The Valley: The Druid Chronicles, Book Two

Llwddawanden is a hidden sanctuary where remnants of a once-powerful pagan cult carry on their ancient ritual practices, supported by a small but faithful following. The Druids of Llwddawanden believe that the Great Mother Goddess gave birth to their ancestors and that Her spirit inhabits the body of their highest priestess. Herrwn, the shrines chief priest and master bard, has the responsibility of overseeing the education of Caelym, the orphaned son of the cults previous chief priestess, and keeping the peace within the upper ranks of their order. However, the rivalry over which of the three highest priests will claim Caelym as his disciple and the mounting conflicts between the current chief priestess and her only living daughter threaten to rend the fabric of a society that has endured for more than a millennium.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: She Writes Press

Nestled within the embrace of the rugged Welsh countryside, Llwddawanden emerges as a hidden sanctuary, preserving the remnants of a once-powerful pagan cult that continues to uphold their ancient ritual practices with unwavering devotion. Supported by a small but unwavering following of servants, craftsmen, and laborers, these Druids have carved out a secluded existence, cut off from the outside world by both geography and conviction.

While the belief that the most important of all divine beings gave birth to their ancestors and that Her spirit inhabits the body of their highest priestess may seem tenuous in the face of their reduced lot in life, the Druids of Llwddawanden firmly hold this belief and are committed to carrying on the traditions passed down to them by their forbears. At the helm of this secluded society is Herrwn, the revered chief priest and master bard, who bears the weighty responsibility of overseeing the education of Caelym, the orphaned son of the cult's previous chief priestess. As the rivalry between the three highest priests intensifies, fueled by their desire to claim Caelym as their disciple, and as mounting conflicts between the current chief priestess and her only living daughter threaten to tear apart the very fabric of a society that has endured for more than a millennium, Herrwn must navigate the treacherous waters of power, loyalty, and tradition.

Within the confines of Llwddawanden, the Druids live a simple yet profound existence, bound by a deep reverence for the natural world and a belief in the interconnectedness of all things. Their rituals, conducted in secret within the confines of their sacred groves, are a blend of ancient paganism and indigenous beliefs, honoring the Great Mother Goddess and her many manifestations. The Druids view themselves as the first-born and favorite of Her mortal children, and their highest priestess, known as the Banshee, is believed to possess a direct connection to the divine.

Despite their isolation, the Druids of Llwddawanden have managed to maintain a sense of community and harmony, thanks in part to the leadership of Herrwn and the dedication of their followers. However, as the world around them continues to change, and as the forces of modernity and secularism threaten to erode their traditions, the Druids face an uncertain future. They must find a way to adapt to the changing times while still holding fast to the values that have sustained them for centuries.

In conclusion, Llwddawanden is a hidden sanctuary where remnants of a once-powerful pagan cult carry on their ancient ritual practices, supported by a small but faithful following of servants, craftsmen, and laborers. Cut off from the outside world by both geography and conviction, the Druids of Llwddawanden continue to venerate the Great Mother Goddess and to view themselves as the first-born and favorite of Her mortal children. While the belief that the most important of all divine beings gave birth to their ancestors and that Her spirit inhabits the body of their highest priestess is a tenuous conclusion in view of their reduced lot in life, the Druids of Llwddawanden believe it and are, for the most part, committed to carrying on the traditions handed down to them by their forbears. As the world around them continues to change, the Druids of Llwddawanden must find a way to adapt to the changing times while still holding fast to the values that have sustained them for centuries.

Weight: 698g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647424091