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| The gauntlet is thrown. One must die. Refusal is not an option. |
Just because I love turning legends on end, I have given this tale a traditional fantasy twist. To rescue the high king, Arthur's wife Gyan (a.k.a. Guinevere) must face all her demons—public as well as private.
Enjoy The Challenge free on Kindle, but unless you have a Kindle Unlimited or Amazon Prime subscription, you'd better hurry! It's only free worldwide February 9-10.
Learn more about Gyan from her Eggcerpt Exchange interview:
What is the meaning of your name?
I am Gyanhumara nic Hymar, daughter of Hymar and her consort, Ogryvan. My mother, whose name means “song,” named me her “rarest song,” for I was fated before birth to be the only daughter she would ever bear. Those who do not ken the Caledonach tongue call me by many other names: Vennevria… Guanhumara… Ganora… Gwenhwyfar… Guenevara… Guinevere. I am none of those women.
I am Gyanhumara.
My kin and closest friends call me Gyan. You may call me “Your Majesty.”
As you wish, of course. Please describe your job, Your Majesty.
I am Chieftainess of Clan Argyll of Caledon, a position I inherited from my mother. When my husband Arthur was acclaimed High King of Breatein by virtue of his—our—victories over the Saxons, Scots, and other enemies of his people the Breatanaich, I became High Queen to rule at Arthur’s side.
Though I remain honored that Arthur’s people hold much love and respect for me, the added responsibilities have proven to be far more of a burden than I could have ever foreseen.
Do you have a favorite place to visit?
The Sanctuary of the Chalice on St. Padraic’s Isle. In the churchyard lie the bodies of the first men to die under my command. Their gravestones serve to remind me that war should only be pursued after all other avenues toward peace have failed. Inside the church sits enshrined one of the holiest relics of all Christendom… and the only means by which I have ever attained forgiveness for the mistakes I’ve made. And those mistakes are, indeed, legion.
This may be a sensitive question, but please tell us, Your Majesty, about your significant other.
Ah, Arthur, my life, my heart, my soul… my dearest love. How did we ever come to a point where we scarcely share an intimate word anymore? I blame the pressures of governing the people, of protecting them from invasions and famines and plagues and sundry other threats.
But most of all, I blame myself for the poor choices I have made that have widened our rift.
What is your most important goal?
I would give anything for the chance to set things aright with Arthur. Anything, even my very life itself.
What is your worst nightmare?
Ha! You have doubtless heard that in mere moments I must face in combat a woman reputed to be in league with a demon. Is that not nightmare enough for you?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty; I intended no offense. Thank you so much for your precious time, and I wish you success in this battle… and beyond.
[Gyan inclines her head, a slight smile bending her lips. The smile inverts as she tugs on her gloves, dons her helmet, claps hand to hilt, and strides off to meet her foe.]
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| Hear Gyan voiced by Ruth Urquhart in the audiobook edition of The Challenge! |
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