Twin Crowns (Twin Crowns, #1)

by Catherine Doyle

There was a flash of lightning, followed by a thundering roar as the doors to the Vault burst open and a howling storm swept in. The altar was blown apart, Rose pinwheeling backwards until she crashed head first into Celeste. She sat up in a daze just in time to see Banba lead the witches of Ortha into the Protector’s Vault. The wind, fierce and rising, came with them. ‘The witches have returned to Anadawn and this time, we are not leaving!’ bellowed Banba, and all the winds of Eana bellowed with her. ‘Drop your weapons and stand aside or prepare to meet your precious Protector in the next life.’ The old witch’s cackle soared, the wind carrying it to every corner of the Vault. ‘What an entrance,’ said Celeste, dizzily. ‘Who is that?’ ‘That is my grandmother,’ said Rose, with no small amount of dread. Banba had come to Anadawn with fire in her eyes and revenge between her teeth. If they didn’t do something fast, she would lay waste to everyone around her, including the people of Anadawn, and the Silvertongue River would run red with their blood. King Alarik emerged from behind an upturned pew and staggered down the aisle. ‘At long last. A witch truly worthy of my attention.’ Banba didn’t even glance in his direction.