Hooked on Imprisoned In Stone, Hope Lost #mfrwhooks

 Showcasing magic of a darker kind, Imprisoned in Stone.

To set the stage, Colwynn continues to search for a means to escape the inescapable cell. He had thought he had found a faint hope, but now it is lost.

Excerpt:

Colwynn called up his powers. The blue globe shimmered in his hand, warming it. He peeled the ball, then took the threads and wove them into a narrow rope. With infinite care, he threaded it along the purple marks on the wall that bore Nemor’s unique signature. The blocking spell fought Colwynn. His magic faded, then brightened as he fed more strength into it. Finally, his message slipped past the confines of the cell. He cast it outward to the cosmos. “Gareth, save Maerva.”

However, each time he repeated the sequence, he had less to fight with. The cell drained his strength and his powers. Yet, he continued to send. “Power bound. Dungeon in Sleuchdair. Save Maerva.”

The blue threads dimmed again one last time, then flickered into nothingness.

**  END OF EXCERPT *** 

Purchase Imprisoned in Stone at  these sellers  

 

~till next time, Helen

 

Hooked on Imprisoned In Stone, Hope #mfrwhooks

 Showcasing magic of a darker kind, Imprisoned in Stone.

To set the stage, Colwynn continues to search for a means to escape the inescapable cell. 

Excerpt:

A light touch, as if someone laid a hand on his shoulder, sent comforting warmth through his body. It was the same feeling as a benison—Tralin’s benison. The one she bestowed upon him and Gareth the morning of their parting. At first he discarded Gareth as a focus. The weaponsmith was not a full mage and probably would not receive the message. However, since Maerva could not be involved, Gareth was the only choice.

I feel Tralin’s blessing–the blessing will tie Gareth and me together.

The hope was faint, but hope still the same.

Pushing off the wall to his feet, he paced the featureless cell. Physical movement cleared his mind and he started examining the runes. One by one, he again parsed the restrictions and bindings to see if he could find a weak link among the interwoven enchantments. This time he could not even use his own spell to send a message. It was gone. Maybe if he tried the call through one written by a friendly member of the Brethren. Even as he thought it, he knew there was no such creature, only enemies and fanatics. However, there were two he had worked magic with–his father and Nemor.

“I don’t dare touch my father’s magic,” Colwynn muttered. “He would have a trap on it, but Nemor?” 

**  END OF EXCERPT *** 

Purchase Imprisoned in Stone at  these sellers  

 

~till next time, Helen

 

Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, An Inescapable Cell #mfrwauthor

For the next several weeks, the posts will showcase magic of a darker kind, Imprisoned in Stone.

To set the stage, last week Maerva searched for a means to find the missing Colwynn. This week brings some insights into what happened. Colwynn is a prisoner of the Brethren. And his tormentor is Nemor, second in command of the Brethren.

Excerpt:

The grace by which the older mage faced her death awakened Colwynn’s own inner strength. He pushed himself to a sitting position and then slowly to his feet. Even though the blocking spells absorbed most of the light emitted from the single candle high on the wall, he used the wan glow to examine the room. Stone by stone, he searched for a way out, either through magic or physical force. His questing fingers found only walls worked smooth by those of countless prisoners. Each time he found a hint of magic and tried to summon his own powers, the prison absorbed them, eating away his strength. Although he spotted his own spell interwoven among those who over the years had placed the restraint on the cell, the faint hope it provided quickly vanished. As he watched in hopeless frustration, his spell faded, dispersed by those of the Brethren members.

His back against the wall, Colwynn slid to the floor. He considered one approach after another, then discarded it. Who could he call upon for help? Gareth’s powers were too weak. And the only other wizards he knew were confirmed members of the Brethren. Only one person had the possibility of reaching him—Maerva.

Gathering his magic, he pictured her in his mind. A prayer on his lips, he cast out a desperate call.

Dead silence greeted his effort.

**  END OF EXCERPT *** 

Purchase Imprisoned in Stone at these sellers  

 ~till next time, Helen

 

Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, Encounter #mfrwauthor #BookQW

 Magic of a darker kind. 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. He embraces the pain of an awakening to reach out into the world beyond his stone prison. When a mind touches his and hope for escape from his eternal prison soars. However, his possible savior is unaware of her latent magic, the power needed to free him.

A snippit using the BookQW, "Encounter." To set the stage, Colwyn has disappeared and Maerva searches for him. All is not what it seems, there is magic involved.

Excerpt:

Maerva halted in mid-step. She glanced around the kitchen to see if she could find the cause of her unease, but nothing seemed out of place. The canines lashed to the spit yelped as they ran in circles. For a second time, the faint tickle whispered at the edge of her mind. Something or someone summoned her. The sensation felt different than any mental contact she had ever encountered. The caress of a lover’s touch mingled with the sharp edge of a blade. After making sure no one paid attention to her, she strode from the kitchen. Once out of sight of the workers, she raced in response to the irresistible summons.

The closer she approached the rooms the headmistress of Sleuchdair said were being used by special visitors from Bleve Aibheis, the surer her belief became that danger was nearby—and Colwynn was at the heart of it.

**  END OF EXCERPT *** 

Buy Imprisoned In Stone Here 

~till next time, Helen

 

Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, Vengeance #MFRWHooks

For the next several weeks, the posts will showcase magic of a darker kind. 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. He embraces the pain of an awakening to reach out into the world beyond his stone prison. When a mind touches his and hope for escape from his eternal prison soars. However, his possible savior is unaware of her latent magic, the power needed to free him.

To set the stage, Colwynn arrives at the site of the bound mage.

Excerpt:

The arrival of another dozen heavily-armed, brown-robed monks provided the needed opportunity to escape from the intense focus of the leaders of the Brethren. While his father was occupied with reports from the newcomers, Colwynn pulled on the reins. Kai slowed in response to the silent command and horse and man fell back through the column of men until Colwynn rode alone.

The normal sound of insects shaking off the winter died. Even the soft breeze ruffling the leaves stilled as if cut by a blade. Every man stopped, their breaths held. Standing in the stirrups, Colwynn saw Nemor gesture. Instead of a narrow animal trail curving towards the distant mountain peak, a torch-lit path now led straight through the thick clump of trees. Pressed from behind by the two horses of the rear guard, Colwynn followed the rest of the Brethren into a small clearing.

A solitary beam of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of overhead branches and sparkled on a small black pillar.  

His already stressed nerves tingled. Within the mark, a soul cried out for release. And vengeance?

**  END OF EXCERPT *** 

Buy Links:  ebook sellers  

 

~till next time, Helen

 

Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, Hide #MFRWHooks #Bookqw

An excerpt from Imprisoned in Stone using the #Bookqw "Hide." To set the stage, Maerva is caught in the library by Colwynn's father.

Excerpt:

Colwynn bowed his head to take his father’s censure. At least Maerva was safe. Now he had to figure out how to handle his father’s rage at Maerva’s presence in the library—a place by the Brethren’s decree that allowed no woman. The pain of a blood-letting burned again on his skin and in his brain. He could not allow Maerva to suffer the ritual.

Cuhlwch stalked back and forth between the shelves and the work table. “You nicely explained that female’s presence here, but not yours,” the head of the Brethren growled.

Knowing his father’s mood, Colwynn decided instead of the usual stance of subservience, his best defense was to stand his ground. After summoning a block behind which to hide his true emotions, he raised his gaze to meet his father’s. “I was following your orders regarding control and geas. Some of the notes I found at Tralin’s were missing pieces. I’m trying to find them. To master the ritual, you need to understand it. I’m hoping to find answers to complete the spell.”

A piercing stare ripped through Colwynn. Unlike the earlier occasions when he took a submissive stance, this time he stood with his feet braced shoulder-width apart, his back straight, and his head held high.

* *   END OF EXCERPT   * * 

Buy Links: all sellers / Amazon 

~till next time, Helen

Hooked on Imprisoned in Stone, Gloom #mfrwhooks

For the next several weeks, the posts will showcase magic of a darker kind. 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. He embraces the pain of an awakening to reach out into the world beyond his stone prison. When a mind touches his and hope for escape from his eternal prison soars. However, his possible savior is unaware of her latent magic, the power needed to free him.

An excerpt using the #Bookqw "Gloom."  To set the stage, Maerva, Gareth, and Colwynn will be leaving in the morning to go to the stronghold of the Brethren.

Excerpt:

The opening of the door shifted her gaze in time to see Tralin enter the room and gesture toward the bed. Maerva remained awake, but her muscles refused to obey commands. Anger flared, how could Tralin put a spell of rest on her. Whatever magic Tralin used sapped Maerva’s will. She could not move or cry out.

Tralin crossed the floor with silent steps. After a long consideration of the leather pouch she clutched in her hand, she slipped it into Maerva’s pack.

The effort to stay awake proved too hard and Maerva’s eyes closed. She sensed Tralin standing over her. After a moment, the older mage ran a light finger down Maerva’s cheek. “I’m sorry, Maerva. I can no longer be of service to you. My greatest treasure is now yours. It will be there when you need it. Until then, it will be with you, unseen.” A single tear dropped onto Maerva’s hand. “Be safe my child.”

The door closed creating a darkness unbroken by either candle or star. In the gloom, tears dampened Maerva’s pillow.

 

**  END OF EXCERPT  **

Buy Links: One click to ebook sellers
Paperback at Amazon

~till next time., Helen

Hooked on Windmaster Golem Ear #mfrwhooks

An excerpt from Windmaster Golem using the #bookqw word, "Ear," of the first physical meeting between Lady Kiansel and Brodie the weaponsmith. To set the stage, Brodie is sent on a special assignment by Lord Dal.

Her back against one of the columns that surrounded the courtyard, Kia watched the line of pilgrims snake through the golden doors on their way into the temple. None of them matched the description Brantly provided of her escort. The urge to pace kept trying to take control of her feet. Time was short to get to the wizard’s isle and Brodie still hadn’t appeared. Once again, she exerted her will and remained where she was. 

Something drew her attention to a figure leaning against a pillar at the back of the courtyard. He was surrounded by pilgrims, but his clothing and attitude set him apart. In fact, Kia noted, he appeared to be patiently waiting for the pilgrims, allowing them into the temple first. 

The last of the pilgrims entered the doors and Kia hurried after them. The senior cleric on duty tolerated no tardiness and once he shut the doors allowed no one in. And, Kia thought, that includes me. I’d have to walk around the entire building to use the postern door. 

 “Excuse me, miss. I have a message for the Oracle. Could you please escort me to him?” 

Startlement at the voice near her ear halted her mid-step. The speaker was the man from the shadows. Yet she felt no fear, only a curiosity as to who he was. He stepped closer, bringing his face into the light. Warmth that nothing to do with the sun crept up Kia’s back, heating her neck. This is my escort. She scanned him with a new eye, noting his easy stance and the hilt of the sword peeking above his shoulder.  

He held out his hand. “My name is Brodie.” A smile lightened his previous expression. “And you are, Kiansel. In the name of the Archmage, Lord Dal, and his lady, the mage Ellspeth, you are welcome to attend the council fire on the Isle of Mages.”

As soon as her fingers touched his, a shock raced up her arm. It will be an interesting trip.

~ * ~

 

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

Paperback: Amazon / Barnes&Noble / Amazon UK /

Ebook: Amazon / Kobo / More ebook stores

Hooked on Windmaster Golem, Stalked #mfrwhooks

 

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

A snippit from Windmaster Golem. Last week you were introduced to Brodie and the attack by an unseen mage. Only Brodie's desperate call to the Archmage's young daughter saved his life when with a flick of her fingers she dispelled the strangling fog.

Today, it is Kiansel's turn. She is the sister to Brantly, the Oracle of Givneh. To set the stage, Kiansel's stalker makes his first appearance.

Cold enveloped Kia. Her hand stopped in mid-knock. Although she knew no one was in sight, she still looked over her shoulder and scanned the street. Use of the postern door was restricted to senior members of the temple. I will not betray Brantly’s trust in me, she thought. Neither Brantly my brother, nor Brantly the Oracle of Givneh.

Ghostly fingers caressed her hair. The touch slid down her arm, not a lover’s touch, but that of an icy wind. The feeling of a presence was so strong she put her back against the wall. What heat the stones retained from the noon-day sun did nothing to warm her skin—or soul.

No one is there, reality encouraged.

No one you can see, caution answered.

For long moments she stood watching the street. Finally, the bags of vegetables she had purchased at the market grew heavy. “This is ridiculous,” she growled. “There is no one there.” This is just a case of nerves.

A toss of her head cleared an errant strand of hair from her face. A whispered incantation to cloak herself from the prying eyes of villagers and she knocked.

The hidden door slid open to reveal the same young soldier who was on duty when she left earlier that morning. “Greetings, mistress.” However, instead of the usual wave, he brushed past her and scanned the street.

He feels it too. Her unease growing stronger, Kia stepped over the threshold into the darkness of the building. Hurry up and close the door, she silently urged. Then she sent a prayer winging skyward that the sanctuary of the temple would stop whoever, or whatever, spied on her.

As the door closed, the image of a silver cord being squeezed filled her mind. With a snick, the lock bar slid into place. With the door secured, the eerie contact vanished.

I have to speak to Brantly. As the Oracle he can explain what happened.

You already know the answer, fear retorted. Someone used magic to track you.

Windmaster Golem Available At:
Paperback: Amazon / Barnes&Noble / Amazon UK /
Ebook: Amazon / Kobo / More ebook stores