
Set in the tumultuous year of 1632, the story opens in the tranquil valley of Heritzburg, a secluded town cradled by the Thuringian Forest. While the wider world is engulfed in the Thirty Years’ War, the inhabitants live in a fragile peace, insulated by rugged mountains and a swollen river that cuts them off from invading armies. Into this quiet world steps Lady Rotha, the young countess whose family ties to the formidable General Tilly bring both prestige and uneasy whispers of the conflict beyond the forest’s edge.
Through the eyes of a thoughtful narrator, we glimpse the delicate balance of duty, faith, and yearning that defines Rotha’s life. Subtle moments—a bowl of broth offered with a timid smile, a sudden, fierce embrace—hint at a growing intimacy that could challenge the expectations of a war‑torn society. Listeners are invited to share Rotha’s quiet strength as she navigates love, loyalty, and the looming shadows of history.
Language
en
Duration
~12 hours (711K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books
Release date
2012-02-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1855–1928
Best known for turning swashbuckling history into fast, lively fiction, this English novelist earned the nickname “the prince of romance.” His stories of intrigue, danger, and political upheaval helped define the historical adventure novel for a wide popular audience.
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