The Bond of Teadorica II

THE BOND OF TEADORICA II, Convocation continues the saga of a close knit matriarchal society of fugitives from Roman rule who have built a pan-European trade empire in the wake of Rome's collapse. Founded by seven women who escaped slavery during the Empire's fall, the House has grown over generations to govern by covenant and commerce rather than conquest. But as Charlemagne rises and the Church expands its grip on trade and faith alike, the House must adapt-or vanish. The ninth century does not play out as expected.

Lyonesse, ninth ascendent to the Bond of Teadorica, brokers dangerous alliances with a rogue Viking raider and confronts the ambitions of an empire cloaked in gospel. As war, plague, and theological rigidity begin to unravel their influence, the members must disperse across the fractured kingdoms of Europe-from the bureaucracies of Constantinople to the merchant courts of Barcelona, to the crumbling halls of Aachen-all while preserving their rituals and legacy.