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.

 

Old Friends

The topic for this week's post is "Ever Read A Book More Than Once?"

Old friends you have not spoken to in years, but when you meet again it is as if no time has passed. Some books are like that. Just seeing it on the shelf or knowing it is in the box of keepers in the corner gives a feeling of comfort and familiarity. Some books you read to relax, other to lose yourself in a fantasy world or join the characters in their adventures.

Now to the topic. I won't pick a single book as the most read, and you can't make me. Louis L'amour's Sackett series and Anne McCaffrey's Pegasus/Tower and Hive series are like old friends. Several of the books were so well-worn that a second copy had to be picked up. That's not to say I keep every book I've read or reread. some were parted with after a move or other enforced clean-out.

~till next time, may you find many old friends hidden on your shelf. Helen

On The Shore, Hatchling's Mate #wewriwa #SundaySnippit

 

  

​ 
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Visit the other participants on the list and read, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

​Today's excerpt is from the fantasy romance Hatchling's Mate. To set, the scene, To set the scene, against all orders, Talann attempts to swim across a flooded river to save women and children stranded on a hill. (Crossing Halted).  His ribs are broken by debris. (A Question Answered)  Some help arrives (Unexpected Help), but it isn't enough. (Dive Deep) The crossing continues with unexpected help from dragonkind. (Crossing Continues)

After following the crossing for so long, it wouldn't be fair to you, the reader, not to tell you Talann's future ... at least for now.

And now the Sunday Snippet.

* * * *

Excerpt
 
Gathering strength, Talann pushed back the redness still clouding his consciousness. One by one, other sensations penetrated his awareness. An iron grip suspended him above the waves, high enough to breathe, although spray stung his eyes. Movement replaced the feeling of weightlessness. Mud sucked at his hands. Pebbles scraped his knuckles and snatched at his feet. Huffs of breath in his ear let Talann know the price of the effort being made to shift his not insubstantial frame up the bank. ...

Muirea laid Talann on the ground beneath a tree with the effortlessness of a woman placing a babe in a cradle.

* * * *

Although safe for now, it is not the end of Talann's experiences with the river. He is still trapped on a hill that is rapidly being flooded by the rising waters. Be sure to read Hatchling's Mate for the next chapters.

Buy Links: / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / More Sales Sites 

Visit the Dragshi's page for more on the Dragshi Chronicles.

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

~till next time, Helen

5Crossing Continues, Hatchling's Mate, #wewriwa

  

​ 
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Visit the other participants on the list and read, and comment on their posts. And don't forget to visit the  Sunday Snippet group for their teasers.

​Today's excerpt is from the fantasy romance Hatchling's Mate. To set, the scene, To set the scene, against all orders, Talann attempts to swim across a flooded river to save women and children stranded on a hill. (Crossing Halted).  His ribs are broken by debris. (A Question Answered)  Some help arrives (Unexpected Help), but it isn't enough. (Dive Deep)

The crossing continues with unexpected help from dragonkind.

And now the Sunday Snippet.

* * * *

Excerpt
 
A glow, like that of thousands of fireflies enveloped his body. Confusion did not affect his eager grasp of the potential savior. No human, not even the dragshi had that kind of magic. The ancient ones, the true dragons, controlled such power, but they did not usually help un-bonded humans, only their own kind—and the dragshi.

Dragon-sent energy warmed—and healed—Talann’s body and soul. Could he be a dragshi after all? His pulse sped and frozen muscles thawed. Where before the surface appeared unreachable, within two heartbeats he breached into life-giving air.

Long gasps drew breath deep into his lungs. The burn lessened to be replaced by anger. He could not move. A wave washed over his head, then another.

* * * *

Buy Links: / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / More Sales Sites 

Visit the Dragshi's page for more on the Dragshi Chronicles.

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

~till next time, Helen

Dive Deep, Hatchling's Mate #WeWriWa, #SnippitSunday

 

​ 
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Visit the other participants on the list and read, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

​Today's excerpt is from the fantasy romance Hatchling's Mate. To set, the scene, To set the scene, against all orders, Talann attempts to swim across a flooded river to save women and children stranded on a hill. (Crossing Halted).  His ribs are broken by debris. (A Question Answered)  Some help arrives (Unexpected Help), but it isn't enough.

And now the Sunday Snippet.

* * * *

Excerpt
 
Handhold by handhold, he moved along the muck. His lungs burned until the need to suck down anything, even water, overwhelmed. Only his steel-tight grip on his will prevented giving in and he blindly fought toward the next purchase. The filtered daylight did not reach the black object in front of him enough for a clear identification. He couldn’t tell if what blocked his path was the bank he sought, or he feared, a boulder with raging water on the other side.

* * * *

Buy Links: / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / More Sales Sites 

Visit the Dragshi's page for more on the Dragshi Chronicles.

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

~till next time, Helen

Unexpected Help, Hatchling's Mate #WeWriWa, #SnippitSunday

 

​ 
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Visit the other participants on the list and read, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

​Today's excerpt is from the fantasy romance Hatchling's Mate. To set, the scene, To set the scene, against all orders, Talann attempts to swim across a flooded river to save women and children stranded on a hill. (Crossing Halted).  His ribs are broken by debris. (A Question Answered)

And now the Sunday Snippet.

* * * *

Excerpt
 
Strength from a source other than his own will surged through Talann’s body. Within a heartbeat, the pain receded to a more manageable level and he pushed away from his floating sanctuary. Where before he had fought a losing battle, now he cleaved through the choppy waves. Each stroke brought him closer to the shadowy figure frantically beckoning him on.

<Dive, Tal. Deep!> Glyn’s command rang in Talann’s head. <Debris will reach you in four... three... two...one.>

The countdown echoing in his head, Talann bent at the waist and, ignoring the pain in his chest, dove until he touched the rocky bottom.

* * * *

Buy Links: / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / More Sales Sites 

Visit the Dragshi's page for more on the Dragshi Chronicles.

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

~till next time, Helen

A Question Answered, Hatchling's Mate #WeWriWa, #SnippitSunday

 

​ 
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Visit the other participants on the list and read, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

​Today's excerpt is from the fantasy romance Hatchling's Mate. To set, the scene, To set the scene, against all orders, Talann attempts to swim across a flooded river to save women and children stranded on a hill. Waves knock him against rocks, doing more than knock the breath out of him. On the shore, Glyn sends out a mental question. "How bad are the ribs?"

And now the Sunday Snippet.

* * * *

Excerpt
 
Talann groaned and tightened his grip on the log. Any thought of fabricating disappeared in the instant of its creation. You can’t lie with your mind, Talann’s honesty whispered.

And I never could dissemble with Glyn. With a resigned sigh at the inevitable, he answered the query. <Broken>

* * * *

Buy Links: / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / More Sales Sites 

Visit the Dragshi's page for more on the Dragshi Chronicles.

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

~till next time, Helen

A Crossing Halted, Hatchling's Mate #WeWriWa

​ 
Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Visit the other participants on the list and read, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

​Today's excerpt is from the fantasy romance Hatchling's Mate. To set, the scene, To set the scene, against all orders, Talann attempts to swim across a flooded river to save women and children stranded on a hill. Waves knock him against rocks, doing more than knock the breath out of him. On the shore, Glyn sends out a mental question. "How bad are the ribs?"

And now the Sunday Snippet.

* * * *

Excerpt
 
The lack of response from Talann raised questions as to his true condition. Did he have the reserves necessary to complete the mission? More than his life was at stake. A decision had to be made whether to allow Talann to continue on, or to use the ropes intended to save others to save him. Finally, Glyn cast a silent prayer to her ancestors—and his—to guide her choice, and pressed for a reply.


* * * *

Buy Links: / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / More Sales Sites 

Visit the Dragshi's page for more on the Dragshi Chronicles.

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

~till next time, Helen

Hooked on First Change, Anger #mfrwauthor

 

 This week's excerpt is from "The Unknown Patient," one of the tales recorded in First Change: Legends From The Eyrie. At this point, Falamn still hasn't recovered his memory. But has travelled with Clan Weiss long enough he is participating in a celebration. This post shows a different relationship, the one between a dragon lord and the seidhern that chose him as its rider.

Writing the seidhern that appear in the various tales in the Dragshi Chronicles was fun. Although the seidhern looked like nothing more than a very large horse, they were a magical breed, very loyal to their riders, independent, and sometimes a bit snarky.

To set the scene, Falamn has retreated to the forest to recover from Etianne's unexpected kiss.

Excerpt:

The sound of a heavy body crashing through the brush halted the entertainment. Yells of “Get ’im” were overridden by a beast’s squeal of anger. Falamn ran back to the lantern-lit square where dozen men moved back and forth in an erratic circle, however they weren’t dancing. The object of their attention was a dark-gray horse. Three ropes led from its neck and each had a handful of men hanging on it. Dust lay in a thick layer on the horse’s lathered coat. Ribs pressed against the hide indicated either a long journey or days without meals.  

“Who would treat such an animal so,” Falamn cursed. Despite its emaciated state, the animal fought any attempt at capture. When he dragged one man off his feet, another took the fallen one’s place.

“Lorg,” Falamn yelled. The paralysis left his legs and he raced down the path to the straining men. “Drop the ropes. Leave him be.”

The horse stopped rearing and sniffed the air. He turned his gaze on Falamn. Where before the animal bugled in anger, now it whinnied and headed unerringly towards Falamn.

Although they did not drop the ropes as ordered, the men provided slack and the stallion stumbled forward. He extended his nose to Falamn who absently stroked the soft muzzle. A moment later, the animal nosed into pockets and when nothing was forthcoming added a nudge to his demand for a treat.

Around him Falamn heard the sounds of murmured comments. “He’s crazy. That horse will kill him.”

“No,” said another. “He acts like he knows Falamn.” 

“Sorry, boy,” Falamn said with a laugh. “You won’t find any orange roots down here.”

The snort that followed told the animal’s response. So find one.

“Well, lad,” came a low voice from behind Falamn’s shoulder. He looked back to see Nuanain standing there. The loop of a rope hung loose from his fingers. “Falamn, you may not know your true name, but you sure do his.”

  ~ ~ ~

Buy Links: Links to ebook sellers

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