This Present Past

Book excerpt: The long-awaited prequel to Traci Harding's much-loved Ancient Future series In Ancient Wales, Gwion Bach, a simple woodsman, becomes enchanted by the fey beauty Creirwy during a brush with the Sons of the Long Knives. He earns Creirwy's trust, and tthat of her mother, the goddess Keridwen, and is offered an apprenticeship at their castell in Llyn Tegid. As Gwion discovers an enchanting new world of magic, the goddess is busy brewing a potion of prophetic insight and esoteric wisdom, destined for her monstrous son. However, an ill-timed accident provides an unexpected result. What transpires is an unforgettable shapeshifting battle that will spark rebellion and threaten to bring the downfall of all the kingdoms of Cymru. In this thrilling and epic adventure spanning generations, Traci Harding finally reveals the origins of the Ancient Future series and how Gwion Bach rose from humble beginnings to become Taliesin, grand merlin and magician. PRAISE FOR THE ANCIENT FUTURE 'A stunning achievement of world-class fantasy' KYLIE CHAN