Revenge set Ellspeth and the archmage, Dal, on the path to her destiny, but prophecy controlled the journey. Trapped within the Oracle's Temple, Ellspeth must choose between her own survival, saving the future of magic... or love.
In last week's snippit, Ellspeth bid farewell to her ship and crew as she prepared to seek vengeance for her dead cabin boy. This excerpt is from their first night on the trail.
Excerpt from Windmaster:
Ellspeth searched the darkness beyond the small campfire. The feeling of being watched seemed even stronger than on the previous night. Yet she heard no sounds beyond those normal to the night. No creatures circled the camp, or approached the magical protection placed around it.
A glance at the sleeping wizard provided no comfort. The slow rise and fall of his chest reminded her of the bedside vigil after he rescued the Falcon from the waterspouts. Another scan of the darkness and she returned her focus back to the runes Dal sketched in the dirt. Each night he would make her repeat the plants and animal tracks he pointed out along their path. Or, he would draw a rune in the dirt for her to memorize. Despite her determination not to be a mage, she diligently studied each lesson.
The slight rising breeze brought with it an unusual scent. Ellspeth’s light touch on his shoulder brought Dal to instant awareness. His tap on her hand signified he was awake. A few seconds later he rolled to his feet. Firelight winked on the sword he held at the ready.
“I’m sorry, Dal,” Ellspeth whispered. “Something, or someone, is out there. I’ve had the sensation of being watched all night.”
The wizard stood motionless as he studied the darkness. His eyes appeared to look beyond the invisible barriers, out almost to the edges of the valley itself. Water slopped over the rim as Dal’s lithe movement scooped up a shallow bowl from the fire’s side. Ellspeth tried to distinguish his words. But try as she might, the sounds refused to have any meaning. He sheathed his sword and set the bowl back with their cooking pots.
“Your instinct to wake me was right. Something is out there."
~ * ~ End of the excerpt, until next week when the watcher is revealed. If you're hooked, more excerpts and a free read of the first chapter is here.
Buy Links: Links to ebook sellers
Paperback at Amazon
Intense, Helen!
ReplyDeleteI love Ellspeth's independence.
Good tension - “Something, or someone, is out there.”
ReplyDeleteGreat but then I've read the book and enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteThat's a handy skill. And a great hook!
ReplyDelete