Hooked on First Change, The Dance #MFRWHooks

The dragshi are more than just a man or woman. Each are two beings–one a dragon, the other a human–sharing one body in space in time and able to change forms with the other at will. Their world and the adventures of the dragon shifters are recorded in the Dragshi Chronicles.

Within each of the chronicles, the ceoltiers, the keepers of the past and teachers of the present, recount some legend. As with all such tales, some contain larger than life deeds. Others are the simple story of a man or woman doing what must be done, regardless of the cost. Sometimes embellished, the ceoltiers use the stories of times and actions past to educate and inspire.

Unlike the previous works in the series which related to the trader girl Anastasia and Lord Branin Llewlyn, First Change features the real story behind the legends told in the previous volumes. First Change contains five stories of duty and honor, love and loss, happiness and despair from the chronicles. As with all such tales, some contain larger than life deeds. Others are the simple story of a man or woman doing what must be done, regardless of the cost.

Last week's excerpt, The Festival, from MAGIC AND STEEL, had Kedar escorting the Lady Mairin to a festival. Among the things on his mind was her obstinancy, threats to her life--and his attraction to her. They've arrived at the event and as a beautiful woman (let alone a dragon shifter) Mairin is the center of attraction. Every man wants to dance with her including the one from the alley.

Now this week's excerpt:

From the shadows behind him, Faoth’s low growl proclaimed the dog’s displeasure. Mairin’s gaze rounded on those gathered before her, then lingered on Wislo who smirked with arrogance. <Kedar?>

Her single word carried an honest request for advice, so he answered as truthfully as he could without revealing his own feelings. <Wislo is who Faoth tracked on our way here. She doesn’t like him.>

<I’m not sure I do either,> Mairin admitted.

<Accept his offer if you want and find out. Nothing untoward will happen here and I’ll be close at hand. You can always mindspeak me, if need be and I’ll have Birog signal the ceoltiers to end the music fast.>

The smile she turned on him thawed some of the chill, but Kedar was glad for the comfort provided by the weight of the knives strapped to his forearm and those in his boots. Weapons were more effective at defense than smiles.

“I am honored to have so many local dignitaries vying for my hand,” Mairin said and pulled the small embossed card from her silken belt pouch. “As Wislo was here first, he shall have the next dance. However,” and she held up a hand to quiet the rumblings of those not selected, “because you three showed such enthusiasm, you will have those that follow.” Scribbling the names of the now-smiling men on her card, she slipped the note back into her bag and held out a hand for Wislo.

Controlling his urge to wipe the smile from Wislo’s face, Kedar allowed himself the luxury of a final warning to Mairin. <Watch him.> Then he added in a silent vow. I will.

Quick steps took him to the edge of the dance floor where he could keep an unobstructed view of Wislo. Each time the other man shifted a hand from Mairin’s waist or tried to lean in for a stolen kiss, Kedar had to restrain himself from dragging the other man to a dark alley. Only the fact that Mairin didn’t seem bothered prevented the rash action.

<I’m fine, Kedar,> she sent from the other side of the now-crowded dance floor. <I handled advances like his long before my First Change.> Her tone darkened. <Although there is something about him.>

Kedar didn’t wait for her clarification. <No more research. I’m ending this. Now!> He reached out to Birog who signaled the lead musician. A moment later, the group on the stage played a few transition notes and ended the set. Wislo escorted Mairin to Kedar’s side, but the raider did not bow and leave. Instead he glared at Kedar, before shifting his gaze to the woman in front of him. “Please, my lady. I beg the boon of another dance.”

Mairin stretched to her full height. “I’m sorry. I am only marking a few dances ahead and those are spoken for.” She moved into the protection of Kedar’s arm. Feeling the tremble in her frame, he projected reassurances to her. “My wife,” he said, emphasizing the relationship, “has given you all the time that she wishes.” He felt his lips twitch into a cold smile. “There are other pleasures here, Wislo. I suggest you enjoy them.”


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Additional excerpts from the three novellas (and two bonus short stories) in First Change.