Northumberland - 1334

The fabled Demon Lord, whose identity is unknown, saved the life of Nicolas Drago, aka the Red Dragon. Now Nicolas has been instructed by King Edward to marry his widowed cousin, Baroness Isabella of Blood Keep. At the death of her husband, Mordred, Edward allowed Isabella to rule as a lord would.

Only Isabella knows the full truth about the character of her late husband. Almost everyone else thinks that he was a kind and generous lord. Keeping her lands and people safe is not an easy task. But Blood Keep is the only place where one can contact the Demon Lord. Sir Michael heads up the Demon Knights. Sir Gabriel is the captain of the Black Knights. Both groups work together, and in the absence of the Demon Lord, are under the command of Lady Isabella.

Neither Nicolas nor Isabella is particularly happy to follow Edward's orders, but cautiously, carefully, they learn to trust each other and to love. That happiness is threatened, however, from within and without, and it will take all the efforts of the Demons, Black Knights, and Nicolas's men to thwart the danger with perhaps a little help from the Demon Lord.

Trust on many levels is paramount in BLOOD KEEP. Loyalties are tested, emotions are stretched to the limits, and the ending may not be a happy one. Alden, Mordred's brother, has an especial grudge against Isabella. He believes Blood Keep should have come to him. Otto, Isabella's surrogate father, will do anything to keep her safe. Ahmed, Nicolas's mysterious aide, is also his voice of reason. Sir Brandon, the captain of Blood Keep, is determined that the intrusion of Nicolas and his men will not upset the order of life at the Keep. Isabella's groomsman, Miles, knows more than he lets on. Father Abraham worries for those under his care. Secrets will come to light and honor will be questioned. Wend Petzler gives readers lessons in warfare, daily life, and passions wrapped in a story of intrigue and danger. I recommend BLOOD KEEP.

Vi Janaway