What the heck is Bretagne? So many readers asked me this question that I have to answer it.
Bretagne is a French province, a rocky peninsula at the extreme west point of France (not Britain), and is sometimes called Brittany. Its inhabitants are called Bretons. Sounds familiar? During the Roman invasions and into the dark ages it was an independent kingdom called Armorica, and the old religion was Druid. There you’ll find many stone circles and alignments (Menhir and Cromlechs). Bretagne has undeniable Celtic roots and still remembers dialects akin to the old Celtic languages of Ireland, Cornwall, and Wales. The Bretons have been sailors and fishermen from the start and frequently crossed the English Channel, even in ancient days.
Bretagne is a French province, a rocky peninsula at the extreme west point of France (not Britain), and is sometimes called Brittany. Its inhabitants are called Bretons. Sounds familiar? During the Roman invasions and into the dark ages it was an independent kingdom called Armorica, and the old religion was Druid. There you’ll find many stone circles and alignments (Menhir and Cromlechs). Bretagne has undeniable Celtic roots and still remembers dialects akin to the old Celtic languages of Ireland, Cornwall, and Wales. The Bretons have been sailors and fishermen from the start and frequently crossed the English Channel, even in ancient days.
If you travel there, you can visit the magic forest of Broceliande, domain of the great sorcerer Merlin. You can even visit Merlin’s grave... a modest Druid site with sticks and stones. A few miles away, at the café by the lake (yes, that lake), a sword set in a stone was later added for the benefit of modern tourists who love to take pictures of such gaudy things. According to the local folklore, Lancelot was born in Broceliande, so were Merlin and Vivian the Fae. From there surged many Arthurian and post Arthurian legends all through the Middle Ages.
By 806 AD, Bretagne was an important kingdom under king Salomon, who had just sworn allegiance to the Emperor Charlemagne. Lady Pressine, the heroine of Princess of Bretagne and Pagan Queen, was an illicit daughter of King Solomon of Bretagne, born from a Lady Fae of Broceliande...
Mystery solved. Now you know all about Bretagne, and you can impress your friends at dinner. And if you want to know what happened to Pressine, read Princess of Bretagne and Pagan Queen.
But first, here is what the CURSE OF THE LOST ISLE series is about:
From history shrouded in myths, emerges a family of immortal Celtic Ladies, who roam the medieval world in search of salvation from a curse. For centuries, imbued with hereditary gifts, they hide their deadly secret, stirring passions in their wake as they fight the Viking hordes, send the first knights to the Holy Land, give birth to kings and emperors... but if the Church ever suspects what they really are, they will be hunted, tortured, and burned at the stake.
From history shrouded in myths, emerges a family of immortal Celtic Ladies, who roam the medieval world in search of salvation from a curse. For centuries, imbued with hereditary gifts, they hide their deadly secret, stirring passions in their wake as they fight the Viking hordes, send the first knights to the Holy Land, give birth to kings and emperors... but if the Church ever suspects what they really are, they will be hunted, tortured, and burned at the stake.
PRINCESS OF BRETAGNE:
March 2012 release
Find it on Amazon HERE
Find it on Amazon HERE
806 AD - Alba (Ancient Scotland) - As the Vikings raid the coast of Alba, Pressine of Bretagne sets out to seduce King Elinas of Dumfries, chosen by the Goddess to unite the tribes against the foreign invader. Elinas, still mourning his departed queen, has no intention to remarry. Head-strong and independent, Pressine does not expect to fall for the very attractive, wise and noble ruler... Furthermore, her Pagan nature clashes with the religious fanaticism of the king’s Christian heir, who suspects her unholy ancestry and will stop at nothing to get rid of her. As the Vikings raid the coast of Alba, Pressine of Bretagne sets out to seduce King Elinas of Dumfries, chosen by the Goddess to unite the tribes against the foreign invader. Elinas, still mourning his departed queen, has no intention to remarry. Head-strong and independent, Pressine does not expect to fall for the very attractive, wise and noble ruler... Furthermore, her Pagan nature clashes with the religious fanaticism of the king’s Christian heir, who suspects her unholy ancestry and will stop at nothing to get rid of her.
Have a wonderful day.
Vijaya Schartz
Swords, Romance with a Kick
PAGAN QUEEN: May 2012 release
810 AD - Alba (Ancient Scotland) - Queen at last, Pressine brings victory to her beloved Elinas and prosperity to their growing kingdom. But she has to contend with the intrigues of Charlemagne's bishops, spurred by her Christian stepson. While Elinas, on the battlefield, remains unaware of his son’s machinations, Pressine fends off repeated assaults against her life. She also fears the curse that could bring her downfall. For the love of Elinas, she will tempt fate and become with child. But when her indomitable passion challenges the wrath of the Goddess Herself... can she win that battle?
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