Give The Gift of Fantasy This Christmas

With Christmas right around the corner and book five well on it's way to being finished, why not consider purchasing one or all of the Guiamo Chronicles for a loved one or yourself?  Perhaps you've thought about it and didn't follow through on that thought.  Well, now's the time.  You can find it on all the major outlets like Barnes and Noble, Amazon and iBooks.  

Did I mention that all four books have excellent reviews and won Gold Medal status in The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards?

Get yours today....in time to read them before book five comes out!

Oh...and for the little ones in your life, don't forget Princess Meredith!

Clad in Woad, He Prepares the Way

     Julius Caesar, in his writings, De Bello Gallico, tells of the Brittani coloring their bodies blue.  We see this portrayed in the movie Braveheart as well. Marshall Best, in his series The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo, has a new twist as to why these warriors painted themselves blue.  Sreng, a member of the Fir Bolg had been a slave to the Fomori, forced to fight on their behalf to ensure the safety of his wife and children.  After cutting Nuada's arm off in battle, he and several of his people were captured.  Guiamo convinces him to fight with them to defeat the Fomori in the hopes that his family is still alive. In the excerpt below, Sreng accompanies Guiamo on a quest to free his family.

Excerpt from Book II of the Guiamo Chronicles, Cumoro by Marshall Best

Sreng mounted a spare horse brought by Aoi and, carrying only his armor and ax tied up in his bedroll, left his farm and hut behind to free his family with Guiamo.
When they stopped each evening to make camp, Sreng sat with Guiamo drawing orc symbols and explaining their meaning.  Guiamo had Sreng draw the symbol on leather sheets.  Next to each symbol, Guiamo wrote the meaning in Roman words and, again using the Roman letters, wrote how to pronounce the orc word.
As they neared home, Guiamo asked, “Sreng, I wish to make a blue dye.  Do you know how to make such a color?”
Sreng replied, “There is a weed in these parts whose dried leaves are ground to pulp and left to rot.  If it is prepared properly, it will produce a good blue dye.”
Guiamo asked, “How long does it take to make?”
“The first steps require a fortnight, but it must be repeated to obtain a good color that stays fast,” Sreng replied.  “I saw it made as a youth, but I do not recall all the steps.  I do know this; there are no leaves in the winter, so you shall have to wait until springtime.”
Guiamo replied, “Then we shall have to find some already made.  Some villagers should have some, I should think, which I could purchase.  What is this plant named?”
Sreng replied, “It is called glasen by some, but others know it as woad.”
Guiamo’s head snapped back in surprise as he remembered a portion of the oracle’s words.

O, Land prepared, Romulus follows.
      The son of Mars comes!
Clad in woad,
      He prepares the way.
                                                                  
“Tomorrow we must search out a large supply of this blue dye, for I need it before we return to Rí Tuaithe Etarlám,” he said.
For the next three days, they asked every villager they encountered for a source of blue dye.  None could help, and most looked oddly at the strange caravan which searched the world in the cold of winter for blue dye.  On the third day, a villager took them to an old man living in a nearby village who had a supply of blue dye.  Aoi paid the outrageous price and the old man was delighted with his unexpected profits.
In the morning, as the men ate their first meal, Guiamo explained his plan to the warriors of the caravan.  In the bitter cold, Sreng displayed his tattoos and brands to the men who watched in awe.  Guiamo explained the orc practice of branding and tattoos, and read out loud the many symbols.
He then told the story of the slave and orc speaking of freedom.  When he mentioned the words ‘blue waters’ and ‘blue skies,’ Sreng began to understand Guiamo’s intent.
Guiamo produced the pot of blue dye.  Opening his leather binding of orc script, he turned through its pages until he found the word he wanted.  He painted a symbol upon Sreng’s face and announced, “This symbol painted on Sreng’s face says that he has no master!”
Flipping again through the pages, Guiamo found a second symbol.  He painted it upon Sreng’s chest, again covering a tattooed orc symbol.  “This says Sreng is a great warrior who fights with an ax!” he shouted.
Guiamo found more symbols and painted them on Sreng’s body, arms and legs, declaring, “I am death to orcs!” “Avenger of evil!” and “Orc hewer!”
When Guiamo was finished, the men no longer saw the orc tattoos, but a fierce blue-painted warrior covered in wild patterns.  Guiamo called the men forward to join Sreng in the war against the Fomori.  “We shall terrify the orcs with messages upon our bodies!”
First came Aoi, and all the others followed as the blue symbols became badges of honor and courage.  Guiamo painted late into the night, and to the flickering light of great bonfires, the men danced as they sang their traditional songs of battle, gore and the afterlife in the great battle lodge of the valorous.
Proudly wearing their armor and blue symbols, the troupe travelled two more days to the hall of Rí Tuaithe Etarlám.  Everyone was surprised to see the warriors using Guiamo’s riding steps to dismount and the people were quickly informed they were made by Guiamo, but what terrified the people were the painted symbols upon their bodies.  Aoi’s men were greeted with some hesitation, for the king’s men were intimidated by the warriors who rode with renewed purpose and grim, blue-clad determination.
They were ready for war and Etarlám saw it.  He saw it in Aoi’s eyes; this renewed desire to do battle, and Etarlám wondered if his favorite warrior was planning insurrection.
Guiamo put his mind to rest when he stepped forward to announce, “My lord, I have brought to you a new champion, Sreng of the Fir Bolg.”
Etarlám was instinctively wary of Sreng, for he knew the man had removed Nuada’s left arm with a single blow.
Sreng stepped forward with strength, but politely bowed low to honor his host, the rí tuaithe.
Guiamo explained the purpose of the blue symbols and Etarlám listened with eyes wide with astonishment.  When he had at long last finished, Guiamo fell silent to await the king’s mind.
Etarlám sat quietly on his throne and looked into the eyes of his men.  There was a new energy in their eyes, a light which he knew would be extinguished if he demurred, but would blaze on if he approved.  He made his choice and enthusiastically exclaimed, “By the gods, Cúmóro, you have an ingenious plan!  All my warriors shall ride into battle defiantly wearing the blue orc symbols in the color of freedom!  The Regni of Rí Tuaithe Etarlám will lead the war against the Fomori and, by Lugh’s beardless chin, we shall be victorious!”
All the men burst out with a thunderous cheer, and a great feast was held that night to honor Sreng and Guiamo.  Word travelled quickly across Íath of the Mighty Hundred of Rí Tuaithe Etarlám, all clad in blue and of the Druí boy who led them.
Cassivellaunus, seeing the enthusiasm which surrounded the spreading tale of these men, recognized that his own men admired them greatly.  He feared his men would desert him to join with Etarlám.  He sent emissaries to Etarlám asking for Cúmóro to teach his men about the orc symbols in blue.  The men eagerly embraced Guiamo’s plan and before long, Nuada informed Eochaid of the newfound practice of the warriors spreading among the tribes.
Lying on his sickbed, Eochaid listened carefully to Nuada’s tale.  His physician, Dian Cécht the leech, busied himself preparing a poultice on a small table beside the bed to treat Eochaid’s fever.  When Nuada had finished, Eochaid brooded deep in thought.  Finally, he whispered, “We shall embrace this new way of warfare.  I am mindful that this young Druí may gather a following to challenge me.  This I cannot allow.  To suppress him, each rí tuaithe shall create his own troupe of one hundred mounted men and choose a champion to lead them.  In this way, Etarlám’s men shall be no different than any other rí tuaithe.  My slúaig will grow stronger for it, but none shall stand up to challenge me.  When great battles are to be fought, all my warriors from every region shall wear the symbols of blue.”

About the Series

Combining legitimate legends with actual historical events, Marshall Best weaves an epic story that portrays the ancient world as it might have been, a world which the ancient historians recorded as fact; a time when gods ruled the earth and strange creatures dominated the land. It is the era of civilized conquerors exploring distant and primitive new lands. Scant recordings left to us today only touch on the fringe of the fantastic and brutal reality that existed in those distant lands of the west. Into this age, young Guiamo enters the world stage as the great game-changer, and by his hand the gods and beasts become destined to disappear into myth and legend.

The Chronicles:

Guiamo

In 60 B.C., ten-year-old Guiamo Durmius Stolo, an exceptionally gifted Roman orphan, is abandoned in Gaul . Left to fend for himself, Guiamo is set onto a path of legend. Recognized by the gods as having world-changing talents, he is given a weapon that changes his destiny and the world’s forever. 

Ebeth says, "In telling this story, Best is able to richly lay out the history of the land and the people - and he does so without confusing the reader. That is a gift and a talent."

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Cumoro

Guiamo Durmius Stolo sails in 55 B.C. with Rome’s 7th Legion as Julius Caesar invades Britain. But Caesar has not before encountered the Fomori, a dominion of wicked creatures which wage war against the human inhabitants and dominate much of Britain. Armed with his god-made spear, Guiamo joins with the tribal kings against their Fomori foe when Caesar departs. 

"Just finished Book 2. Any writer who wants to write about epic battles, should read the battle against the orcs. A great example of swordplay and magic combined!"  - Mary Woldering

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Morlanos

Having destroyed the Fomori in Britain , Guiamo Durmius Stolo decides in 51 B.C. to bring the Cruthin people, once slaves to the Fomori, to Ireland , but encounters the Fomori who reside there as well. Guiamo discovers that the gods venerated by the Druids are unworthy. The gods are displeased with him and begin to work against him.

The third book in an excellent series and again the authors understanding and research into the myths and legends add excitement and interest to the story. 

The writer totally enthralls and absorbs the reader into a time gone by and again you feel you are there fighting and wanting to warn Morlanos of the danger he is facing. 

Anyone who is interested in legends and has an vivid imagination and believes strange creatures and magic (or the belief that wizards/witches existed) governed the thoughts of the people and their lifestyles will find this an excellent read. - beckvalleybooks 

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Inis Emain Ablach

In 50 B.C. Guiamo Durmius Stolo finds himself victor over the detested Fomori whose leader, Cichol, is slain and those few who survived are scattered. Guiamo explores the secret places where Cichol kept his most important secrets and discovers there the treasures of Cichol's master, the goddess Domnu.

The author springs yet more surprises and again shows expert research and intense historic knowledge. - beckvalleybooks 

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The Author:

Marshall Best is an avid reader, father of six and business owner. In the past several years he has found his love of writing as well. What began as a desire to write a story for his children has evolved into a nine book series.

Marshall has done extensive research into the history behind the legends, people and places of England, Scotland and Ireland involved in his books. He loves being able to weave real people and legends into his stories making them come alive. He is definitely a writer that tends to the details often mapping out timetables, calendars, geneologies, etc. that pertain to his book to ensure that it is as realistic as possible. 

Marshall also enjoys putting real life issues into his books, delving into a bit of philosophy while entertaining with orcs, dragons, magic and battles. He is someone who loves a grand adventure but makes sure it's not a shallow one.

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The History Behind the Guiamo Chronicles

     The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo are fantasy novels; however, they are so much more than just entertainment.  They are historical fantasy in which the author has taken the utmost care to hold true to actual history, myths and legends within the frame of his story line.  All battles in book one are real battles that Mr. Best has described as best he could.  As in other historical fiction novels, he takes known facts and fashions a story around those facts to fill in the gaps of what we do not know.  What makes it fantasy is the fantastical creatures and magic that accompany it.
     Three celebrations are mentioned in the novels which were actual ancient holidays.  Marshall Best gives plausible reasons for the institution of these celebrations.

Samfuin

Although the more modern name for it is Samhain, this name was actually derived from the Old Irish word Samfuin, which Marshall uses in his books.  Read below how Samfuin was celebrated in the story of Cumoro and why in the excerpt below from book two of The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo.

  “Our men have fought in battle against the Fomori many times and came away victorious.  Torques and arm bands have been awarded to the brave who survived the battles.  And yet, these men and women we have honored are not the only ones who gave us a land free of the vile orcs and Luprech hounds; a land where our sons and daughters can be raised in safety.  Many of our sons and brothers have fallen in battle, and the memory of their brave deeds must also be preserved for all the ages.

“I declare that the day of the full moon of this month, the month of Samonios, shall be a day of remembrances, of telling our children of Nuada and the valor of our dead, of victory, and of a land strewn with orc corpses, for our dead must be remembered.  It shall be a day of celebration, of song and feasting, and demonstrations of swordplay and horsemanship.”

Guiamo could see from the smiles forming on the faces of his men that his plan was met with tremendous approval.  He continued, “Each tribe shall build a fire upon this field where you now sit to remind us of the deceiving fires I set upon the plain of Tuired where Nuada was slain to confuse the orc host with the direction of our attack.

“In the midst of these fires, we shall create a great bonfire which shall burn throughout the long hours of the night to symbolize the huge pyre needed to burn the corpses of the orcs.

“Before the sun sets on that day, all the fires in the homes around Temair shall be extinguished.  Then the hearth fires shall be lit anew from the great bonfire, in remembrance that only through the deaths of the Fomori could our homes be made warm and secure.

“The rekindling of the fires is to be a constant reminder that we must slay and burn all our enemies who threaten our lands in years to come. The lighting of the fires in our homes must be done to remind us of the brutal battles we endured this summer.

“This day of celebration shall mark the end of this year of bloodshed and the beginning of a new year where the Pritana and Cruthin dwell in peace in the land.”

Lughnasadh and Belotenia

     Lughnasadh and Belotenia are two other ancient holidays that were celebrated.  You can see below how Best has woven these seamlessly into his story in this excerpt from book 3, Morlanos.

“Speaking of celebrations, I have been thinking of proclaiming two new festive days for us to celebrate.”

Abartach was intrigued, “What would you propose, Mórlános?”

Guiamo replied, “We remember the Pritana dead who fell to the Fomori and speak of their valor.  Some have come to call that day Samfuin, referring to the celebration to be forever held at the end of each summer, but there is more that must be celebrated.  What our brothers did must always be remembered, but I wish to specifically honor Nuada who fell in battle.  That battle upon the field of Tuired occurred in the month of Giamonios and I should like to begin this celebration by lighting fires at night to remember the juniper fires I lit to face the Fomori slóg of the orcs Balor, Indech and Tethra in the wrong direction.  On this day we shall honor the memory of Nuada.”

Abartach replied, “This is a worthy event, significant to both Pritana and Cruthin.  I am in agreement that it is worthy of remembrance.  What other celebration do you propose?”

Guiamo answered, “I wish to remember the final destruction of the Fomori, the day when the last orcs and Luprech hounds were slain in the month of Aedrinios.  It should be not so much focused on them, but rather upon us, a time of new beginnings and peace, the day that peace came at last to our land.  It was a day when we could build our homes and take the harvest from our fields without fear of fire and death.  It should be a day of dancing and feasting, of joyous song and games of strength and skill, and of families reuniting in peace.”

Abartach asked, “These days must be given names for all to use.  Have you given thought to this?”

Guiamo replied, “Belotenia is a word which means ‘lighting of the bright fires.’ This would be fitting as a name to honor Nuada.  I have not decided on a name for the festive days of renewal from the destruction of the Fomori.”

Abartach answered, “We should celebrate this as a day to honor you, Mórlános.  We shall name this day Mórlánosnasadh, the ‘assembly of Mórlános.’ ”

Guiamo demurred, saying, “But I am known by many names.  To Etarlám’s people, I am Cúmóro.  Some remember me as Lugh, and only recently have I become known as Mórlános.  To Ursius, I am Guiamo, the name given to me by my mother and father.”

Sreng laughed and said, “I do not care what others may call me, just so they call me for supper.”

Abartach smiled at Sreng’s jest and nodded in agreement.  He turned back to Guiamo and said, “The people will use whatever name for you with which they are familiar.  Whether it be Mórlánosnasadh, Lughnasadh, or Cúmóronasadh, they will all love you for the deliverance you brought and give honor to your memory.”

Sreng nodded in enthusiastic agreement.  “It shall be as you say among both our peoples.  Over the next days we will send word across the land to announce this so that all may participate in their lands as we shall at Temair.”

Calendars and Language of the Guiamo Chronicles

     In reading the excerpts above, I'm sure you came across some strange sounding months!  Samonios and Aedrinios are not what we are used to hearing.  In writing The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo, Marshall Best has used two different calendars.  In book one, Guiamo, you will find the Roman calendar being used as it takes place in Gaul under Roman rule.  In subsequent novels, the author switches between Roman calendar months and Old Celtic calendar months depending on who is speaking.  Guiamo and Ursius are Romans, so when they refer to the calendar, they use the Roman names.  All others use the Old Celtic names of the months.  It's interesting to note that all but three of the months in the Roman calendar are recognizable compared to the modern, whereas the Old Celtic are completely foreign. Below are lists of both calendars.  You will notice in the middle column the approximate time of each month.  They usually overlapped with our traditional months.  Although scholars debate which of our modern months correlate to the ancient calendars, Best has just chosen the one that seemed best to him.  

Old Celtic Months                       Modern Day                      Roman Months

                      Anagantios                      January/February                    Ianuarius

                      Ogronnos                         February/March                      Februarius

                      Cutios                               March/April                              Martius

                      Giamonios                       April/May                                 Aprilis

                      Simivisonna                    May/June                            Maius

                      Equas                               June/July                                 Iunius

                      Elembiu                            July/August                            Quintilis

                      Aedrinias                         August/September                Sextilis

                      Cantlos                            September/October               September

                      Samonios                        October/Novem                     October

                      Dummanios                    November/Decem                 November

                      Rivras                              December/Januar                 December

     Throughout the books, there are an abundance of words referred to that are Latin and Old Irish.  Best has said many times that he would love to have an expert in Latin and Old Irish read his books to critique the use of the words.  He wishes it to be as authentic as possible.  It is one of his greatest frustrations that he does not know how to pronounce many of the words.  When asked how to pronounce certain words, his answer will be, "I have no idea!."  Old Irish is the oldest recorded language in the region and can be tied back to around 500 A.D. which is much later than the period in which the stories take place.   As with other things in the story, because there are so many holes in ancient history, an author must make a choice and Old Irish seemed best to use.  Many of the Latin and Old Irish terms are listed below with their meanings.  As with the months, when Guiamo or Ursius are speaking, Latin terms are used.  Old Irish is used elsewhere.  In the back of each book, Best has provided a glossary to help the reader in understanding the many new terms.  

Commonly Used Latin Words                    Commonly Used Old Irish

              oppidum - Fort                                          Ard ri - high king, literally, "High horse rider"

              Druidae - druid                                          Drui - druid

              Druides - druids                                         Druide - druids

              scorpio - giant crossbow                           bocoit - shield                

              gladius - Roman short sword                   Bandrui - female druid

              clavicula - key                                            bairgen - loaf of bread

              clostellum - lock                                         claideb - sword

              legio - legion                                               coimetaid - guardian

              milites gregarius - veteran soldier         coiced -  division

              pugio - dagger                                            cruisech - spear

              passum - paces                                          longphort - encampment

             volumen - scroll                                         Ri Coiced - king of a division of the Cruthin

             regnator - king                                          Ri Tuaithe -  tribal king

             Mare Internum - Mediterranean Sea    cairptui - chariots

                

                                                

A ring of great power....not from Mordor

As the lighting blazed in a dancing, arcing column to the sky, a voice deep and powerful as thunder said, “My son, today my powers are bestowed upon you.”

One of the most vivid scenes in Guiamo is where the god Lugus bestows special powers upon him.....as you read it you can almost see the scene as it would play out in a movie....the excerpt is below.  This scene finds Guiamo with his druid teacher Susama.

            Guiamo brought Susama to the sacred grove atop the high hill near Gobedbiacum.  Guiamo noticed that while the cold weather carried a wind, it was not strong enough to move the limbs of the trees which swayed dramatically along their way.

            Susama noticed the activity of the trees, too, and observed, “Lugus eagerly awaits your arrival.”  They trudged along watching the branches moving energetically around them.  Guiamo pointed out that the trees a short distance farther were nearly still.

            Susama asked, “Durmi, did you bring the unformed gold?”

            He reached into his bulla praetexta pouch and pulled out a lump of gold.

            “Oh, Durmi, that is far too much,” Susama said in a kindly tone.

            Guiamo was not bothered.  He replied, “I thought Lugus would take what he needed and leave me the rest.  I just did not want to have an insufficient amount.”

            “No harm is done, Durmi.  It will be so,” said Susama.

            “Do you really think Lugus will craft a ring for me today?”  Guiamo asked.  “I have studied for such a short time.”

            “From what I have seen of the oracles and augures, you may not have a full nineteen years before your life as a great warrior is to begin.  Malleolus and I suspect it will begin when you are in your mid-twenties when your strength is at its greatest.  That would give you about ten years to prepare and mature,” Susama said.

            Before long, they entered the sacred oak grove and the trees moved even more violently about.  As before, Guiamo saw movement flickering just beyond his peripheral sight.  Susama brought him into the center of the clearing and sat him on the ground.  Guiamo saw her nervousness and realized she felt inadequate to her responsibility that day.

            Susama gathered an armful of oak leaves and placed them in a wide circle one passus in front of Guiamo.  Then, sitting beside him, she began to call in the ancient language, “Lugus dithmero-mil! Lugus dithmero-mil!”

            As she completed the word of Summons, from out of a clearing sky, a massive lightning bolt struck the ground in the center of the oak leaf circle.  Rather than dissipate in an instant, it continued to blast the ground and, twisting, sent out tendrils of brilliant fire.  Overwhelmed by the power of the sustained lightning bolt, Susama fell back in alarm, and Guiamo shielded his eyes with his arm. 

            As the lighting blazed in a dancing, arcing column to the sky, a voice deep and powerful as thunder said, “My son, today my powers are bestowed upon you.”

            Guiamo blinked his eyes at the words and was awestruck.  The blaze of lightning continued to dance with power in the circle of oak leaves and Susama sat forward to kneel before the raging light.  Around them the oak trees bent and swirled as from blasts of wind from a raging storm.

            Lugus’ roaring voice continued, “I have seen your heart’s desire to speak to nature, to converse with the animals.  Today, I shall give you the power to speak to my servants of war and to know the truth always.  I cannot give you the ability to speak to all creatures, for only those who serve me in war do I command.  Know this: the ancient tongue only shall they understand.

            “Hound and hawk will understand your words.  Caution is needed, for they shall obey only as they see fit.  Their reply will be of limited understanding and they shall use but simple words.

            “Horse, donkey and ox you shall speak to, and they will understand and blindly obey, but they have not the gift of speaking.

            “Serpent is the healer of wounds but is a speaker of both truth and deceit.  With him you will be able to converse as man to man, but you will be unable to command him.  I shall give you the power of Discernment which shall bind his deceit and force the serpent’s speech to the truth if he dares to speak.

            “Bring forth the gold.”

            Guiamo removed the lump of gold from his bulla praetexta pouch and held it out with an open palm toward the light.  With a blinding flash, a thin tendril of light streaked out and snatched the gold from his hand.

            The lightning bolt intensified and then with a crash of thunder disappeared from sight.  Susama gasped in surprise and looked around, realizing that the surrounding oaks had gone suddenly still, and he knew that the god had departed.  Guiamo looked at the blackened ground within the circle of oak leaves which lay undisturbed.  At its center lay a ring of cunning design.  Guiamo stood and walked forward into the circle. 

            He reached down carefully and picked up the ring.  It was a serpent ring, but different from the two he had seen before.  Rather than being a single loop with the serpent swallowing his tail, this was designed as two parallel loops set half a finger’s width apart.  At the center apex was the serpent’s head swallowing its tail.

            The serpent ran diagonally across the top of the finger and then turned to wrap around the finger.  As the loop came up the opposite side, it bent diagonally again to pass beneath the snake’s head.  It then wrapped again as a second loop around the finger.  Rising on the other side, it then bent its tail to enter the serpent’s opened mouth.

            “Place it on your finger!  Quickly!” whispered Susama.  “Or it shall dissolve again.”

            Hearing her words of alarm, Guiamo slipped in onto the index finger of his right hand.  It was a perfect fit.  He turned to hold his hand up so Susama could see the double ring. 

            “I have never seen a ring of such design!” she exclaimed.  “Its powers must be unique to you alone.  Bless Lugus!  He has given you tremendous power.  You must wear it always, but never reveal its source.”  Overjoyed and with great enthusiasm, she said, “We must soon begin to discover its secrets.”

Thanks for taking time to read a part of Guiamo.

  If you enjoyed it, download Guiamo from Amazon for only $2.99.  

It's Marshall's way of helping you get started on the adventure.