Albannaich - Softcover

Penny, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1905529074 ISBN 13: 9781905529070

Publisher: Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd, 2006

A novel of 11th century Scotland. The story, set in the period 1018-57AD, relates the events through the experiences of the main characters, drawn into the violent conflicts and dynastic struggles of the historical figures of that time. Simple men of Alba; the name for Scotland in that age; they are the Albannaich of the title. Forced by circumstance to share the fate and fortunes of the High Kings. Malcolm11; hard and ruthless, with a vision of a strong, united Alba..His grandson, the ill-fated Duncan; a victim of his own arrogance and aggression..And Macbeth..sharing Malcolm's dream for Alba and forced to act against Duncan to preserve it.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Cathail settled his shield and rested his axe over his right shoulder. Bran stood to his left, lifting up on his toes to see past the man in front of him. Fergus was on his right with Murchadh beyond him, and Cathail could hear them guffawing at some quip Fergus had made. The two of them had consumed most of the flask of raw spirit, a swig of which had caused Cathail to choke and splutter, and it was having its effect on them.
With the slope of the ground he could see over the heads of the front rank the thick wedge of men trudging forward under the banner of the High King of Alba. The banner he had followed with pride. To his left the advancing line already looked ragged, the men on its flank clearly discomfited by the arrows whipping in from the woods on their unshielded side. They were edging away from the punishing shafts towards the centre and causing the line to bulge. A few bodies, some still, others moving in pain, littered the ground they had covered, and as the arrows flayed at their ranks the pace increased, until with a roar they broke into a charge, their lines dissolving into groups of running men.
The centre came on steadily, close enough now for Cathail to see the fierce eyes peering over the tops of shields and hear the whispering creak of metal and leather. The warrior in front of him braced himself, his knees bent in a half crouch, his sword held clear of his body. All along the line men did the same, the spearmen lowering their weapons to the horizontal. Cathail dimly heard the clash of shields as the first of the Irish reached the Moray line.... then the High King's banner swept down and the wedge of men surged forward.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.