Topher Lydon

It would be rather hard to explain. Butchering a nun riding inside the Royal Progress and under the protection of the Duke of Lothar... might light a match on things. The next chapter explains why

grr, wrong copy... tis ok, the only change is this which is important:

Casimir might have a secret that not even he realizes, and Morwenna completely underestimated. Yet the blind Magus can see clearly.

A liar needs to repeat their story, over and over to reinforce it. They aren't convincing others, they are convincing themselves.

The Progress arrives and with it, real danger. Good morning

The heat of the desert was not a physical temperature; it was an oppressive, suffocating weight. Darien Haskal stood in the burning sands of the Levant, fully armored in plated mail and a heavy surcoat that felt as though it had been woven from molten lead. The sky above him was not the blinding, endless blue of the holy lands he remembered. It was a sick, dark red, swirling with unnatural, oily clouds that hung so low they seemed to scrape against the shattered domes of the burning city in

A literary agent would be nice. Just one, to read one book, and give me a reply... that would be... amazing

Now there were ABSOLUTELY saucerless teacups in Europe at the time. While true tea (Camellia sinensis) had not yet arrived from Asia, 12th-century Europeans absolutely drank herbal teas, floral infusions, and botanical decoctions. [1, 2] In the High Middle Ages, these hot drinks were heavily woven into daily life, monastic medicine, and seasonal foraging. [1, 2] What Europeans Drank (Medieval "Teas") Instead of black or green tea, people harvested local fields and monastery gardens to steep a variety of plants: [1, 2] Chamomile and Mint: Highly popular everyday infusions used to soothe digestion, calm anxiety, and aid sleep. The famous 12th-century Benedictine abbess Hildegard of Bingen extensively documented chamomile's uses in her medical texts. [1, 2] Linden Blossom and Elderflower: Harvested to treat coughs, chest problems, and fevers. [1, 2] Thyme and Sage: Used both as a culinary herb and a strong, hot tonic believed to boost immunity and clear congestion. [1, 2] Agrimony and Nettle: Revered since Anglo-Saxon times, agrimony was called an "all-heal" herb and brewed by medieval monks for its natural, honey-like sweetness. [1] What They Called It The modern umbrella term "tea" comes from a Chinese dialect that arrived centuries later. In the 1100s, Europeans referred to these beverages as: [1] Infusions or Decoctions: Broad terms for leaves steeped or boiled in water. Medicinal Waters: Often named after the specific plant (e.g., "chamomile water"). Ptisan / Tisane: Derived from the ancient Greek word for a boiled barley drink, this term gradually evolved to describe any hot, steeped herbal broth. [, 2, 3] The Vessels Used Because these drinks were mostly brewed as folk remedies, household tonics, or comforting winter warmers, they were served in the same multi-purpose everyday vessels of the era—primarily simple clay cups, wooden bowls, or small earthenware pots. [, 2, 3, 4]

Yes, I admit to being a little lazy in this regard. I like to keep things relateable, and since it is Historical Fiction, I have some wiggle room. Like with Radoslav, I have taken some flak for not using King Louis... but King Louis never went on the First Crusade, and never had this succession crisis... so I needed to step out of that and do it my way. The Boar's Rest, Chateau Galliard, wasn't built till later for example, but I figured I had latitude and some fun with it.

I was making a joke, I tend to keep the references relatable to a modern audience

Biological father, he is on his way. I believe he arrives home on the Monday or Tuesday after this. Diana is purposely isolating the father from the son, to control the narrative. Her "Caleb is a psychopath" narrative is her way of justifying her own abusive behaviour. "I'm not the bad guy here, he's wrong. Look he was even a bad baby!" She is nuts, absolutely crazy. But she controls and has controlled the whole narrative when it comes to Caleb. The question is, did Vickie know the truth, was she blackmailling Diana? And if not, why would she kill Vickie? Or is this all a really convienient excuse for her to finally get the son she doesn't want out of her life.

THURSDAY The kitchen smelled like coffee and bleach. Caleb stood by the window, barefoot, watching the rain trace paths down the glass. He'd come down for water. That was all. A glass of water. But his mother was on the phone in the living room, and Grace was in her high chair, and the house had that charged silence that meant something was about to happen. He should have gone back upstairs. He didn't. The refrigerator hummed. The faucet dripped. Grace banged a plas

Without a doubt, Bran, Jack and Fuzz would make short work of this lot.

Good Morning Somethings never change

The horn blast from the northern watchtower was a single, long, discordant wail that essentially translated to: Oh, shit. Inside the outer bailey, the frantic, semi-organized construction of the pavilion city ground to an absolute halt. Hammers dropped. Wagons froze. Infantrymen immediately dropped their shovels and reached for the nearest crossbow. Up on the wooden gallery of the inner courtyard, Princess Cecily paused with a teacup halfway to her lips, looking down at the sudden ex

There is some debate on it's authenticity. The one in the Tower of London was claimed to be much older, but scholars believe it is a recreation. However since there is no way to be sure, the debate continues.

Curtana is currently amongst the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. It's the sword used in coronations. (Whether it is the actual sword forged by Wayland is up for debate) The Sword of Mercy, or Curtana, is a famous ceremonial weapon in the UK Crown Jewels featuring a blunted, squared-off tip. Legend claims an angel broke the tip off to prevent a wrongful killing, making it a symbol of the sovereign's mercy. [1, 2] Originating from the 16th century (Though claimed to be much older), it is carried unsheathed alongside the Swords of Spiritual and Temporal Justice during British coronation processions and ceremonies where knighthoods are bestowed. You can view the weapon on display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. [1, 2, 3]

We already know what Wylan does to dark Witches. It was also nice to bring the book back into the story. It always felt like a little loose end. A gift from an old Magi to a young one, the envoy recognizing what Wylan was before anyone else. I do plan to bring the character back into things at a later point, just haven't hit a good place to do so in the story yet.

Many people did not react well to what happened to Elias. I received a LOT of very rough mail at the time over it. It definitely disrupted the flow of my writing at the time. Once I was able to get them to a point where they accepted Edward/Elias were still, essentially, the same person who loved Darien deeply, things got better.

One slight advantage, and peculiarity of the French court, to Casimir being ill. He isn't expected to survive, this has been known for five years. Casimir isn't expected to produce an heir (he's too young and too sickley) So he is free to pursue his own love life. In fact, the fact that he is interested in boys is probably seen as a relief to his parents as it prevents complications as they plan the succession around Cecily. Baby Princes who become king do not have a long life expectancy. History shows the tragedy of regencies and boy kings across Europe. And given all things, Radoslav's family deeply care about each other. So Casimir's happiness in the short time he has remaining is of high priority to each of them. Thus Cecily's silken slippered foot nudging them to get on with it.

Might have been, or Tyler, or Sam, or Riley. or Chloe... or one of the adults. Suspects. suspects. suspects.

She loves her brother, crown, throne, politics be damned.