Rhys Michael of Gwynedd
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In the fictional universe of the Deryni novels of Katherine Kurtz, Rhys Michael Haldane was the fifteenth King of Gwynedd, reigning from 922 to 928. He was the tenth member of the House of Haldane to sit upon the throne of Gwynedd, and the fourth consecutive Haldane king since the end of the Festillic Interregnum.
Rhys Michael Alister Haldane was born on September 29, 906, the fourth son of King Cinhil I Haldane of Gwynedd and his wife, Queen Megan de Cameron. Affectionately known as "Rhysem," the prince was named after the Healer Rhys Thuryn, who served as the personal Healer of the Haldane family. Rhys Michael's Haldane potential was set by his father in 917, immediately prior to his father's death. Rhys Michael was a popular member of the royal family, known to be handsome, cheerful, and charming. While his older brother Alroy was sickly and weak, and his brother Javan suffered from a clubbed right foot, Rhys Michael was strong and healthy, another factor that contributed to his popularity. He was created Duke of Carthmoor in 920 upon attaining his majority.
When King Alroy died in 921, several of the lords of state pushed for Rhys Michael to take the throne, believing him to be more biddable than Javan. Nonetheless, Rhys Michael staunchly supported Javan's claim to the throne, and Javan was crowned shortly thereafter. During King Javan's reign, his brother continually tried to warn Rhys Michael of the danger that the lords of state presented, and though he was not overly fond of the lords, Rhys Michael refused to acknowledge the risk. Unbeknownst to the prince or his wife, Lady Michaela Drummond, their marriage in 921 was partially orchestrated by the lords of state, who sought to secure the succession prior to eliminating King Javan. Rhys Michael's naivete was shattered in 922, when Javan was murdered by the lords of state. The prince and his family were immediately taken prisoner and informed that they would cooperate with the lords of state or be killed.
Rhys Michael succeeded his brother as King of Gwynedd shortly thereafter, and he spent the next six years as a puppet of his lords of state. He and his family were virtually prisoners in the capital of Rhemuth, and the kingdom was run by the former Regents who had ruled during King Alroy's minority. Rhys Michael was finally permitted to leave the castle in 928, when Prince Miklos of Torenth invaded Eastmarch and challenged the king to meet him. Despite their desire to completely control the king, the lords of state realized that Rhys Michael must personally answer the challenge. The night before departing with his army, Rhys Michael's Haldane potential was fully activated by Tieg Thuryn, Father Joram MacRorie, and Rhysel Thuryn, who had secretly made contact with Queen Michaela.
Rhys Michael met with Prince Miklos on June 22, 928, eventually killing Miklos when the Torenthi prince broke their truce and launched an attack. Though successful in defeating Miklos and driving the Torenthi forces back across the border, Rhys Michael was injured when a horse stepped on his hand. Through poor medical treatment and excessive bleeding, the king's condition worsened and he did not survive the return journey to Rhemuth. However, prior to his death, Rhys Michael succeeded in legally altering his will to change the members of the Regency Council who would rule for his underage son, Prince Owain. King Rhys Michael Haldane died on June 28, 928, at the age of 21. He was succeeded by his eldest surviving son, Prince Owain Haldane.
[edit] Family
- Married Lady Michaela Drummond on November 20, 921.
[edit] Sources
- Katherine Kurtz and Robert Reginald, Codex Derynianus, ISBN 0-89370-011-8
| Preceded by: Javan Haldane |
King of Gwynedd 922 - 928 |
Succeeded by: Owain Haldane |
