SHADES OF DARK – SNIPPET 3

UNEDITED

Shades of DarkThe stars glittered in the night sky as the four riders left the village behind. Rhona rode next to Alastar, with Estair and Gordon single-file in back of them. Gordon had insisted he take the rear, to keep a lookout for anyone coming at them from behind. Estair was in the center so that she would be protected enough to shoot her arrows at attackers coming for their party from any direction.

While they all knew magic of one type or another, they figured it would take too long to cast and agreed that they should first use weapons if they were caught off-guard, both for speed of response and because magic was draining. They had to keep moving fast, since none of them knew when Master Irdin and his sorcerers might return.

Riding at night wasn’t easy on the horses, and more than once Rhona heard her brother mutter a curse as his horse nearly tripped. It was necessary, though, to leave at night, because they didn’t know who might be out there watching. They wanted to make as much progress as possible before sunrise, then rest and move on again around midday.

They rode in silence for some time, but when the moon was high overhead they paused to dismount and walk the horses to keep a low profile against the bright sky. Movement in the lands below them gave the impression of the ocean, but they hadn’t ridden nearly far enough yet for that.

Now that they were stationary and could focus their sight, it became clear it was an army moving on the ground below. Remnant, if Rhona had to guess. Even from here, the wind carried their stench—like moldy bread and mud. (more…)

SHADES OF DARK – SNIPPET 2

UNEDITED

Shades of DarkAlastar laid on his back and closed his eyes for a moment, reveling in the speckled evening sunlight that made its way through the leaves above to warm his nude body.

Just yesterday he had been a paladin, chaste and pure. He would never have thought about lying with a clanswoman; he had considered all members of the clans his enemy.

But tonight, Estair was lying beside him, breasts exposed to the evening air, and he felt like he was the luckiest man in the world.

She opened her eyes with a moan, then turned to her side. She propped her head on one hand, moving the other to caress his chest.

She giggled. “You have dirt on your cheek.”

“I’m sure I have it in worse places than that,” he said with amusement.

She hit him playfully. “Don’t be dirty.”

He laughed out loud. “That’s a tough one, out here.”

For a moment he just laid there, enjoying the way her fingers played across his skin. When she stopped, he noticed the distant look in her eyes. “What is it?”

“You mean aside from us being about to ride off to our potential deaths?”

He smiled. “Aye, aside from that.”

“Isn’t that enough to worry you?”

“No,” he replied. “Because I’ve seen what we’re capable of when we all work together. You kicked butt back there, and my sister’s magic is unlike anything I’ve ever seen; anything any of us have seen.”

“And to think you used to be one of the people who would chop off a person’s head for using magic.” (more…)

SHADES OF DARK – SNIPPET 1

UNEDITED (Coming July 11, 2017!) 

Shades of Dark

Rhona sat at the edge of the water, staring west and wondering if they could ever truly be prepared to set foot on an island rumored to be covered in remnant and ghosts.

It was bad enough that she’d be leaving Donnon and Kia behind, given that the remnant were starting to cause trouble even here. Then there was the invading force Master Irdin had told them about: a dark, secret society that meant to conquer these lands, as best they could figure. Oh, and they were powerful sorcerers, too.

At least the land would be in good hands, since Donnon and his daughter had the ability to control fire.

None of that would matter, though, if she and her brother could retrieve the Sword of Light from Sair Talam and return to unite the lands. For too long they had been at war, the paladins and the clans. For too long the King of Gulanri had left them to their own devices.

Now all of that would come to an end, if only they could achieve their goal quickly.

“So eager to be gone?” Donnon asked, stepping up behind her.

She imagined him wrapping his arms around her, holding her and staring out at the setting sun with his lips gently pressed against her neck. The look in his eyes told her he had a similar idea, but they had agreed not to tempt themselves; not when she had to leave and he had to stay to unite the clans in the land’s defense.

Neither wanted to be so emotionally attached that they would put their missions at risk, so she simply nodded with a forced smile while he licked his lips nervously.

“When we return, everything will be different,” she finally said.

“Aye, of course.” He nodded to the city walls. “Kia has fed the horses, and there is food in your packs.”

“Thank you.” She got lost in his eyes for a moment, then turned, blushing. “If the sorcerers return while we’re gone—”

“We’ll hold them off. I’ve sent riders to the nearest clans with messages for them and to pass on to the outlying clans. If nothing else, they’ll be ready. Best case scenario, we’ll hold our own with the paladins and stand united, even if we’re in hiding when the sorcerers arrive.”

“Those damned paladins,” Rhona replied, shaking her head in frustration. “If they’d just listen to reason…”

“A sentiment we’ve expressed for many years.”

“Well…” Rhona sighed at the thought of the warrior order her brother had once belonged to; that she too, in some ways, had once belonged to. Taland and his wicked tongue—and she meant that in more ways than one—had spread his poison widely within the Order of Rodrick. As far as she was concerned, they were as much an enemy as the remnant at this point.

“Leila was asking about that brother of yours. He seems to have run off.”

Rhona chuckled. “Alastar is like a child who has never been to a bakery before. Suddenly he has access to cakes and tarts whenever he wants them, and can’t get enough.”

“I’d say Estair is definitely more tart than cake, but yeah, I get your meaning.” Donnon flushed, and his eyes darted across her body before he looked away. (more…)

SHADES OF LIGHT – NEW FANTASY BOOK RELEASE

Shades of Light - book 1In case you didn’t hear yet, SHADES OF LIGHT is now live! My latest fantasy book release is on Amazon for only $2.99, and is #1 in Medieval Fantasy and Arthurian Fantasy (600 overall Amazon!).

Michael and I wrote this together as part of the new KGU spinoff, AGE OF MAGIC, which CM Raymond and Le Barbant started. Mine is a spinoff that takes place in what used to be Scotland, and follows a brother and sister as they battle with the concept of magic and who to trust.

It’s been a lot of fun, and watching the reviews come in has been quite fun (except one, some person who seems totally lost as the review has nothing to do with the book).

So… I decided to set up a fun game around the new release. Below you can grab a free short ebook, enter Amazon giveaways, and help spread the word — all free — to enter to win an Shades of Light ebook and $25 Amazon gift card! Just because I love you all and appreciate your help in spreading the word.

Enter here:

 

CONGRATS TO BLYTHE J! You won 🙂 I’ll email you about your prize. Thank you to all who played!

Win Shades of Light and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

(more…)

SHADES OF LIGHT – SNIPPET 4

UNEDITED – (NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON – AND KINDLE UNLIMITED)

Shades of Light - book 1Rhona followed closely behind her brother, pulling her dress up over her ankles to avoid tripping as they descended the stairs. This was foolish, she knew, but she had to admit that her curiosity was piqued. On top of that, they had the warlock locked up, so what could go wrong?

The stairs led to the servants’ hallways, many of whom were sticking their heads out in curiosity at the sound of fighting above.

“Return to your rooms,” Alastar commanded, storming past.

Rhona did her best to keep up, but her dress made it hard to move swiftly, and more, the servants weren’t listening to Alastar’s command. Instead, they crowded into the hall with questions about what was happening, hindering their progress.

At the end of the hall, stairways led to the dungeon—a result of transforming this former basement from an old Church ruins into the dungeon.

Rhona turned and shouted, “We’re under attack! Get to your rooms and lock up if you want to live!”

That got their attention, and soon the hallway was empty.

Alastar looked back at her and laughed. “Couldn’t you have done that before we walked through them all?” (more…)

SHADES OF LIGHT – SNIPPET 3

UNEDITED 

Shades of LightAlastar had just finished wiping a smudge of dirt from his gold-rimmed, pure white armor when his sister, Rhona, entered. She gave him that look he always hated—a raised eyebrow, a gaze that dared him to look away from her green eyes, and a hint of a smile at her lips. It was the look she gave him whenever she was about to knock him back down to size and remind him of their humble beginnings.

“Let me stop you right there,” he said, fastening his gold cloak over his shoulders and turning to the mirror. Damn, he looked good. Not in a conceited, sexy sort of way, but as a strong paladin who deserved every bit of honor the High Paladin, Sir Gildon, was about to bestow on him.

Making eye contact with Rhona, he attempted to match her confidence as he said, “I earned this.”

“Oh, and I had nothing to do with it?”

“You were there when I needed you, aye. But I was the one who caught the warlock. I am the paladin here, don’t forget.”

“How could I ever?” Her brow furrowed into a glare that lasted only a moment. “I’m simply looking out for you.” She stepped up beside him and reached a hand over to smooth out his cloak. “It’s just… there’ve been too many times we thought he was preparing to send you on the holy quest.”

“I have proven myself.” Alastar turned, voice rising in his excitement. “Why shouldn’t Sir Gildon send me on the next expedition?”

She shrugged. “He should, there’s no doubt. But that doesn’t mean he will. You don’t notice the way he eyes me.” (more…)