The Orphan Country, Book two

After lifting the siege of Badon, Llanfel is desperate to continue his mission, but due to the cruel attack on Morgana, she will first need time to heal.

Arthur wishes him to stay, not only because they need to discuss manning the outposts depleted by Llanfel raising the rescue force, but also what to do concerning the fleeing Scotti and Kernowians.

Llanfel though, is adamant that as soon as Morgana is well enough to ride, he will leave his new-found sister with the other young orphans and along with his close companions, he will muster those warriors available and man the outposts, the priority being Caer Palladour on the edge of the Saxon incursion.

What he finds is that a war band of Jutes have laid waste to the Caer and appear to be heading north and west, gathering more Germanic tribesmen as they move. Dreading a threat to the peaceful, integrated settlements of the vale, after re-garrisoning the Caer, he moves after the Jute menace.

Slowly, they advance through the newly ravaged countryside, but emerging from the shadows is a greater and far more subtle danger, a force Llanfel has yet to meet, one that will affect the very future of them all.

Colin J Smith served in the Armed forces for 26 years before leaving to work in the private sector. He has always had a deep interest in history, the landscape of Iron age Britain, photography and writing. He is married with six children, and lives in Lincolnshire.