The Well of Shades: Book Three of The Bridei Chronicles
Juliet Marillier
Language: English
Pages: 640
ISBN: 0765348772
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Juliet Marillier continues the epic fantasy begun with The Dark Mirror, which Interzone called: "A fascinating evocation of life in Pictish England and an emotional roller coaster of a story."
King Bridei is a man with a mission. His wish to unite his kingdom seems almost within his grasp but there are forces working to undo his dream. He sends Faolan, his most trusted advisor (who is also a master assassin and spymaster) out into the world to ferret out the truth of who is friend and who is foe.
Along the way Faolan will uncover many truths. Some may hold the key to Bridei's future. But more important, they may unlock the secrets that Faolan has held deep within his soul for decades.
And offer him the chance of redemption.
chin, Eile made herself draw breath and be calm again. “Forgive,” Ana said. “You must forgive him. Your father. A good man. He tried. And… Faolan is not Deord.” “I know that.” Eile got up and began to help Ana out of the wedding clothes. “I’ll just put in a stitch or two and this will be ready. What will Breda be wearing?” Ana grimaced. “I do not know. She is… not interested. I wish…” “Blue.” Saraid had chosen her piece of fabric, a sweet, warm color like the sky on a hot summer’s morning.
one hand on the curled form of Saraid. “For some reason it’s even harder to do than it was before. You remember what I asked you to do for me, the thing you refused to do. You know why I asked.” She was not meeting his eyes; her voice was very quiet. “I remember.” “In some ways, all that has changed. I’ve learned some things here at White Hill.” Things Dovran has taught you. He swallowed the comment. “What things?” “I used to think it was a falsehood, that women could enjoy lying with men,
you any longer, my lady.” “For now,” said Tharan. “For now? You mean I may have to go through this again?” “There’s a child missing,” Aniel told her flatly. “And a young woman. A little inconvenience is surely a small price to pay for finding them more quickly.” Breda rose to her feet. She clasped her hands before her. “There’s just one thing,” she said in a small voice, a child’s voice. The four men looked at her. Suddenly the silence in the council chamber was full of tension. “Yes?” said
offended to know I copied her form. Remembering her so well made the transformation easier.” “It’s a rare gift,” said Broichan. “I hope, in time, you will show me more. I think we could learn from each other.” “YOU SHOULD GO,” Eile said. “I know that’s what you would be doing if it weren’t for us. Saraid and I will be perfectly safe here. We can spend the day with Elda or up in the garden with Dovran to guard us, if you’re really concerned. Derelei’s at terrible risk. The king needs you.” She
Everyone knew the risk this vassal king was taking in presenting both himself and his young cousin at the court of the monarch of Fortriu. The relationship between overlord and island king had long been awkward, though Ana’s time as hostage had kept Keother in check during the early years of Bridei’s reign. Now Ana was to be married, and to a chieftain of the Caitt, a tribe that, for all it bore the same blood and spoke the same tongue as both Fortriu and the Light Isles, had ever been a law unto