The Folkungs (ePub)

Based on 14th Century Scandinavian actual events, The Folkungs--Sweden's royal family--is a generational saga interwoven with jealousy, conspiracy, rivalry, treason, regicide, exorcism, paganism, torture, witchcraft, shamanism, Falconry, folklore, power struggles, and deeply touching love stories. It begins at Nykoping Castle, Sweden, 1291. King Magnus is dead and his three young sons-Birger who is now king, Erik, and Valdemar --await the arrival of the appointed Regent of Sweden, a powerful noble and celebrated warrior, who will teach them the arts of governing, knighthood and skills of war until the young king comes of age. Under his tutelage, Erik will show himself to be the most intelligent and skilful of the three; Valdemar, the youngest, will look on in admiration, while the fledgling King, will bridle with insecurity. Arriving with the Regent is his young daughter, Kristina, who stares aghast at the royal fortress rising before her like a grim symbol of doom. Her fear is well founded: here wastes away a King usurped and imprisoned by his brother, where the future holds even darker treachery. As the young princes mature, King Birger proves himself to be increasingly weak and manipulated by the self-seeking Regent. Can Sweden be left prey to his inept rule? Alliances are formed across the borders as the royals start taking sides. Along with Scandinavia's folklore, magic and myths, the author's words are brought to life across the snowy landscapes, light summer nights, and medieval castles of Scandinavia.