UPDATE: Ablaze: Book Six is now available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. If you are a KU member, you'll be able to find Ablaze in the KU library until the end of September. I hope you enjoy the final story of the White Road Chronicles. Let me know what you think by leaving a review! Blessings and Peace, Jackie C.
After many, many, and okay, many months, I've finally finished writing the final installment of my fantasy series, The White Road Chronicles.
Oh man, I'm both relieved and in a puddle of tears. I'm relieved because I can finally offer you a book with NO Cliffhangers!! Yay me! I know how many of you have loved the exciting endings of the WRC books so far. Ha!
I'm also in a puddle of tears because I'm going to miss my friends. And I'll not give anything away here, but I do promise there shouldn't be any cliff-hangers. I feel everything has been wrapped up satisfactory.
So, Let's Get On With The Big News!
Drum roll please! The winning title for Book Six of the White Road Chronicles is...
This name turned out to be PERFECT! You'll see why when you get to read it yourself.
When? You might be asking.
Well, let me tell you! I plan to have the last book out as early as June 22nd or as late as June 28th. All this depends on my beta readers and editor and how long it takes me to get through their revision suggestions. But no later than the 28th.
Winner of the Title Contest:
Congratulations to one of the voters on Ablaze. They will be winning the complete revised print collection of the White Road Chronicles.
Mark Bishop
I'll need you to send me an email with your name and address. You can go to my website and fill out a contact form, or contact me on one of my social media sites.
Oh, there's more!
Because so many of you voted and made suggestions, I picked two more winners for a free print copy of Ablaze! They are:
Del Hager
Cassie Foulke
Now, if you are one of these 3 winners, please leave a comment that you've received your notification, or go to my website and send me a contact form, or visit my author page on facebook where you can private message me with your first and last name and how I can best reach you. I'll need to collect addresses to know where to send the books to. I'm eagerly waiting to hear from you!
Again, thanks for those of you who visit my author website or have signed up to my newsletter where you can find news and updates first.
Be sure to click on the Ablaze - Book 6 tab to read the first chapter.
Let me know what you think.
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?
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.
Check out the first chapter either by going over to Amazon and clicking the cover, or you can find it here as well.
In Stolen, Tarek grows even more in love in the princess, he seeks a way of escape with the hope of a life with her someday.
However, Darnel will not give up his own plans for her, either and he's willing to do whatever it takes to keep her in line.
The prequel to The White Road Chronicles is a little different than the novels about a young girl searching for her home so she can learn who she really is.
Tarek's story comes off a bit darker than the novel stories. You will get a peek at his dysfunctional family life. Of course, you'll also get a better look at Racah, too.
I've enjoyed taking this look at Tarek's history and have grown fond of him over the course of writing the White Road Tale Novella series.
I believe you will enjoy the shorter stories, too. But I did want people to know and expect them to be a little different, a little more daring .
Oh, and here's a heads up. Starting Thursday and ending on Saturday, Captured will be free!!
That's right, free! If you've not checked out these books yet, now's the time to give them a try.
Let me know what you think.
Also, if you'd like updates on what's going on with my books and new projects I'll be working on in 2015, sign up for my newsletter: Jackie Castle's Story World.
Have you wondered what "really" happened between Tarek and Alyra while they both lived in Racah?
Since Alyra's memories have been stolen from her, she hasn't been able to remember much about her childhood and much of her life in Racah. There's been many holes in her memories which have left her with many questions, especially questions about why Tarek has been so insistant about pursuing her across Alburnium, but not returning her to Racah.
The White Road Tales explains what happened during her "lost years" and the level of deceit and ruthlessness Lord Darnel, self-proclaimed King of Racah will stoop to.
In Captured, we followed Tarek and his family into Racah where they tried to adjust and make the best of their situation. His father insisted everyone would cooperate and most importantly, lay low and avoid contact with the royals at all costs.
However, no matter how much Tarek tried to follow his parent's directives, he simply couldn't stand by and watch the Princess make a life-threatening mistake.
The story continues
Stolen is the second book in the fantasy romance.
Tarek closes his eyes, but she is always there. Princess. His love. She has stolen his heart. Despite his parents’ warnings about being involved with the royals, he steals away to be with her.
Together, they look for the way out of the evil kingdom of Racah. Their love grows. Tarek is desperate to get Princess away from King Darnel, but the dark lord has other plans and powers.
Secret medallions and powers, secret love and temptation, and secret passages amid confusion combine to bring a tale of love … perhaps stolen. Here's a sample from Chapter One:
Tarek crumpled the scrap of
parchment in the palm of his hand. Since Ben slipped him the note, he'd read
the scrawled words over a hundred times.
Meet me tonight at our secret
place.
No signature. But then, neither
of them ever addressed their correspondences in case one was intercepted by the
wrong people.
Tarek grinned as he shifted on
his narrow cot. The mat of woven reeds rustled under his weight. He froze,
listening to the silent cottage, not wishing to wake anyone. Through the open
window, the moon still hung low in the sky. He could sneak out early, have a
fire built and ready.
Anticipation tingled inside his
chest as he rested his chin on the sill. He breathed in a lung full of pine
scented air to steady his racing heart. The snow had melted a few weeks ago,
but the air remained cool at night. Yes, he’d leave now, he couldn’t wait any
longer. He eased off the bed and began to gather his things.
He searched the pile of dirty
clothes for his sweater and wondered if, Vesia, his twelve-year-old sister, had
borrowed it again. Her soft snores came from the other side of the blanket
separating the sleeping loft they shared. He decided the risk of waking her
wasn’t worth the extra warmth.
Quietly, he slipped into his
boots, then slung his quiver and bow over his shoulder. Scooting onto the
ledge, he listened once more for his sister's steady breathing. Vesia couldn't
find out he'd defied their parent's rule about staying away from the Royals.
He scanned the shadowy yard for
any late-night activity. Princess always wanted to meet at midnight when most
in the castle were sound asleep and she could sneak out without being detected.
Tarek hooked the tip of his
boot into a crevice between the logs of the cottage wall then lowered himself down
far enough to where he could let go and land on his feet. A shock wave of pain
shot up his legs, but he shook it off after a few trembling steps.
His first stop was the woodpile
near the side of the house where he’d stashed his packed hunter's bag after
receiving Princess’s note. The lid of his coin jar poked out from the dirt
hole. He checked the contents to make sure Pop hadn’t found his stash. The old
man wouldn’t think twice about “borrowing” the whole lot to get him a seat at
the gambling table in the tavern.
After burying the jar deeper
behind the woodpile, Tarek searched the dark grounds and servant’s cottages
again to make sure all was clear. Seeing no movement, he took off at a jog
toward the woods.
His steady pace caused beads of
sweat to gather over his back. By time he reached the deep woods, he pushed the
hood of his cloak off his head and left the front open to allow the chilled
night air to sweep over him. The sound of a stream told him he was close. He
slowed to a walk and soon spotted a flickering light moments before the smell
of burning wood hit his nose.
She'd already built a fire? That was his girl! He smiled,
pleased she'd been practicing, despite their three week separation. Hopefully,
she'd not set anything in the castle on fire.
He approached the campsite like
a hunter. His steps tread light and his gaze peered through the dense branches
until he caught sight of her red curls. Her back was to him as she faced the
silver tinted pond. She also wore a black cloak with the moon and stars emblem
of Racah on the back. She'd probably swiped the garment from an unsuspecting
soldier.
Tarek stopped and watched
Princess for a moment. She hated that title, but she couldn’t remember her real
name or anything else about her past, and refused to pick a new one. Such a
strange girl. Despite her eccentricities, he loved her more than he ever
thought he was capable of loving another person.
She held her bow and arrow
loaded, but relaxed in her hands, seemingly lost in her thoughts. Was she even
paying attention to her surroundings like he'd taught her? He purposefully
stepped on a twig, snapping it in half. She didn't flinch.
A low growl of irritation
rumbled in his throat. He picked up a small pine cone to throw at her when
suddenly she spun around, pulled back the string and let the arrow go. It hit
the tree trunk two feet from his head.
"Bet you thought I didn't
hear you." She laughed.
He let out a breath and yanked
the arrow loose. "Good thing you're still working on your aim, I
think."
Her hands went to her hips, the
bow dangling between her fingers. "I hit exactly where I intended. I'm
just glad you weren't closer to that tree."
He tossed the arrow down with
his bag and quiver. "Right."
Before he could say another
word, she bound into his arms. "I've really missed you, Tare."
He hugged her back, lifting her
feet off the ground as he spun her around until she laughed. "Missed you
too." Setting her down, he held her at arm's length. Her mouth smiled, but
something seemed off in her golden eyes. They were dull, distracted and kept
darting down instead of meeting his gaze as she usually did. "How have you
been? Everything still peaceful between you and your step-father?"
Her shoulders sagged. "I
really wish you wouldn't call him that. He's just Darnel." She pointed to
the crackling logs. "I built us a fire. While he's busy meeting with his
advisers, I sneak down into the dungeons. Nobody will spy on me there. I can
shoot my bow and build fires unhindered."
"That’s good to hear. I’m
glad you’re practicing." He pulled a blanket from his bag and spread it
beneath a sprawling oak. He sat, leaning back against the tree for support. She
curled up beside him, and wrapped her hands around his arm.
She rested her head against his
shoulder. "It's nice to not feel so incompetent and stupid."
"Hey," He nudged her
head with his shoulder. "What have I told you about saying negative things
about yourself?"
She rolled her eyes. "That
if I can't speak kindly about myself, nobody else will either."
His arm went around her as he
hugged her tighter against him, her body warmth chasing away the evening chill.
"That's right. And you need to be careful about practicing. Make sure
nobody ever sees you."
"I'm trying to be good. I
swear."
He pressed a kiss against her
temple. "You don't have to try. You're already that way naturally. You
only need to be extra careful. I don't want you to take any unnecessary
risks."
She shifted so they were face
to face. Her finger traced a line along the downy hair covering his jawline. He
didn't move, fighting the urge to kiss her.
"I love you so much,
Tare," she whispered, cupping his face in her hands. Her cool fingers
tempered the burning in his cheeks. Strange how a just a few months, some
encouraging words, and providing her with opportunities to figure out her
capabilities had brought such a change.
"I love you, too."
His feelings for her might end up being the death of him, but he no longer
cared. "Someday soon, we won't have to worry about being found out.
Someday, we'll get away from here, find a nice town to settle in and live in
peace."
Her eyes widened, glinting with
excitement. "Have you found the passage the other's used to escape?"
He shook his head. "No,
not yet. Still looking. Maybe while Darnel is gone, we can explore together."
Her lips turned down into a
slight frown. "I'm afraid to leave during the day, while his men are
watching. Though, anymore, it seems I've become invisible again, which is a
good thing. I guess."
Tarek chuckled, shaking his
head. "Why do you say that?"
"Because, they all seem
too preoccupied with some kind of project Master has planned. I try to listen
in. I'm curious over what he's up to now. And why he's suddenly taking these
mysterious trips. When I'm around, they grow quiet. When they wish to talk,
they send me away." Her head rested against his shoulder again. "You
were right about trying to get along with him, though. If I'm not causing
trouble, he seems to forget I even exist."
"Let's keep it that
way."
"I… just… it's…."
"What, love?"
"Lonely."
His heart ached at her
isolation. The servants, along with her tutor, were afraid of her. Or more
accurately, afraid of what happened to those who were assigned to her. A
shudder shot through him at the memory of the blood Darnel spilled when her
last instructor failed to keep her in line.
Tarek narrowly escaped having
his own throat cut, and knew full well, the king kept his daughter isolated and
confined on purpose. Only nobody had figured out what that reason was.
For the next hour, they sat
holding each other, talking about their daily lives.
"Wish we could see each
other more often." She mused after a pause in their conversation.
"Ben grumbles over passing our letters. And I worry what will happen to
him if someone found out."
Tarek considered other possible
ways they could keep in touch. He always made sure to burn the notes she sent
him and told her to do the same.
"Can we meet tomorrow
night?" he asked.
She nodded. "Master won't
return for another couple of days."
"Good. I have an idea, but
I'll need to check on something." He stood, hating how the cold seeped
into the warm place where's she'd rested beside him. After helping her up, he
kicked dirt onto the fire while she shook out his blanket and rolled it to fit
inside his bag. They walked through the woods, fingers entwined.
She squeezed his hand.
"Let's meet a little earlier so we can spend more time together. Can
we?"
He would suffer from lack of
sleep tomorrow already. At least she could sleep during the day, and probably
did, if she wanted. "Yes. I'll come soon as possible."
They stopped near at the edge
of the woods. He didn't want to leave her, but the band of pale pink in the
east told him he needed to return home before Ma got up to start breakfast. And
she was always up before the sun.
Princess grabbed the edge of
his cloak and pulled him down until their faces were only inches apart.
"Thank you for—"
He shook his head, placing a
finger over her lips to stop her words. "You never have to thank me, love.
Trust me, I come out of purely selfish motives. I enjoy spending time with you.
It's what makes this place bearable." His hand hooked around the back of
her neck as he leaned in and brushed her lips with a soft kiss.
"Same here," she
responded in a breathy whisper. As her mouth formed to his, her fingers wound
into the wavy hair at the nape of his neck, sending a pleasant shiver down his
spine. The scent of apples and soap filled him as he buried his face against
her neck. His favorite place. For a long moment, they simply held each other.
Her arms circled around his waist, while he traced circles over her back.
Though Tarek relished these
stolen moments, her closeness caused him to tremble. He hugged her tighter,
wondering at his nervousness. Then, as he considered the nervousness in his
heart, his mind wandered to a time when he found an orphaned fawn in the woods,
so shy and skittish at first. He'd coaxed and bribed it with slices of fruit
and bowls of creamy milk until it finally started eating right out of his
hands. Soon the deer followed him everywhere possible.
Tarek hugged Princess tighter.
Unfortunately, the deer never reached its second year. One day while Tarek was
away in town, a hunter came upon his spindly legged friend. Instead of running
at the sight of danger, it stood still, waiting to see if the stranger would
feed it as Tarek always did, making an easy target for a hungry hunter.
He quickly pushed out of her
embrace.
"We better get back."
He kissed her once more, then waited while she headed toward the garden gates in
the castle wall. Tarek, his heart feeling suddenly empty, headed in the
opposite direction toward the servant's quarter behind the castle.
The cottage remained dark
inside as he circled toward the back and climbed up through his window. Instead
of falling into his bed, he hit something that let out a loud squawk before
throwing him onto the floor. Eyes wide, Tarek stared up into his sister's angry
glare.
"I know I'm going to
regret asking this," she said in a deadly calm and quiet voice. "But
just where have you been all night, brother?"
~~*~~
Stay tuned for the actual release announcement of this book. Please check out Captured's new cover and tell me what you think.
If you'd like to be kept up on new releases, special offers and contests, please sign up for my Newsletter. Lotari has promised to share his special grain cakes recipe at some point, and Granny Fila has said she might be persuaded in sharing one of her secret pie recipes, so long as I only keep it among our closest friends.
