeavor to serve you well.”
“I know you will,” said Duke Henry, patting Cael’s shoulder. “It was well deserved,” he said with a wink, and then he reached over to tap his mother on the elbow, nodding toward his uncle to remind her of the procession still waiting to be greeted outside.
The Empress smiled fondly, and said to all, “Go with God, until we meet again.”
“And you, as well,” said the sisters in unison.
Together, they stood, watching with pride—and relief—as the Empress, along with Duke Henry, made their way out with King Stephen to greet the shouting masses.
High up on a narrow window, two black birds sat watching from a distance… two female crows, one bent-legged, one young with shining blue-black wings. Silent and watchful, they were joined by a third crow… this one a hefty young rook. As the guests turned to leave, it spoke a single discernible word: “Jaaack!”
Rhiannon turned to locate the creature, finding all three crows together, her gaze sought Seren’s. Her sister nodded and winked.
“Jaaack!” said the crow. “Jaaack! Jaaack!”
Author’s Note
Dearest reader,
This series was crafted with love, interwoven with true historical events, with loving nods toward the Arthurian tales. Obviously, as fantastical as my story is, it’s a figment of my imagination. However, I tried to stay true to those real-life characters and events I’ve included, weaving them into my story with the utmost respect.
Cerridwen, Taliesin and their brood are mostly taken from the Mabinogion, and early Welsh Folklore. Naturally, I’ve taken literary license to fashion Cerridwen as the Mother of Avalon, and attributed the legendary isle’s demise to her as well.
Of course, no one knows whether Avalon truly existed and no record has ever been found of the mythical isle. Some sources claim ancient Glastonbury, completely surrounded by marshlands, is, in fact, the mythical isle. In Welsh, this island is called Ynys Afallach, which literally means the Island of Apples—probably because this fruit once grew there in abundance. Appropriate, in a way, if we consider Avalon to be the original Garden of Eden, and this it would be, if Cerridwen were, in fact, an angel sent to guard the realms of men.
On the more Earthly side, Eustace of Blois was generally considered to be unfit to rule. He was a spoiled, greedy baron, often taxing his barons injuriously. He did, indeed, die during the Ides of August in 1153, shortly after storming out of his father’s peace conference, and raiding and looting Bury St. Edmunds. The manner of his death has long been the subject of speculation, with many people claiming he was poisoned by his enemies to remove him from succession, probably so his father would finally agree to the proposed treaty with Duke Henry.
Of course, King Stephen did “steal” his uncle’s throne, and he and the Empress Matilda engaged in a nearly twenty year battle to restore that throne to its rightful heirs. In the end, the Church backed Henry I’s grandson, and so began the reign of the Plantagenets.
Maelgwn ap Cadwallon, also known as Maelgwn Gwynedd, was also a true historical figure. He was the Dragon Lord of Anglesey and he did inherit the dragon pennants from his father. Although little is known of him, precisely, I tried to remain true to what I learned. According to contemporary sources, he was actually an ally of Rome, and he fought many, many battles with them against invading Saxons. He did kill his uncle, and he did enter a monastery. He was also said to have died of a “Yellow Plague.” One tale claims he was cursed by Taliesin, another claims he was cursed by a sword—perhaps Excalibur? According to some sources, he’s buried at Llanrhos Church in Wales and to others, on Puffin Island.
Uther himself is a shadowy figure. What is known of him comes from fragments of literature in the Welsh Triads and various other epic poems, including a death song in the Book of Taliesin. His biography, as we know it, was first written by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his Historia Regum Britanniae. But, in fact, the name “Uther” has never appeared otherwise in contemporary records. Some historians believe that his name Uther is a descriptor, derived from Welsh uthr meaning “terrible” and that he was possibly a historical figure called Vortigern, who is sometimes named as King Arthur’s father.
However, though much is written about King Arthur (generally speaking), and he doesn’t live in my story, except as brief mentions, there’s actually no proof that Arthur existed either.
As for Taliesin (also known as Merlin and Emrys throughout literature), he has many mentions throughout the Mabinogion, and there are intriguing new sources that give him an entirely new identity and history, placing him in Scotland. If you want to read more about that, you might enjoy Finding Arthur or Finding Merlin by Adam Ardrey.
Naturally, I took many liberties with all their stories in order to create a rich tapestry, and alternate history for you, one I hope will live in your hearts as much as it does in mine.
In the end, I very much feel these people could have lived in that time and place, and I’m sad to see this story end. But, as they say, all good things must come to an end, and so, with much love, until next time, I leave you with the immortal words of William Butler Yeats from The Celtic Twilight:
“I have desired, like every artist, to create a little world out of the beautiful, pleasant, and significant things of this marred and clumsy world
…”
A Heartfelt Thank You!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading Lord of Shadows. If you enjoyed this book, please consider posting a review. Reviews don’t just help the author, they help other readers discover our books and, no matter how long or short, I sincerely appreciate every review.
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Connected Series
Series Bibliography
Have you also read the Highland Brides and the Guardians of the Stone? While it’s not necessary to read these series to enjoy the Daughters of Avalon, all three series are related with shared characters.
These books are Also available as Audiobooks
The Highland Brides
The MacKinnon’s Bride
Lyon’s Gift
On Bended Knee
Lion Heart
Highland Song
MacKinnon’s Hope
Guardians of the Stone
Once Upon a Highland Legend
Highland Fire
Highland Steel
Highland Storm
Maiden of the Mist
Also connected…
Angel of Fire
Once Upon a Kiss
Daughters of Avalon
The King’s Favorite
The Holly & the Ivy
A Winter’s Rose
Fire Song
Lord of Shadows
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Also by Tanya Anne Crosby
Coming Soon
A Brand New Series
One Knight Series
One Knight’s Stand
Daughters of Avalon
The King’s Favorite
The Holly & the Ivy
A Winter’s Rose
Fire Song
Lord of Shadows
The Prince & the Impostor
Seduced by a Prince
A Crown for a Lady
The Art of Kissing Beneath the Mistletoe
The Highland Brides
The MacKinnon’s Bride
Lyon’s Gift
On Bended Knee
Lion Heart
Highland Song
MacKinnon’s Hope
Guardians of the Stone
Once Upon a Highland Legend
Highland Fire
Highland Steel
Highland Storm
Maiden of the Mist
The Medievals Heroes
Once Upon a Kiss
Angel of Fire
Viking’s Prize
Redeemable Rogues
Happily Ever After
Perfect In My Sight
McKenzie’s Bride
Kissed by a Rogue
Thirty Ways to Leave a Duke
A Perfectly Scandalous Proposal
Anthologies & Novellas
Lady’s Man
Married at Midnight
The Winter Stone
Romantic Suspense
Leave No Trace
Speak No Evil
Tell No Lies
Mainstream Fiction
The Girl Who Stayed
The Things We Leave Behind
Redemption Song
Reprisal
Everyday Lies
About the Author
Tanya Anne Crosby is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thirty novels. She has been featured in magazines, such as People, Romantic Times and Publisher's Weekly, and her books have been translated into eight languages. Her first novel was published in 1992 by Avon Books, where Tanya was hailed as "one of Avon's fastest rising stars." Her fourth book was chosen to launch the company's Avon Romantic Treasure imprint.
Known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters Tanya is an award-winning author, journalist, and editor, and her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She and her writer husband split their time between Charleston, SC, where she was raised, and northern Michigan, where the couple make their home.
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Lord of Shadows (Daughters of Avalon Book 5) Page 31