So begins the first book in the Storyteller series, which follows the adventures of Gwernin Kyuarwyd, a storyteller and bardic student in 6th century Wales. Together the first three books - Storyteller, Flight of the Hawk, and The Ash Spear - make up the Young Gwernin Trilogy, the first of three planned trilogies in the series.
Eighteen years after King Arthur's death, a young man called Gwernin sets off on his first circuit around Wales, earning his keep as a storyteller. Along the way he encounters allies and enemies both human and supernatural, finds love and friendship, and learns the lore - and the true meaning - of a Bard’s profession. Maybe, one day, he too will be a real Bard...Read sample chapters from Storyteller here.
Download the first half of Storyteller as a free e-book at Smashwords.com.
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It began on a bright spring evening two days before Beltane. The birds were singing passionately in the new-leafed trees; the cattle were lowing in the green fields outside the court; and I and my girl Rhiannedd were seated on a rough wooden bench close by Cyndrwyn’s mead-hall, passing some moments pleasantly enough until it was time to go inside for dinner. I had my arm around her slender waist, and was just about to kiss her, when we were interrupted by the sound of approaching horses...In the summer of 551 AD, the North of Britain is a tinderbox about to burst into flame, the Saxons are stirring again in the East, and Cynan Garwyn, Prince of Powys, is doing his best to foment war in the South. In the midst of this simmering chaos, two young bards - Gwernin Storyteller and his friend Neirin mab Dwywei, the Poet-Prince who some call "Taliesin's Hawk" - are sent to the North by their master to investigate the rumors and do what they can to prevent a war. At least, that was their mission - but the two young men find plenty of other adventures along the way. Girls and beer, bloodshed and magic - will they survive the summer and make it home alive?
Read a sample chapter from Flight of the Hawk here.
Download the first 30% of Flight of the Hawk as a free e-book at Smashwords.com.
Buy a trade paperback copy of Flight of the Hawk at Amazon.com.
Elidyr Mwynfawr, King of Aeron, was a weak, greedy fool, and like many another such fool, he died of his folly. But because he was a King, in his dying he cost many better men their lives as well, and this was the way of it: for I, Gwernin Kyuarwyd, was there, and saw much of it myself, and the tale that I tell you is true...In 6th century Wales, the ash spear – pren onn – was a symbol of warfare and of manhood, but it also stood for awen, the poetic inspiration of the bards. As warfare comes to North Wales, bardic apprentice Gwernin must master all three of its meanings in order to keep himself and his friends alive. From otherworldly dangers to rich rewards in the fire-lit halls of kings, from bloody battle and grueling labor to tender romance, The Ash Spear follows him in the thrilling conclusion of this first trilogy in the Storyteller series.
Download the first 30% of The Ash Spear as a free e-book at Smashwords.com.
Buy a trade paperback copy of The Ash Spear at Amazon.com.
