Imprisoned in Stone, Whose Magic is it? #mfrwhook

Magic of a darker kind from Imprisoned in Stone.

To set the stage, Colwynn has freed a friend from a magical compulsion and now is trying to find who is behind the threat.

Excerpt:

A man of Jarlath’s wealth and seniority could not be accused without proof. Once again, Colwynn dug into his reserves of energy. His hands traced the ancient runes of truth in the air.

“Chains of iron forged in magic,” he hissed. “Show me the stealer of innocence and will.”

Despite the softness of the command, it contained an unyielding force. The mist of the broken control spell formed into a frame. A face appeared in the shimmering surface of the enchanted mirror. As Colwynn expected, Jarlath’s face was in the center. Then Nemor’s and several other men Colwynn knew were acolytes of the Brethren. Bearded or clean-shaved, some bald, others sporting long curls, image after image appeared until the frame bulged.

An unreasoning fury surged forward. All the Brethren participated. They all knew!

“Show me the man behind the plot,” Colwynn yelled. The hovering reflection wavered. When it stopped moving, one final face appeared. “Father,” Colwynn moaned. My father leads the Brethren. They would do nothing without his approval.

Imprisoned in Stone:

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Imprisoned in Stone, One Spell Broken, But... #MFRWHook

 

For the next several weeks, the posts will showcase magic of a darker kind from Imprisoned in Stone.
To set the stage, Colwynn has an unexpected visitor at his quarters, yet another of the women selected by the Brethren as his potential mate. Only he discovers that she did not come of her own free will, but under a magical compulsion. The excerpt focuses on his continued attempts to protect her.

Excerpt:

Gathering the living ribbons of light, Colwynn wove them into a glittering crown that he slid over Aine’s blonde curls. After a moment’s respite, he started the protection against any future geas. Although he intended his words to ring out with strength, they sounded barely above a whisper.

“Fire of mountains, strength of iron,
Remove the geas from this innocent’s soul.
Crown of sprites, power of life,
Restore the free will that was stole.
Her destiny be hers to decide,
Not obstructed by man, magic, or tide.
So mote it be.”

His spell echoed with the hum of fluttering wings. After a moment’s respite, he cried out, “Sprites of the clouds, assist me.” Summoning power from deep in his being and merging it with that of the eldritch spirits, he created a stronger block than he had believed possible. The glow flowed over the sleeping woman until a golden light encased her entire body. Still, the sprites’ song rose in volume. At the crescendo, a flare from the bed blinded Colwynn.

Imprisoned in Stone:

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Imprisoned in Stone, Work, #MFRWHook

 

For the next several weeks, the posts will showcase magic of a darker kind from Imprisoned in Stone. A snippit using the book quote word WORK.

To set the stage, Colwynn has an unexpected visitor at his quarters, yet another of the women selected by the Brethren as his potential mate. Only he discovers that she did not come of her own free will, but under a magical compulsion.

Excerpt:

Colwynn dragged a chair to the side of the bed and lit a candle on the small side table. Using the flickering light as a focus, he sank into a deep trance and searched for the faint hint of residual power that would identify the source of Aine’s compulsion. A breath later, translucent chains, as black as the moonless sky, materialized around her throat.

Anger that Jarlath could use his daughter that way caused Colwynn’s spell to waver. The reality of the danger to both him and Aine broke his concentration and the visual shattered. He sat motionless for several long moments. In attempting to end the spell of another, a mage could become overwhelmed. Death, or at the least, the risk of loss of powers was the price. If he failed to break the geas, an even greater threat remained. Aine could remain imprisoned within her subservient roll forever.

Forcing his emotions behind a wall of ice, determination fueled his attempt to cut the bond controlling Aine. A flick of his wrist and the chains shattered into pieces. The motes floated throughout the room in a black haze. He searched Aine’s face for signs of pain or fear. All he saw was the peaceful sleep of an innocent mind.
Colwynn’s mind worked out the next move as if he played a game of castle and siege. He allowed his racing pulse to slow. Calm, deliberate calculations had to dominate his thoughts. Each incantation he called forth built on the one before. His voice grew louder as he fed more of his power into his words.

A glow of sea sprites replaced the last vestige of the setting sun. Hundreds of the tiny winged creatures flew around the room creating long streamers that swirled and danced in the air.

Imprisoned in Stone:

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Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, A Friend Lost, A New Friend Gained #mfrwhook

 
In celebration of next month's release of Windmaster Golem, for the next several weeks, content will focus on it and the rest of the Windmaster Novels. First however, due to requests, one final post from Imprisoned in Stone.

The excerpt continues the attack on Colywnn, Gareth, and Maerva. In previous excerpts, Gareth and the trapped mage, Dylan, combine their powers to fight off the Brethren. Colwynn defeats his opponent, but in a final act of revenge, a magical attack is launched at Colwynn's two friends. To set the scene, Gareth has been fatally wounded. Because of their joined powers, Dylan has control of Gareth's body. His magic is weakened and he is lying on the ground with Maerva and Colwynn kneeling alongside.  However, the blending of Dylan and Gareth's  magic also means when the body dies, both will be trapped forever. Their souls imprisoned in stone.

SPOILER ALERT - Only one can be saved.

Excerpt:

Dylan arched in sympathy with Gareth. The shock of full awareness sent nerve endings into overload. For the first time in centuries, air filled Dylan’s lungs. He was alive, yet not. His state blurred when the shimmering bridge formed over the black abyss. He refused to die, not before Cuhlwch or if necessary, one his descendants met their deserved end.

But he could not live and sentence Gareth to a lifetime tethered to the earth, away from his ancestors and kin. There had to be some other way.

Gareth’s ghostly figure materialized. “I can see the veil thinning,” the apparition said. “The rainbow bridge is for me, not you, Dylan.” The weaponsmith hesitated a moment then offered a hand. “Dylan, use what time is allotted my body to replace what was taken from yours.”

Dylan clasped the almost transparent forearm in the bond of brothers. “Give my love to Ethne for me. Tell her the time of waiting will soon be over.

“Hurry, Dylan,” Gareth gasped. “You must be in control before I pass through the veil. I can’t maintain the link for long.”

The pull of the black abyss threatened to pull Dylan into it. He cried out for mercy from Colwynn, a mercy not granted him by Beven or Cuhlwch. The darkness thickened and a second glimmering figure appeared on the bridge. “Gareth, watch out,” Dylan yelled.

A shadow version of Nemor grabbed Gareth and attempted to throw him off the bridge. Lightning flickered from one to the other as they struggled.

Despite the risk of an eternity in the void, Dylan bonded his soul, his will, to Gareth to help the weaponsmith pass through the veil.

“No, we will not fail after all these eons.” He reached up and grasped Colwynn’s robe. “Nemor’s spirit is on the bridge, trying to force Gareth off. If he succeeds, Gareth—and I—are doomed to the final death. He can’t hold Nemor off while he is tethered to this body.” His voice roughed with despair. “If you won’t free me, put me back into the stone. At least give Gareth a chance.”

Sadness filled the faces of those leaning over him. Dylan urged them to hurry. He did not know how much longer he could support Gareth. The power of the earth drained what little strength he had.

“I’m sorry, old friend,” Colwynn whispered. Though tears filled his eyes, his voice was strong as he called out the incantation to separate the souls and release Gareth.

Dylan felt the words break the ties that trapped his soul as well as that of Gareth. With a ragged gasp, he took control of Gareth’s body. Now released from putting his energy into keeping the body alive, Gareth had the full power of his being for the fight. Dylan looked at the weaponsmith’s faint aura and the black core of Nemor’s. Would there be enough time for Gareth to defeat his enemy and cross through the veil before the bridge vanished? Guilt added to Dylan’s knowledge that if Gareth failed, he was responsible.

The now almost translucent ghost that was Gareth grinned in anticipation. No longer hampered, he dropped on his back. With a yell, he flipped Nemor over his head.

Nemor teetered on the edge of the abyss. His arms windmilling, he fell backward. His mouth opened in a soundless scream that followed him down into the darkness.

“My wife has been avenged,” Dylan whispered. What little pleasure he felt was overwhelmed by the sadness when Gareth reached the veil, turned and waved a final farewell.

~ ~ End of Excerpt ~ ~  

I should mention, that this is not the final battle in the book. There is a lot more action and suspense to come.

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Hooked on Imprisoned, Maerva Saved #mfrhooks

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, Dylan's search for revenge continues. Last excerpt, Maerva was threatened. Now the blending of Gareth's and Dylan's powers save here. But the question remains. At what cost will it be achieved?

Excerpt:

“Dylan, help me,” Gareth yelled. “Our link is fading.” Using the last vestige of their combined powers, he gestured. The man who threatened Maerva turned into a pillar of ash. A heartbeat later, the dagger clattered to the ground. Gareth moved toward Maerva. He only took a single stride before light blinded him.

Every nerve in his body reacted to the pain. With a groan, he dropped to his knees, then fell forward. Hard rocks ground into his face. “No!” Maerva’s voice pierced the throbbing. Her hands beat out the sparks smoldering on his clothes. She mumbled a spell and a blue mist left her fingers to flow over Gareth’s body, forming a living cocoon. 

Gareth sucked down a long breath at the brief respite from pain. Labored breathing punctuated his speech. “Nemor was right. I didn’t have enough powers.” His back arched as fire raced along already tortured nerves. The runes flickered out.

* * End of Excerpt * *

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Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, Maerva Threatened #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, more of the start of Dylan's revenge. But the question remains. At what cost will it be achieved?

Excerpt:

The man swept the blade aside, then moved in with a series of thrusts. His longer reach, combined with his partner’s heavier weight, forced Gareth back a step, then two, then three. The sound of other battles sent his pulse racing. Maerva! 

“We will save her,” Dylan vowed. “They may have dismissed your powers. They won’t mine!”  

Dylan’s magic, stronger than anything Gareth had ever experienced, stronger even than Tralin’s, gathered to form a solid shield. Sparks limned sword and dagger, then merged into a solid flame that hid the metal. 

 A fiery spear soared to the closest attacker. The glow struck the monk in the middle of his chest—and adhered. Inch by inch, the fire spread until the robe burst into flames. His scream cut off in mid-breath. Gareth threw a final flare which turned the man into a pile of ash which disappeared in the light breeze.

The second monk stared at his missing comrade. “Enough,” he yelled. With a yank he pulled the robe over his head and swung the heavy fabric in ever increasing circles. He released his grip, sending a black-winged creature fluttering at Gareth’s head.

A flick of Gareth’s dagger sent a burning ribbon toward the entral which vanished in a puff of smoke. “You’re right,” Gareth rasped. “It was enough.” Maerva’s yell spun him. Her opponent had pinned her against a tree. The monk’s dagger raised for a killing blow.
 

*** End of Excerpt ***

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M is for Mage

M is for Mage

Being a mage is more than just wielding magic. One of the rules of magic is that its use comes with a price. In the case of Lord Dal, Archmage of the World, the price is everyone and everything he holds dear. Because he held the master spells, Dal was responsible for every wizard from the fullness of their powers to those in the throes of awakening. Which increased his guilt when everyone on the isle that is the heart home of all wizards is killed. No one is spared not woman nor child, nor wizard or villager.

Dal must save the future of magic for the generations to come. For those with power will have magic, whether good or bad. First he has to find the murderer of his brethren. Not only has to keep a powerful token out of the rogue mage’s hand, but prevent the power-hungry man from killing the next generation of wizards, including the woman Dal loves—Ellspeth.

A different price is asked in Windmaster Legend. The lure of magic could cost Subcommander Pelra the gold bracelets of rank, the man she loves... and her life. When the accused weapon is magic, not even being a continent away can save you from the charges of sinking a ship or kinslaying.

Sometimes the price of being a mage is more physical as Colwynn finds out in the fantasy, Imprisoned in Stone. His father wants to learn the secret of binding a mage to the earth, preventing him passing through the veil. The key ingredient to the dark magic is blood. And Colwynn's father decrees the source will be? Colwynn.

Windmaster - one click to estores
Windmaster Legacy - one click to estores
Windmaster Legend - one click to estores

Imprisoned In Stone - one click to estores

Hope you'll return tomorrow’s for "N is for Najest." If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

~ till next time, Helen

L is for Legend

L  is for Windmaster Legend the newest of the Windmaster Novels. Windmaster Legend gives full due to the legend of Iol and Pelra that was first mentioned in Windmaster

As an introduction, from Windmaster, the original telling of the myth of Iol and Pelra told to Lord Dal by Captain Ellspeth as they shared a dinner.

"Two stars are named Iol and Pelra. Iol and Pelra were captains; both had won their gold bracelets. Their rank was suitable but his mother had rejected her father’s courtship, so a joining between Iol and Pelra was not allowed. Since no one had ever sailed the southern island route in less than four sevenday, the two families proposed a wager. If Iol and Pelra made the trip in less than two sevenday, the families would allow the marriage. The pair set off in their respective ships with all masts carrying as much canvas as the rigging could handle.

"Iol and Pelra prayed, and in recognition of their devotion the water god favored them with fair skies. Brisk winds pushed them faster than any vessel had ever sailed before. The ships returned in the final hour allowed by the bet. Despite their return within the allotted time, the parents reneged and declared that Iol and Pelra had lost the bet and refused to allow the marriage. The ruling council of Iol’s house ordered him to a remote inland lake to captain an old scupper. Pelra was confined to her family complex. Unable to return to their ships and the sea, the pair sneaked to the twin rocks that guarded the harbor entrance. When the families sent soldiers to enforce their orders, the water god brought up a storm to protect the lovers. Then he transformed Iol and Pelra into shipfish. Legend has it they swam together to the end of the world. One powerful leap carried them into the night sky."

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Tomorrow’s post - "M is for Mage." If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

~ till next time, Helen

I is for Imprisoned in Stone

I is for Imprisoned in Stone

There was no doubt in my mind that the topic for the post would be the dark fantasy, Imprisoned in Stone. But what to say about it?

A blurb and excerpts is available by clicking on the cover. Either the one in the banner or embedded in the post. The magical equines the seisag were mentioned in the A-Z post, H is for Horses. I thought the turn's end celebration where horses and seisag danced with the sprites. But again, that tale was told in the post Welcome and Farewell.

Other ideas were considered and tossed, so a different tact was taken--what it took to create the novel.

Sword play is an accepted part of fantasy so that was nothing new to me by the time I started plotting out the novel. The biggest challenge in telling the tale was not the blood sacrifices or the darker element, but something more prosaic, getting the characters together. Each of the three main characters resided in a different part of the country. They had to be gotten together at a specific place and time, all the while building the relationships between them so that by the time they met physically for the first time, there was a relationship. An additional problem that had to be solved was Dylan, since he was imprisoned in a stone pillar, he couldn't physically move.

Plotting the movements quickly became so difficult I resurrected a flow-chart design from my earlier computer programming and system analysis days. Timelines laid out on a large sketch pad helped track the character's paths.



Imprisoned in Stone - universal buy link

 
Tomorrow’s topic is the game, Jardrese from the world of the Windmaster Novels. If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.
 

~ till next time, Helen

Answer, From Imprisoned in Stone, #MFRWHook

In response to the comments about the Question, for those who haven't read the book, the answer of who is on the other end of the ethereal link.

From the dark fantasy, Imprisoned in Stone.

Maerva stood, sword point on the floor while she awaited his call for the next exercise. A hint of a foreign thought reached through her concentration. She did not know whether she felt the faint call because her senses were extended or if her powers had grown. All she knew was that another mind, a man she did not know, beckoned. With the practice of long hours working with both Gareth and Tralin, Maerva hardened her defenses. Although tired, she sent out her own summons.

Instead of the usual courtesy of the one being called identifying himself or projecting an image, all Maerva received was surprise. An astonishment that was suddenly cut off. Maerva repeated her request for information. This time the only answer was the silence of the cosmos. Combined with the earlier efforts, weakness crept up her legs and she clutched at Gareth’s hands.

““Did you?” Maerva blurted out.

“What?” Gareth’s soft drawl queried.

His expression told Maerva the newcomer had only touched her mind.
 

~ ~ ~

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Question, From Imprisoned in Stone, #BookQW #MFRWHook

A book hook using the quote word of the week, QUESTION. After the excerpt, you can find the ANSWER.

From the dark fantasy, Imprisoned in Stone.

A faint longing filtered through Colwyn's concentration. “Who are you?” he whispered. He pushed the question outward with all his force of will. It struck an impenetrable force. Someone or something blocked his contact. Trying a different approach, he cast the spell he was working on, the one to summon an unknown mage. No face appeared, but he caught a hint of surprise.

~ ~ ~

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#BookQW Unusual, From Imprisoned in Stone, #MFRWHook

A book hook using the quote word of the week "USUAL."

From the dark fantasy, Imprisoned in Stone.

Excerpt:

Within the trees, she slowed her pace. The farther in she went, the quieter the woods became, void of all the usual sounds of both bird and insect. A twig snapped behind her. Maerva spun, sword in hand.

A net dropped over her. She struck out, her blade snagging in the thick roping. Again, she slashed, fear adding strength to the blow. A weight fell on her shoulders bearing her to the ground. She twisted to free herself only to have a knee grind into her neck. The kick that numbed her hand sent the blade flying into the brush.

“Well, well, we meet again, my dear.” Fear surged through Maerva at recognition of the voice–Cuhlwch.

Someone flipped the net over her head. She struggled to get free as coarse ropes bound her hands behind her back. Rough hands dragged her to her knees. The leader of the Brethren stood over her.

His gaze raked her body from head to toe, lingering on the breasts showing through the rumpled tunic. Cuhlwch smiled a grin that contained no mirth. “Now, Maerva, let’s go find that escaped thorn in my side–and my son. Both have much to answer for. This time there will be no mercy for either. Then you and I shall explore my plans for the Brethren.”

He leaned in so close, Maerva felt his hot breath on her cheek. His lips grazed her neck. “Compliance is not needed to create an heir.”

~ ~ ~

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