The Copper Crown
Page 45
The comparative ages can be misleading, as Terran lifespans average 100-110 years, while those of Kelts, Coranians and Fomori run to 160-200. Therefore, the "younger generation" of protagonists (Aeron, Elathan, Jaun Akhera, et al.) are very young indeed, while Bres and Haruko are well into middle age.
Note on Age
The average Keltic lifespan is 160-175 years, and many individuals reach, even surpass, the two-century mark in full possession of their faculties both physical and mental. Physical development occurs at the same rate as in shorter-lived races, with full physical maturity coming between the ages of 18 and 21.
There is no single legal majority age. At 18, all Kelts, both male and female, are liable for military service; the mandatory term is three years. They may also vote in local elections and assume minor titles.
At 21, citizens may marry with consent (though marriage at this age is almost unheard-of--thus the scandal of Emer ni Kerrigan's elopement with Prince Fionnbarr as he then was; most marriages occur at around ages 30-35), vote in planetary elections, and hold minor public office.
At 27, Kelts may marry without consent, vote in major (system and national) elections, hold major public office, and succeed to major titles.
And no one under the age of 33 may hold the Copper Crown unregented.
ISBN: 0-312-94062-9
$15.45
THE COPPER CROWN
Drawing on Celtic legends, the tales of King Arthur, the history of Ireland, stories of Atlantis, and the vast body of lore about druids, the Triple Goddess, and the workings of magic, Patricia Kennealy has created a wondrous epic fantasy series that spans our ancient past and distant future.
For uncounted centuries, the star systems of Keltia have waited, safe behind their Curtain Wall, impregnable to attack by their two most hated enemies--the Imperium and the Phalanx, power-hungry empires that long for the final destruction of the Kelts. But now, at last, a new age has dawned for Keltia and Aeron, the queen of all the Kelts. For after three millennia, a ship has arrived from Earth, the second homeland, from which St. Brendan led his people forth when the priests came to Ireland with Patrick. In space, the Danaans and all who journeyed with them found a new life, a new haven--Keltia.
But now Earth has found them again. And now Aeron must decide for peace or for war. For if she greets Earth in friendship, seeking to renew ancient alliances, her enemies will swiftly gather at her gates, determined to put an end to the Kelts before Keltia and Earth can destroy them. Yet how, after all this time, can she deny her people's past or turn away these distant kin, these Terrans?
And so destiny is about to be fulfilled, as the interstellar empires arm for war. And Aeron must now journey on the path of prophecy, forced to follow in the patterns spun by King Arthur himself long centuries past, undertaking a quest that may lose her a kingdom and the prince she loves or win her people the stars...
THE COPPER CROWN introduces us to a world both new and yet disturbingly familiar, a place of castles and queens, of magic and ancient gods and goddesses, and of Starships fighting over whole solar systems. Here the age-old forces of good and evil clash yet again as a diabolical emperor faces the beautiful, dangerous Keltic queen who may prove his ultimate nemesis.
Patricia Kennealy was born in Brooklyn and grew up in North Babylon, New York. She was educated at St. Bonaventure University and Harpur College, taking her degree in English literature. For three years she was the editor-in-chief of JAZZ & POP magazine, a national publication devoted to rock and progressive music in the late 60's and early 70's, and she has written extensively in the field of rock criticism.
She is an award-winning advertising copywriter; a former record company executive; and a member of Mensa, the Richard III Society and The Society for Creative Anachronism (where she is known as Lassarina Douglas of Strathearn). In 1970 she exchanged vows with the late Jim Morrison, leader of the rock group The Doors, in a private religious ceremony. Her leisure pursuits include riding, fencing and playing the violin.
She lives in New York City and Stephentown, N.Y. Her ambition is to christen a warship.
Jacket art by Michael Embden
Jacket design by Gregory Wilkin
BLUEJAY BOOKS INC.
James Frenkel, Publisher
Distributed by St. Martin's Press
Canadian distribution by Methuen of Canada 11/84
PRAISE FOR
THE COPPER CROWN
"The Copper Crown is a rich treasure-trove of high adventure. Anyone who has dreamed over the ancient Celtic tales of a golden age of warriors and heroes will be gratified to find that, in The Copper Crown, the Celts have come into their own and have their own long-denied empire--among the stars.
"From ancient history and folklore, Kennealy has constructed a speculative future elaborately structured and excitingly chronicled. The Copper Crown is sheer fun... as a Celt, I only wish it were true!"
--Morgan Llywelyn, author of The Horse Goddess
"What a gorgeous yarn! The Irish in me crows; the writer in me purrs; reader wants MORE MORE MORE!
"It is just such a huge relief to find the Irish legends up-dated, improved, translated into the real heroics of the early Irish/the Te Danaan group when this was a brilliant society of vital individualists.
"I'm requiring my entire staff to read this book for the sheer joy of it and to see a truly intelligent liberated position about Ireland's future."
--Anne McCaffrey, author of Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern
ISBN:0-312-94062-9