Hooked on First Change, Rescue, #MFRWHooks

 

To celebrate reaching 50K on my current work in progress, an excerpt from Magic and Steel - Mt'wan Comraich, one of the novellas in First Change: Legends From The Eyrie, the latest of the Dragshi Chronicles.

This excerpt picks up where Attack left off as a pride of large cats attack a dragon. One of the duties of the dragshi and the true humans who live at Cloud Eyrie is to protect the dragons irregardless if the human is a dragon lord or a shepherd such as Kedar.

Although I normally leave on a cliff hanger, due to requests here is a teaser to how the gryphlor attack ends. (At least as far as the great cat attack.) A hint of foreshadowing of Kedar's future is in the excerpt. To see the full how and why, pick up First Change: Legends From The Eyrie.

Blood loss threatened to overwhelm the energy of battle. Leaning heavily on the slicked wood, he wove back and forth as he fought to stay on his feet, for to fall meant death. His gaze never left the unblinking eyes of the snarling cats.

Faoth’s excited yelps crackled into the air. Kedar held his breath. Before he could turn and see the dog's condition, a sense of relief washed through him and realized Faoth’s cries were not a warning, nor did they reflect pain.

 

Tawny blurs accompanied by whimpers and snarls dashed towards the woods. Before they reached the safety of the trees, streams of fire flowed across the meadow, brightening the burgeoning dusk. One by one, orange fire surrounded the cats.

Now the whistle of air over pinions reached Kedar’s straining ears. “Lilese and the dragshi did come,” he whispered. Rioghnach is safe. No sooner had the words passed his lips than the battle energy that had sustained him retreated in a single blink. Nerveless fingers lost their hold on the staff and blood-covered knife. No longer able to stand, he measured his length in the wet grass.

. . .

Warmth surrounded Kedar. Flickering blue light cast an eerie glow on the back of his eyelids. However, it was the music, an ethereal chorus of silver tones that called him. He couldn’t make out any words, separate any individual voice, yet he listened with a rapt attention. His entire being yearned to soar.

The world brightened as if someone woke from a deep sleep, giving the impression of a great sigh, then of slipping down into the cottony darkness of slumber. As the specter vanished, so did the song.

<Come back!> Kedar cast into the cosmos. He fought back tears at the waves of sadness, of unbearable loss, that overwhelmed him. “Don’t leave,” he whispered.

The pain lessened. Eventually, he became aware of the gentle caress of fingers on his forehead.

<You have slept and rested,> a comforting voice said in his mind.<Return, Kedar. Return to the world of the living.>

Pinpricks of light appeared, a jagged line in the blackness. Heartbeat after heartbeat, the split widened into a glowing chasm. Lethargy retreated under the repeated mental commands to awaken. Finally, they could no longer be denied and he opened his eyes to stare into the leader of the dragshi’s worried green orbs. Lilese’s strong arms helped him sit up, while another of the dragshi pressed a cup of restorative into Kedar’s trembling fingers. He noticed that the rest of the rescue party had traded their dragon wings for human arms and legs and were sitting in groups of two or three, talking in quiet tones over cups of steaming ubhai tea.

 

~ * ~

The rest of MAGIC AND STEEL as well as the other tales in First Change, is available at these ebook sellers.

Be sure to check out the other excerpts by the authors of MFRW.

Hooked on First Change, The Attack, #MFRWHooks

 

It's been a while as I've been focusing on finishing up my current work in progress. As a return to the hop, an excerpt from Magic and Steel - Mt'wan Comraich, one of the novellas in First Change: Legends From The Eyrie, the latest of the Dragshi Chronicles.

The Lady Mairin Alidryer of the Dragshi searched for the one man in the world intended to be her mate. However, the man she left behind when she gained the freedom of flight refused to accept the truth that she did not love him. Now the head of a band of raiders, her former suitor turned stalker swore to have Mairin on her knees in front of him.

All that stands between his plans is the true human, Kedar, wielder of the enspelled sword called Mt’wan Comraich. But will the steel of the Protector of Mt’wan be enough.

Bodyguard to the Lady Mairin, Kedar dared not fail in his duty—or more dangerous—love her. For like the true dragons, the shifters mated for life in this world and the one beyond.

This excerpt picks up where Duty left off as a pride of large cats attack a dragon. One of the duties of the dragshi and the true humans who live at Cloud Eyrie is to protect the dragons irregardless if the human is a dragon lord or a shepherd such as Kedar.

“Rioghnach, wake up,” Kedar screamed. “Gryphlor.”

Whether his cry triggered the attack or the cats just took advantage of the dragon turning towards the sound, a pair of gryphlor broke cover—and leaped.

Confusion answered Kedar’s warning, but it didn’t slow the dragon’s reflexes. Her tail whipped out, catching a striped feline in mid-air. The crack as the creature hit the ground wagon lengths away rolled across the meadow.

Yelling and waving his staff to distract the attacking pride, Kedar ran from the protection of the woods. A pair of brown- and tan-shaded gryphlor peeled off and loped through the grass. Their target was obvious—him.

The element of surprise now gone, the full pride, from the gray-muzzled to the youngest kit, rose from concealment in the grass until the dragon faced more than a dozen cats. A shifting circle of brown and tan, they padded around Rioghnach, keeping just beyond the reach of her claws. Kedar suppressed a moan at the realization of the dragon’s plight. Teeth and talons weren’t enough. She needed dragon fire. But every time she sucked down air, a cat leaped so that she could not catch more than a quick draft, never enough to fuel her flame. No matter how hard she tried, the dragon didn’t catch more than an odd piece of fur with her fiery breath.

And I can’t help, Kedar cursed. He needed all his focus to battle the gryphlor stalking him.

A giant paw raked toward his face. The staff blocked the blow, but the force of the collision rocked him from hand to shoulder. Gathering his mental strength, he cast a frantic call into the ether to the dragshi for assistance he knew could never get there in time. <Lilese! Anyone! Gryphlor attack.>

What might have been a faint response tickled at his mind. However, continued probes of his defenses by the stalking cats prevented any more mindspeech. A prayer to his ancestors that his message had gone through was followed by reality. Quick calculations told the truth. Even if they were near and already on the wing, it would take the dragshi too long to provide any real assistance, and even longer if they had to shift from human to dragon form. Blood already streaked the blue hide and Rioghnach’s reactions were slowing. With each attack, the big cats got closer to inflicting a fatal wound.

~ * ~

The rest of MAGIC AND STEEL as well as the other tales in First Change, is available at these ebook sellers.

Be sure to check out the other excerpts by the authors of MFRW.

Hooked on First Change, Duty, #MFRWHooks

An excerpt from Magic and Steel - Mt'wan Comraich, one of the novellas in First Change: Legends From The Eyrie, the latest of the Dragshi Chronicles.

The Lady Mairin Alidryer of the Dragshi searched for the one man in the world intended to be her mate. However, the man she left behind when she gained the freedom of flight refused to accept the truth that she did not love him. Now the head of a band of raiders, her former suitor turned stalker swore to have Mairin on her knees in front of him.

All that stands between his plans is the true human, Kedar, wielder of the enspelled sword called Mt’wan Comraich. But will the steel of the Protector of Mt’wan be enough.

Bodyguard to the Lady Mairin, Kedar dared not fail in his duty—or more dangerous—love her. For like the true dragons, the shifters mated for life in this world and the one beyond.

In this excerpt, we see duty is not just an attribute of man. Dogs are more than companions, and have served as protectors and guardians for humans as well as other animals. A well-trained sheep dog is extra hands and eyes to the flock's guardian. One of the duties of the dragshi and the true humans who live at Cloud Eyrie is to protect the dragons irregardless if the human is a dragon lord or a shepherd such as Kedar.

The sun had not even kissed the mountain peaks before Faoth raced from her spot farther down the trail. A tawny blur, the pup headed straight for Kedar. She snatched his pant leg in her mouth and tried pulling him back towards the meadow.

“Faoth, obey” Kedar said, his voice as much a growl as those coming from the dog. “Home!”

Although the puppy released Kedar’s pant leg, her head swiveled from the trail ahead to the path behind and back again as if unsure where to go.

Kedar was just as torn. Faoth had never disobeyed him, so why was she doing it now?

With a whimper, the puppy dropped its efforts to get Kedar to follow, and ignoring orders to return, scrambled over rocks in the direction of Rioghnach.

The hackles of the head dog’s neck straightened into a golden crown of thorns that emphasized the black face. Lir looked up at Kedar, its expression plainly asking for orders.

Suddenly the animals’ actions made sense—gryphlor.

He tried reaching out to the dragon with mindspeech, but only silence greeted the attempt. Kedar realized his friend would be sleeping off her meal and would be unable to defend herself until it was too late. A glance at the sun told the story of distance already traveled.

“No,” Kedar yelled. The path would take too long. Despite the danger posed by the wood’s inhabitants, he would have to go cross-county. With the dog at his side, he raced into the deepening shadows of the forest. I have to reach Rioghnach. The old one must be protected at all costs.

Fear took control of his feet and he ran faster, ignoring both the branches that grasped at his clothes and the stickers that ripped his skin. Sharp pains in his side finally forced him to stop. “Go on,” he ordered Lir in a hoarse croak. As if it had kept its pace slow to accommodate its human leader, the golden dog took off at a fast lope. Unwilling to be left behind, Kedar sucked down long breaths and, holding a hand to his side, staggered on.

Reaching the tree line, he saw Faoth and Lir had circled around and now crawled on their bellies, inching closer to the dragon. The only sign of their passage was a slight wave in the grass.

Kedar planned his actions to complement the dogs’. Even though they could not see him, without commands to counter them, their training and instincts would direct them. And he had done the training, making the dogs’ defense techniques predictable.

Although he sensed the gryphlors’ presence, Kedar could not spot the large cats. His eyes strained to separate shadows from brown hide. Finally, his efforts were rewarded. Movement, as if a breeze rippled through the meadow, showed the gryphlors’ location. The pride had spread out and were between him and Rioghnach. Wings spread to bask in the warmth radiating from the rocks, the dragon faced away from the threat. Even worse, the big cats were downwind so the dragon would not catch a hint of their presence.

~ * ~

The rest of MAGIC AND STEEL as well as the other tales in First Change, is available at these ebook sellers.

Be sure to check out the other excerpts by the authors of MFRW.

The Sentry, #MFRWHook

Although my excerpts for the MFRW Book Hooks are usually romance, this week's book hook is a reprise of one taken from Hearth and Sand. Presented for your consideration are selected verses from the poem aptly titled, "The Sentry." Like the other stories in the collection that comprises Heart and Sand, "The Sentry" reflects a continuity of service from the past to the present. 

 

Although the poem pertains to a tomb of an unknown soldier, the inspiration for this piece did not come from the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia  or the toss of a wreath into the sea. Instead it was from solemn commemorations held in a small town to mark the one-year anniversary of 9-11-2001. The image of a sentry was a solitary bagpiper atop a hill. The flag was not draping a casket but hoisted from the extended ladder of a firetruck. A line of helmets atop empty boots symbolized the cost of duty.

Excerpt:

 

Eerie notes float across the field
A signal that day is done.
But not for me... not for me
I am the chosen one.

My task is simple
The command understood.
To stand my post
Here at the edge of the woods.

From each generation one soul is drawn
From among the honored dead.
No name is known, no one can mourn
He is a chosen one, a sentry for the dead.

And now I join them
An American soldier known but to God.
We came from desert, jungle, and field.

I am the latest of the lost.

**  END OF EXCERPT ***

For the rest of the poem, I hope you'll consider buying Hearth and Sand. Amazon     More Ebook Sellers 

The tales in Hearth and Sand cross genre from contemporary to historical, and science fiction to poetry and are a collection of twelve tales of those who served on the front lines and the stories of loved ones left behind who preserved the home front. Set universes apart and separated by decades in time, the stories reflect a continuity of service from the past to the present and into the world of tomorrow. Although the events are fictional, the voices captured within these pages came from historical notes, veterans’ own words, letters left by their ancestors, or contemporary events. Pen was put to paper while watching fighter planes land in the Philippine Islands and in the shaded woods of a stateside farm.


Buy Links: Amazon  More Ebook Sellers

This Veterans Day, thank a vet. For freedom isn't free. Thank you for your service.

Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, Revenge Approaches #mfrwauthor #mfrwhooks

 
A teaser of magic of a darker kind from Imprisoned in Stone. For the crime of healing without payment, the Brethren imprisoned Dylan’s soul in stone. Every full moon, they awakened him and renewed the bonds. When the blood dried on the stone, his awareness faded, but during those few brief moments, he had one thought--revenge. 

For this weeks teaser, the start of Dylan's revenge. But the question arises. At what cost will it be achieved?

Excerpt:

Whether the heat came from his lifeforce or magic, the stone beneath Gareth's hand warmed. The pain vanished, replaced by exultation. 

Thoughts in two voices rang in his head. One was his own. The other held anger nurtured by ages of imprisonment. “I am free,” Dylan yelled. “Revenge will be mine!”

Strength from an unknown source surged through Gareth’s body. He rolled to his knees, fumbled at his boot and withdrew a dagger. Fighting back a groan, he reached out with a blood-stained hand and pulled himself upright. He pushed off the rock and stood, his weapons at the ready. He wavered.

“Help me, Dylan,” Gareth begged.

“What I have is yours,” Dylan answered.

Power, even greater than what Gareth imagined possible, filled his frame. The encroaching darkness withdrew. Now steady on his feet, he assumed a defensive stance. “Colwynn, take care of Maerva. Don’t worry about me.” A weapon in each hand, he tested their weight. “I can pull my own freight.”

“So you think,” Nemor snarled. 

Gareth judged the two monks in front of him and the one menacing Maerva. Hard eyes and the way they held steady a pair of short swords indicated none of the three were strangers to weapons or fighting. In flashing images he reviewed Maerva’s skill with the blade. She had learned a lot during their lessons and sparring sessions. Still the reality was inescapable. She was no match for the man she faced.

“Then,” Dylan ordered, “we take them all.” His thought came so clear into Gareth’s mind it seemed it was his own. No one will harm Maerva.

Gareth felt the other’s bloodlust. Nemor will die.

Energy which could only have come from the imprisoned mage flooded Gareth. Muscles exhausted from hard riding now felt fully rested. Although he knew he would pay later, he accepted the gift. His determination to save Maerva matched Dylan’s.

Unsure how long their blended strength would last, Gareth knew he could not afford to wait. He charged the taller of the monks.
 

*** End of Excerpt ***

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

Hooked on Windmaster Legacy, Handfasting's Approach #MFRWhooks

An excerpt from the sword and sorcery romantic fantasy, Windmaster Legacy. A proposal had been made and accepted. Now the date for the handfasting approaches.

Excerpt:

It should have been the happiest time of her life. Yet Ellspeth, former captain of Sea Falcon, could not pin down the source of her uneasiness. Nothing beyond the normal sounds of sea birds, shouted orders, and hammering reached her ears. A glance out the office window assured her there were no problems with the new ship. Windmaster bobbed gently in the confines of the construction pit. Destined to be a floating school for mages, the ship’s construction had been smooth with only minor problems. Three days earlier, during the canal diversion that flooded the dry dock and floated the vessel off its supports, no water penetrated the hull.

Based on Mirrim’s assurances, preparations for the handfasting ceremony in a few days between Ellspeth and Dal remained under control—even if Ellspeth still could hear her mother’s slightly acidic comment, “as long as your groom is here.” Dal had left more than three sevenday ago to bring his mother from their clanhold in the Mtwan Mountains to Stratven.

~ ~ ~

Windmaster Legacy Buy Links

ebook sellers    /   Paperback at Amazon

The rest of the hop is at https://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com

Hooked on First Change, Would he Stay? #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. First Change features the real story behind the legends told in the previous volumes.  

About the legend of the Unknown Patient:  Etianne was trapped by duty and loyalty to her kin. Her caravan needed a healer and she was it. Hopes for more blossomed at the discovery of a wounded man in the middle of the trail. When he woke, he had no memory of his wounds--or his past.

Excerpt:

Etianne’s gaze roamed the gathering, searching for Falamn. Unerringly, she turned to the small group gathered at the far side of the fire. Fire rose up her neck. He wasn’t alone. Even worse, each of the dozen women clustered around him, vying for his attention, wore the flowers of someone looking for a mate.

Despite her intention to not intrude on the group, his presence drew him. She sighed, and unable to resist, started towards him. Her light tread silent on the soft carpet of short grass, she slipped around the edge of the dancers and walked up behind him. Her mouth opened, but she couldn’t bring herself to speak.

Aylmar and two men carrying guitars climbed the two steps onto the raised platform. The musicians sat down, legs hanging over the edge, and settled their instruments on their laps. The ceoltier stepped forward and raised his hands for silence. “By special request, a couple’s dance. Ladies, select your partners.” His call rolled over the crowd as he pinned a man here and another there with a stern glare. “And men, accept it graciously.”

Etianne held her breath. She could ask Falamn to dance. Still, she did not speak. Elsewhere giggling girls grabbed their victims by the hand and led their serious-faced partners out onto the dance floor while married couples moved more sedately into position.

Falamn whispered to the women gathered around him. For some reason, the disappointment on their faces gave her a sense of pleasure. They walked away and only she and Falamn remained.

“I understand by custom, here the woman asks the man to dance.”

With Falamn’s voice in her ear, Etianne realized he had turned and now stood in front of her. His eyes peered into hers. “As I am not of the village, I follow my own customs. And that means choosing who I care to dance with.” His eyes twinkled and he extended a hand in formal greeting. “Etianne, would you do me the honor?”

All the disappointment of the day vanished, and, not trusting her voice, she just nodded. Her fingers resting lightly on his arm, he led her to an open space amongst the gathered couples.

“I warn you, I’m not much of a dancer,” Falamn said. He lightened his voice and grinned, “I hope you wore riding boots.” Looking into her eyes, he pulled her close as the musicians began the opening bars of a lyrical slow tune known as “Wings O’er The Moor.”

Falamn lied, Etianne thought. Despite his claims of not knowing how to dance, he not only was light on his feet, he moved well in time to the music. Etianne gave herself into the moment, letting it carry her away. She swore no other night would ever be as magical. Nothing existed except the thump of her heart and the man in her arms. Enthralled, she didn’t even notice when one song stopped and the next began, or when another group of musicians took the stage.

A beam of moonlight cut through the trees, casting Falamn in shadow. Sorrow darkened the world. No matter if all the time I have with Falamn is just this one moment, it will be a lifetime. Etianne dared not think of the morning—or the one after that. For all too soon Falamn’s memory would return and he would leave her.

Even if he stays with the caravan, nothing will be the same, her heart cried.
 
~ * ~

Buy Links: Links to ebook sellers
 

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

Hooked on First Change, After 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.

The excerpts from MAGIC AND STEEL have followed Kedar and the one he protected, the Lady Mairin to a festival. Her stalker has been introduced both at a distance and up close when he claimed the right of a dance. I'm ending the series from MAGIC and STEEL with a touch of heat and cold.

Now this week's excerpt:


The tune changed to a quick beat and Kedar took a step towards the food tables. A wicked grin on her face, Mairin held fast. “I love the dragon wing dance,” she said. “And, Kedar, you can’t tell me you don’t know the steps. I saw you and a village girl perform it at a winter entertainment.”

Unable to deny the truth, Kedar submitted. Calling upon the knowledge learned from hours of practice, he slid his arm around Mairin’s waist.

She responded to his lead as if they had partnered for years. Usually not performed beyond the walls of Cloud Eyrie, the moves of the dragon wing dance were unknown to most of the townspeople. One by one, the other couples withdrew from the dance floor leaving Mairin and Kedar alone—and the center of attention. The music rose to a crescendo. In response, he spun her into a dip and they held the tableau. Applause and calls of, “kiss her,” rang in Kedar’s ears. Placing Mairin on her feet, he matched her curtsy with a deep bow.

The ceoltier leading the musicians raised his voice to be heard above the clamor. “Ladies and gentlemen, the Ceoltier Guild thanks each and all for attending. That magnificent rendition of the dragon wing dance concludes the evening. The food vendors want to catch a few hours sleep and the dawning comes too quick. However, I’ve been asked to mention that the inn will be open for those who wish to continue the festival.”

Kedar waved to the ceoltiers, and an arm around Mairin’s waist guided her toward the line of coaches arriving to take the revelers home. He threw a thought at a familiar shape standing just beyond the festival entrance. <Birog, I’m taking Mairin back to the compound. >

<I’ll have the coach brought to the front of the line,> the ceoltier replied.

To prevent Mairin from sensing his plans, he bought two glasses of wine and they drank it as he guided her through the festival. Several coaches blocked the one Birog said was waiting. It wasn’t the open space that triggered an alarm in Kedar’s senses, but the narrow passageways between the buildings. Each provided the perfect location for a footpad—or an assassin—to wait.

Fur brushed against his leg. Faoth moved ahead, slipping from shadow to shadow, slowing in each pool of black. Kedar used the delay to examine a plate of beef strips on one table or a slice of cake on another, until Faoth moved on.

Finally, they reached the end of the vendors and the ceoltier’s wagon still could not reach them. His senses stretched to their maximum awareness, Kedar headed down the street.

Mairin suddenly stopped, falling into Kedar, spinning them into a narrow passage between two warehouses. The movement ended with him entangled in Mairin’s arms and his back against the rough stones of a wall. Her warm breath danced along his cheek. “I believe it is traditional to end the dragon wing with a kiss.”

Her lips pressed against his.

Fire raced in his veins. Every muscle strained to pull her close, to blend their bodies.

You cannot, duty hissed. Mairin is not safe.

The warning allowed Kedar to keep a part of himself detached from Mairin’s advances. His attention focused not on her, but the opposite wall. He swore what had been a shadow detached itself from the structure.

~ * ~

Buy Links: One Click to ebook sellers

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

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.”


~ * ~

Buy Links: One Click to ebook sellers

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

Hooked on First Change, Festival #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, Shadowed Night, 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.

Now this week's excerpt:

Kedar's gaze lingered on a man coming out of an inn. Dark red hair marked him as a member of a northern clan. Although the stranger’s clothes were those of a merchant, his movements told of a familiarity with weapons—or the mercenary life.

Faoth’s snarl from a few paces behind agreed with Kedar’s assessment of the man’s threat, and confirmed who amongst the crowd had triggered his alert. “Faoth, track,” he hissed. The gold blur that was the dog slipped around into the street, then fell into position to follow the tall stranger. Moments later, Faoth disappeared into an unlit alley.

His fingers gripping the hilt of a hidden knife, Kedar didn’t slow his approach. He merely dropped his arm from around Mairin and stepped to her left, placing himself between her and the alley.

...They passed the alley without incident. Swept along by the thickening crowd, Kedar maintained his tense surveillance. Footsteps hurried up behind them. Trapped by the narrowed entrance onto the beach, his shoulder tensed, awaiting an attack. None occurred and the newcomer, an apprentice in a flour-covered apron, veered off into a bakery.

A light brush on Kedar’s leg heralded Faoth’s return. She padded at his side, her head swiveling back and forth as if tracking someone. After a whimper, the dog looked up for instructions. He dropped a hand down to pat Faoth on the head. “It’s okay, girl,” he said in a low tone that couldn’t be heard above the conversations of the other partiers. “We’ll find him later.”


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

Hooked on Windmaster Legacy, Escape Thwarted #MFRWauthor

Chose between magic, revenge... or the life of a loved one.

This weeks #MFRWHooks Wednesday snippet is from Windmaster Legacy. To set the stage, Lady Ellspeth has escaped the dungeon of the rogue mage--and has taken the mage's innocent apprentice, Nobyn, with her. More than troops pursue her, for the mage has created werehounds that once exposed to someone's blood can track them to the ends of the world. And they are on Ellspeth's scent.

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Water rose to her knees as Ellspeth waded in. Her clothes clung to her legs. Watching for hidden obstacles or loose rocks that could turn an ankle, she led the way into deeper water. Nobyn grunted as he slogged through the waist-high river.

Halfway across, his gasp sent a spear of fear through her. She turned to pick him up, but the youth had not fallen. Then Ellspeth saw what panicked him. Third strode out of the trees a hundred paces upstream where the river circled in a lazy swirl. An estimated mass of a hundred men followed in a stiff silence. No retreat was possible in that direction. She and Nobyn had to finish crossing the river. “Hurry, Nobyn. Hurry,” she pressed.

Just before they reached the safety of the far bank, Ellspeth halted. Sealgair and his sailors blocked her path. The last remnants of a cloaking spell still shimmered around them. Ellspeth traced the riverbank upstream and her gaze settled on a large outcropping. It must have sheltered Sealgair and his sailors from view. But who cast the spell?

Sealgair’s men fanned out. Not in a flanking maneuver, but one reminiscent of an honor guard. Ellspeth knew who the men escorted even before she heard the harsh call. “Here, my little wizardling.”

A chill unrelated to the water flowing around her legs crept up Ellspeth’s chest. Striding out of the woods, wearing his blood-stained soutane like a royal robe, was the one man she dreaded—Bashim.

“Mistress, give the word,” Nobyn declared, barely hiding the tremor in his voice. “I will fight by your side.” The naked blade in his hand showed the youth’s determination, even as fear haunted his eyes.

Windmaster Legacy Available At:
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Click here for another excerpt and a free read of the first chapter. And if you missed Windmaster, an excerpt for the first book in the series can be found here.

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Hooked on Windmaster, An Enemy Engaged #MFRWHooks

Windmaster
(Book 1 of the Windmaster Novels

Prophecy decreed Ellspeth marry the Archmage. However, despite the attraction to him, Ellspeth’s heart fought the announced destiny. For to be with Lord Dal meant she had to take all that came with him, including magic. Love meant the loss of her ship and crew because to a mage the sea meant death.

Excerpt:
 
The air tingled with Bashim’s presence three heartbeats before his raspy voice reached her. The warning was so subtle, if her senses had not been in battle mode, she would have missed the advance notice. “Greetings, Ellspeth, my little wizardling.”
 
Her pulse froze. Bashim knew her name.
 
The air thickened into the specter of a man. His dark hair curled tight around his head, and his cloak blew in the breeze. Except for the gaunt look around his eyes, he appeared little different from the sketch Dal showed her on the Sea Falcon.
 
“You should not have killed my brother,” Bashim chastised. “However, I forgive you. You will be a much better companion than him. You already know the price if you refuse me."


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Windmaster - published by BWL Publishing
 
One click link to ebook sellers
Ebook and paperback Available At: Amazon / Amazon UK


We're all hooked on books. Click on a link to hop to the next blog.