We’re in Tamworth in the year 833. After successfully rescuing her husband, Lord Coenwulf, from the Isle of Sheppey, Icel hears the deathbed confession of Lady Cynehild — which leaves him questioning what he knows about his past, as well as his future.
Icel is in the unenviable position of being oath-sworn to protect their two atheling sons when Lord Coenwulf is banished for his treason against the Mercian ruler, King Wiglaf. Now he is once more torn between his oaths and the life-changing secret he now knows.
When the two children are kidnapped, Icel — good to his word, and fearing for their safety — pursues their abductors into the dangerous Northern lands.
Whose powerful and deadly royal gamesmanship is behind the audacious attempt on their young and innocent lives?
Alone in the Northern lands, Icel finds himself facing his worse fears.
Can he rescue the children from their captor, or will he fail — and lose his own life in the process?
Protector of Mercia by MJ Porter is published on 5 September. It’s the fifth in the Eagle of Mercia Chronicles.
You may also enjoy MJ’s Historia features about the background to these books:
Adding the ‘little’ bits to enrich a story of Saxon historical fiction
Rival kings and the fall of Mercia
‘England’ in the 10th century (for MJ’s Brunanburh series)
