'The Second Portcullis' is Released

In medieval times, to encounter Knights was a breathtaking experienceclad in armor, with colorful accoutrements, astride powerful warhorses, and wielding terrifying weaponsthey might prove friend or foe. The only certainty was that, having trained since childhood, they were incredibly good at their work. Sworn to live by the Code of Chivalry, their struggle to uphold high ideals could result in great loss, hardship, and even death. A knight soon learned that his most difficult battles were not on the killing ground but in his daily choice of conduct. In The Second Portcullis, author K. L. Butters has created a true knight in the character of Sir Malcolm Drummond who in honor sacrifices his freedom for his lord.

This highly detailed medieval story follows the adventures of Sir Malcolm Drummond, counselor and protector to the young and impulsive Baron Cameron. The two along with a small entourage of knights and squires are on a mission of dire importanceto broker a peace between the followers of Earl Braebreich and those at Somerfurd Castle, and their longtime enemies, those led by Earl Tanglewickknown as the Red Bear for his fierceness. The peace would benefit both lands, for the great plaque, the Black Death, has terrorized all of Europe and left neither warband with the numbers to defend against another. Yet the mission is soon put in danger when the young baron is accused of murdering and horribly mutilating a young maiden within the very walls of Tanglewick Castle. Realizing that this would lead to the death of his young lord, Sir Malcolm Drummond nobly takes responsibility for the murder and faces torture and death at the hands of the Red Bear. Now it is a race against time as Drummond must make alliances within the enemy castle and find out the identity of the true killer.

A thrilling mystery story set in medieval Scotland; The Second Portcullis follows in the tradition of Ivanhoethe great work, by Sir Walter Scott, wherein Knighthood does not guarantee the nobility and honor of a man, but the other way around.

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About the Author
K. L. Butters's writing vibrates with believability from personal experience as rich and exciting as the tales told. Butters learned to spin a yarn from a grandfather who spent his life at sea and in logging camps. Strong interest in maritime and medieval history, defines the author's eclectic studies, adventurous pursuits, skills, and life experiences that assure intimate understanding of many aspects of medieval life. Butters enjoyed years of working with a destrier, a great horse trained to carry armored knights for jousting and swordplay. Butters's unique perspective gives stories of medieval life vivid realism that pulls one irresistibly into the tales.

The Second Portcullis * by K.L. Butters
A Medieval Tale
Publication Date: October 31, 2013
Trade Paperback; $15.99; 286 pages; 978-1-4931-1051-3
Trade Hardback; $22.99; 286 pages; 978-1-4931-1052-0
e-book; $3.99; 978-1-4931-1050-6

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (812) 355-4079 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

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