The Second Great Mortality

The year is 1436. Sir Richard de Colleville is out hunting with his son when their hounds come upon a pale stranger savagely gnawing the neck of a fawn. Thinking the stranger deranged or simply starving, Richard’s men intervene only to be viciously attacked. What seemed an isolated incident in the forest spurs a deadly turn of events when Richard learns that the man’s corpse bears the unmistakable signs of Plague. Richard tries to allay people’s fears that the Great Mortality is returned to Gloucester, but these fears soon prove true when someone within the manor walls exhibits symptoms. Fear then gives way to unspeakable horror once the true nature of this Pestilence is revealed. As lord of the land, Richard has a responsibility to protect his villagers and tenants, but how can he protect them from the invisible hand of death? Worse yet, how can he protect the survivors—including his wife and daughters—from the victims? Unlike the classic medieval tales of yore, this novel explores what would have happened had the Great Plague carried more than just buboes and death. It offers a fresh take on the modern zombie story by taking the reader back to a time when sword, armor, and honor were all a man had to protect himself and those he loved.

About the Author

Lonnie Colson lives in Texas with his wife and children. He earned his Bachelor's degree from West Texas A&M. Lonnie has enjoyed a 20-year career in public service, but his true passion is historical re-enactment. He recently commissioned a suit of fifteenth-century tournament armor with every intention of one day using it in an international jousting competition.Lonnie cannot say with any certainty when his fascination with knights and armor first began. He grew up watching Arthurian movies such as Gawain and the Green Knight and Excalibur as well as reading Malory and Tennyson. As a boy, Lonnie's only outlet was dueling friends with trash can lids and cane poles.Lonnie has a tiltyard in his backyard where he practices the knightly skills-at-arms with lance, spear, and sword. When he is not riding, he enjoys conducting interactive educational demonstrations to groups ranging from kindergarten classes to high school cooperatives and children's homes.

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