Princess of the Highlands

A TIME OF DARKNESSSix years since the Danes invaded Scotland, slaying her finest men.Five since the Highland King married one of the enemy, betraying his countrymen and losing the Lowlanders' support.Three since the king died and the Danes imprisoned the remaining blood heir to the throne.Her crown stolen, her country desolated, Fiona McCurragh now faces the looming threat of execution.The Lowlanders, weary of enemy rule, seek to free their stolen homeland. With the aid of a blind harper, they attempt to rescue their Highland princess when the Danes ride in on Lowlander territory, shattering the fragile peace. The Scots are left with no choice except to launch a war in the face of the coming winter. If they do not attack now, the Scots-and their princess-may not live to see the spring.In the face of despair, Fiona McCurragh finds courage in friendship with two chief's sons. Yet conflict lies on more than one side, and for some of the Scots and their allies, loyalty no longer has any meaning.

A CRY FOR VALOURFive years since the last blood heir to the Scottish throne was imprisoned by Danish invaders, death her only prospect.Two since the Lowlanders rescued their princess while failing to free their country, waging a winter's war.One since the princess went into hiding and the Scots sent envoys to Cymru, hoping to secure aid against their common enemies.Her country in ruins, her fighting men few, Fiona McCurragh nonetheless finds courage as the Lowlanders return from Cymru.As winter thaws into spring, the Danes renew their hunt for the Scottish princess, nearly discovering her and the Scots' newfound Cymreig allies. The Scots, forced to play their hand, retaliate by launching their third war against their invaders. Yet Fiona McCurragh and the elder son of Chieftain McCladden soon realise that not all battles are won with men and spears; some are of the heart.In an unforeseen act of treachery, Fiona is captured and held prisoner at Caerloch Castle, awaiting torture and execution. Meanwhile, the Lowlanders and the Cymry find themselves faced by Lady Nuith's innumerable hosts and beyond the reach of the silent Highlanders. Torn between surrender or death, honouring their oaths may be the Scots' final defence.