Reading historical fiction is not everyone’s cup of tea, but in the hands of a capable writer, even historical fiction becomes racy, a page-turner and can hook readers as well as any fast-paced thriller. That’s what Between Two Fires, written by American writer Mark Noce, a historical novel set in medieval Wales, does. It catches the readers by their eyeballs, refusing to let go until the last word has been read. There is such a strong element of intrigue in the book that readers will feverishly turn the pages to know what happens next.
The story starts in 597 AD, post-Arthurian times, when Wales is in complete disarray because of Saxon attacks. This is the period after the Romans have gone, and Arthur’s Camelot is just a bunch of memories and Christianity co-exists side by side with the old Druid religion. Wales is riddled with power struggles between its several kings: ambitious men who would do anything to be the sole ruler of Wales, even make all kinds of pacts with the barbarians called Saxons.
Between Two Fires is the story of a 16-year-old girl-Branwen, daughter of King Vortigen of Dyfed. As a part of a strategic political alliance, her ambitious father uses his only child Branwen as a pawn and fixes her marriage with the powerful King Morgan, Lord of South Wales, also known as the Hammer King, a man she has never met, a man more than 10 years her senior. Branwen’s marriage to King Morgan is a bargain, a peace settlement supposed to bring stability to the warring kingdoms.
On the day she is supposed to marry King Morgan, the Saxons attack the East Marches. Branwen accompanies her husband and his army, on the way her entourage is attacked by the Saxons, but a hedge knight Artagan of the Free Cantrefs, considered a brigand by most of Wales, saves her. Once Branwen enters Caerwent — her husband’s castle, she sees his ruthless side, realising that she is nothing more than a broodmare, her purpose is to give her husband a few heirs. At first, Branwen, now 17, resigns herself to her destiny playing the role of a dutiful wife.
But after several attempts are made on her life, her fledgling alliance is fraught with enemies both from within and without, Branwen becomes the target of assassinations and courtly intrigue, she is forced to take control of her own destiny and steer it in a direction completely opposite of what her father and husband had planned. She chooses love over duty, uses her healing skills she has inherited from her mother and learnt from her teacher Abbot Padraig, trusting her own natural leadership, Branwen becomes a legend throughout Wales.
The title Between Two Fires is derived from a Celtic proverb, which means that to endure a dilemma is to stand between two fires. Throughout the story Branwen faces one or the other dilemma. When she falls for the knight Artagan, her world threatens to tear apart. She is caught between her duty to her people and her love for a man she cannot have. Brave Branwen opts to follow her heart.
This is the story of a woman who is caught in a world of fierce warriors, each more ruthless than the other. Named after Queen Branwen the Brave Queen of the Old Tribes, considered the most beloved queen of all Wales: wise, good-hearted and courageous, young Branwen proves a worthy namesake, she asserts her authority and tries to preserve Wales against the barbarians by tackling her enemies without the benefit of an army or even a sword. She plays the chess game of life and death with all her enemies. She tries to save her people and remain true to herself, before Saxon invaders and a mysterious traitor try to destroy her.
Noce has created a world full of intrigue and counterplots set in motion by people who have other plans for Branwen. He has blended fantasy elements into a historical fiction framework, weaving a love-story into it. The story takes place over a three-year period, during which Branwen evolves from a young girl to a wife, mother and then a queen, revered by her people and fondly called Mab Ceridwen (Fairy Queen).
Noce takes the readers on a spirited ride through medieval Wales through this story of courage, love and adventure. He is a master of ending each chapter on a cliffhanger. His descriptions leave a vivid image in the reader’s mind. I could see the swirling mists, feel the chill in the air, hear the horses cantering and the sound of swords clashing.
By avoiding huge chunks of backstory, he keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. And in Branwen, he creates a lovable heroine, imbuing in her a strength of character and a depth that belies her age, thereby ensuring that readers will follow the character everywhere she goes.
I have a confession to make, I read this marvellous book in its manuscript form, a few years back, as Noce is my critique partner, we met via my blog. The moment I started reading the manuscript, the moment I met Branwen, I knew Noce had a winner on his hands. This book was brimming with a promise that made an agent quickly grab it. I hope the readers won’t consider me biased because of my association with Noce (who I have never met personally). The only way a reader can judge is by reading the book. I would just say, “read it,” and judge for yourself.
Rachna Chhabria is a Bengaluru-based children’s author and a freelance writer
