The Withered Rose

A novel of the Count of Trall.

The daughter of a prince and niece of a king, Atela is the most eligible young woman in the kingdom of Hograth. She has always known that her husband will be chosen for her, and she trusts that her father and uncle will select a good match.

The man they have decided upon is Sturgar, heir to the barony of Arbroan. Sturgar yearns for the chance to prove himself as a warrior, and for an heir to carry his name and to inherit his lands. He expects a union with the royal house to bring him opportunities for advancement and glory.

"The Withered Rose" is a tale of duty, honour and friendship. It is also a story of pride and folly, and explosions of violence upon brutal battlefields. These combine to drag Atela and Sturgar from a life of love and happiness to the pain of betrayal, and ultimate tragedy.

("The Withered Rose" takes place some years before the events in Marcus Pailing's other novels about the Count of Trall: "The Death of Kings", "The Demon's Consort" and "Fields of Battle". These other novels are also available as eBooks.)