Journey to the stars and worlds of imagination: Hooked on Windmaster, Destiny Awaits, #MFRWHooks

From the sword and sorcery fantasy, Windmaster, an excerpt continuing Dal and Ellspeth's parting on the eve of battle. The scene picks up where "A Parting" left off.

Apologies, due to a blip in scheduling, Destiny Awaits posted this week. A Parting Will Be Next Week.

Excerpt:

The cold steel of the dagger he placed in her hand distracted her from the emotion she saw in his eyes. “Tairneach and the colts will go with me to lead off Ruaridh and his men. We’ll buy you as much time as we can. You memorized the book of clues. You have your flute.” He draped the loops of a soft velvet bag over her neck. The amber jewel within pulsed with hidden energy, a power Ellspeth could feel, despite the cloth and protective wards placed around the jewel.

“I think my dagger will provide the magic direction you need deeper into the cave. Don’t release the protective spells when you get inside. Keep going. Please, Ellspeth, promise me.”

Shaken by the intensity of his request, Ellspeth nodded.

Dal’s grasp on her shoulders generated a heat out of proportion to the lightness of his touch. “I just saw Bashim in my crystal. I’m sorry, Elle, but he breached the defensive wards of the Isle. I had enough time to send a warning to Sea Falcon. It set sail for Montrat moments ago. They’ll stop there for a day at the Cszabo compound, then head on to Stratven.

“If I... I mean...”

In front of her, the glow faded from his eyes and a shadow passed over his face. His hands fell to his side. A cold determination replaced the inner sparkle of amusement she had come to know. “I gave you the master spells. When the time is right, you will remember them. As Archmage I charge you to use them and the power wisely. Kaleigh will take you and the circlet safely to the Falcon.”

Before Ellspeth could move, Dal leaped into the saddle. She swore she saw a message pass between Tairneach and the wizard. Then the stallion spun on his haunches. One long leap later the faint smell of dust was all that was left of Taer’s, and the wizard’s, presence. The urge to jump onto Kaleigh’s back and race after them almost overwhelmed her.

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