Duty, Honor, Loyalty #mfrwhooks

The challenge topic is "What is the most important value to teach children?" I considered the times when nieces, grandnieces, or grand-nephews were small. Then I thought about the characters whose tales I've been fortunate to chronicle.

Captain Ellspeth grew up adhering to the guild mottos carved in old script on the wood doors of the guildmasters office. On the left panel the way to do business, "Fair Trade – Fair Profit." And on the right panel, guidance for living the right life, "Kin Above All – But Honor."

Although it doesn't exactly match the qualification of "most important value," the following excerpt shows the Archmage Dal teaching a lesson, not in the classroom but on the battlefield. Dal demonstrates mercy to the vanquished... if they deserve it. To set the scene, now that his enemy's army has been routed, he advances of his previous captor who hides behind another man.

Dal closed the distance to Ruaridh’s fragile protection. He lunged forward and knocked the sword from the soldier’s hand. Beneath the askewed helmet, Dal saw frightened eyes within a pale face.

He could not be more than sixteen turns, Dal realized. “Unless you want to join him, I suggest you leave.” The hope that flickered across the youth’s face brought a memory of another boy who stood disarmed before a superior warrior. He heard Telarim the Red’s words again, as if for the first time.

I might as well use Telarim’s technique. “Return to your home,” Dal ordered the youth. “If in two turns you still want to soldier, find Telarim the Red. Tell him Lieutenant Dal sent you. Telarim will teach you well if you’re willing to learn.”  

The boy stepped aside, careful to keep his hands away from his sides. His throat convulsed several times before he was able to speak. “My lord, my life is now yours. I have no home to return to. For your mercy, command me and I am yours.”

Dal stared down into brown eyes young with life. “Take that black gelding. Go to Stratven and present yourself to the King’s Guard. The toiseach of the guard will assign you work until I get there.”

In honor of the nation's founding a bit of self-promotion about the book that inspired the title of "Duty, Honor, Loyalty." Hearth and Sand: Stories From The Front Lines and the Homefront is a collection of twelve tales of those who served on the battle front, and the stories of the loved ones left behind who preserved the homefront. How it relates to the title? The tales represent a continuity of service from the past to the present and into the world of tomorrow.

If the books referenced in the post, the fantasy Windmaster or the multi-genre Hearth and Sand, intrigue, click on the cover for excerpts and the first chapter. Or go straight to the buy links to paperback and ebook formats below.

Windmaster books2read  /  Amazon

Hearth and Sand books2read /  Amazon

~ till next time, Helen

Meet the Characters of the world of Windmaster #MFRWHooks

I thought to start off the year with an introduction to the characters of the Windmaster Novels. You've might have met them when the posts where originally published. Or if you missed meeting Captain Ellspeth or Lord Dal, or any of their friends or enemies, you can click on the name to meet the characters including their secrets and plans, what they look like and more.

Then for excerpts and a free read of the first chapter, click on the covers in the top banner. If if you haven't read the paranormal, romance, fantasies and are interested to learn more, buy links are provided at the bottom of the post.

 

 

From left to right: Captain Ellspeth, Lord Dal, Lady Kia, Lady Pelra

 

 

Dal (Posed for the Windmaster Legacy cover)

Ellspeth (With knife in hand, ready to repel borders on the deck of Sea Falcon)

Bashim

Kiansel (Her beauty graced the cover of Windmaster Golem)

Brodie

Relliq

Pelra (Come swim with the dolphins as does Lady Pelra on the cover of Windmaster Legend)

Iol

Leod

Find the Windmaster Novels are your favorite online store including Amazon / Smashwords / More Sites

 

 

 

Meet Brodie #MFRWHooks

Continuing the series of posts introducing some of my favorite people (or people I love to hate.) You've met Kiansel, future leader of the Temple of the Oracle. Now, you are invited to meet Brodie from the sword and sorcery romance fantasy series, the Windmaster Novels.

Physical Description

In Windmaster, Brodie is fifteen. In Windmaster Golem, he is thirty. The slender youth grew taller and broad shouldered with muscles developed from intensive weapons training. One thing that doesn't change is his intense brown eyes. The following excerpt is the first introduction to the young man who would later be an important part of the Isle of Mages.

Dal and Ellspeth’s weapons rose and fell in unison. In the face of their combined attack, one by one the soldiers between Dal and his target fell until only three remained. Ellspeth faced Gille Erim, who screeched at the retreating and wounded men to “stand fast.” Defending Ruaridh stood his last remaining soldier, a sword held in a manner more inexperienced than mercenary.

Dal allowed himself several heartbeats to get his breath. His chest heaved in an effort to refill his lungs. His arms tiring, newly-healed cuts burned from the sweat that now streamed down his back. Yet he stared cold-faced at those before him.

“Ruaridh will not leave the field alive.” Dal closed the distance to Ruaridh’s fragile protection. He lunged forward and knocked the sword from the soldier’s hand. Beneath the askewed helmet, Dal saw frightened eyes within a pale face.

He could not be more than sixteen turns, Dal realized. “Unless you want to join him, I suggest you leave.” The hope that flickered across the youth’s face brought a memory of another boy who stood disarmed before a superior warrior. He heard Telarim the Red’s words again, as if for the first time.

I might as well use Telarim’s technique. “Return to your home,” Dal ordered the youth. “If in two turns you still want to soldier, find Telarim the Red. Tell him Lieutenant Dal sent you. Telarim will teach you well if you’re willing to learn.”

The boy stepped aside, careful to keep his hands away from his sides. His throat convulsed several times before he was able to speak. “My lord, my life is now yours. I have no home to return to. For your mercy, command me and I am yours.”

Dal stared down into brown eyes young with life. “Take that black gelding. Go to Stratven and present yourself to the King’s Guard. The toiseach of the guard will assign you work until I get there.”

Background 

After Ruaridh's troop was defeated, Brodie followed Dal's command and studied for a year with the tioiseach of King Fraunces court. He learned quickly, picking up both strategy and weapons then spent a cold season at the winter camp of the mercenary, Telarim the Red. It was during this time he discovered his talent for weaponsmithing and he learned everything he could from the unit's master.

Brodie honed his skills upon his return to Stratven where he earned commissions making custom weapons for the town elite, including the king. What would set the course for the next phase of Brodie's life came when he received a request from the king to take a message to Dal at the Isle of Mages. Dal and the isle's sergeant-at-arms offered Brodie a position at the School of Mages. Brodie stayed on, making the journeyman daggers for the apprentice mages who did not have one and teaching them weapons and self-defense. 

An excerpt from Brodie's time at the Isle of Mages can be found in the posts Fog Attack and The Mist Strangles.

More About Him (Secrets or Public)

Brodie is friends with the residents of the Isle of Mages,  both those possessing powers and well as not. His friendship with Lord Dal and Lady Ellspeth came with a potential problem. Their teen-age daughters have a crush on him.

Although not a mage, Brodie rides a fàlaire stallion. Wirake is not just a member of the herd of magical equines that live near the Isle of Mages, but the son of the head stallion.

A secret not known by many is that the long sword Brodie wields is named, something only give to special weapons. TânOer was blessed by both Dal and Ellspeth, imbuing it with special powers.

I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Brodie.  Find excerpts for Windmaster Golem by clicking on the cover in the banner. To purchase Windmaster Golem, use the links below. 

Buy Links: One click to ebook sellers
Paperback at Amazon

Hooked on Imprisoned, Turn's End - The Ladies, #mfrwhooks

In celebration of the winter solstice, a snippit from the dark fantasy, Imprisoned in Stone of the Turn's End celebration. To set the stage, like our New Year's Eve, Turn's End is time for reflection and celebrating new beginnings. It is also a time for parties and dances. Even in the backwoods glen of the fighting wizard, Tralin, they will celebrate. In this first post, we see Maerva and Tralin getting ready for the Turn's End dance. Even though there is only four people in the valley, they have still dressed in as formal--and fancy--outfits they have. For the night, Tralin has exchanged her pants and leathers for a gown and left her sword in her quarters.

Excerpt:

Maerva twisted the last ringlet of dark hair into place and pinned it into a knot at the nape of her neck. Deft movements interwove the midnight blue ribbons into place and laced up the deep jade green vest. Giving it a tug, she lifted her arms and twirled to make sure the garment did not impede her movement. The ankle-length skirt flowed in a gray shimmer reminiscent of storm-tossed waves. Tonight would be her first year-end celebration away from home as an adult, and she planned to dance the night away. For the first time, she would not have to share the evening with her cousins and older sisters. In fact, the dress she wore was the first new garment she had ever owned. Satisfied she was as ready as she would ever be, she gave one final glance in the mirror and headed downstairs to the kitchen.

Tralin looked up from the fireplace where steam escaped from a pair of covered pots. Light sparkled off the gold embroidery on the hem of her burgundy dress and the amber stone hung around her neck.
 

 ~ ~ ~

Next week will be the males' turn. But who will be Maerva's partner? Colwynn or Gareth? And how are they dressed?

 

 * * * *  HOLIDAY SPECIAL - $1.49 for the Kindle at Amazon * * *

 

Four paths--one destiny. With the power to bind souls and control all magic in the balance.

Imprisoned in Stone--available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and elsewhere. 

Red carpet? Not me. #mfrwauthor

 

 The topic for this week's challenge post is  "Do you follow fashion trends in either clothing or hairstyle?"

I want to open with a confession. Unlike some today, I don't hang on every word uttered by whatever social media athlete, entertainer, or reality star is "trending." Just as a I don't run right out to purchase the latest must-have item or see the movies reviewers espouse. Following trends in clothing or hairstyles is not something I have ever done... or ever expect to.

I am not alone in this attitude. The characters whose tales I've chronicled also don't follow trends, but walk their own path. A snippit from Windmaster Legacy of Captain Ellspeth's and Lord Dal's wedding day dealing with their respective mother's special outfits for the day.

A soft knock on the door shifted Ellspeth’s attention and changed her mood to a more dignified one. At her lilting, “Come,” Dal’s mother entered on Mirrim’s arm. The cut of Eilidh’s hunter-green gown and the embroidered silk trim on the bodice and sleeves reflected a style long out of fashion at court. A chain of silver-filigreed rosettes and beads, Ellspeth’s bride gift to Eilidh, circled the older woman’s upswept hair.

Even though she knew, as head of the House of Cszabo, Mirrim could afford the most current fashions, Ellspeth smiled at her mother’s vintage dress, which harmonized perfectly with the one worn by Dal’s mother. Mirrim’s outfit also had special meaning for the day. The crests of the vessel, Northern Pearl, Ellspeth’s grandmother’s ship, embroidered in gold on the cuffs showed the family association with the sea. By wearing Rima’s bridal gown, Mirrim symbolized continuity and Ellspeth’s heritage. Dal’s gift to Mirrim peeked out of her silver curls.

Fashion is what is comfortable and appropriate for the time and place. Not necessarily what other people dictate.

~till next time, Helen

Be sure to see how the other authors answered the question. https://mfrw52week.blogspot.com/

Hooked on Windmaster Golem, The Mist Strangles #mfrwhooks

 

Magic animated the golem. Can someone without powers stop them?
 

A snippit from the newly-released Windmaster Golem. This excerpt continues the Fog Attack. To set the stage, Brodie reached what he thought was a safe spot on the trail. He was no longer in danger of going over the cliff edge and falling to the rocks below. But the magical attack wasn't over. 

Excerpt: 

The fog seemed to come alive. Icy fingers slid around his neck … and squeezed. More hands gripped his arm and trapped the sword in its sheath.

“No,” he moaned. “Magic is controlling this fog.” Yet again, he cursed his lack of talent. I may not be able to break the spell, but I can reach Denai. If she can’t help, she can at least contact her parents.

She will be a good one, hope said. She used TânOer this afternoon in practice and both metal and mage should retain their sense of link.

His hands scrabbled for purchase. I have to reach the metal. He forced his fingers to inch down the leather grip. Cold steel greeted his questing fingers. Denai ... help … trapped … fog.

As it did with the sound of the crashing surf just a few lengths away, the fog snatched away the mental call. The ethereal noose around his neck tightened. Blackness narrowed his vision.

Fear added power to his call. His thought turned from a cast net to a silver thread tied to a dagger. A silent prayer to his ancestors to guide his aim and he threw the message towards the sleeping village below. Denai ... help … trapped … fog flew along the lifeline. This time the impression of a sleepy “Ummm,” and the flick of fingers greeted his attempt.

The fog vanished and with it the stranglehold on his neck loosened. Overhead, the twin moons shone brightly. Their light clearly showed the path in front and behind.

Evaluation of the two routes took only heartbeats. His workshop at the forge might only be a lean-to, but the archmage had laid protective spells around the entire area and the iron itself would dampen the effects of an attack. Downhill was steep and potentially full of roots that could trip and send him over the edge. Brodie’s feet flew along the trail back towards the clifftop and his forge.

~ End of Excerpt ~

Buy Links:

Paperback: Amazon / Barnes&Noble / Amazon UK /

Ebook: Amazon / Kobo / More ebook stores

Hooked on Windmaster, Dream, #mfrwauthor

From the sword and sorcery fantasy, Windmaster, an excerpt using the word, "DREAM"



Excerpt:


A strangling sense of horror woke Ellspeth from a deep sleep. The sea air carried the faint reek of freshly-spilled blood. Pale moonlight filtering through the shuttered window cast shadows around the small cabin. Nothing moved in the darkness beneath the narrow-legged desk or behind the wooden trunk that held the ship’s records. No visible danger lurked, yet the feeling of intense fear remained strong. As she fought to slow her rapid pulse, she listened for unusual sounds on the deck outside. The Sea Falcon had been her home, and she its captain, for the last three turns. She knew every inch of the bark from the tip of the ship’s five masts to the carved insignia on the bow. Despite the unease that ruined her rest, only the familiar creaks of the gently rocking wooden hull touched Ellspeth’s questing senses.

It was only a dream! At the remembered panic, she breathed deeply to rid herself of the effects of the nightmare. They keep getting more vivid, more real. Tomorrow we’ll be taking mage healers aboard. I wonder if the dreams and the healers are connected? Just as quickly as the question arose, she ruthlessly quashed it. “The dreams started even before the transport was arranged,” she muttered.

~ ~ ~

Buy Links: One click to ebook sellers
Paperback at Amazon / Barnes&Noble

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