The posts still showcase magic of a darker kind, Imprisoned in Stone. For the crime of healing without payment, the Brethren imprisoned Dylan’s soul in stone. When a mind touches his and hope for escape from his eternal prison soars.
To set the scene, Maerva has been accepted as an apprentice mage and is learning her craft. Her first journeyman task is to escort a herd of magical equines called the seisag to a winter grazing ground. In last week's post, the blizzard that had chased the herd from the mountains caught up with them.
Excerpt:
A spark of heat flared from the rock held between her palms. Maerva threw strength into her magic and the fire spread to form an orange glow that rose up her arms to encompass her entire body. The radiance expanded out in a wedge. The winds broke apart like a wave going around a headland. Closing her eyes in concentration, she held the protection. Behind her, she sensed the resting seisag, their individual auras miniature versions of the brilliant red that marked Eirean’s being.
Hour after hour, Maerva stood, a bulwark against the weather. She wavered on her feet from sheer exhaustion. Like a living thing sensing weakness, the storm pounced. The wind picked up intensity forcing her to retreat. One step led to another until she came up against an immovable object. The smell of wet hair filled her nose. Eirean!
Deep in her desperate fight to regain control, Maerva felt a reassurance... and something more. She leaned against Eirean, pulling strength from the stallion’s presence. Her trance deepened. Soon, nothing existed save the spell.
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Oh, very cool scene. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I don't remember when I wrote the scene but I can see me doing it after shoveling hours worth of snow.
DeleteI liked how she moved deeper and deeper into her spell. It's easy to see how a stallion's big, solid body could give her comfort, even if he's not magic, which he probably is.
ReplyDeleteyes, you're right that the animals she's protecting are magical equines, but not everyone can tap into their earth power, let alone someone on their first solo trip. Thanks for stopping by.
Deleteoooh I like that she can use the strength of the horse!
ReplyDeletehorses in and of by themselves are quite therapeutic and empowering. It's amazing after even their first ride to see the difference in ability and attitude of those meeting physical challenges. Thanks for stopping by.
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