Her father's dead, her sister married and left her, and a distant relative took over the house and allowed her son to beat Caitrin when he felt like it. Caitrin's isn't exactly bright and cheery either.Anluan’s family history, from his dead parents all the way back to his great-grandfather Nechtan who summoned the spirit army.Later, she uses this same Latin knowledge to translate the counter-spell needed to free Anluan's army. Then she becomes the translator for Anluan and the Normans because Latin is their common language. Cunning Linguist: Caitrin is initially hired because she can read and write.Character Filibuster: Caitrin's speeches about hope.Came Back Wrong: Nechtan's army didn't quite materialize the way he wanted it to.She later realizes that he's trying to protect her from the upcoming battle against the Normans. Break His Heart to Save Him: Anluan sends Caitrin away after she discovers that he cares deeply for her.She later reveals that there's a reason for that. Big Bad Friend: Muirne's presence doesn't do much to lift Anluan's spirits.Because You Can Cope: Irial dies shortly after his wife does, leading Anluan to feel like he was abandoned and Magnus to feel like he could have prevented it.The only time she really talks about his deformity is to say that his face is uneven (and the rest of him seems lopsided). Caitrin frequently comments on his good looks. Beast and Beauty: Anluan's not exactly hideous-looking, but his deformity doesn't help his self-esteem.

A Father to His Men: Magnus, mostly for Anluan, although the others look up to him a great deal as well.To free all who are chained, Caitrin must face her destiny and unravel the curse of Whistling Tor before it claims Anluan, or herself. In response, she is challenged by Anluan to face her own fears while helping him with his own.Įven with light finally returning to the household, a voice continues to sow hopelessness among human and spectral alike. Caitrin takes it upon herself to bring hope back into the hearts of the people, and maybe discover a way to break the Tor's ancient curse. She quickly discovers that a curse blankets the entire household and that it has brought despair to their leader. Caitrin is offered a position as a scribe in the court of the chieftain, Anluan. Medieval Ireland meets ' Beauty and the Beast'Ī young woman runs away from her abusive relatives and finds herself in Whistling Tor, a shadowy place filled with secrets and spirits.

Heart's Blood by Juliet Marillier