Reivers
Between the 13th and 17th
century, Border Reivers were raiders who lived along the Anglo-Scottish border.
These reivers stole from their neighboring clansmen. These clans were both
Scottish and English families that raided the entire border country. They were
ruthless and did not care who their victims were. Nationalities did not matter.
The Maxwells and the Johnstones
The Maxwells were the strongest family in
the Scottish West March until the Johnstones reduced their power in the
sixteenth century. The feud between the Johnstones and the Maxwells was the
longest and the bloodiest in history. I thought it appropriate to weave a tale
around these two clans and perhaps finally bring them peace.
Hideout
The Devil's Beef Tub is located north of
the Scottish town of Moffat with a deep dramatic hollow formed by four hills:
The Great Hill, Peat Knowe, Annanhead Hill and Ericstane Hill. The Border
Reivers, who hid their stolen cattle there, gave the place its name.
Reivers and Their Names
Many of the reivers had colorful names such
as Archie Fire-the-Braes, Out-With-the-Sword, and Cleave-the-Crune. The Devil's Wolf seemed appropriate for the
hero of my tale.
Strongholds
Catrione Johnstone and Waylon Maxwell are
both fictional characters, but their strongholds were true homes to these
clans. Lochwood Tower, the seat of the Johnstone Clan is located in upper
Annandale. Unfortunately this historical pele tower is in an advanced state of
ruin. Caerlaverock is one of the most beautiful and interesting castle in
Scotland. The remains of the castle date back to the rebuilding that took place
through 1400s. They offer tours daily.
 |
| Caerlaverock in 1900 |
Excerpt for
THE DEVIL’S WOLF
He spotted the
old priest, frail and hunched over, already looking defeated despite his
attempt at bravery. Waylon’s gaze shifted to the skinny lad standing beside the
priest. The youth wore a helmet that nearly covered is face, leaving only his
smooth hairless chin as witness to his age. Waylon had to give the lad credit.
He stood tall and held his sword like a fearless warrior. Waylon would loathe
having to kill him, but if the lad forced his hand there could be no other way.
“Come now lad,
the fight’s over,” he coaxed.
The priest's
hunched shoulders sagged further and he dropped the dagger he gripped in his
hand, but the lad refused to be intimidated.
“It’ll never be
over until every last one of you is dead.” He waved his sword in the air as he
spewed his threat.
Waylon’s brows
lifted. The lad’s voice hadn’t even changed, but it still rumbled like a
distant thunder.
“Brave words, I
do say, but all within the keep has laid down their weapons.”
The lad
hesitated, but then straightened his back. “You lie.”
“Now why would
I?” He moved forward with careful steps. He didn’t believe the priest would
interfere, but he sensed the lad was unpredictable. “Come now, put down yer
sword so we may talk freely.”
“Talk? Do you
think I do not know who you are?”
“Who is it ye
think I am?”
“The Devil’s
Wolf.” He spat on the ground. “You slay all in your path and eat the young for
breakfast.”
If the situation
wasn’t so grim, he may have laughed. He had heard the rumors, but had ignored
them. It was better the enemy feared what they thought he could do than know
the truth. “Now, now, is that any way to greet yer new laird?”
“I will never
swear fealty to you.”
“Nay? We will
have to see aboot that.” He lunged forward, but the lad anticipated his move
and blocked it with one of his own. Waylon was impressed. He had underestimated
the lad. He thought to disarm him and be done with this charade. “So ye insist
on playing, do ye?” Waylon would participate in the lad’s game for a while, but
in the end he would win. They paced, each sizing up the other. Out of curiosity
to see what the youth had in him, Waylon would allow the lad to make the next
move.
He didn’t make
Waylon wait for long. He leaped forward swinging viciously, his sword slicing
the air with a vengeance. Waylon was forced to retreat as he defended himself
from each blow. The look in the lad’s eyes told Waylon his intent. The lad
wished to kill him. Waylon swung his sword sending the insolent child back.
The lad jumped
onto the wood bench giving him height and an advantage as their swords clanged
together. The lad was light on his feet and agile as a cat. Waylon would have
to work to put an end to this.
“Come now, ye
tire,” Waylon spoke to distract.
“It is you who
tires, Devil’s Wolf.” The boy swung his sword again with ferocious intent.
Waylon barely
deflected the blow. His eyes narrowed. “Enough! Ye will end this now or I
will.”
“Hah! We’ll see
who ends what.” And he came after him again.
Waylon backed up,
blocking every swing feeling the jolt up his arm. Whoever taught this lad to
fight was good. If the lad lived long enough, he’d make a fine warrior. The lad
swung again, the tip of the sword slicing through Waylon’s leather jacket
hitting flesh.
The lad gasped
in shock and stepped back.
Waylon glanced
at blood oozing from the cut, a flesh wound only. His pride stung more for
allowing the youth to take him unawares. “Now ye’ve done it.” Waylon leveled
his gaze on the lad. “We are done here.” He charged the lad, lashing out
mercilessly. The lad was wearing down, but he refused to surrender. With swirl
of Waylon’s sword he swung up, flipping the weapon from the lad’s grip and
pushing him down. Waylon was upon him, his sword at the lad’s throat.
“Stop!” the
priest shouted, running forward. “Please, I beg of you do not kill her.”
“Waylon’s gaze
riveted to the priest. “What say ye? Her?”
“Do not listen
to the old man. He is senile,” the lad claimed. “Do what you must and be done
with it. Slit my throat. I am ready to die an honorable death.”
“No, I say,” the
priest begged. “Forgive me, my lady.” His gaze turned toward the lad. “I cannot
stand by and see you slain.”
“Mi’lady!”
Waylon took hold of the helmet that hid the lad’s face and yanked it off his
head.
Waves of dark
tresses came tumbling out and wide sea-green eyes met his with alarm.
Waylon’s mouth
dropped open. He had been about to slash the throat of a mere lass. “By all
that is holy, are ye mad?” He yanked her to her feet. His gaze took in the
length of her and he reprimanded himself for being so blind. Every curve stood
out now that he knew the truth. He pursed his lips together. “The lady Catrione,
I presume?”
To buy links:
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-devils-wolf-karen-michelle-nutt/1111300743?ean=2940033207930
About the Author:
Karen Michelle Nutt resides in California with her husband, three
fascinating children, and houseful of demanding pets. Jack, her Chorkie, is her
writing buddy and sits long hours with her at the computer.
When she’s not time traveling, fighting outlaws, or otherworldly
creatures, she creates pre-made book covers to order at Gillian’s Book Covers,
“Judge Your Book By Its Cover”. You can also check out her published cover art
designs at Western Trail Blazer and Rebecca J. Vickery Publishing.
Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical or time travel,
all her stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most
fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.
Visit the author at: http://www.kmnbooks.com
Stop by her blog for Monday interviews, chats and contests at:
Gillian’s Book Covers "Judge
Your Book By Its Cover"
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KMNbooks
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/karenmnutt/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Michelle-Nutt/e/B002BLLBPE
9 comments:
I loved the history behind the tale. I read your terrific excerpt with my imagination primed. :)
Best luck Karen.
Lindsay,
Thanks so much for having here today to share a tidbit of history and a snippet from The Devil's Wolf. :)
Rose,
So glad you liked the behind scene look of my tale! Thanks so much for stopping by and for the good wishes. :)
Karen,
I very much enjoyed the excerpt from your novel and the history you shared. I've only done one British historical novel, TEA LEAVES AND TAROT CARDS, but I did a tremendous amount of research before and during the creation of the Regency romance. So I know yours obviously was hard work and yet a labor of love. Best wishes.
Jacqueline,
I love doing research almost as much as writing the tale. :) So interesting, but you know this first hand. lol
Thanks so much for stopping by.
I've always been fascinated by the Reivers - I think the word itself is just great. Your book sounds very interesting.
Pleasure to have you here, Karen! It sounds a fantastic story.
Barbara,
I agree, the word reivers is a fantastic name!
So glad The Devil's Wolf sparked an interest. Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit. :)
Lindsay,
Thanks again for having me here. :)
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