Ria Cantrell - Celtic Storm 03 (42 page)

Authors Note:

I hope you have enjoyed reading Knight Storm, the prequel to Celtic Tempest. I wanted to create a story that took place in Medieval England for you to enjoy. During those days, many marriages were arranged as business propositions first and foremost and love rarely played a part in it. In the story of Erik and Rhianna, I wanted to portray the anxiety from both male and female standpoints in such an arrangement. I tried to mix it with a little misunderstanding, reluctance to capitulate to the whim of another, and a good healthy dose of love and passion. I created my heroine, Rhianna as a healer. Back in those days, healers were often labeled with witchcraft and so many times they would have to practice their craft in secret. I wanted to combine actual remedies for various maladies and so I followed the teachings and healing properties researched and provided by St. Hildegard of Bingen. St. Hildegard was an eleventh century abbess and mystic who studied and perfected the use of herbs as medicines and health aids that are still used today. I used some of her combinations in the work that Rhianna did among her villagers and family.

Of course, Ragnorsen is a fictional surname, but I wanted to create someone who, although was born an Englishman, would have had ties to his Viking heritage. He had to look like a Viking and he had to embrace some of the qualities from his Norse ancestors. I needed a strong hero who was not afraid of a willful and independent healer. Erik Ragnorsen was just such a man.

In Knight Storm, I introduced one of my favorite characters, Sir Andrew Brandham. You, of course, can read his story in Celtic Tempest. He is a beloved rake who becomes one of Rhianna’s closest friends. He is also psychic. Rhianna helps him embrace his Gifts and encourages him to find love of his own choosing. He does that in Celtic Tempest.

It is at times, challenging to write both in the medieval era and present day, but I must say, I have good fun making that leap in time, if only on the pages of my stories.

One of the common threads in all the stories is a woman called Morag. While she did not have a big part in Knight Storm, we learn that her cousin is actually the mentor and beloved chatelaine to Rhianna du Montefort. Look for Morag’s story in a novella entitled Morag’s Tears. I think you will enjoy her story where we learn that not all love stories have to do with a couple, per se. Sometimes one’s soul mate is one’s own child and in Morag’s Tears, we learn about the decisions and choices that ultimately satisfy her need for love. You can read the other threads of this series in Celtic Fury, the story of Rory MacCollum and Brielle Campbell, sworn enemies but even greater bonded in love. Then, in Celtic Spirit, Derek Campbell, brother of Brielle and enemy of the MacCollum clan is offered a second chance at life and powerful redemption that only comes through love. Celtic Spirit is a time travel paranormal story that spans seven hundred or so years. As I have always said, Love cannot be contained in space and time.

I wish you all love and passion in your life. May you be surrounded by those who cherish you! Bright Blessings to you ALL!

~ Ria Cantrell