2026 S : Stellae

 

Stelae (plural of stele or stela) are upright, vertical stone slabs or pillars, often carved with inscriptions or reliefs. Primarily used in the ancient world, these monuments served as tomb markers, boundary markers, or to commemorate rulers and historical events.

The excerpt from Hatchlings Curse captures the finding of stelae in a lost valley.

Three wingstrokes took Anastasia through the concealing mist, revealing a verdant valley. A wide lake glittered at the far end of the expanse. Her gaze rose from the row of stone buildings filling the ridgeline to stop at a distant peak. There, towering over the valley and the other buildings, stood a massive structure built of stepped levels of black rock. A sense of violating sacred ground warred with the siren call.

The flat top provided a perfect site to land. Yet Anastasia refused the temptation and glided down to just beyond a ring of panels made of the same material as what she could only call a temple. She hastened the shift to her own form. Her unearthly beacon vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

Two quick steps took her to the closest stone. Symbols in an ancient language covered the slab as tall as five men. Using her studies under the ceoltiers and in the archives at Cloud Eyrie, she translated the meanings. Her understanding grew the longer she studied the glyphs. One showed a female dragon swallowing a large fish.

Anastasia followed the chiseled marks to the back side of the panel. The entire surface was taken up with the aerial acrobatics of a mating flight. Her pulse raced. Maybe she was right that something was missing in the dragon’s life in the mountains. Nowhere in any of the archives of the dragshi or the stories of the true dragons was there a single reference to what she saw. And, instead of a single pair of dragons, five males pursued one. Unbidden, she reached out and touched the black rock. A sensation of agelessness rocked her—the feeling of the ancient ones—the true dragons. She stood transfixed until she could no longer ignore the increasing calls in her head. Several minds pushed at hers. Unconsciously, she reached out for the most familiar one.

~till next time Helen 

If you want to see my previous postings for the challenge, go here. If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the participants.

Buy Hatchlings Curse at Amazon and these sites.

Hooked on Fire and Redemption, Proper Respect, #mfrwhooks

  Dragon tears give humans special powers. If they can handle them.

A few lines from Fire and Redemption following Medraut's attempt to capture the a pair of magical wild stallions that ends with the dragon Medraut in human for on the ground. This snippit shows Karst's revenge for Medraut's blatant attempt on his life.

Movement in the corner of Karst's eye changed his attention from the man on the ground.

The tan horses trotted toward him. Each of the stallions held the reins of a riderless horse in their mouths. The slightly taller of the pair stared at the scowling Gault, while his companion glared at Medraut.

“Sorry, Medraut, Gault, I think your horses are spoken for.” Addressing the newcomers, Karst added, “My apologies, spirited stallions. Those two on the ground will not bother you again.” He waved at the backtrail. “If you will come with me, your masters await you at the camp.”

Despite the reins held in its mouth, Karst swore the horse’s snort was a mirthful laugh.

He gave a respectful nod to the watching stallions and turned his mount’s head to the trail leading to the caravan. “Spirited stallions, please follow me.” As the impromptu caravan moved out, Karst looked over his shoulder. “Gault, Medraut, don’t worry. I will send a trundle cart back for you.”

~ * ~

Available in Ebook at BooksWeLove
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Additional sites at Books2Read

 

 

Hooked on FIre and Redemption, Frustrated, #mfrwhooks

 

Dragon tears give humans special powers. If they can handle them.

A few lines from Fire and Redemption following Medraut's attempt to capture the a pair of magical wild stallions
To set the stage, in human form, the dragon Medraut tries to capture what appears to be normal horses. Karst's intervention not only thwarted the attempt, it left Medraut sprawled in the ground.

Deft movements freed the end of Gault’s now limp rope from Karst’s saddlehorn. A toss sent it flying to land beyond the other man’s reach.

Karst shifted his focus to Medraut. “Well, what are you going to do now?”

Anger mingled with disappointment on the other man’s face. Curses filled the air.

I shouldn’t enjoy this, Karst thought. But I am. He fought down a smile.

Medraut pushed himself to his knees, then wincing rose to his feet. “Karst, bring me my horse.”

“Or what?”

Where before there had been mixed emotions on Medraut’s face, now Karst saw nothing but pure hatred. “That pretty little nurse of yours will serve me.” Lips that had been tight from pain spread in a leer.

Fear froze Karst’s throat. He didn’t dare retaliate. Brial and I are not yet handfasted. She is free to choose who she will. Resolve grew in his heart. Brial will not be alone with Medraut. I will see to it.

~ * ~

Available in Ebook at BooksWeLove
Available in Ebook or Paperback at Amazon
Additional sites at Books2Read

 

 

Hooked on Fire and Redemption, Attempt #mfrwhooks

Dragon tears give humans special powers. If they can handle them.

A few lines from Fire and Redemption using the #bookqw, "Attempt."

To set the stage, in human form, the dragon Medraut tries to capture a pair of magical wild stallions. And, if Karst is "accidentally" hurt, so much the better.

A strident bugle rolled across the meadow. Although it was a single sound, Karst had the feeling that it was much more. That it was a command.  

In response. Medraut’s mount kicked out. Its rider off balance from the maneuver, the animal jumped, all four hooves leaving the ground. Before it landed it twisted in a desperate attempt to unseat Medraut. 

         “Behave yourself, you stupid animal.” 

The horse ignored its rider and repeated its frantic maneuvers. The third time around, the horse spun in a tight circle, then reversed direction in a tight corkscrew.

His arms flailing, Medraut left the saddle and landed on his back with a thud. His breath gushed out in a moan.

~ * ~

Available in Ebook at BooksWeLove
Available in Ebook or Paperback at Amazon
Additional sites at Books2Read

 
 

 

2025 Z : Zealot #mfrwhooks

     

In the challenge, "Z" is for zealot. For the purposes of the post, the definition of a zealot is a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals.

A zealot has appeared in the fantasy worlds of the Windmaster Novels and of the dragshi. The brethren in Imprisoned in Stone was a fanatical cult determined to rule the world by any means possible. Blood sacrifices, curses and dark magic were their primary tools. Anyone with even a hint of power was forced to submit the Brethren's rule or be killed. In Dylan's case, for healing without payment in disobedience of the brethren's rules, his soul was imprisoned in stone.

The dragshi had their own zealotry to deal with for not everyone appreciated the rule of the dragon lords. Those without a dragon soul twin hated those who did. Not just because the dragshi had power, wealth, and respect, but because they were different. One such group was Groslom and his descendants. The tale of one descendent, Pyrell, is told in the novella "Forever Bound" in First Change. 

In Windmaster, a cult of clerics determined to rid the world of magic were not going to stop with the deaths of anyone who had even a hint of magic. It didn't matter if they were innocent and had no magic themselves, the friends and families of a wizard were also marked for death. The clerics planned to raze any place associated with a mage.

The following excerpt from Windmaster illustrates the depth of their hatred. To set the scene, Ellspeth arrives on horseback at her ship to find her way blocked and  stopped her horse in the shadows of the alley’s entrance. From her height she could see a squad of mercenaries gathered at the water’s edge. Craning her neck, she saw a row of  armed men in the guild colors of the House of Cszabo filling the dock. Several squads of mercenaries stood at ease in the patches of shade around the edges of the square. Nearest to her, a dozen unaffiliated sailors blocked the entrance to the alley. Even worse, a ranking member of her house council stood on the dock. And his companion? A cleric of the Oracle of Givneh.

Captain Ellspeth,” her kinsman dismissed her with a wave of his hand, “by order of the House of Cszabo I am taking command of Sea Falcon.”

“Falcon is my ship. If it goes anywhere, I will be at the helm.”

 “Enough of this.” Another’s imperious voice broke in.

Ellspeth shifted her focus to locate the speaker and settled her gaze on the face beneath the brown cowl.

“That ship needs to be purified. It is tainted by magic.”

“You want to take my ship because I gave passage to a wizard?”

“It is tainted. It will be purified... as will the crew.” Each word spit out, the tone demanded immediate, unconditional obedience.

Without looking Ellspeth could sense her crew preparing for battle behind her. Her own sword’s weight felt comforting across her thighs.

Read Windmaster to see if Sea Falcon sets sail and who would be at her helm. 

I hope you enjoyed the challenge posts. ~till next time, Helen  

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The posts from the Marketing for Romance Writers group are listed below.

If you're following other blogs in the #AtoZchallenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

2025 Y : Youthful Characters

 

 In the challenge, Y is for youthful characters. The actual inspiration for the topic came from the antics of my nieces when they were young and now their children. And it brought memories of oldsters (who at the time are now 25 years younger than I am now) whose favorite saying besides "Back in my day..." was "Youth is wasted on the young."

Those sentiments may not creep into my writing, but one of the requirements for today's authors is to ensure that the characters change. And sometimes that means to grow from childhood to adulthood, or to transition through various stages of adulthood with their varying lifestyles and responsibilities. 

This particularly evident in a series.The character of Anastasia of Clan Miller who started as a young woman in the first book of the Dragshi Chronicles. Then in later volumes, her youth is left behind and she became a mother and a leader of her people.

Lady Ellspeth of the House of Cszabo, captain of Sea Falcon, had already left her youth behind and was an accomplished leader at the start of the Windmaster Novels. However, while there is no youthful transition to adulthood, her later years are recorded in the successive volumes and sees her childhood through that of her children. It also sees her taking on new leadership roles as she and the archmage Lord Dal fight to same the future of magic.

From Hatchling's Mate, an excerpt of a young Talann's escapade with his father's enspelled sword, Mt'Wan Comraich. And the occasion is of another change ... the presentation of Mt'wan Comraich from the older dragon lord to his son.

The leader of the dragshi lapsed into silence. A break Talann appreciated while he tried to make sense of the formal presentation in such unofficial surroundings. “I gather my ownership, however temporary, will not be made common knowledge?”

“Told you,” Anastasia chortled. “He’s quick.”

“No, not common knowledge,” Eirwen answered. “Vivel knows of our plans this day. As do Liam and Dealan. We thought it would ease their worries for Lexii.”

“They are quite fond of you,” Anastasia said with a wink. “In fact, I believe Dealan’s exact words were that while she appreciated the extra protection of her daughter, she lamented the fact that Mt’wan Comraich would have made a fine groom gift for your wedding.”

The groan that escaped Talann broke the tension in the room. Branin’s chuckle further lightened the mood. “Trust who you wish with, whatever knowledge you choose. I know Glyn and Kynan will keep the confidence.”

One last objection surged forward. “How do you know I can use Mt’wan Comraich?” Talann pressed.

A memory filled Talann’s mind. Obviously sent by his mother, he watched two young boys playing marbles and bones, The darker haired of the two maneuvered the glass balls with the fingers of one hand, while the other hand rested lightly on the hilt of a sword almost as tall as the youth.

“I remember every resident of Cloud Eyrie searching.” Anastasia’s lips pursed before twitching into a smile. “While the entire time you and Kynan were in the storage room hidden behind a mesmer. And you had no training in the illusion capabilities of your father’s sword.” Branin’s grip tightened on Talann’s shoulder. “No, son. While you are not battle tested with the protector of Mt’wan, I know I place it in good hands.”

A resigned sigh escaped from Talann. He could not fight Eirwen, let alone his parents. His hands rose of their own accord and wrapped around the jeweled hilt. In a smooth movement, he flipped the sword upright into a salute to his father, then to his mother. “I will honor both the spirit and the right of the protector of Mt’wan.”

Talann appeared on the cover of Hatchling's Mate, one of the Dragshi Chronicles. And for a fun addition, an early image of me. (I am the older one on our Shetland pony. One of my adventures with him was to to ride bareback. The  "whoa, whoa, whoaaaa" was followed by a thud as I slipped off the galloping pony onto the only rock in the plowed field.

The challenge is almost over. I hope you enjoyed the insight into Talann's youth.

~till next time, Helen

Buy Hatchling's Mate at Amazon / Barnes&Noble /  Kobo  / and these stores  

 If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

2025 W : Wall

 

     

In the challenge, "W" is for the wall, the setting for the short story, "Between Swords and Sickness," in the collection First Change: Tales From the Eyrie.

To set the stage, the fever called the demon fire ravaged the city leaving only a handful of oldsters and teens to care for the sick and man the wall. Defending the sick and the dying, one man stood alone against an invading army. He had no hope but for dragon fire and talons. But Geelneach is only a man.

From "Between Swords and Sickness - The Undefended Wall" from First Change: Legends From The Eyrie.

Geelneach stood on the rampart above the city gate. The decision, whether to fight or surrender, was his to make. An option, one he had not dared consider, refused to be quashed. He sent Silat and the others to man the barricade at the Great Hall. Jaoth and Silat had argued, but Geelneach prevailed. “You are my lieutenants. It is your duty to obey. Now go.” He laid a gentle hand on both the youth’s shoulders. “No matter what happens this day, you have done your city and kin proud.”

He waited until their shadows disappeared into the mist which still blanketed the city. Despite the fog, the black pillar of the funeral smoke stood out. Each day he had prayed the column would still be seen and word sent to the dragshi of Alcari’s troubles. Or the local men recalled from their hunt. But time had run out, no reinforcements had come. Only one more thing remained to be done—to challenge the leader of the invaders.

Ignoring the danger, Geelneach stood up, silhouetted by the rising sun. Battle energy surged through him and he pulled his sword. His voice pitched to be heard by those standing at the foot of the wall he issued a simple challenge. “Drust, I challenge you, fight me one-on-one.”

“And if I refuse?” came an answer from the throng below.

“Then you are a coward,” Geelneach taunted. He let his disgust show on his features.

A tall, broad-shouldered man in well-worn armor pushed his way through the group of soldiers standing in front of a tent decorated with a captain’s banner. “Bold words for the lone defender of a city,” Drust laughed. “Did your troop desert you? If you can call that handful of gray-haired oldsters and unbearded youths a troop.”

The mercenary waved, his gesture encompassing those around him. “My ‘men,’ are all veterans of a dozen campaigns.”

~till next time, Helen 

 

To read "Between Swords and Sickness," get First Change: Legends From The Eyrie at Amazon and These Sites

 If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

 

2025 U : Underwater

     

In the challenge, "U" is for Underwater. After her cover as a sailor is blown, Anastasia is captured by the dragon hater Broch. An additional issue Broch had with Anastasia is that Broch desired the dragon lord, Lord Branin Llewlyn. The problem was that Anastasia was Dal's predestined mate. Z Broch's punishment was to chain Anastasia in an underwater cavern just above the water line ... and the tide was coming in. Between her won resources (hidden lockpicks in her boot) and the other prisoners in the cave, Branin and the true dragon, Crisiant, all are freed from their shackles. However, the entrance to the cave is underwater.

From Windmaster:

Branin put an arm around Anastasia and guided her to the water’s edge. He sent a prayer heavenward that the iron would truly protect them all from the ancient spells. Crisiant had no other choice other than risking the water. She would not fit through the winding crevice to freedom on land. By the next evening, the entire cave would be submerged. Even if the water did not burn, dragons could still drown.

Holding her wings up, Crisiant gingerly dipped in one toe. <It doesn’t hurt. The iron works.> She turned dark green eyes on Anastasia. <Hold onto my tail, little one. I will tow you. It is too soon for you to join Branin and me in dragon form.>

“I will swim in human form,” Branin argued.

<Why?> Crisiant’s question echoed the confusion evident on Anastasia’s face.

“There is not enough space in the cave for his body if I switch shape with Llewlyn,” Branin explained. “And the entrance is too small. Crisiant, you may lose some scales getting through. Llewlyn would get trapped. Also, using my magic to switch forms could still push Anastasia into an early First Change. I will not risk it. I will not risk her.” He turned an earnest stare to Anastasia in reassurance. “I am a strong swimmer, I will be fine even without Llewlyn’s dragon strength.” Then with a tone of ringing authority hidden in the request he said, “Crisiant, take care of Anastasia.”

<Very well.> With a nod at Anastasia to follow, the blue dragon led the way into the waist-deep water. Crisiant took a deep breath and held it. In a muffled tone she counted, <One... two... three.>

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt of an underwater escape. If you enjoyed this post, related "water-themed" posts include sailing and rivers. 

 ~till next time, Helen 

 

Buy the Dragshi Chronicles at Amazon and These Sites 

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

 

2025 T: Threaten #MFRWhooks

     

In the challenge, T is for threaten. Trellier is a true dragon, the last of his kind. Everyone in his world is a threat, for dragons are to be destroyed. The except from Fire and Amulet deals with another threat, bandits. Trellier and Deneas have broken the bandits attack, but now have to escape and keep their young charge safe.

From Fire and Amulet: 

Trelleir turned and raced to the tree. Deneas was already at the front, throwing her weight against a branch. He did the same, and the tree tipped over the edge. Running leaps had them astride the log. A sharp bump and the front part of their makeshift sled lifted, threatening to dump its passengers. It thumped back down when Deneas laid flat and threw her weight forward.

From within the log came a lilting, “Whee.”

Faster and faster, their wooden steed slid. down the muddy slope. The wind whistling past his ears brought another sound. Deneas’ sharp, “Hold on.”

The sharp incline they had ridden down ended at a stone ledge jutting out of the mountainside. Beyond it lay nothing but open air. The log hit the flat spot, shuddered, and kept sliding. What seemed like wagon lengths below, white water rushed around jagged rocks. Unlike the earlier part of the ride, Leri didn’t make a sound as the log went airborne.

~till next time, Helen 

 

Buy the Tear Stone Collectors at Amazon and These Sites

If you're following other blogs in the AtoZ challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

And here is the linky list to the marketing for romance writers participating in book hooks.

2025 K : Kimeshi

 

   

Next in the challenge is "K" for Kimeshi.  In the world of the dragon When certain humans are born, the dragons sing a welcome, not just for the human babe, but also its dragon soul twin. The dragon half of the paring usually signals its existence when its human mate reaches early adulthood. However, most of the dragon soul twins just watch the goings of the world from their quiet corner of the human twin's mind. 

Kimeshi's human soul twin is Mirabeesh her story has been told in several posts including Diovi, Mirabeesh so this one will focus on the dragon half of the pairing. 

In many ways the dragons mirror their human soul twin. When Kimeshi awakened, Mirabeesh thought the lilting tone in her head sounded so similar to her own her own, she had known it all her life. Mirabeesh had the long dark hair of her kind, and her dragon soul twin reflected the coloring.

You can learn more about the dragshi and their dragon soul twins in the Dragshi Chronicles.

From "Fire and Ice" the story of Kimeshi's emergence and Mirabeesh's first change.

Purple symbols merged with a silver mist, solidifying into a rope that rose from the ground to disappear in the clouds. Mirabeesh reached for the cord, but her mind remained too confused from the cold and Xelme’s abuse. The rope remained beyond her grasp.

<Do not fear,> Kimeshi sang.

All fear at the unknown vanished. Her soul joined another’s, not in the way of man and woman, but stronger. Mirabeesh was herself, and also Kimeshi. They were one. There was the sensation of weightlessness, then of being part of another. Black, not her gown, but those of dragon’s wings crossed her vision. The cold of ice was replaced with the sensation of air on her face.

~till next time, Helen 

 

To read "Fire and Ice," get First Change: Legends From The Eyrie at Amazon and These Sites

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

The Fallen, Fire and Redemption, #wewriwa

 

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write ... and read. From Fire and Redemption, Book 2 of the  fantasy series, The Tear Stone Collectors. This week's snippet continues the scene begun in Help Summoned and Danger. Sickness has struck the caravan. Karst has been watching Brial, who has been exposed more than anyone else. Not only is she driving a wagon where nursing is going on within it, but she has helped nursed all her kin. The fear is that by the exposure, Brial has caught the sickness.

Excerpt: 

Feldt reached out and wrapped his large hands around Brial’s waist. Only her grandfather’s strong grasp kept her from falling underneath the wagon wheels. A single tug lifted her from the ground. He stepped into the saddle and with Brial cradled in his arms returned to Karst in a trail of dust.

Feldt’s hand on his shoulder pulled Karst from his vision. “You know what to do?”  

Unsure of his voice, Karst merely nodded.

“Do what you can for Brial. Food will be sent over.”

* * * *

Available in Ebook or Paperback at Amazon
Additional sites at Books2Read

​I hope you like the snippet. Be sure to read the other Weekend Writing Warriors blogs and the #SnippetSunday authors for more great reads.

~till next time, Helen

Danger, Fire and Redemption #wewriwa

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write ... and read. From Fire and Redemption, Book 2 of the  fantasy series, The Tear Stone Collectors. This week's snippet continues, Help Summoned. To set the scene, sickness has struck the caravan. Karst has been watching Brial, who has been exposed more than anyone else. Not only is she driving a wagon where nursing is going on within it, but she has helped nursed all her kin. And now the SundaySnippet.

Excerpt: 

A kick sent Feldt's mount galloping past one slow-moving wagon after another to wheel beside Brial. The horse walked slowly, keeping pace with the wagon. The words Feldt spoke were unintelligible, but the shake of Brial’s head told of her rejection of whatever her grandfather had said.

The argument carried on for several minutes before Feldt stepped down from the saddle. No sooner had his feet touched the ground than Brial stumbled, falling to her knees. Dragged along, the force of the movement tore her hands from the harness.

“No!” Throat muscles spasmed with the force of the scream. Even though Karst knew he could not reach her in time, he had to try to save her. His body refused demands to race to Brial. He couldn’t move. 

* * * *

Available in Ebook or Paperback at Amazon
Additional sites at Books2Read

​I hope you like the snippet. Be sure to read the other Weekend Writing Warriors blogs and the #SnippetSunday authors for more great reads.

~till next time, Helen

Help Summoned, Fire and Redemption #wewriwa

 

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write ... and read. From Fire and Redemption, Book 2 of the  fantasy series, The Tear Stone Collectors. This week's snippet continues, Sickness In The Camp. To set the scene, sickness has struck the caravan. Karst has been watching Brial, who has been exposed more than anyone else. Not only is she driving a wagon where nursing is going on within it, but she has helped nursed all her kin. And now the SundaySnippet.

Excerpt: 

Different responses raced through Karst’s mind. He didn’t want to raise a false alarm but needed Feldt’s help. “I have not kissed her forehead like the gray-haired ones do to test the heat, but Brial has stumbled several times. She is shuffling and leans on the hauler beasts to stay upright.” He paused to control his growing terror. “Tywyll and I are afraid she will fall under the hauler’s hooves or be run over by the wagons.”

Feldt stayed silent so long Karst thought he had overplayed his hand. “The evening air has a chill to it. My granddaughter does seem more flushed than called for. You were right to call me, Karst. She will not leave her post unless I order her to. Wait here. I will talk to her.”

* * * *

Available in Ebook or Paperback at Amazon
Additional sites at Books2Read

​I hope you like the snippet. Be sure to read the other #SnippetSunday authors for more great reads.

~till next time, Helen

Sickness in the Camp, Fire and Redemption #wewriwa

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write ... and read. From Fire and Redemption, Book 2 of the  fantasy series, The Tear Stone Collectors. To set the scene, sickness has struck the caravan. Karst has been watching Brial, who has been exposed more than anyone else. Not only is she driving a wagon where nursing is going on within it, but she has helped nursed all her kin. And now the SundaySnippet.

Excerpt: 

Terse commands sent the helwr to bring back Brial’s grandfather. Hopefully, Feldt can convince Brial what is best for her.

Hoofbeats announced the caravan leader’s arrival. “Tywyll said you wanted me?” Before Karst could answer the older man scanned the drivers of the following wagons. A worried expression on his face, he raised his eyebrows in question. “Brial?”

Karst forced out the words through his tight throat. “She has the fever.” 

* * * *

Available in Ebook or Paperback at Amazon
Additional sites at Books2Read

​I hope you like the snippet. Be sure to read the other Weekend Writing Warriors blogs and the #SnippetSunday authors for more great reads.

~till next time, Helen