The Tales Are All Together Now

Before the Epic Tale of Alyra's journey across Alburnium, there was a whole different story. The tale of her life in Racah, before she escaped. Her life in Racah where she fell in love with a young hunter. And that young hunter fell so madly and deeply in love with her, he was willing to sacrifice everything to be with her.

The stories had been forgotten. Or rather, stolen, until now.

Find out the complete story about Tarek and Alyra's true love story when you read White Road Tales.
Now, all four (yes, four) stories are bundled together and offered in print and ebook version. But, I'm sure you're wondering about the fourth story, because there have only been three: Captured, Stolen and Ransom. Well, there's been hints at Stitch and Tarek's story, as well. And in Deceived, all will be revealed.

Where can you find the Complete White Road Tale Collection? 

Well, click on your favorite retailer.

Amazon

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Here's a sample from Chapter One of Deceived:

Chapter One

Tarek dodged the palomino centaur’s legs, hoping he’d not get his toe smashed again by one of his prancing hooves.

Stitch ducked behind a cluster of trees, leaving Tarek in clear view of the irritate guard. The brown centaur guard, named Abek, stomped in circles, first going in one direction, then another which caused a peal of laughter from his accomplice.

“Shhhh,” Tarek hissed. “He’ll hear and know it was us.”

Tarek and Stitch had come across a pod of brownies the other day while on guard detail in the woods. Stitch had managed to catch five or six of the tiny beings with painfully sharp teeth and clawing nails. He’d secured them into a pouch he kept tied to his gear belt. “This’ll teach him,” Stitch said with a conspiratorial wink.

For the past three nights in a row they’d found Abek, the night guard, asleep while on duty. They themselves should have been asleep, but Tarek’s dreams often plagued his slumber and Stitch was a nervous sort who was prone to wandering to settle his anxiety. The first night they’d let it go and simply woken him up. The second night, Tarek mentioned he needed to do something since he was in charge of the Racan stock. It was his job to make sure the creatures stayed in line and did their jobs. He was also responsible for feeding and locking them in for the night. Except the young centaur Stitch, who’d quickly become one of Tarek’s closest friends after finding him half-drowned in Many Rivers. Tarek only pretended to lock him up at night.

One of the strange dreams which plagued Tarek was of the man dressed in gold and white who might have been the one who kept Tarek from tumbling over the falls in Many Rivers. He’d been ready to give up and let the current take him over. But a strange wind had come along and swooped him up onto a rocky crag instead. That’s where Stitch had found him and they’d been inseparable ever since.

Which was strange for Tarek. He normally didn’t put much trust in creatures. But Stitch’s antics kept him from falling into a pit of despair and that was enough for Tarek to lower his guard and allow the friendship to grow.

The guard Abek yelled out in frustration.

Stitch had the grand idea of teaching the night guard a lesson about falling asleep during his shift. While the brown centaur snored away, Stitch and Tarek had sneaked up on the unsuspecting creature and tied the furious brownies to the hairs of Abek’s long, curly tail. Despite the hissing and yelps of pain from Stitch when he was bitten or scratched, Abek slept on through the whole ordeal. By time they were done, Tarek reasoned the lazy mule-man deserved what he got.

Abek’s screaming brought a few of his kinsmen to his aid. They surrounded the bucking centaur, trying to calm him so they could remove the fighting Fae creatures.

“If you’d hold still, Abe!” one of the guardsmen shouted. “Ow!” He shook his hand after receiving a nip from one of the brownies.

Finally a pure black centaur entered the commotion, unsheathing his knife. “There’s only one way to get them out. You will all have to hold him still.”

Stitch gasped, covering his mouth. “Oh, no. Abek’s beautiful tail.”

Tarek tried to shush him, but it was too late. Abek caught sight of Stitch peering around the cluster of trees and pointed in their direction.

“Run for it,” Stitch yelled, leaving Tarek still on his hands and knees.

He ducked down and tried to scramble out of sight through the thick growth of fern and brambles. Some way to show he’s the boss of this lot, he thought as he crawled like a child through the brush.

After putting a good distance between himself and the commotion, Tarek stood and ran, remaining hunched over until he reached the edge of the woods. He made for a row of buildings along the edge of Denovo, which was now inhabited by Racan soldiers. Tarek had no more than stepped out of the tree cover when he heard his name called.

“A word, Squire.” Captain Whines motioned him over.

“Yes, sir.” As Tarek started toward him, he felt a jolt on his belt and realized he still had the bag of the two remaining brownies he’d taken from Stitch while he finished tying in the others. They’d both feared they were pushing their luck trying to secure all of them without waking the slumbering Abek. He tucked his thumb into the hip pocket of his trousers, hoping to hide the wriggling bag with his hand.

“I’ll be sending a work crew of dwarves and centaurs over to the canyons by the north range.” He pointed to a three-pronged peak of the Semitamon Mountains towering over the township of Denovo. “There’s a passage which has caved in. I think it’s repairable. Orders have been sent by messenger bird for us to keep at least two of the tunnels through the mountains open. I only know of three, but one is too difficult to get to. So we’ll focus on keeping the other two accessible.”

Tarek gave a nod, not sure why the captain was telling him this.

Whines smoothed his bushy mustache which practically covered his lips and was always caked with crumbs or grease from his last meal. “I want you to pick six bucks to take and about a dozen of our dwarves. They stay there until it’s open. You’ll need to oversee the operation and make sure they make quick work about it.”

“Yes, sir.”

At that moment, a group of centaurs burst from the woods, Abek in the lead as he ran away from one wielding a knife. The brownies bounced along behind his rump, still tangled in his long tail. “You’ll not cut it. I won’t let you,” Abek cried, galloping toward the stables. “I’ll get them out myself.”

“Be reasonable, Abek.” shouted the one chasing him with the glinting silver dagger. “I’ll nip them out in no time. Your tail will grow back, lad. In time.”

“Nooooooo!” Abek’s wail pierced Tarek’s ears.

“Good night, man,” Captain Whines gasped. “What was that all about?”

“Uhh….”

Captain Whines folded his arms across his chest, resting them on his expansive gut. “I’ve explained the necessity of keeping your stock in order, have I not, Squire?”

Tarek tried not to look chagrined. He didn’t rank high enough to be given the title of a private. Not that he cared, but still, he wondered how they expected him to take his job seriously when they refused to take him seriously.

Then again, he was only here as a means to retrieve Princess, though he still had no intention of allowing her to be captured. He’d written his family and warned them to make a run for it, if given the chance. Pop had responded by ordering him to do what he was told to do. To think about his family and his own hide before he worried about that troublesome princess. Who wasn’t really a princess at all. Her name was Alyra, she was free and confident, and the last time they’d met, in Many Rivers, he’d been left almost shattered because of her and his failure to hinder her pursuit of freedom.

“Well?” Captain Whines demanded.

Tarek blurted, “Abek was caught sleeping while on duty, sir. I… uh—”

Stitch appeared then, out of breath and still laughing until he saw Tarek standing beside the captain. He almost dove back into the woods, but he stopped. Maybe he wasn’t going to totally abandon Tarek, after all, the wily skunk. Tarek narrowed his eyes threateningly, and Stitch approached, head ducked.

“I—” finished Tarek, “—asked Stitch here to find means to teach him a lesson.”

“Really?” Captain Whines didn’t seem too impressed by his tone. He glared at Stitch who fiddled with the belt looping around his narrow waist.

Stitch muttered, “Just following the master’s orders.” Then he quickly added, “Sir.”

“Tarek, need I explain again that the best form of discipline is a heavy-handed one? Our king would find your simple-minded pranks a feeble attempt to keep order. If you find a sleeping buck, you whip his hide until he learns to stay awake.”

Stitch’s eyes widened as he took a nervous step backward.

Captain Whines leaned in closer and added, “Most certainly we do not elicit the aid of the beast to manage the other beasts. You must keep your distance, lad. How can I trust you to maintain the stock if you’re too weak-willed to give them the lashing they deserve? After that guard gets those… things out of his tail, you set him as an example, understand? Cut off his tail to rid him of the pests, then give him twenty lashes for shirking his duty.”

“But sir—” Tarek started.

Stitch froze, his rounded eyes darting between Tarek and the captain.

“I mean it.” Captain Whines smacked his fist into his pudgy palm. “This is the only way to keep those stupid creatures in line. They understanding nothing else and certainly can’t be reasoned with.”

Stitch turned away and started walking toward the stables.

“See,” Captain Whines pointed at the retreating palomino. “he doesn’t even stand and argue with me. No spirit. No brains. No sense even trying to reason with them.” He patted Tarek on the back. “I like you, Squire. I know why you’re here and I know your position is precarious. I do not wish to send you back to Racah for failing your assignment.”

Tarek sucked in his breath. He caught Stitch’s blond head peering around the building. He was still close enough to listen to their conversation, drat him! Such a nosy nelly.

When Tarek offered no response, Captain continued, “However, I need to know your presence here will benefit our unit, understand?”

“Indeed, sir. And I’m still watching out for… her. Sir. I may yet be able to accomplish the… assignment I was sent on.” In truth, if he was fortunate to find Alyra again, he just might actually go with her if the invitation was still open.

Captain Whines’ black eyes looked like two floating beads broken off a lady’s necklace as he stared down at him. “I should hope you remember the reason your life has been spared, lad. You are the only one who truly knows what the damsel looks like. I will need you to identify her when you see her. We will take care of it from there.”

Tarek swallowed the rock lodging in his throat. He gave a quick nod.

“Very good. Now go take care of your situation with the centaurs. Show them you will not tolerate their laziness.”

“Yes, sir.” Tarek left him and headed toward the stables, hoping they’d settled the matter on their own. He didn’t want to beat any of them. However, the captain was right— he needed to have a talk with the guard. He’d strip him of his nocturnal duties and send him to the dig out the tunnels during the day. The business of clearing out the rubble should keep him awake.

“What was all that about?” Stitch asked, falling in step beside him. “About having an assignment and—”

“Mind your own, mule.”

Stitch clicked his tongue. “You sound a little put-out.” Then the crunching of his hooves slowed as his hand grasped Tarek’s shoulder. “Wait, you don’t intend to… you won’t actually beat Abek, will you?”

Tarek knew that was probably what he should do, but he shook his head. “No, not this time.” Still, Tarek knew he had to do something. Something more than playing that stupid prank on him. Blast Stitch for coming up with the idea!

No, his annoying inner voice condemned. Blast you for letting him talk you into it in the first place.

Breathing out a long breath, Tarek steeled himself for what needed to be done. He hated it. Hated being in this position. If he didn’t fear for Alyra being caught if she traveled through here, then he’d leave and disappear in the mountains. He’d heard rumors of small hamlets hidden in the cliffs. He had no idea how anyone could make a life for themselves up there. What could they grow among the rocks? Or build shelter in the side of the cliffs? He shook his head, knowing at the moment he had nowhere to go. He’d sent a letter to Ma, appealing to her to make Pop leave Racah. He told her his position was precarious and he doubted he’d make it back to Racah alive. And he had no intention of returning. At all.

When they reached the stables, there was still a commotion going on inside. Abek wailed as the others tried to untangle the brownies from his tail. “Don’t yank out my hair. Ow!”

Tarek stopped and withdrew his knife. “Stitch, you’ll have to hold him down. This was your idea and you’ll help me deal with him. He has to learn his lesson.”

“But Tare—”

“Would you rather I whipped him like the captain suggested?” Tarek yelled.

“No.” Stitch ducked his head again.

“Then do what I said. Let’s get this over quick.”

Update on Luminosity

I've been a busy girl. 

So-- here's my (semi)-lame excuses on why I haven't blogged in two... maybe three weeks.

1. I chipped a tooth and had to work a bunch of extra substitute jobs to earn enough money to get it fixed. Even with insurance, I'm still left with a hefty bill. 

2. I came across a word tracker to help me keep up with my progress. Thing is, the word tracker was one from NaNoWriMo. If you've never heard of NaNoWriMo, that's the HOLY COW I MUST BE CRAZY challenge thousands, if not more, writers take in November to write 50,000 words in a month.

Guess what? I have found that I can write 50,000 words in a month and once finished a novel for kids during one of these challenges. So, I set my goal for 60,000 words for the month (since the word tracker only worked for a month) and attempted to get my book's rewrites finished in that month.

Guess what? I kind of did it. Kind of meaning, I only have four scenes left to write, but I don't want to write them until I've gone back and done the edits on the other chapters. I like to keep things unfinished so I don't get into the mind frame that I'm finished with this and get tired of it.  It's a mental thing... that's all I can say.

3. And Guess What-else? When attempting to write 60,000 words in a month, while working two or three days a week all day, plus still working my night job at the book store... some things get forgotten: such as getting out of my pjs, eating, being out in the sun. Has anyone seen my dog? Didn't I have a teenager hanging around here at one time or another?

Ha, kidding. sorta.
Anyway, so yeah, I've been busy.

I found this on facebook or somewhere and it's on my desktop to keep me inspired. lol

Here's the good news! Yes, I actually have some.
If my estimates are correct... stop rolling your eyes, I can do this!
If my estimates are correct, Book Two: Luminosity should be variable by the end of July.
(yes, that's the final, for real, not gonna change my mind again, title of the next book. For really real.)

I've set a goal to finish my edits by the end of June, before I go off for a week anniversary get-a-way.
TWENTY-FIVE years, baby!! They should like give out awards and hold a celebration for those who make it this many years. You know?

 (focus, focus! Cut me a break, I've been mad-writing for the past month and that does things to people. lol.) 
Anyway, after I do my edits, I'll give the story over to a couple of beta readers. I'm still on the look out for an editor... which I'm confident I'll find someone. Of course, then I have to fix the mistakes. Hopefully, I'll catch more this time than my first time.
I feel more confident about how to load the books, what I want for my cover and all that. I've climbed that big mountain of first print and now walk confidently toward my destination.

If only I had a map. Oh well.

And now that I'm out of my writing frenzy and back in Reality, I have more blog post to work on. A house to clan up. A dog and kid to find. (kidding.)

I'm working on Jerin's bio and will have that out soon.

So keep checking back. When I have the book cover done I'll start sharing more about what happens in Book Two. I'm pleased with how it turned out.

I've come to the conclusion that this story has a will and mind of its own. I've also come to the conclusion that I don't have just four books in this series, but even more. So for those of you who like Alburnium, Alyra, and her friends, they have several stories in the making and just might be around awhile longer than I anticipated.

In Illuminated, Book One- Jerin takes a lot of time to draw out a map of where they will be going and how long it should take, and all the places they can stop. About halfway though their journey, he's crumpled up the map and shoved it down into the bottom of his pack.

This is often the way of our best laid plans. Which is why I love this scripture so much:

Proverbs 16:9-
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps. 

This is simply life. We try to grab hold and make things work our way, but if we're walking God's path, he has his own plans. So, better to relax and enjoy the ride, is what I say.

Like Jerin, I plotted out this book, and I will still use my scenes and plot notes, just not the way I intended. This is and always will be God's book. I've prayed often asking for his direction and guidance while writing. He has a plan for this. And if that means I have to keep changing my plans, then so be it.

I'll never lose with him as my guide.

Are you up for a new journey? Or perhaps... a quest?

Enjoying the Journey... despite everything

 Those who knows me personally, know I often equate life to a journey. I talk about staying focused and on your path, or about figuring just which road you need to be on, and go for it. I see that path running through dark valleys, high, lofty mountain, barren deserts or even thick woods. 

I suppose, that's why I wrote Illuminated.  Alyra's journey to freedom is the journey I see so many of us taking each and every day. We all have somewhere to go in our lives, with a purpose, big or small, that we are put here to do.

Wherever the road is takes us during various periods of our lives, my question is, can you enjoy your journey, despite where you are, or what's going on?

Perhaps, if the path is light and somewhat pleasant like the one pictured above. Well, heck yeah. How hard can that be?

What if it looks like this?

 A little more creepy, right? You know, we aren't promised that our paths will be easy or bright or lined with tulips and wild berries. However, there are some guarantees we can count on that might make the journey a bit more bearable, even enjoyable, despite any dark uncertainty.

The Four P's
Promise. Problems. Persistence. Possession.
 I heard this quick devotional lesson the other day, and it really grabbed me by the collar, demanding I pay attention. (I'll share the link to the actual video cast at the bottom of this post, if you want to go watch it.)

In Hebrews 12, we're told to run our race. If you keep reading, you find out it's not an easy race. Things happen. Test will be given and you will need to pass to continue. The testing helps to build your strength. It's for your own good. Like broccoli.
Yeah, I know. Yuck-a-muck.

So, here's how to suck it up, and enjoy the process. Despite when you're served the yucky stuff.

First believe the Promise that you matter. That you have a purpose in this world. That there is Someone who loves you a lot and only wants what's best for you. We hear the Jeremiah 29 verse all the time.
Jeremiah 29:11 to be exact.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

 Don't blow this scripture off as just another favorite that people like to quote. The Lord says it himself. He has plans. Good plans. He wants you to hope, and to have a great future. Why? Because he loves us. He really does have our best interest at heart. He really does want us to prosper. To succeed. To flourish.
For really real.


Thing is, Problems hit. The path darkens. We even get caught in a storm or two. And what's our first thought?

"Did I do something to make you mad, Lord?" 

"Lord, where are you? Did you fall asleep?" 

"Hey, up there, this sucks! Don't you care?"

Well, yes He does. The scripture I just showed you before says so. Try this, though... next time you're in a problem, instead of worrying, or crying about it, call out that you need some help working through the problem.
Why? Because if you read the next verse, He goes on to say:  

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. vs12

That's right, he listens when we call out. We are not meant to walk our journey alone. He never said we had to. Matter of fact, all through his book, He tells us over and over to simply call on him when we get stuck in the mud pit.

So sure, when the doo hits the fan, don't stomp your foot and give up. Now is the time for Persistance. Keep walking. Keep pushing through the briars. Sure it hurts. You might even get a little scratched up. But don't give in. Not now. Remember that he really does want you to get through. He's not made his promises as a big fat joke. He's not waiting to jump out and say, "Psyche! I was just kidding! Funny, huh?"

Yeah, that's not really His way. Might be something I'd do. *cheesy grin* But not the Lord.

Find your joy in this fact. With each problem you face, you get closer to possessing the goal you're after. You only need to be persistent. Problems are simply opportunities to get closer to what you want for your life. Don't get all bent out of shape when they happen. Face them head on, shield protecting, sword waving. And if you're not the warrior type, get behind someone who is and let them help you get through.

If you can cling to your promises, even when the problems hit, and be persistent and keep going, you will eventually take Possession of what you've worked so hard for. You will complete the race. The last part of the Jeremiah 29 passage says:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. vs13

You can do this.
Do you believe that? Do you believe that you have Someone on your side who cares and loves you? Who's cheering you on. Even wanting to walk right beside you? I hope you do. Because if you don't, then you walk alone. And your striving alone. And you have nobody to help you when it gets really bad.


You can do this. It only requires first taking the hand the Lord offers you, then taking those first steps. And keep stepping. Don't worry. Just enjoy the process. Sure it's hard, but the hard things are so worth it. They are.

Are you up for the Journey?

Find the video by clicking this link: Grace Ministry International

Why We Love Adventure... Stories

Finally was able to see The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey. Finally.

To say I loved it would be an understatement. I've loved these books since I first read them back in high school. (Please don't ask me when that was.) Honestly, I think I've forgotten.

I love the call to adventure Bilbo Baggins is offered, and his reluctant, yet willing, acceptance to take to the wild road and the possibility of what might lay ahead. Something about the Dwarf's song, the tantalizing thrill of something beyond his mundane life of comfort and security, drew him into the unknown. Later, this same hobbit would tell his young nephew,

“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” J.R.R. Tolkien - Lord of the Rings

No knowing where you might be swept off too...





Why Do We Flock to Read These Books and See These Movies?

Perhaps we enjoy the experience these movies and books offer us... The not knowing where we'll be swept off to. So, maybe, the reason is escape?

Perhaps there's an inner desire to live a life outside the mundane. Secretly, we wish the adventures were happening to us. So, maybe, reason is to feed our inner thrill-seeker?

Or perhaps, it's the fact that anything goes in story, and in truth, our real lives are pretty boring, standard, set in a pattern whether we like it our not. Stuck. So, maybe, the reason is to feed our dreams of there being something more out there.

In The Two Towers, Samwise Gamgee summed up something I find fascinating about stories:

“The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them. I used to think that they were things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for, because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, a kind of a sport, as you might say. But that's not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually — their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn't. And if they had, we shouldn't know, because they'd have been forgotten. We hear about those as just went on — and not all to a good end, mind you; at least not to what folk inside a story and not outside it call a good end. You know, coming home, and finding things all right, though not quite the same — like old Mr Bilbo. But those aren't always the best tales to hear, though they may be the best tales to get landed in! I wonder what sort of a tale we've fallen into?”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

What Kind of Tale Can You Fall Into?
In all honesty, we all have our own tale that we live out each and every day. I know you might look around at your life and think, boring. Maybe horror story? Could be, you'd call your life more of a mis-adventure.

Don't discount your importance in this world. Despite how big or how little, you have a story to live out. What you make of it... well, that's up to you.

This one part in the Hobbit movie touched me deeply. Jackson always manages to get in some thought-provoking line, not found in the book, but powerful all the same.

While Gandalf the wizard was speaking to the elfin council, the beautiful Galadriel asks:
Galadriel: Why the Hafling?
Gandalf: Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay... small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? That's because I am afraid and it gives me courage.


It's the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep darkness at bay.


Oh, Yes You Can
Adventures do not have to include dragons, treasure hunting, or epic journeys. It's the simple acts, as Gandalf says, that make for great stories. The helping someone in need. The working hard at what you do best. The finding your dream and chasing after it. With everything you have. Despite the risk. Knowing you might never come back the same as when you left, if you come back at all.

Actor Martin Freeman, left, confers with director Peter Jackson on the set of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." (Warner Bros. Pictures)

You. Do. Not. Have. To. Settle. For. Mediocrity.
Everyone has a place and purpose in this life. Find it. Follow your passion. Do what makes you most happy. Don't be afraid. Don't settle for good enough. Don't.

There is an adventure waiting for you. Right now. Here, in real life. And it's called just that...

LIFE

Is there something you wish you could do more than anything else in this world? Go for it. Even if it's small steps. If each of us lived our life to it's fullest, what kind of world would this be? If we actually lived with a yes on our lips and bravery pinned across our chest... what might happen?

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

 

Go on, just do it.

~~*~~

Book News: 

Holiday Sale between now and New Years!

That's right, Illuminated is now only .99 cents for the holidays.
If you are looking for a book for that new (or old) Nook or Kindle, now is a great time to check out this fun adventure.

Alyra is fleeing Racah for freedom, seeking the truth behind who she really is and the mystery behind the medallion she's kept secret during her years of slavery. On the road, she faces many challenges, but finds great friends, and the possibility of true love along the way.

As much fun as I've had writing this book, I'm eager to start on the next installment after New Years. Right now, I'm giving myself a short break to just enjoy the holidays.

But starting next week, I'll be heading back to Alburnium to work on Luminous.