I agree on the Swordsworn. I can’t quote line and verse, but they don’t exist. I think this might be a good thing for the editors to take another look at. That, or I really misunderstood things I’ve read in the past.
It is in the opening of ER3145 where Aaron's 3 Lancers regiments are filled with former Swordsworn- but Eric had his own loyalists in those ranks, and members of the organization had drifted to him after Aaron's death per his bio in that book. I did not really look at his bio since I knew him from MWDA novels.
BUT . . . the Swordsworn read more as Warrior Cabal 2.0. Nowhere were they listed as their own unit, instead Eric's Swordsworn were in positions in the Davion Assault Guards that he commanded.
I think it's prety obvious from the ending that Erik and Julian's conflict pretty clearly is being stoked by Gavin Marik-Davion.
Erik's advisor (whose name escapes me) was always pointing out how Julian's actions could be interpreted in the most cynical/sinister light etc. and we now know he's working for Gavin. The big question to my mind is...
why?
I almost wonder if Gavin hs a long term plan to take the throne for himself.
Not my read at all . . . Gavin Marik-Davion is part (or maybe head) of the Cuiratis Organization. Gavin did give intel to at least Erik, and I think Aaron as well . . . but he was the one at the end of one of the MWDA books sitting in Markeson Pride discussing services with Julian. And handing him the information Julian did not previously have showing HE was supposed to be Harrison's heir and that Caleb was bonkers.
Gavin had a professed interest in seeing a Davion retain the throne of the FedSuns, AND the FedSuns becoming strong to follow it's ideals. Nothing he did previously violates those two objectives- he aided the Swordsworn b/c it would return important worlds (like Tikonov) to FedSuns control and would raise more troops for the defense of the realm. He provided information to the Swordsworn at a cost . . . but implied his assistance to Julian, while it would cost, would not be crazy expensive.
Gavin, the few times we see him, has been pragmatic . . . he has no following in the FedSuns. Even released from the cell, for however long Julian has detained him, he has not tried to take a more public role. Gavin might be content to being a power behind the throne.
I will say this novel was a refreshing return to feudal intrigue and some dynastic politics. I think it is unfortunate that the only mention we got a the Periphery March was a few lines, one of the four 'dukes' they should have been involved . . . and unless I forget my map, THEY should have also been a issue when shooting started with the Taurians. I was also hoping to get a line or two about the Filtvelt Coalition expeditionary forces.
