The Fire Tree

By 
Ken Kirk

Janine, a young maid on the run from her employer, and unanswerable questions, runs into danger on the road. In the form of the local guardsmen, intent on harm. Janine is recued twice; once by an unknown benefactor who kills the attacking guardsman, and once by a carriage on the road owned by a soon-to-be Bishop on his way home. The Bishop and his identical twin take Janine to Brech Woorlach Hall. Almost immediately Janine feels disoriented and confused. Though never leaving her village, Janine feels like she remembers not only the layout of the manor house but the grounds as well. How is this possible? Is she really who she thinks she is?

Alex, a young Scottish solider with night terrors, has stopped at an inn. Though keeping the patrons and owners awake through the night, he is also a calming and helpful presence around the inn. At breakfast, Alex and the innkeeper, Hamish, meet the new constable for the area appointed by King James. Constable McGrath had a run in with the local guardsmen, the McArthy clan, and showed up at the inn with a dead one slung over the back of his pack horse. Promising to return for dinner, McGrath leaves to scout the nearby territory. Dinner comes and goes, along with three men who show up in the common room looking for the Constable, but the Constable never shows. Alex and Hamish gear up and head out on a rescue mission. At the same time the constable’s regiment is also informed of the situation and undertakes a rescue as well. Will they be able to rescue the Constable? Or will they all get in each other’s way?

Annis, the young Queen of the West, has to navigate not only the rocky terrain of the Scottish Highlands, but the political pitfalls of the time. Clan Grant has always been a danger to the Queen of the West and her people. To show her queenly authority, Annis must cross the Spey river and ride through their territory every spring, With the help of her Honor Guard, Clan Grant recognizes what Annis’ ancestor, Kiffan, did to protect them when the Vikings were invading
Britan. After successfully navigating the political pitfalls with Clan Grant, both groups find themselves under attack by a new force. The Cambell Clan attacks both groups. Annis is injured in the battle. As they prepare to move her to safety, a spear appears, aimed directly at Annis. No one can move fast enough to stop the spear, unless a miracle occurs, Annis, the Queen of the West, will die. Will she get her miracle?

This is a complex story of Kings, Queens, and the Scottish Highlands of 1622. The twists and turns keep the reader intrigued. The characters are full of life and vibrancy. I highly recommend this read for fans of Historical Fiction.

DISCLAIMER: this is an editorial review.