Marek II of Furstán-Festil

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In the fictional universe of the Deryni novels of Katherine Kurtz, Marek II Furstán-Festil was the fifth Festillic Pretender, claiming the title of King of Gwynedd from 1024 to 1025. Also known by the Gwyneddan name "Mark," his claim to the throne of Gwynedd coincided with the final years of the legitimate reign of King Urien Haldane (994-1025).

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Marek Malachy Moyslav Furstán-Festil was born on February 16, 990, the firstborn son and heir of the Festillic Pretender Prince Imre III and his wife, Princess Torvalla of Torenth. After his father renounced his claim to the throne of Gwynedd on December 31, 1024, Marek was officially recognized as the legitimate King of Gwynedd the following day by the Torenthi Patriarch Abraam IV. In the spring of 1025, King Kyprian II of Torenth and Sovereign Prince Jolyon II of Meara launched a joint invasion of Gwynedd, and Marek soon assumed command of the Torenthi invasion forces. After capturing the Gwyneddan city of Rengarth on May 20, he proclaimed himself the rightful King of Gwynedd. The invasion was halted at the Battle of Killingford in June, a bloody, three-day slaughter that ended with the total defeat of the Torenthi forces. Marek was killed on the final day of the battle, the same day as his father Prince Imre III and his son Prince Festil. His only surviving son, Prince Marek III, was captured and executed one week later. Prince Marek II Furstán-Festil died on June 17, 1025, at the age of 34.

[edit] Family

Married Countess Diadema of Nesbitt on April 30, 1007.
- Prince Festil (IV) (died with his father in 1025)
- Prince Marek III (later the Festillic Pretender)
- Princess Festilla (died age 6)