Burden: Book Two of Pledge of the Bramble Code

by Judy Shank Cyg

Bramble Ree follows her lover Devlyn over the burning wall of Gorsedd, the elf-spirit (sen) land. Instead of the lush and garden setting she expects for the fairytale beings she read about as a child, Gorsedd is barren and inhospitable, and contains trapped warrior bands for the purpose of overcoming “clouds with teeth,” an enemy sen and wizards fear.

Devlyn’s goal is to find the promised teacher who can form him into an impressive warrior, while Ree wants to return to her beloved sister, now Bramble High Queen. Aneko Sen, elf-spirit Queen, has other plans for the bold, talented Bramble girl, but Ree is stubborn and courageous with her own ideas for a future not even a skilled sen can foresee.

Dewin wizards, sen, thicket warriors, and fighting bands are changed by one spirited, dedicated Bramble girl who won’t believe in prophecies, but intends to forge her own vision with and for those she loves.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2025

About the author

"I believe in happy endings."

All you need is a pen and the cosmos to save the world from darkness, one story at a time.

Judy Shank Cyg grew up in the Heights in Michigan with a large family and a bubbling imagination. She was a science museum songwriter, a church guitarist, and a secretary where she created a Fifth Grade Story Club to help other heroes share their adventures.

She lives in Central Florida with her family and her characters.

"If you're a poet, compose. If you're a storyteller, share. If you love God, see Him everywhere."