One of the most enjoyable themes I wrote in the book, CONQUERED SHORES, was the differences between Gunnar Ravenshield and Shannon regarding religious beliefs. Ravenshield, a handsome warrior and conqueror, has a belief system that is deeply rooted in Norse gods and goddesses. The lovely Irish maiden that he has kidnapped firmly believes in the New Religion that is sweeping across the lands (the spread of Christianity). This is just one problem the lovers must face if they want to be together.

At one point in the book, Ravenshield encounters Freya while gathering kindling for the fire.

Ravenshield’s mouth gaped open as he stared at a half-naked woman who was standing in front of him. The cloak draped around her shoulders was the only clothing she wore. Her strawberry blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, covering her breasts. Her skin was as white as milk, her eyes were the purest of blue. She wore a necklace made of amber and moonstone surrounded by silver forged of fire—Brisingamen.

“Freya,” he whispered, lowering his weapon.

“Yes.” Her voice sounded like delicate bells tinkling in the breeze. “I am here to speak with you, Ravenshield.”

Gunnar dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “I am honored by your presence, Lady.”

“You are about to embark on a dangerous quest, and I am here to warn you,” she said.

“I pray for your guidance. I know victory will be mine if you fight by my side,” he declared, raising his head.

“No.” Freya tilted her head and sighed. “My powers are fading, Ravenshield. The new religion is spreading rapidly, and it has weakened us. All of us.”

“But this cannot be,” Ravenshield said, “I will fight it. Just as you have saved me in battle, I will save you.”

On the other hand, Shannon represents everything that is destroying the Norse gods. Later in the story, she is visited by someone whom she thinks is an angel:

Her eyes grew heavy as fog formed on the dirt floor. Tendrils of grey mist curled in the air and reached out for her. She tried to scoot away, but it swelled and rolled closer. Fear seized her as the vapor thickened and spread. It loomed in front of her, taunting her, stretching out so far that it consumed every inch of the room.

“Shannon,” a voice echoed from within the mist.

“Who’s there?” Shannon asked, swallowing hard as the cloud formed a figure of a woman. Her hair was long and the color of the sunset. Her eyes were like sparkling sapphires, bright and bold. A necklace of precious stones hung around her neck. Feathers. Shannon saw feathers cloaked around the woman’s shoulders, cascading down around her like wings. “Are ye an angel?”

“In your mind, I am,” the woman smiled.

“What’re you doin’ here?”

“Do not fear me. I am here to help,” Her voice sounded like bells quietly ringing in the wind. “Though a veil of darkness has fallen upon you and Ravenshield, you must not lose faith.”

“Faith? I’ve none left.”

“You cannot mean that.”

“I do,” Shannon explained, looking down, “It doesnae matter. My life is forfeit, and my bairn willnae have a chance to live.”

“Stay strong, and follow your heart.”

“How can I when the man I love has abandoned me?”

“He has not abandoned you,” she said, “The time will come when all eyes shall open, and the truth will be revealed.”

“It’s too late.”

“Ravenshield is in mortal danger, and you hold the key to his fate.”

I leave it up to the reader if Shannon is conversing to a Norse goddess or an angel. After reading the book, I'm interested in knowing what my readers think. Is this mysterious character Freya or is she an angel?