Swan Maiden
by
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When they came to a steep incline, the woman halted and drew Kara near the edge of the slope. "Look below, child, and tel1 me what you see," the priestess commanded. With curiosity, Kara peered down and was startled to see an estate nestled in the valley. Familiarity tickled at her memory until full recognition flooded her eyes with tears of yearning. Her throat nearly strangled with emotion, she found it difficult to speak. "'Tis Thunar's Hall, where I was a child. Cruel you are to bring me so near when I can never again dwell within its walls." "Not so," spoke Bertagard. "Visions appeared to me that the valley shall come under your protection. You shall be mistress of the manor and blessed with children to settle there for many generations. I have foreseen for you the love of a giant with a smooth face. He speaks in a strange tongue." The white veil over the hag's eye took on an opalescent glow and she staggered before clutching Kara's arm to steady herself. Scorching heat flowed from the crooked fingers. "What foreboding appears to you, holy woman?" "Blood. Blood of a loved one stains the rushes on the floor of the great hall. A goddess accompanies the soul on its journey to Hel." "Whose death do you see?" Kara was afraid to ask, but could not stop the words from tumbling out. The light receded from the blind eye and the wrinkled hand dropped from the sleeve of Kara's robe.
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About the Book
800 A.D. Rescued by her half-brother from enforced confinement by Charlemagne in the convent in Verden, Kara is brought to the safe haven of the Harz Mountains, and to the care of Bertagard the Priestess. There she learns that she was marked by the pagan gods at birth to fulfill a prophecy. Her destiny to help her conquered Saxon people lies in the valley blow, on the estate where she grew up, now occupied by the enemy Franks. Count Gerin the Faithful is the newly appointed count of the region, and he’s tasked to enforce the law of Christian conversion. He arrives with the intent to conquer by force until an enchanting earthbound Valkyrie teaches him to love. Kara is coerced to wed the hated Frankish lord. She is torn between loyalty to her people and a growing love for her husband. Together, through compromise, compassion, and increased understanding, they work to bring peace to the war-torn region. “A lavishly detailed historical epic with well-drawn characters, Margolis’s novel contains an enjoyable balance of action and romance.” — Kirkus Review “[Margolis] offers a lively writing style rich with dialogue and descriptive narrative.” — Blueink Review “Margolis’s two nuanced protagonists hold fast to their beliefs in this historically accurate, thought provoking romance.” — Clarion Review
About the Author
Sharon Margolis graduated from Brooklyn College with a major in creative writing. In her twenties, she moved with her husband from New York to Southern California. She joined the Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America and served on the board. Margolis has written one other historical novel.