War Duke of Britain Read online

  Get Tracy’s Free Starter Library

  One of the privileges of writing is sharing the fun and joy of stories with my readers. I send newsletters with details on new releases, special offers, deals and news about my books.

  From among the most engaged and long term subscribers, I offer Street Team membership and the chance to read all my books before they’re published.

  Sign up for my mailing list and get four free novels, as a sample library, and join the community of readers who love romances.

  You’ll find the link to subscribe after you’ve enjoyed War Duke of Britain.

  Table of Contents

  Get Tracy’s Free Starter Library

  About War Duke of Britain

  Praise for War Duke of Britain

  Title Page

  Who’s Who and What’s What

  Maps

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  TEN YEARS LATER

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Epilogue

  Did you enjoy this book? How to make a big difference!

  Get Tracy’s Free Starter Library

  The next book in the Once and Future Hearts series.

  About the Author

  Other books by Tracy Cooper-Posey

  Copyright Information

  About War Duke of Britain

  He is not the enemy she came to fight.

  Idris the Slayer is the champion of the northern kings. Undefeated in battle, the dark, lone warrior who rides to war with a black wolf at his side spreads fear before him, even among those counted his allies.

  When Rhiannon of Galleva rides to her first battle with Emrys and Cai, she expects to fight the Saxon hoards pouring into Britain. She is not braced to defend herself against Idris’ incursion into her heart.

  He is a dangerous man to be drawn to, for his allegiance lies with King Lot of Orkney, who holds no love for Uther, the aging High King. Rhiannon’s parents, Anwen and Steffan, are loyal to the High King, as is Count Ector, Cai’s father. Rhiannon’s association with a northern man tears open secrets that have brewed for a generation, forcing Uther and his commanders to fight enemies on two fronts.

  This novel is part of the ancient historical romance series, Once and Future Hearts, set in Britain during the time of King Arthur.

  1.0 Born of No Man

  2.0 Dragon Kin

  3.0 Pendragon Rises

  4.0 War Duke of Britain

  5.0 High King of Britain

  6.0 Battle of Mount Badon

  7.0 Abduction of Guenivere

  8.0 Downfall of Cornwall

  9.0 Vengeance of Arthur

  10.0 Grace of Lancelot

  11.0 The Grail and Glory

  12.0 Camlann

  Readers have described Tracy Cooper-Posey as “a superb story teller” and her ancient historical romances as “written art”. Get your copy of War Duke of Britain today!

  Praise for War Duke of Britain

  Imagine how good is the author in her craft that she is capable of surprising us here readers even though the Arthurian cycle is one of the most rewritten one in western literature.

  What a great storyteller! I never thought that anyone could tell an Arthurian tale as well as Mary Stewart, but Tracy Cooper Posey has succeeded. I am just in awe of her ability to meld historical detail with legends and turn out a mesmerizing story.

  It takes me back to the magic I felt when reading Mary Stewart's stories of Merlin. Tracy Cooper-Posey has written another winner!

  As a long time, self proclaimed Arthurian Legend junkie I couldn't wait to dive into Tracy Cooper Posey's new series. Tracy once again proves to be a master story teller as she weaves the delicate threads of this beloved legend into her own.

  Oh my goodness. Of course I was not sure what to expect with this but what I got was a wonderful story set in the time just before King Arthur. Invading Saxons, Romans, Kings, princesses, mysteries, Merlin, and romance? Wonderful beginning to a new series and I cannot wait to read more.

  I also love the fact that her female characters are definitely not boring, whiny or TSTL.

  Tracy Cooper Posey is brilliant at weaving stories with individuals that are completely believable in their thoughts and dialogue.

  Ms Tracy has an amazing way of telling a tale. It’s magical :-)

  Who’s Who and What’s What

  Accolon: Accolon of Gaul. Minor son of Gaulish king. Companion to Uther.

  Aglovale: Son Pelles and Alis. Siblings: Tor, Dornar, Percival, Lamorak, Dindrane, Elaine of Listenoise.

  Agravaine: Son of Lot. Siblings: Gaheris, Gawain, Gareth.

  Alis: Daughter of Cadfael and Lynette the Elder. Wife to Pelles. Sons: Percival (heir), Aglovale, Lamorak. Daughters: Dindrane, Elaine of Listenoise.

  Alun: King of Brocéliande. Son of Arawn and Ilsa. Siblings: Arawn Uther, Elen.

  Ambrosius Aurelianus: (Welsh: Emrys Wledig). High King of Britain. Older brother of Uther. Father of Merlin. Succeeded by Uther Pendragon.

  Anwen of Cornwall: Heroine, Pendragon Rises. Wife of Steffan. Mother of Rhiannon.

  Arawn Uther: Son of Arawn and Ilsa. Siblings: Alun, Elen.

  Arawn: Hero of Dragon Kin. King of Brocéliande. Husband to Isla. Sons: Alun, Arawn Uther. Daugher Elen. Succeeded by Alun.

  Arthur: Son and heir of Uther Pendragon and Igraine.

  Ban of Benoic: Brother to Bors, and exiled from his own kingdom by Saxon incursions. Husband to Elaine. Father of Lancelot (du Lac). Also father of Hector de Maris, by Suzanne de Maris.

  Bedivere: Welsh: Bedwyr. "Bedwyr of the Perfect Sinews". Oldest son and heir of Bedrawd, Duke of Corneus. Siblings: Lucan, Mair.

  Bevan: King of Calleva. Son of Mabon. Husband to Lowri. Sons: Martyn, Trevor. Daughters: Branwen, Betrys, Deryn.

  Blavet: Large tidal river, location of Lorient, capital of Brocéliande, Lesser Britain.

  Bors the Elder: King of Guanne, in Lesser Britain. Evaine is his Queen. Sons: Bors the Younger, Lionel. Daughter: Mared.

  Bors the Younger: King of Guanne, in Lesser Britain. Siblings: Lionel, Mared. Son: Elyan the White (from Claire, daughter of Brandegoris).

  Brandegoris: Brandegoris of Estangore. Half brother of Mark and Tristan the Elder. Daughter: Claire.

  Brandérion: Village in Lesser Britain, the birth place of Ilsa.

  Brennus: Idris’ horse.

  Budic: King of Morbihan (Lesser Britain). Son: Hoel. Daughter: Ilsa. Succeeded by Hoel.

  Cadfael: Hero of Born of No Man. Battle Commander and War Duke to kings, including Vortigern, Mabon, Uther Pendragon. Husband to Lynette the Elder. Sons: Bricius, Eogan, Druston. Daughters: Alis, Lowri.

  Cador: Duke of Cornwall. Son of Gorlois. Husband to Elen. Son: Constantine.

  Cai: Son of Ector. Companion to Emrys.

  Calleva: Kingdom in the south of Britain, neighbouring Cornwall. Kings: Mabon, Bevan.

  Campbon: By the great Briére swamps of Lesser Britain. Capital of Guanne.

  Carnac: King Budic’s summer residence in Lesser Britain, where Ambrosius and Uther prepared to take back Britain from Vortigern.

  Claire of B
randegoris: Mother of Elyan the White by Bors the Younger.

  Claudas: Frankish King and conquerer. Sons: Dorin, Claudin.

  Coria: Corbridge, in modern parlance.

  Cynbel: Emrys's horse

  Dinadan: Son of Brunor. Siblings: Breunor, Daniel.

  Dindrane: Daughter Pelles and Alis. Siblings: Tor, Dornar, Percival, Aglovale, Lamorak, Elaine of Listenoise.

  Dornar: Bastard son of Pelles. Siblings: Tor, Percival, Aglovale, Lamorak, Dindrane, Elaine of Listenoise.

  Doward: Hill fort where Vortigern perished.

  Ector: Count of Galleva. Husband to Druscilla. Son: Cai.

  Elaine of Listenoise: Daughter Pelles and Alis. Siblings: Tor, Dornar, Percival, Aglovale, Lamorak, Dindrane.

  Elaine: Ban of Benoic’s wife. Sister to Evaine. Mother to Lancelot du Lac

  Elen: Daughter of Arawn and Ilsa. Wife of Cador of Cornwall. Son: Constantine.

  Ellar: Lot’s seneschal

  Elyan the White: Son of Bors the Younger and Claire of Brandegoris.

  Evaine: Bors the Elder’s Queen. Sister to Elaine. Sons: Bors the Younger, Lionel. Daughter: Mared.

  Forest Sauvage: Where Galleva is located, close by Hadrian’s Wall.

  Gaheris: Oldest son and heir of Lot. Siblings: Gawain, Agravaine, Gareth.

  Gareth: Son of Lot. Siblings: Gaheris, Gawain, Agravaine.

  Gawain: Son of Lot. Siblings: Gaheris, Agravaine, Gareth.

  Gorlois: Duke of Cornwall. Companion to Ambrosius and Uther. Husband to Igraine. Son: Cador. Daughters: Morguase and Morgan. Succeeded by Cador.

  Guannes: Kingdom in Lesser Britain. Kings: Bors the Elder. Bors the Younger.

  Guenivere: Welsh: Gwenhwyfar. Daughter of Leodegrance.

  Hector de Maris: Half brother to Lancelot du Lac. Son of Ban of Benoic.

  Héric: Ban of Benoic’s lands, within Guannes, Lesser Britain.

  Hoel: Hoel the Great, Hoel of Brittany. King of Morbihan (Lesser Britain). Son of Budic. Husband to Mared. Sons: Tewdwr, Kahedin. Daughter: Iseult of the White Hands.

  Horsa: A Saxon leader

  Idris the Slayer: Northern warrior.

  Igraine: Daughter of Emlawdd Wledig. Wife to Gorlois of Cornwall. Son: Arthur. Daughters: Morguase and Morgan.

  Ilsa: Heroine of Dragon Kin. Daughter of King Budic. Wife to Arawn. Sons: Alun, Arawn Uther. Daugher Elen.

  Iseult of Ireland: Daughter of Anguish of Ireland and Iseult the Elder.

  Kahedin: Son of Hoel. Siblings: Tewdwr, Iseult of the White Hands.

  King of the Magyars: Husband to Julia. Father of Sagramore.

  Lady of the Lake: A title bestowed upon powerful women who control the Perilous Forrest and the Lake at the heart of Brocéliande. The title is not hereditary.

  Lamorak: Son Pelles and Alis. Siblings: Tor, Dornar, Percival, Aglovale, Dindrane, Elaine of Listenoise.

  Lancelot of the Lake: aka Lancelot du Lac, son of Ban of Benoic and Elaine.

  Leodegrance: King of Carmelide. Husband to Gwenhwyfach. Daughter: Guenivere.

  Lot: King of Lothian. Husband to Morguase. Sons: Gaheris, Gawain, Agravaine, Gareth.

  Lowri: Daughter of Cadfael and Lynette. Wife to Bevan. Sons: Martyn, Trevor. Daughters: Branwen, Betrys, Deryn.

  Lucan: Son of Bedrawd, Duke of Corneus. Siblings: Bedivere, Mair.

  Lynette the Elder: Heroine of Born of No Man. Daughter of King Mostyn of Y Wyddfa and Olwen. Wife of Cadfael. Companion to Vivian. Sons: Bricius, Eogan, Druston. Daughters: Alis, Lowri. Foster daughter: Lynette the Younger.

  Mabon: King of Calleva. Husband to Maela. Sons: Bevan, Bryn. Daughter: Lynette the Younger. Succeeded by Bevan.

  Maela: Daughter of Vortigern. Wife to Mabon. Sons: Bevan, Bryn. Daughter: Lynette the Younger.

  Mair: Daughter of Bedrawd, Duke of Corneus. Siblings: Bedivere, Lucan.

  Mared: Daughter of Bors the Elder. Wife to Hoel. Sons: Tewdwr, Kahedin. Daughter: Iseult of the White Hands.

  Mark: Brother to Tristan the Elder.

  Merlin: Myrddin Emrys, son of Vivian of Maridunum and Ambrosius.

  Morbihan: Kingdom in Lesser Britain. Kings: Budic, Hoel.

  Morgan le Fey: Daughter of Gorlois and Igraine. Wife to Urien. Son: Owain. Daughter: Morfydd.

  Morguase: Daughter of Gorlois and Igraine. Wife of Lot. Siblings: Cador, Morgan, Arthur. Sons: Gaheris, Gawain, Agravaine, Gareth.

  Morlaix: Kingdom north of Brocéliande, in Lesser Britain.

  Nimue: Lady of the Lake. Sister of Ban of Budic. Lover of Vivian. Foster mother to Lancelot, Bors and Lionel.

  Pelles: King of Listenoise. Descendant of Joseph of Aramithea. Husband to Alis. Sons: Tor, Dornar, Percival (heir), Aglovale, Lamorak. Daughters: Dindrane, Elaine of Listenoise.

  Percival: Son and heir of Pelles and Alis. Siblings: Tor, Dornar, Aglovale, Lamorak, Dindrane, Elaine of Listenoise.

  Perilous Forest: The heart of the Brocéliande forest, where The Lady of the Lake lives.

  Rhiannon: Daughter of Anwen and Steffan. Companion to Cai and Emrys. Member of the Queen’s Cohort.

  Sagramore: Son of the King of the Magyars and Julia, Princess of Rome.

  Scorff: Smaller river that runs into the Blavet by Lorient. Fresh water river.

  Steffan of Durnovaria: Hero, Pendragon Rises. Tutor to Emrys and Cai. Father of Rhiannon.

  Tewdwr: Son of Hoel. Siblings: Kahedin, Iseult of the White Hands.

  Tielo: Rhiannon's horse

  Tintagel: Fortified rocky island connected to mainland Cornwall by narrow natural bridge of rock.

  Tor: Bastard son of Pelles. Siblings: Dornar, Percival, Aglovale, Lamorak, Dindrane, Elaine of Listenoise.

  Tristan the Elder: King of Kernow. Brothers: Brandegoris, Mark. Cousin to Hoel of Brittany.

  Tristan the Younger: Bastard son of Tristan the Elder.

  Urien: King of Rheged. Son of Coel Hen (King Cole). Cousin to Lot. Husband to Morgan le Fey. Son: Owain. Daughter: Morfydd.

  Uther: Uther Pendragon. High King of Britain. Brother to Ambrosius. Husband to Igraine. Son: Arthur.

  Vannes: Principal town of the kingdom of Morbihan.

  Vedra River: The Tyne, in modern parlance.

  Via Strata: Roman road between Vannes and Corseul, Lesser Britain

  Vivian of Maridunum: Mother of Merlin.

  Vivian: Accolyte of the Perilous Forrest. Lover of Nimue.

  Vortigern: High King of Britain. Died at Doward. Succeeded by Ambrosius. Wife: Olwen. Sons: Vortimer, Catigern. Daughters: Maela.

  Yr Wyddfa: Snowden

  Maps

  Some reading devices do not display these map images well, or at all. If that is the case, use this link to jump to a webpage where the maps are reproduced. (Tip: Bookmark the page, which allows you to refer to it while reading, and not lose your place.) http://tracycooperposey.com/once-and-future-hearts-series-maps/

  Chapter One

  On the far eastern borders of the Kingdom of Guannes, Lesser Britain. 475 C.E. (Ten years ago.)

  Arawn’s family, all five of them mounted, paused at the crest of the long, sloping hill down into the valley. Around them and behind them, Arawn’s army assembled itself. It was a magnificent sight, for Arawn had eight thousand men under his command.

  The impressive numbers of armed warriors who answered to Arawn, King of Brocéliande, paled to insignificance compared to the troops and fighting men who sprawled upon the immense valley.

  “The stars save us,” Ilsa murmured. “There must be fifteen thousand people down there.” She glanced at her husband. In twenty-five years of marriage, Ilsa had barely changed from the energetic, intelligent woman Arawn first met within the Perilous Forest, covered in mud from head to foot. The mud was gone and some would say her youth was gone, yet the life and joy had not faded from her eyes. Neither had her extraordinary love for him, for which Arawn was humbly grateful.

  “Twenty thousand at least,” Arawn told her. “I can see Uther’s banner from here. If Uther is here, then half his British contingent will also be her
e.”

  “I can see King Ban, and Bors of Guannes, and Hoel’s people,” Alun said. He controlled his big warhorse with unconscious ease. At seventeen, he was still becoming the great battle commander Arawn suspected he would be. Alun jerked his chin toward the valley. “Who’s is the white banner with the red cross?”

  “Bedrawd’s,” Arawn Uther murmured. Arawn Uther was only twelve and not yet ready for battle. When the general calls for arms and aid reached Brocéliande, he had insisted he come along. Arawn was happy for him to see a real battle. It would be a sobering experience for the boy. “Is it true Bedrawd is the perfect soldier?” Arawn Uther added.