Susan King - [Celtic Nights 03]

The Sword Maiden

The Celtic Nights Series

Book Three

by

Susan King

National Bestselling Author

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ISBN: 978-1-61417-443-1

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Copyright © Susan King, 2001, 2013. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions.

Cover by Kim Killion
www.thekilliongroupinc.com

eBook design by eBook Prep
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For Jeremy, the warrior

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank Rob Miller, a bladesmith on the Isle of Skye, for insights and information regarding medieval and specifically Scottish smithing; the Mid-Atlantic Association for Historical Swordsmanship for information, advice, drills, and for letting me whack away with a wooden sword myself; and Howard and Amy Waddell of Albion Armorers for sharing their knowledge of swords and showing me some beautiful examples of medieval weaponry.

Special thanks to Coleman and Laurienzo Builders, Inc., for the inspirational sound of hammering while I wrote my smithing story.

With every book, some more than others, I am indebted to some wonderful writers and friends for inspiration, support, and much patience with the process. Someday I hope to return their kindness. For now, I can only say thank you from my heart.

I'll grow into your arms two

Like iron in strong fire;

But hold me fast, let me not go

I am your heart's desire.

—Tam Lin

Prologue

"Eisg, o eisg!"
("Listen, oh listen!")

—War cry of the MacArthurs

Argyll, Scotland

Summer, 1418

"Be still and silent, and I will tell a tale of long ago in the time of the mists, when a prince lived by our great loch," Alpin the ferryman said. He spoke in his rich, rumbling voice to the children gathered at his feet inside his small stone house.