Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: Wings ePress Type: Fiction Pages: 369 Copyright: December 2007 ISBN-13: 97810597057523 Warrior chiefs and scheming Druids vie for ownership of a wondrous blade. Can the young warrior retrieve the sword and save his love from the sacrificial flames?  About the Story: “Fires of Belenus” is an adventurous tale, which tantalizes readers with “edge of your seat action” and rational portrayals of mythical events found in the Cú Chulainn and Arthurian legends. The Sword in the Stone, Lady of Lake, and Cú Chulainn’s stand at the river ford are brought to life in plausible new ways that make the work unique. It is a tale of Historical Fantasy, made believable by accurately portraying ancient Celtic culture.    Synopsis: When a meteorite plunges deep into the heart of Celtica, the blinding flash turns night into day and the impact flattens miles of countryside. A great sword is forged from the sky stone that is prophesized to shape the destinies of future generations. Warrior chiefs and scheming Druids vie for ownership of the wondrous blade, cutting a trail of blood and murder across the Celtic world.    Excerpt The warrior strutted into the room with the authority of a young rooster, naked except for his plaid cape and the belted scabbard that held his sword. He wore the belt high around his chest with the sword on his right side. His legs, arms and torso were covered with blue tattoos of entwined serpents and he had caked his hair pure white with a lime wash. If he had been drunk before, he did not show it now. Bryn's hopes sank. Then his eyes moved down the figure of the lean and well-muscled prince. His penis and testicles were large and relaxed. They swayed flaccidly as he paraded into the center of the room. Bryn desperately searched the crowd for Alicia and finally caught sight of her in the crowd with several of her girl friends. Dismayed, he could see she and her friends were enjoying Wascla's exhibition, while he could feel his own equipment shrink with gnawing fear. Bryn felt clammy and sick as beads of cold perspiration were beginning to drip down his forehead. The sensation of someone tugging at his shirt brought him back to reality. Cei had returned with the potion and his father was removing his shirt to rub the potion into his body. Everyone winced at the pungent odor released when Cei opened the vial. “Ugh, what is this foul smelling concoction?” Bryn asked as he grimaced. “How would I know? Maighread makes it, not I. She would never reveal the secret of one of her potions to a man, although I have gathered the herb Borage for her to make it. Also, I have seen her mix in a little horse urine and flax oil. Unfortunately, it smells a lot better than it tastes.” “Ugh,” Bryn protested. “I am not going to drink this vile potion.” “Well, suit yourself, but if you want to have a chance in this contest, I would urge you to drink it,” Cei retorted. Athair, Eoan, and Cei moved in closer to Bryn. Athair pulled Bryn’s arms back suddenly, Eoan tipped his head, and Cei poured the remainder of the mixture down his throat. Bryn quivered and thrashed about like a fish out of water, making disgusting sounds. Finally, the shock of the foul brew dissipated and Bryn stood erect, without aid. Oddly enough, he had become calmer and more self-assured. The potion on his body gave a pleasant burning sensation and helped distract his mind from fear. His senses seemed more acute. He could hear the individual conversations of people sitting in the crowd and noticed details of people standing in the shadows. Even more amazing, he was not sick. He had been certain that the potion would have him retching on the floor in front of the crowd; instead, it had settled his stomach. Seeing that Wascla had returned, Mogh started pushing the crowd back while Ogar marked off a large circular area on the floor with a thick white rope. Ogar was to judge the match. Bryn continued to watch as Wascla turned his back to him and began a series of ceremonial motions. Though he felt better with the potion, his confidence was fading. He just hoped the contest would end quickly and his wounds would not be too deep. To make things worse, he was feeling foolish because he had gotten into this trouble over his beloved Alicia, who seemed more interested in his opponent and was not at his side. The oil on Bryn’s body exaggerated the muscularity of his young body and Athair noticed that Bryn had grown and filled out during the past year. His son was making the transition to adulthood, at least physically. Finished with the potion, Athair wiped the excess oil off his hands and turned to Eoan to receive the sword he had retrieved from the wagon. Athair took the sword and handed it to Bryn. Bryn took the sword in his hands and looked at his father. “Bryn, this is a new sword that I created for dueling. It is not much to look at, but I think it may give you the edge.” He smiled waiting for Bryn to catch the pun, but there was no response. He continued, “It is extremely light, with no frills, jewels, or embellishments. The blade is a bit thicker than the usual sword, but this is because it is also narrower. The thickness is needed for strength but, overall, there is about one third less material and weight in this blade than a normal sword. It is a fine grade of iron and trust me, it is as sharp as they come. This will make you even quicker and should the contest last a long time it will help your endurance.” Bryn took the sword and held it out at arm's length studying the blade. Then he started to warm up, with parries and thrusts. After a few moments, he looked at his father. For the first time Athair noticed a glimmer of hope and excitement in Bryn's mood. “I like it!” Bryn exclaimed. Cei had gone over to the vat of beer and returned with four cups spilling over the top with beer. “Careful with that,” Athair said. “What are you doing?” “I have a one more trick that might help tip the odds in Bryn's favor. In fact, I just bet my best heifer that Bryn would win. The boy is going to make me rich. Athair looked at Cei with surprise. “You own a heifer?” he said. Cei ignored the question. “Bryn, take these two mugs and hold them out to Wascla as a salute to his honor and drink them down. But, have no fear because I have watered yours down so that the drink will have no affect on you. It is only water. Wascla will see your salute and drink down at least three mugs, not to be bested. This will slow him down and affect his judgment.” Bryn took the first mug, stepped forward into the ring and held it high in the air, saluted Wascla, and chugged down the entire contents. He turned to Cei, who handed him a second mug. He saluted and downed that one as well. Then as Cei was about to drink down his own beer, Bryn snatched it, saluted and drank. It was gone before Cei could protest. Seeing this Wascla grabbed a large drinking horn of beer from Buic, saluted and drank it down, then another and another. It was better than Cei had hoped. Wascla laughed and drank and made jokes with his retainers, but he was no fool and was keeping sober enough to fight the duel. Still, three cups of beer quickly imbibed after drinking all day would have their effect. Bryn took a deep breath and one last look at the crowd for Alicia. Now there was no sign of her. Just as he was ready to move to the center of the combat area, Alicia sprang out of nowhere, throwing her arms around him and squeezing her cheek next to his with all of her strength. Tears were steaming down her cheeks. “Bryn you cannot start this duel without a kiss for luck!” “Alicia, where have you been? I was afraid you were not going to come.” “Bryn, I was with my girlfriends cleaning up a few things and we did not hear about the duel until we followed Wascla into the meeting hall.” Sensing Bryn's mistrust, she hugged and squeezed even harder, “Bryn, I love you. Yes, I was with Wascla last summer. Believe me, I do not want a husband who is always away from home collecting heads and concubines. I love you.” “By the great goddess of light you had better love me!” Bryn took another deep breath and pried Alicia's arms from around his neck. He turned to face his opponent. Wascla was facing him, staring directly into his eyes. If Wascla had any fear, he did not show it. Behind him, his retainers were laughing, making jokes and interacting with the crowd, taking all bets. Wascla removed his cloak and scabbard and stood tall, wearing only his belt. Sword in hand, he moved to the center of the contest area. Bryn took a step forward but Alicia grabbed him again and held him back. “If you were to be injured, I would never forgive myself,” she blurted out with quivering lips and more tears streaming down her face. Bryn looked at her intently, searching her heart through her eyes and gave in, squeezing her hard in return. “Look, I will most likely receive three cuts in this match. I am hoping they will not be too serious. Wascla will have his honor and I will have you. Now give me another kiss for luck.” They embraced tightly and kissed each other on the mouth, while Wascla's eyes smoldered in jealousy. Bryn felt her warm body react to his embrace. He gently exhaled a moist breath in her ear as she had done to him and, he suspected, to Wascla as well. Then he whispered, “Just be in the wagon tonight to tend my wounds and ease my pain.”

Renaissance Magazine: Tomes of Lore
Renaissance Magazine:
Vol. 14, #1, Issue #65, January 2008

Fires of Belenus
by William H. Russeth
ISBN: 978-1597057523
Wings ePress / 2007

Fires of Belenus is the debut historical novel of William H. Russeth and a remarkable tale of the ancient Celts. The novel stays very true to the nature of these complex and fascinating people, while still adding a sense of wonder.

The basic plot of Fires of Belenus involves a sword forged from metal taken from within a fallen meteorite that, according to prophecy, will forge the destiny of the world for generations to come. Everyone in the land wants control of this seemingly mystical blade, from the warrior chieftains to the numinous druids. It becomes the task of Eoan, a young man barely out of his childhood, to find the sword. To make matters even more desperate, he also has to save the girl he loves.

The world of the Celts can be quite harsh at times, and Russeth does not shy away from violence where it is necessary for characterization and plot. Not wanting to give away anything too important to the story, I can say that early in the book one of his druid characters has an encounter where he comes away a few bloody digits short. Yet, Russeth never uses violence simply to liven up a scene. Even though the novel takes place in a rather brutal era, the author seems to know just what a scene needs without going overboard and relying on violence to titillate the audience. Romance is integral to the tale and plays a large part in the book as well. Again, the author does a good job of weaving it into the narrative – it feels like a very natural part of the story and is never dull.

One of the greatest things about the novel, however, is how the subjects of druids are viewed by the populous and how their "magic" is handled. Russeth takes a very realistic approach to the subject and it comes across as very plausible. Readers will find quite a few surprises where the author takes an event or being that seems to be supernatural or otherworldly and explains the reality behind it. This melding of the magical into the real world is done quite well.
If you enjoy a great historical adventure story with characters that you care about and a good dose of romance added into the mix, then you should give Fires of Belenus a read. It is gripping and executed well. You won't be disappointed.
Jason M. Tucker