by Jayne Castel
The culture, language, and religion of the Picts is one largely shrouded in mystery. Unlike my novels set in 7th Century Anglo-Saxon England, which is a reasonably well-documented period, researching 4th Century Isle of Skye proved to be a challenge. Pictish culture is largely an enigma to us. However, they did leave behind a number of fascinating stone ruins, standing stones, and artifacts, as well as a detailed collection of symbolic art.
I created the four tribes of The Winged Isle from Pictish animal symbols. This is not a far-fetched idea; many Iron and Bronze-age peoples identified themselves with animal symbols. The clans we identify with Scotland did not appear until a few centuries later.
Cast of characters
For those of you who have read THE WARRIOR BROTHERS OF SKYE, understanding who is who in THE PICT WARS shouldn’t be too much of a stretch. However, I am aware that my cast of characters is gradually expanding (especially since I’ve now thrown another tribe into the mix!). So here are all the characters, and their relationships to each other, categorized by tribe:
The Eagle tribe
Galan mac Muin: Eagle chieftain wed to Tea with two sons, Muin and Aaron.
Tarl mac Muin: younger brother of The Eagle chieftain, wed to Lucrezia with one daughter, Fina (they had three sons who died in childhood: Bradhg, Fionn, and Ciaran)
Donnel mac Muin: youngest brother of The Eagle chieftain, wed to Eithni (healer) with one son and two daughters: Talor (son from his first marriage), Bonnie (deceased), and Eara
Ailene: the seer at Dun Ringill
The Boar tribe
Varar mac Urcal: Boar chieftain wed to Fina.
Urcal mac Wrad: previous Boar chieftain – the eldest of three sons: Wurgest and Loxa (all three deceased)
Morag: Varar’s sister
The Wolf tribe
Wid mac Manus: Wolf chieftain, wed to Alana with two sons, Calum and Bred (deceased).
Fingal mac Diarmid: Wolf warrior
The Stag tribe
Tadhg mac Fortrenn: Stag chieftain, wed to Erea with two daughters, Moira and Ana
The Cruthini (The Serpent tribe)
Cathal mac Calum: Serpent chieftain
Artair: Cathal’s brother
Mor: Cathal’s daughter
Murdina: seer
Dunchadh (deceased) and Tamhas (deceased): Cathal’s sons
Tormud mac Alec: Boar warrior, now a member of The Serpent tribe
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More works by Jayne Castel
HISTORICAL ROMANCE SET IN DARK AGES BRITAIN
THE KINGDOM OF THE EAST ANGLES
Book #1: Dark Under the Cover of Night
Book #2: Nightfall till Daybreak
Book #3: The Deepening Night
The Kingdom of the East Angles: The Complete Series
THE KINGDOM OF MERCIA
Book #1: The Breaking Dawn
Book #2: Darkest before Dawn
Book #3: Dawn of Wolves
The Kingdom of Mercia: The Complete Series
THE KINGDOM OF NORTHUMBRIA
Book #1: The Whispering Wind
Book #2: Wind Song
Book #3: Lord of the North Wind
The Kingdom of Northumbria: The Complete Series
HISTORICAL ROMANCE SET IN DARK AGES SCOTLAND
THE WARRIOR BROTHERS OF SKYE
Book #1: Blood Feud
Book #2: Barbarian Slave
Book #3: Battle Eagle
The Warrior Brothers of Skye: The Complete Series
THE PICT WARS
Book #1: Warrior’s Heart
Book #2: Warrior’s Secret
Book #3: Warrior’s Wrath
HISTORICAL ROMANCE SET IN MEDIEVAL SCOTLAND
THE BRIDES OF SKYE
Book #1: The Beast’s Bride
Book #2: The Outlaw’s Bride
Book #3: The Rogue’s Bride
The Brides of Skye: The Complete Series
THE SISTERS OF KILBRIDE
Book #1: Unforgotten (February 2020)
Book #2: Awoken (May 2020)
Book #3: Fallen (June 2020)
EPIC FANTASY ROMANCE
LIGHT AND DARKNESS
Book #1: Ruled by Shadows
Book #2: The Lost Swallow
Book #3: Path of the Dark
Light and Darkness: The Complete Series
About the Author
Jayne Castel writes Historical Romance set in Dark Ages Britain and Scotland, and Epic Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings, extensive world-building and action-packed adventure romance transport readers back to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.
Jayne is the author of the Amazon bestselling BRIDES OF SKYE series—a Medieval Scottish Romance trilogy about three strong-willed sisters and the men who love them. In love with all things Scottish, she also writes romances set in 4th Century Isle of Skye ... sexy Pict warriors anyone?
When she’s not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, learning French, cooking Italian, and taking her dog, Juno, for walks. She lives in New Zealand's beautiful South Island.
Jayne won the 2017 RWNZ Koru Award (Short, Sexy Category) for her novel, ITALIAN UNDERCOVER AFFAIR.
Get Jayne's FREE prequel short story to THE WARRIOR BROTHERS OF SKYE series: THE FIRST-BORN SON. http://www.jaynecastel.com/home/sign-up
Connect with Jayne online:
www.jaynecastel.com
www.facebook.com/JayneCastelRomance/
Twitter: @JayneCastel
Email: [email protected]
