Sunday's Book - Temple of Fyre by Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

1. 

Sold by her family to the priestesses of the Temple of Fyre, Ria soon masters using each of the four fyrestones, white, yellow, orange and scarlet. Her curiosity leads her to the archives and there, she learns things that disturb her. There are no men serving as priests but in the past there were. Men are kept in the harras where the priestesses visit. On the day of her testing she is ordered to perform a task she dislikes and refuses to destroy a town. Many of the priestesses fall into unconsciousness. Melera, the chief priestess, beats and banishes Ria for the carrion crows to consume.

Ari was abandoned as a child and found by two elderly firestone miners. He has pursued this and is the best of the finders. He goes to the temple to sell the stones he has gleaned. On leaving, Ria attempts to steal the fyrestone he has worn since the day he was found. He thinks she is a boy and a thief and he takes her to his room at the inn. On discovering her identity, he refuses to turn her over to the priestesses and they leave town. They are searching for the fabled blue fyrestones. They also learn to use them they must be bonded physically, emotionally and spiritually. Can they learn to master the blue stones and defeat Malera so they can rule the temple with love and understanding?

Gianna Simone rated it 5 of 5 stars
Mar 16, 2014

BEA and the kidnapped taxi cab - Janet Lane Walters - #Books We Love #MFRWauthor

BEA was an interesting experience. I'd forgotten much about walking in NYC since years have passed since I visited and I was much younger. Fortunately there was a shuttle to take us there. But at the Javits Center is a huge space. Since I was listed by my publisher as a Marketing Rep I considered it my duty to walk about and catch the eye of passing people and talk to them about Books We Love. I didn't walk all the time but took time to speak to people and to sit. I was tired.

But I'm avoiding the moment that made me laugh. We walked to the restaurant on the muggy and still hot evening. We were on 46 St. The restaurant was on 43rd and 5th avenue. There were five blocks to walk. There are long and short blocks. Not sure whether streets or avenues are the short ones. Red faced and breathless I reached the restaurant and made an announcement, "I am not walking back to the hotel. I'm taking a cab." Two people decided to accompany me. I thought this was a good idea. At my age I should have a luxury. So we walked to the place the people at the restaurant said was the best place to grab a cab. I really grabbed one but that's a bit later in this story.

A lot of cabs went past but they were in the middle of the street. I knew they came to the curb when looking for passengers. A gypsy cab stopped but he wanted $20 for the trip. Not a bargain. We continued along the street. I lagged behind since I don't walk as fast after a heavy meal and a bit of wine.

The miracle happened. A cab pulled into the curb. No one was getting this cab before me. I yelled for my friend and blocked the door so the passenger couldn't emerge. My friends finally heard me. I let the passenger out even opened the door for him. He looked at me like I was a nut and said, "Thank you." We got in the cab and said where we were going. The driver looked at this gray haired lady and started the meter.

During this time one of the three got a text from a friend. "What are you doing or something like that. She responded "I'm a taxi bitch." A reply came. "What did you call me!!!!!!!" Not sure how many there were. She was puzzled. She hadn't called him a thing. Then she realized he'd added a word. I thought only authors did that. He saw "I"m in a taxi, bitch." As writers, we all know what a misplaced comma can be.

The result of this incident was a lot of laughter. Also there may be an idea for a story in this.

Thursday's Villain - Villain from Code Blue by Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

He stood in the shadows just beyond the brightly-lit Emergency Room entrance. She was here. A series of quickly inhaled breaths brought a feeling of euphoria. He caught his lower lip between his teeth and savored visions of what was to come.

He felt the softness of her skin and of his fists pummeling her body. Susan would be with Mommy and he would be free. There would be no one to scold him for doing the things that made him feel so powerful and so strong.

He slapped his jacket pocket and growled. No hard piece of metal pressed against his hip. Susan was here. What had he done? He had planned this event so carefully but somehow, he had forgotten a vital piece of the plan. He pulled off his gloves and shoved his hands into his pockets.

What would he do now? He rocked from his heels to his toes. It had to be tonight. He couldn't wait.

The glow of anticipation faded. He struggled to renew the fire.

Susan was like Mommy. Until he closed her eyes, he couldn't act. Before he had a chance to make those people pay for what they had done to Mommy she had to die. He knew she would tell on him.

"I'll never leave you. They'll have to kill me first."

"Mommy, don't leave me."

* * *

He checked his watch. Twenty minutes of his vigil remained. Since ten-thirty, he had waited in his car on the lower tier of the parking lot across from the hospital. Last night, he had realized he knew so little about Susan. He had to discover more. In less than an hour, he would know where she lived. The knowledge would help him make new plans so she would be like Mommy.

A smile formed. Had Susan liked the chocolates he had left at the desk for her? Had she put a piece in her mouth and rolled her tongue over the candy to savor the flavor? Mommy liked chocolates. Had Susan guessed he had left them to show her he had been bad.

Ten minutes and counting. Would Susan be on time? Her sporty white sedan waited on the second tier.

Time crept. Waiting made him restless. He turned the key in the ignition. The gentle rumbling of the engine soothed his ragged emotions. Hurry. Hurry. He chewed the inside of his lower lip and stared at the digital clock.

Rather than the numbers, he saw Susan. She opened the door of a house just like the one where he lived with Mommy. A white satin nightgown clung to her slender body. Her smile made him shiver with delight. Would she touch him and send heat to the private parts of his body? Her face became Mommy's. He smiled.

At eleven thirty, the sound of slamming car doors and the roar of engines woke him from his reverie. Lights from Susan's car cut through the darkness. Blood pulsed in his veins.

Her car passed his parking space. He switched on the lights and pulled into line behind her. Then keeping enough distance to prevent recognition, he followed her.

On the highway, her speed remained at a steady fifty-five. When she exited, his hand hovered over the horn. Someone should warn her about the danger of not using turn signals. He could have lost her and that would have made him angry. Mommy always tried to keep him happy. Why had Susan forgotten the rule?

Her car made a series of turns along streets where Victorian houses mingled with those of more recent vintage. He inched closer. Five turns later, the white sedan pulled into the driveway of a large gray house tucked behind a high yew hedge. After circling the block, he parked across the street, stared down the dark driveway and noted the pattern of lights on one side of the house. A second car was parked near Susan's.

Did Susan live alone? Who owned the car? Some widows took in boarders. Mommy had. She had believed the presence of a man provided safety. He was a man. Mommy didn't need any man but him, so one day, the boarder vanished.

The presence of the other car troubled him. Mommy, why? Don't you remember the last time?

He left the car and stood at the head of the driveway. A lawn stretched on either side of the asphalt. The yew hedge separated the house from the neighboring one. At the corner of the wide porch, a clump of rhododendrons grew.

Perfect. Anticipation stirred the embers of desire. Tomorrow Susan would be like Mommy.

Wednesday's Writer's Tip - Anti-climax complication #MFRWauthor

As you're nearing the end and the moment of decision for the main character or characters there should be an anti-climax moment that forces the decision. This complication is the revelation of a truth or truths forcing one of the characters to make a decision. This leads the hero or heroine to make a decision that resolves the major complication of the story.

When doing this in a character driven story the character must be the one to make the decision. A plot line story the decision could be caused by an outside event,

Casually related events have some influence on the major character or characters. This allows for minor complications that will build toward the major one. Use minor events to show character, to progress the plot or show how the setting impacts the story. There are many forms of minor events but don't try to use every one you can think up or the novel might become a never-ending story making the book more like an encyclopedia than a novel.

Try to make the major conflict in the story character against character, character and an obstacle or character and a disaster he or she must face.

Tuesday's Inspiration - From a Quote by Judith Krantz #MFRWauthor

"I can't write an article called "How to Write a Best Seller" because there is no magic formula." Judith Krantz.

How true! Writing a best seller is something most writers dream about. There are some who manage to achieve this goal. How do these people go about this? Part may be writing the right book at the right time. Another is via word of mouth. One person tells another about this great book they just finished.

This hasn't happened to me but hope remains. How about you? Do you sit down and start a book hoping this is the one that will bring you instant fame.

Ms. Krantz goes on to mention several things she's learned in her career. The first one really appealed to me. Don't be intimidated by the work of other successful authors. You're not them and what you bring to a story is taken from yourself. But we've all written books that we wish we'd written. There are some I find I wish I'd written but when I look at what they've written, I know those stories aren't ones I care to try. As for imitating them, I really can't. Some people can.

One thing Ms. Krantz advises is to outline. This is something I love to do. Little snippets written down start to form patterns and patterns lead to story.

So lock yourself in a place and leave orders not to be disturbed. Many years ago, my sons put up a roll of numbers and told everyone who came into the house to take a number and when their number was called they could talk to me. My oldest granddaughter once told her mother "Be quiet. Grandma's making words."

So write the story and then re-write it because you've grown as a writer with each version of the story you write.

Meandering On Monday with Janet Lane Walters

Meander 1 - I remember when Memorial Day had a specific date. May 30th. So no matter what day of the week that was the point of celebration. Now I have nothing wrong with a three day weekend but of course I don't work so having three days doesn't matter to me. Times and customs change so now Memorial Day sort of floats around a number of dates so people can have the long weekend. Does it matter. Probably not.

Meander 2 - Crazy week the past one when I realized I didn't have anyone scheduled for the weekend on the blog. I celebrated the 6 books I had released since the first of the year. Three contemporary romances. Two fantasy romances. 1 Just fantasy with perhaps a hint of a romance that ends not in a wonderful way. I was then looking at what needs to be done since these are series. There are 3 contemporary romances to complete that cycle. There are two to complete the fantasy romance cycle and one book to tie up all the loose ends of the fantasy. Seems to be a lot and perhaps I'll finish and perhaps not.

Meander 3 - Writing schedule. Am still typing Divided Dreams so I can decide which chapters need a lot of revision and which don't. Better to do this as a unit so one can be sure of the time sequence and also which scenes need more work. Love scenes definitely and so do some of the others. Have been outlining a fantasy romance that belongs with the two released this year. Wizards of Fyre and it's a rather tricky one to work out the details but I will manage.

Sunday's Book -Melodic Dreams by Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

1. 

When Maria and a child she says is his arrives on Jay’s doorsteps, he is in the middle of composing a musical. Though the four year old has his eyes, Jay can’t be sure this isn’t a scam. He believes his dead wife took steps to rid herself of the child. A need for his assistance to help with childcare while she works is Maria’s reason for arriving in Fern Lake. She also believes her nephew should know his father. Can Jay accept and learn to love his child and deal with the attraction to a woman who physically looks like his dead wife? Can Maria deal with his trust issues and a threat from her own family?

By Alice Orr on May 4, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

This story tugged my heartstrings. Part of that is because I identify so closely with the heroine Maria. I've was a single parent once myself and I know how demanding that can be. Maria takes on the same demands to parent her nephew Jamie. He's a lovable four-year-old for sure but I still admire her. Especially when she extends herself even further and tries to unite the boy with his estranged father Jay who misunderstands her intentions entirely. Which is maybe understandable since she's financially distressed and he's wealthy. Meanwhile Maria and Jay are attracted to each other from the start but that only complicates the situation more. Plus Maria injures herself and... Well I'm not going to spoil the story for you. I was rooting for this trio to become a family from the start. Each of them needs the other and they all need to be together. But there are obstacles to overcome. Substantial obstacles. That's what makes this such a compelling read. That and the chemistry between Maria and Jay which is hot and gets hotter still all the way through. I recommend this as Janet Lane Walters' best novel yet.

Five Stars

By Kat Taylor on March 24, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

Janet Lane Walters has done it again. Another sexy read. I always look forward to her books. 

Three More books Released this year by Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #Books We Love

1. 

Sanctuary's Ending

In the beginning the goddesses Sola and Luna shone on their sister bringing forth all life. Erda grew rich and fat and the people loved the Three. Some began to lust for the treasures buried beneath Erda’s skin. She offered them freely but men began to dig and plunder her riches. Sola and Luna hated what they saw. With floods, winds, fires and earthquakes they punished the children Erda had raised.

For five hundred years has passed since a group of the goddesses followers retreated behind the Gap. Almost twenty years ago, five children were born. They were tested for gifts of the goddess and to enter training. One became a Healer, one a Singer, one a Sensitive and one an Elder. David’s test was conducted by a Teacher who hated him and he was assigned to the lowest class and became a shepherd. Though he accepts this, he is angry especially when some of the talents begin to emerge. He has healed animals and can sense the emotions of others. The five had always talked about leaving the sanctuary.

On the evening of the spring equinox, the four are to be inducted into their specialties. The Elder trainee among them has plans to leave. He invites David to join them. David’s enemy offers to accompany them and is given permission. What will they find when they enter the world? A Seer gives a forewarning. Of the six only four will return. Who will be left behind and why? Can David prove he has at least a touch of all of the talents?

1. 

The Temple of Fyre

Sold by her family to the priestesses of the Temple of Fyre, Ria soon masters using each of the four fyrestones, white, yellow, orange and scarlet. Her curiosity leads her to the archives and there, she learns things that disturb her. There are no men serving as priests but in the past there were. Men are kept in the harras where the priestesses visit. On the day of her testing she is ordered to perform a task she dislikes and refuses to destroy a town. Many of the priestesses fall into unconsciousness. Melera, the chief priestess, beats and banishes Ria for the carrion crows to consume.

Ari was abandoned as a child and found by two elderly firestone miners. He has pursued this and is the best of the finders. He goes to the temple to sell the stones he has gleaned. On leaving, Ria attempts to steal the fyrestone he has worn since the day he was found. He thinks she is a boy and a thief and he takes her to his room at the inn. On discovering her identity, he refuses to turn her over to the priestesses and they leave town. They are searching for the fabled blue fyrestones. They also learn to use them they must be bonded physically, emotionally and spiritually. Can they learn to master the blue stones and defeat Malera so they can rule the temple with love and understanding?

1. 

The Dragons of Fyre

After escaping from the temple of Fyre, Drakon returns to his home to find only two people and a yellow dragon. He and the Old One learn as much as they can about the land at present. The lord of Sea Cliff Tower has gathered the remaining dragons at his keep. On learning the High Peaks Tower’s red dragon is with egg they arrange her escape and rescue her eggs. Now they must find a way to defeat their enemy and return the dragons to the other towers.

Arana, sold by the temple priestesses to the slavers is bought by the lord of High Tower and made a part of the family. Before they are able to adopt her the lord of Sea Cliff Tower invades and destroys the family, taking her and her friend prisoner. Drakon is sold. Arana because she can speak to the dragons is made a slave care-giver. She saves a green egg and raises the green dragon. After helping the High Peaks Tower’s red dragon escape she is in danger and must find a way to escape. Her attempt to ride the green dragon succeeds and she arrives injured and ill. Once she recovers she and Drakon attempt to find a way to rescue the other dragons of Fyre.

1. Sold by her family to the priestesses of the Temple of Fyre, Ria soon masters using each of the four fyrestones, white, yellow, orange and scarlet. Her curiosity leads her to the archives and there, she learns things that disturb her. There are no men serving as priests but in the past there were. Men are kept in the harras where the priestesses visit. On the day of her testing she is ordered to perform a task she dislikes and refuses to destroy a town. Many of the priestesses fall into unconsciousness. Melera, the chief priestess, beats and banishes Ria for the carrion crows to consume.
   
   Ari was abandoned as a child and found by two elderly firestone miners. He has pursued this and is the best of the finders. He goes to the temple to sell the stones he has gleaned. On leaving, Ria attempts to steal the fyrestone he has worn since the day he was found. He thinks she is a boy and a thief and he takes her to his room at the inn. On discovering her identity, he refuses to turn her over to the priestesses and they leave town. They are searching for the fabled blue fyrestones. They also learn to use them they must be bonded physically, emotionally and spiritually. Can they learn to master the blue stones and defeat Malera so they can rule the temple with love and understanding?

My releases this year so far. Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

Since I forgot to schedule someone for the weekend. Looked at the calender and pulled dates from who knows where. Today and tomorrow, I'll put up a bit about the books I've released so far this year. Now many of them are re-releases but that doesn't mean I took what was already there and just slapped a new cover and or a title on them. What it means is that I practically re-wrote them by making changes and updating some of them going page by page to make them better books. Three are contemporary and three are fantasy so I'll start with the contemporary ones.

1. 

 This is medieval.” That’s Carrie’s response to the reading of her grandfather’s will. The money will allow her to provide for her ill mother and give her the chance to give up one of her full time jobs as a nurse. The money won’t be hers until she marries. This creates a dilemma. She has no time for dating and doesn’t know who would marry her until she thinks of her former best friend, Tony. But can she ask him? Two months later time is running out and she decides to take the plunge.

Three years ago, Tony and his wife divorced. Last year he obtained custody or their child. When Carrie asks him to marry her he decides since this won’t be a real marriage, he can accept. Years ago, he loved Carrie but never said anything to her. Now burned, he doesn’t believe in love. To help her uncomplicate her life he agrees.

Can Tony and Carrie get past the reason for the marriage and find love and make a home for his son?

1. 

Her mother was a hired nanny and her father the Mellwood Bank. This is the way Taurus Laurel Richmond describes her family. After burning out as a nurse with an international health agency, she returns to Eastlake, the one place she where she felt connected. She studied nursing here and made a number of friends. Her one problem is her wealth. Soon she will receive a fortune. But money hasn’t given her the things she wants, a home, a family and love. Since a chance visit after summer camp with a friend made there, her idea of a man to love has been Alex Carter.

Alex Carter is a Scorpio, a single dad with a five year old son. He’s a general practitioner at Eastlake Community Hospital. While attracted to Laurel, he has one problem. His ex and now dead wife had a lot of money and little sense. Drugs and her fast friends were her life. She abandoned their son who cried for hours until his father returned. Alex has no love for women with money. Attraction or not he refuses to admit he’s falling for Laurel.

With the help of Alex’s son, Laurel sets out to prove to Alex she’s in town for the long haul and she will make the perfect wife and mother.


Aries - Libra Connection

Jenessa is Aries, a nurse, union advocate and likes a good fight.

Eric is Libra, Director of Nursing, and believes in compromise.

Can these two find a way to uncover the underhanded events at the hospital? They’re on opposite sides but the attraction between them is strong. She’s a widow who fought to save her husband’s life during a code. She feels guilty because the love she and her husband shared had died before his death. He assisted at the code but he feels guilty since he was the one who was responsible for the short staffing the night her husband died.

Now they face falling in love and trying to solve the problems between the nurse’s union and the president of the hospital’s Board who wants a take over of the hospital by his hospital group. Is their connection strong enough to survive?

1. 

Thursday's Villain - Hebu Beloved of Aken Re from Toth's Priest by Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

The priest’s grin chilled Namose. Was like staring into the eyes of a serpent. He couldn’t move. The evil one grabbed Namose’s arm and dragged him into the chariot. Namose struggled but the grip tightened.

“Kashe, help!"

Namose watched his brother turn and lunge toward the chariot. He missed. A crowd of the guards surrounded him.

“No!” Namose screamed. He tried to jump from the moving vehicle. The priest’s fist smashed into his jaw. Namose fell to the wicker floor.

“Be still. You are mine.”

“Return my heir,” the nomarch shouted.

“He is mine.” The priest laughed. “I am Hebu, beloved of Aken Re.”

The chariot raced through the barley field crushing plants beneath the wheels. The clatter over the bridge hurt Namose’s ears. He huddled on the floor expecting some disaster during the frantic flight to overturn them. His body slammed against the sides of the car. The jostling brought acid into his throat.

Why had this priest taken him? Namose couldn’t think of a reason. He remained a boy in years, just sixteen years, though in four lunars he would gain another year. Then he would be considered a man.

In time the chariot slowed. Before Namose stood, the priest pressed a foot against his back. He bound Namose’s arms behind his back with a length of leather cord.

“Why did you take me?”

“In time you will learn.” Hebu bent closer. “I have a use for you.” Hebu’s laughter showed no trace of humor. “You’ll serve me and in time you will swear allegiance to Aken Re, the true and only god.”

Never. The words reverberated in his head. Though he didn’t voice his denial, thoughts of defiance filled him with purpose. He would never swear to the god of the Hykons. Of the Three of the Two Lands, Toth had his loyalty. For that reason he had struggled to learn how to read some of the words written in the ancient language he’d discovered in scrolls his father had “borrowed” from the Toth temple guarding the Valley of the Pharaohs,

Hebu waited while the horse drank from an irrigation canal. Namose wished the priest would offer him a drink. Instead the man emptied the water sack and tossed it aside. Hebu took his place and urged the horse forward.

Namose dozed and woke when the chariot stopped a second time. He rolled to his side and peered through the woven side of the cart. The sun was far to the west.

“Who goes there?” a gruff voice asked.

“Hebu, beloved of Aken Re. Is the boat ready to cross the river?”

“Yes.”

Hebu prodded Namose with a booted foot. “Up. If I free your arms will you follow my orders?”

Since he had no idea where he was and he had no weapons, what choice did he have but to follow the priest? He nodded. He wished he was more like his brother. Kashe understood strategy and planning. As the youngest son, he hadn’t been trained in the ways of a warrior or like the oldest son to rule.

Hebu pulled him from the chariot and freed his arms. Namose sucked in a cry of pain. He refused to let the evil man see him cringe. Needles of pain pricked his hands and arms. He rolled his shoulders to ease the stiffness.

“Pick up the bundle and carry it to the boat,” Hebu said.

Namose obeyed. He limped to the small river craft and stepped on board. He placed the bundle in the tiny shelter near the rear of the deck. Hebu entered the shelter. Namose sank on the deck and leaned against the side.

“Wake me when we near our destination,” Hebu said.

Wednesday's Writer's Tip - Plot or Character #MFWRauthor #BooksWeLove

There are two basic kind of story lines. One is plot centered and the other is character centered'

When writing a Plot centered story - the main character changes little from the beginning to the end of the story. Sort of what you see is what you get. This kind of story line focuses on the events. Think of mystery stories. The main character is often the detective who solves the case. The events are what moves the story forward. Other kind of stories can use this as the main story line. Yes, the character may change but not a great deal. One often sees this in a series where the main character grows slowly for the events are what moves the character and the story forward.

A Character centered story  where the emphasis is on a focus character and the reader sees the character become different than he was in the beginning of the story. This character either develops or he or she falls apart. Among the other characters in the story, they may or may not change and that can depend on their importance in the story.

In both types of story lines, there is a moment when the reader realizes the main motivating force will either succeed or fail. The character either will or will not reach this goal

When the plot is the story line, this moment comes as near to the end as possible. When character is the story line, this recognition can occur at any point in the story. To do this the reader must understand the major complications. The one thing here is the focus character may not recognize the truth or see the reality of the situation.

Many thanks to Structuring Your Novel from Basic Idea to Finished manuscript. I have learned so much that keeps me on point as I write.

Tuesday's Inspiration - The Three P's #MFRWauthor

Rereading old essays by other writers always helps give me inspiration. This one is by John Jakes and mentions what he calls is the 3 P's.

Practice - Not only did I read this but I heard other writers mention practice. Meaning to write every day even if it was only a paragraph or a page. I certainly did this. No matter what else happened during a day in those early years I wrote something. What I did not do was write the same story over and over again. I began with short stories so I took several days to write a story and put it aside. I went onto another one. Then I returned to the first story and read it over. What did I miss and where did I need to expand. I wrote the story over again. Now I write with pen an paper for the initial drafts. What I learned was the more I practiced the better my writing sounded at least to me. So sit down and write every day even if it's not much. There are people who are streak writers but they also have to practice putting their characters through their paces to make a story.

Persistence - This is the second of the P's. A good one to master. Submitting a story once and having it return with a form rejection letter is no fun. But if you give up, you'll never become a published writer. I wrote and re-wrote my first story and my first novel again and again and each time I revised I sent the story out again. Every one of them was picked up. Several of my novels have taken years of submitting before someone decided to publish the story. So have a little faith in yourself and send that story out after you've cleaned it up. Persistence does pay.

Professionalism - The third P. Just what does this mean. The story is semi- accepted. The editor says she likes certain elements but there needs to be some changes made. Maybe your favorite scene has to go. You need to look at this through another's eyes and try to figure what this means. I remember when I returned to writing after a ten year hiatus and sending off the first few chapters and a synopsis of the story to an editor a friend hyped my book to. I had the hero's daughter die in childbirth. This led to the hero's dark moment. I sat and puzzled this over and over. I needed him to believe she had died. How could I do this? Took several weeks before I came up with the solution. The editor was right and made the story stronger. Always remember your words aren't carved in stone and if the solution isn't one you like, find a way to make it work.

Meandering on Monday with Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor

Meander 1 - Cliches. We are told to avoid them when we're writing our stories. But they always seem to be the right words to use. So we have to find other ways to say those rigth things. I've found one place where knowing cliches is a great help. That was today's Crossword puzzle. Sundays usually have a theme and today was one. Made em feel good when I knew all the cliches needed to fill in the blanks. So I guess though I'm always taking them out of my stories they are some use after all. I'm not sure I succeed with the stories, but I do with crossword puzzles.

Meander 2 - Reading - Lately what I've been reading I have at least rated. That is so much better than writing a review. One problem is people seldom rate my books. Maybe they don't read them or maybe writing the reviews is too much trouble. Not sure what the problem is. One thing I do when rating. Very, very few books will get a five. Most receive a four. I may have given a few threes but lower than that I don't go. That means I didn't like the book one little bit. Hopefully those who don't rate my books feel that way too.

Meander 3 - Writing. Plugging away typing Divided Dreams and can't do the last of the re-writes until all are typed in. Am now working on devising the plot line for Wizards of Fyre. Am on my third try to get the story going in the right direction. What I was ignoring was the strong villain. The hero and heroine are strong. The villain wasn't even there. I've found him and am woking to get the story going in the proper direction.

Sunday's Book - Rekindled Dreams by Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

Returning to Fern Lake after ten years for the funeral of his cousin and teenage enemy, Simon Parker learns his high school sweetheart is nine months pregnant and seven months divorced from his cousin. Their meeting is complicated by her labor and driving her to the hospital. An attempted cheek kiss lands on her mouth and those old feelings resurface.

Dana Collins responds to the kiss but Simon walked away ten years before when she refused to go all the way. In those ten years he has never tried to reach her. Her marriage to his cousin lasted less than two years and she knew she’d made a mistake.

Can this pair put the past aside and let the embers of an old love be rekindled?

4.0 out of 5 stars A story of immature love, heartache, and heartbreak. January 4, 2014

By Roseanne Dowell

Format:Kindle Edition

Can Simon Parker right the wrong and pain he caused Dana Collins? When he drives her to the hospital to deliver her baby, the attraction is still there between them. Can Dana learn to trust Simon again? Will her ex husband’s twin sister complicate their lives? If I say more I’ll give away the entire book. Ms. Walters weaves a tale of a dysfunctional wealthy family, compassion, and love.

4.0 out of 5 stars Reunion romances are my favorite kind of stories July 23, 2014

By Kat Taylor

Format:Kindle Edition

Reunion romances are my favorite kind of stories. The chemistry sizzled from the beginning and never lets up. Nice escape 

Saturday's Blurbs Books By Frank Talaber #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLovw

Shaman's Lure

Vancouver's mayor is found brutally slain in Stanley Park beside the memorial to Pauline Johnson. His family is missing and no clues to the disappearance. Carol's first big case as a police detective. In the middle of the night a shaman show's up, spouting that the clues are there, you just have to open your eyes and your viewpoint in order to see them. Unfortunately he also vanishes. Carol has to now to proof he exists, along with finding the family before the city erupts in gang violence. Why you ask?

Just so happens that there's a bar in Stanley Park where if you get drunk enough, spirits take over your body and use it for whatever they want until you sober up. One is a Hell's Angel back for revenge, and another is a native witchy succubus, desperate to come back to life.

Carol is beginning to think wrestling alligators and skydiving with your hands tied behind your back is suddenly a nice cushy career instead.

 Shaman's Lure, (By Muse It UP Publishing). 

Raven's Lament

"The first time I saw you, was the second time I loved you," wrote Brook Grant in his diary. One problem, the reporter investigates the cutting down of the Golden Spruce only to find out that the legend is true. The ancient native prince trapped inside has been released and so has Raven. Yes, apparently, The Raven.

            So when a native God steals away your heart and soul, how do you get her back?

Well, you hire a shaman who is more whacked than a hockey player's slap shot and nuttier than a squirrel's winter stash.

            "Yeah, this is going to work, I'll get my lady back and we'll live happily ever after," Brook added to his diary after banging his head several times.

Raven's Lament revolves around the belief that there really is a native prince trapped inside the Golden Spruce tree on Haida Gwaii and it was cut down. Releasing the prince and the reason he was trapped inside, Raven. What if Raven woke up and looked at the world it is today and didn't like it one bit and tried to change it back to the way it was? Welcome to reporter Brook's day. So how do you stop a God from changing the world? You hire a Shaman, who is just a bit nuttier than most fruitcake salads. Oh, this is beginning to sound like trouble, big time trouble. Especially when Raven has captured the woman Brook has fallen in love with.

Friday Frank Talaber is Talking about Heroes, Heroines and Villains #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

1. Do you write a single genre or do your fingers flow over the keys creating tales in many forms? Does your reading choices reflect your writing choices? Are there genres you wouldn’t attempt?

 

I've written Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Literary Fiction, Erotica, Romance and Humour. Probably the only genre I wouldn't try is Young Animal. Can't quite wrap my head around what a two year old giraffe would be thinking or acting like. Let alone a teenage gorilla, nor do I really want to know. They're a little banannas anyways.

2. Heroes, Heroines, Villains. Which are your favorite to write? Does one of these come easy and why?

Well, from my experience the men usually do easier than women. It's the way the species is built. Women take a bit more finesse and and attention to details, which most guys ain't got the time for. I attended a romance writers conference and one of the things mentioned was that a ladies idea of a perfect idea of a romantic evening is wine, flowers, slow dinner, candlelight, a nice fireplace alight, slow kissing and caressing. Everything up to intercourse. That's where a guys idea of a perfect night begins. Yup, that is kinda what a lot of males are light. Well, except the Alpha males in most romance novels. If I'm to be honest, I like writing about the heroes. What makes them tick, why they go out of their way to help, save others. 

 

3. Heroes. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or plain imagination create the man you want every reader to love? Do they come before the plot or after you have the idea for the story?

 

Tough question. Go into any firehall and yell, fire and you'll get your answer. True heroes, I would class as firemen, what they've seen or had to do to save someone or something from a burning building. Usually pictures do it for me. I think visually and see my scenes as through the eyes of a camera. A true hero, has his flaws and demons that he has to fight through, while saving the world or at least some old lady about to be run over by a charging rhino. Or even a buggy at the grocery store. I usually have a idea for a story and Joe Do-gooder (or Josephine Do-gooder or Chipmunk Go-nutter) arrives after. I always ask the question what if? From there the muses begin to work their magic and keep me up half the night writing feverishly.

4. Heroines. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or imagination create the woman you want the reader to root for? Do they appear before the plot or after you have the idea for the story?

 

Heroines I more often draw from  real pictures and then begin to imagine what that person is like, how they would act etcetera.

5. Villains or villainesses or an antagonist, since they don’t always have to be the bad guy or girl. They can be a person opposed to the hero’s or heroine’s obtaining their goal. How do you choose one? How do you make them human?

These I often draw from real people, either persons I've bumped into or pictures. I look into their eyes and draw the tortured soul out that I see mirrored inside and again ask What If and what made them the way they are are today.

6. What is your latest release? Who is the hero, heroine and or the villain?

My latest release is Shaman's Lure, a urban fantasy set around the brutal slaying of Vancouver's mayor, found in Stanley Park, against the monument to Pauline Johnson. The heroine is Carol Ainsworth, newly promoted female detective, this is her first big case and part way through the book, this tough as nails woman begins to realize she might be in it over her head as she not only has to tackle the Hell's Angel's, but a psychotic witch, that's been rewakened and is desperate to return to our world. The hero is a slightly mad shaman named Charlie, who is trying to recapture the Lure of Stanley Park, who is mentioned in Pauline Johnson's Legends of Vancouver, as a witch that is trapped in a rock in Stanley Park. Charlie has a bent sense of humor and a good heart. But as Charlie would say, better than the other way around because no one finds a good clean comedian truly funny and if you have a bent heart, you'd most likely walk with a limp. Wait a minute, he does walk with a limp and a cane. Okay, maybe I got that backwards. The villain is the Lure of Stanley Park. Purely a bad news succubus, who sucks in people's sexual energy in order to return to this world. Yup, you'll go with a smile and a orgasm when you meet her, and another, and another. I think you get the picture. 

 

7. What are you working on now?

 

Currently I'm working on Thunderbird's Wake. Which in essence is the third part of a series. Shaman's Lure is book two and Raven's Lament is book one. Raven's Lament is about a reporter that goes to investigate the cutting down of the rare Golden Spruce in protest of logging, up on Haida Gwaii. Charlie is the main character through all three books, he and Carol are investigating the death of a native elder in a penitentiary on the BC coast. One of the inmates happens to have Thunderbird's essence trapped inside and some evil creatures who shall not be named (yeah the natives thought of that title, long before Harry Potter), will stop at nothing to make sure he doesn't wake up.

8. How can people find you?

            Website

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00UC407R0

        

http://about.me/ftalaber

    Blog

http://bwlauthors.blogspot.ca/

If you scroll down you'll see me on the left under 22nd.

            Facebook

  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frank-Talaber/805296946204873

Thursday's Villain - Lykon from Horu's Chosen by Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

Merin sat on a cushion beside the table. She poured water into a cup and ate a slice of melon. The time dragged. She heard the priest guards speaking in a language she didn’t know. As she considered resting on the bed Hebu appeared. “Come with me. The evening meal is ready.”

Merin followed him to the main room where the nomarch, his wife, and oldest son sat on the elevated platform. Hebu led her to one of the small tables. “This is Lykon who will be your spouse. He is the second son.”

Merin glared. “Pian of Mero was the first son.”

“Nomarch Sapar’s first son is married and has a family. The Daughter must be the first woman in the pharaoh’s court.”

Merin took her place. She glanced at the young man seated across from her. His round face and obese body wasn’t appealing. His dark eyes were small and round.

Slaves brought food and filled cups with wine. She ate enough to ease her hunger. Lykon gorged on thick slices of beef, pork and duck. He used pieces torn from a round loaf of bread to catch the juices. Other than roasted onions he avoided the vegetables, dates, figs, and melons. She lost track of the number of times a slave filled his cup. She stared at the plate. If he ate like this he would soon resemble the fat priest.

Lykon belched. He rose and held out his hand. “Walk in the garden with me. We need to learn about each other.”

Merin cringed at the thought of being alone with him. There was no choice. As they stepped outside she caught a glimpse of Bast Ka. The presence of the sacred cat soothed her abraded nerves.

Lykon led her to the lotus pond. “My mother’s garden pales before your beauty.”

“How can you say that?” Merin pointed to the lotus blossoms. “Look at how the moonlight shows images of the flowers in the water. No man or woman can measure up to the loveliness of nature.”

He grabbed her shoulders and turned her to face him. “You are mine and I will taste you.” He pulled her close and pressed his mouth against hers causing them to rub her teeth.

The shock of his assault stunned her. Never had a man treated her this way. He caught her lower lip with his teeth, He grasped her buttocks.

With a sudden jerk he released her. “Witch,” he bellowed.

Merin nearly tumbled into the pool. She saw a line of bleeding claw marks on his leg. Hebu and the nomarch ran toward them. Bast Ka sped away. Merin sank on the edge of the wall surrounding the pool. For the moment she had escaped, but a dark future loomed.

“What have you done?” Hebu shook a finger in her face.

“Nothing.”

The nomarch left his son. “She did nothing. Look at his leg. Those are cat scratches. I didn’t know how the creature appeared. Since I swore to Aken Re there have been no felines in my compound. I fear the goddess sent a warning. How can Lykon become pharaoh if Bast chooses to act?”

Hebu laughed. “The goddess has no power. Your son scraped his leg on the side of the pond.” He turned to Lykon. “You sought to take what is not yours to take yet. The Daughter will come to you when the time is right.”

The nomarch frowned. “What should we do about the cat? You cannot deny one was in the garden.”

“Search the grounds and you will find nothing.”

Lykon staggered away. Hebu grasped Merin’s arm. “Don’t try to escape your fate. Lykon will be your spouse.”

Wednesday's Writer's Tip -Beginning the Story - Meredith and Fitzgerald #MFRWauthor

Structuring Your novel : From Basic Idea to Finished Manuscript is one of the books I read and re-read when I'm stuck with putting my novel on paper.

One of the advices they mention is beginning your story with an incident that happens outside the story. Using one of the basic plot ideas this can be figured easily. Using one or two can help.  This trigger can start the story. In the book I'm currently organizing the heroine has been sold by her father to the wizards of Fyre. This incident in her past brings her to an environment she wants to escape. The hero was also bought by these wizards but he was a small child and the environment is one that he knows and feels is home. For him the trigger is how his desire to belong and excel in the environment he considers home.

Writing the story means one has to have events. An event occurs and then moves the heroine or hero forward in the story. The event causes them to react and act. Each incident leads to another. Because this happened the character reacts causing something else to happen. This leads to complications. There may be one or more major complications and a number of minor ones.

For the heroine the major complication is being in an environment she wants to escape. Escape becomes her tangible object. The question driving the story forward becomes will she or won't she? This quest will keep the reader turning those pages.

Tuesday's Inspiration based on an essay by Christopher LaFarge #MFRWauthor

"Why am I writing this? The ability to give an answer is necessary to me though the answer can range." Christopher LaFarge.

Interesting thing. I sat and pondered why I write each of the stories I've written. My answer is usually that I want to entertain others. Perhaps that's why I write in a number of genres and subgenres. As I thought further one of my answers to the question was that sometimes I want to write a story that will interest and entertain me. I'm not sure I'm the kind of writer who tackles social issues though they may creep into a story or two. What I write most often is about relationships and exploring how people act and interact. They're often about finding love. Another answer was I'm writing this story because I must. The characters want their story to be told.

How about you? Do you ever ask why am I writing this story? Your answer might lead you on some interesting paths. So this is a question to keep in mind when you start a new story. Why am I writing this story and not a different one?

Meandering On Monday with Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

Meander 1 - A Question. When you are being featured on another writer's blog, do you promote the feature or do you just wait for the blog owner to do the deed? I know that when I'm a guest on a blog I make sure to visit frequently and see if there are comments. I also promote my appearance on other social media. Some of my guests do and some don't. The ones who promote have twice as many or more visitors who though they may not leave a comment do at least read what's there. The name of this writing game is to have your name out there so people will become interested in what you have to say. So the next time you're a guest, let other people know. Not sure your sales will go up but your name will be seen and maybe even the books you're writing might grab someone's interest.

Meander 2 - Reading. I like to read many genres of books and am always willing to try new authors. This is the way I've found some authors I really enjoy. Also find authors I don't enjoy. That's what's so much fun about this game. Finding new stories to enjoy and also finding ones you'll avoid.

Meander 3 - My writing. Have begun working on the chapter synopsis of the Wizards of Fyre. Not that the finished story will slavishly follow the outline. At the same time I am typing the remaining chapters of Divided Dreams so I can do a final going through to re-write some scenes and to make the ones I'm pleased with shine. I won't touch this until all 13 chapters are on paper. So that gives me time to think about what may need to be done to make this story shine. It always amazes me when I have friends who are also writers who just sit down and write and have no real plan of where the story is going. They manage in the end to make the stories sing and that's a good thing. Takes all kinds to spin stories.

Sunday's Book - Shattered Dreams by Janet Lane Walters #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

~ Shattered Dreams by Janet Lane Walters

Moonchild Series, Book 1 

Torn apart years ago by lies and threats, Rafe Marshall returns to town and confronts Manon Lockley. She has been told he died on the night he stood her up for their senior prom.

When she faints, Rafe catches her and realizes he hasn’t stopped loving her. Manon carries anger and now grief that wasn’t real. Rafe wants her in his life, but she doesn’t want to talk about what happened in the past. She can’t be sure if her father or someone else told lies about Rafe and she doesn’t want to know. Can Rafe persuade her to listen? Not without a battle.

4.0 out of 5 stars Here's to a good ending December 28, 2013

By ouida stokes

Verified Purchase

  The story of the death of young love and the birth of adult love. It is the in between that gets you. Also the knowledge that you can't stop real love.

Nov 12, 2013 Deborah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Manon gets stood up on prom night by her boyfriend Rafe to then be told he's dead, twelve years later he walks back into her life and she doesn't know what to do or think, has everything for the last twelve years been lies, why did he leave and who told her he was dead. Rafe has always loved Manon, the accident left him with scars and gaps in his memory to finally fully get his life back he needs to talk to Manon and by sorting out the past he can then move on with his future hopefully with her. Manon gets stood up on prom night by her boyfriend Rafe to then be told he's dead, twelve years later he walks back into her life and she doesn't know what to do or think, has everything for the last twelve years been lies, why did he leave and who told her he was dead. Rafe has always loved Manon, the accident left him with scars and gaps in his memory to finally fully get his life back he needs to talk to Manon and by sorting out the past he can then move on with his future hopefully with her.
This was an interesting book which starts with the twelve year anniversary of Rafe's death and together we discover what actually happened all those years ago.

Saturday's Blurbs - Books by Shirley Martin

 "Night Secrets" A man and a woman who fear to love each other must work together to save the kingdom from betrayal.

 

"Night Shadows"  Three men desire Fianna, but she loves only one.

 

"Enchanted Cottage"  A woman, marred on the outside, and a man, afflicted on the inside, meet in an isolated cottage. There, they learn that they can help each other. And with a bit of magic, miracles can happen.

 

"Dream Weaver"   Sent back in time, Gwen must save her lover's life. She failed him once before She can't fail him again.

 

"Temptation:  From the glittering nightclubs of Miami Beach to the dreaded dungeons of medieval France, get ready for a wild ride.

 

http://amzn.to/1zN7YAq  This is the link for buying any of my books at Amazon. Readers can scroll through my Author Page.

  

  

Friday - Shirley Martin is talking about Heroes, Heroines and Villains #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

          

1. Do you write a single genre or do your fingers flow over the keys creating tales in many forms? Does your reading choices reflect your writing choices? Are there genres you wouldn’t attempt?  Janet, thanks for hosting me. I began writing historicals, but in the past few years I've written in the paranormal and fantasy genres. I read mostly fantasy and paranormal. I wouldn't attempt mystery or horror, nor sci/fi.

 

2. Heroes, Heroines, Villains. Which are your favorite to write? Does one of these come easy and why? I like writing them all. Possibly villains come easiest, although it would be difficult to say why.

 

3. Heroes. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or plain imagination create the man you want every reader to love? Do they come before the plot or after you have the idea for the story? The plot always comes first for me. I create heroes from my imagination. I try to create them with alpha and beta qualities. I don't like the arrogant pure alpha hero.

 

4. Heroines. How do you find them? Do pictures, real life or imagination create the woman you want the reader to root for? Do they appear before the plot or after you have the idea for the story? As before, the plot comes first. Heroines come from my imagination. I don't like the kick-butt type of heroine. I like to make them spunky, but I don't overdo it.

 

5. Villains or villainesses or an antagonist, since they don’t always have to be the bad guy or girl. They can be a person opposed to the hero’s or heroine’s obtaining their goal. How do you choose one? How do you make them human?  i try to start out making the villain likeable so that the reader can't immediately identify him as the villain. Yes, I know he/she doesn't have to be a bad guy (or girl).In my fantasy romance, "Night Secrets" Aradia is the villainess, and she is evil.

 

6. What is your latest release? Who is the hero, heroine and or the villain? My latest is "Temptation" a contemporary vampire romance. Varik is the vampire hero. Jennifer is the heroine, and she's a schoolteacher. Celestia is the villainess, and she is also a vampire.  

 

7. What are you working on now? I'm working on a fantasy romance, tentatively titled "Love's Journey."

 

8. How can people find you?

            Website My website is undergoing renovation.

            http://bookswelove.net/authors/martin-shirley

            Blog http://authorshirleymartin.blogspot.com

            Twitter--https://twitter.com/mshirley1496

            Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shirley.martin716970

Thursday's Villain - The Nomarch of Mero from Bast's Warrior #MFRWauthor #BooksWeLove

The trilogy that includes Bast's Warrior, Horu's Chosen and Toth's Priest has one villain that runs through the series. But there are other villains in the stories. In Bast's Warrior, the Nomarch of Mero is a villain. This scene shows him and his inaction with the hero.

Kashe of Mero sat on his bed in his chamber of the family compound. His head pounded. When he opened his eyes he saw the day had progressed into late afternoon. The bright light made him wince. He recalled the past night’s celebration for the retirement of the family’s arms master who had been his mentor and friend. From the Tuten he had learned the skills of a warrior. Last night Kashe had finally defeated his mentor with weapons and a capacity for beer.

“Kashe.” His father’s voice stabbed like a dagger.

He groaned and sat up. The drum in his head banged. Leave me alone, he wanted to shout. The Nomarch of Mero’s anger toward his middle son was nothing new. What did he want now?

As second son Kashe had been marked for the priesthood. He had no desire to become a priest. He found satisfaction in his role as a warrior. Yet, duty called for obedience.

If any other temple had been chosen he might have agreed. He had no taste for this newly risen cadre of men seeking to force their god into the circle of goddesses and gods of the Two Lands. Aken Re had been unknown until the invaders had arrived. The army of those men had been defeated so why did their priests linger?The beaded curtain jangled adding cacophonic notes to the beating in his head.
“Answer me.” The nomarch entered and halted at the foot of Kashe’s bed. “Rise and present yourself in the central hall. We have guests. Your older brother has news of importance.”

Kashe groaned. He and Pian were a year apart in age and generations in philosophy. In embracing the new religion, His brother had seen an advantage for bringing his ambitions to fruition. He believed the priests would smooth his path to the pharaoh’s chair.

Kashe sat on the edge of the bed and considered his brother and his plans. Pian was slender and shorter than Kashe. He fit the picture of an ideal pharaoh in appearance but not in character. He was cruel and selfish. His sense of justice and honor were lacking. He had no love for Kashe.

“Throwback” was the mildest of the names Pian used as needles to jab his younger brother. Kashe had strengths his brother lacked. Every match on the training field had ended with Kashe as the victor.

He rose. He couldn’t help that in stature and build he resembled the Nubian ancestors his father and older brother chose to forget in their desire for power. If Pian became pharaoh the Nomarch of Mero would become his son’s chief advisor.

“Are you coming?” his father asked.

If he said no who knew what would happen. Kashe stretched. “As soon as I wash and dress.” Though he would rather have bathed he would make do here. He glanced in the polished metal mirror. His warrior’s braid was neat enough. He poured water from a pitcher into a basin and washed. After donning a fresh kilt he fitted wrist and arm bands and selected a collar necklace.

As he left the family sleeping quarters he braced for the evening meal, the main one of the day. He entered the central hall and hid a desire to duck behind one of the pillars. On the dais his parents sat with a pair of priests. Their gold medallions glittered in the torch light. His older brother stood before the men.

As Kashe neared the platform he noticed the robes were embroidered with gold-rayed discs representing their god. The pair were opposites. One was rotund, smiling and fluttering his hands while speaking. The other was lean with a hawk-like nose and a somber expression. Kashe noticed his younger brother lingered in the shadows near the dais. If anything was to be learned Namose would know.

The nomarch gestured. He strode past his sisters who were engaged in a board game and gossip.

When Pian’s voice took on a tone both servile and arrogant Kashe grimaced.

“My lords, Oris and Hebu, beloved of Aken Re, has the daughter been found? I so desire to look in her face and claim her as my chief wife. The honor you offer humbles me.”

The rotund priest’s smile broadened. “As yet we have not found her, but the signs point to where she is hidden. When the auspicious hour arrives we will claim her.” He turned from Pian to the nomarch. “You know the price.”

The nomarch pointed to Kashe. “My lords of Aken Re, this is my middle son. He is skilled with weapons and has a vast knowledge of strategy. He will enter your temple as a priest.”

Both men studied Kashe. Their gazes moved from his head to his feet. Embarrassment and shame over the avidity of their appraisal made him flush. He was not some piece of livestock or a slave to be purchased. A cauldron of anger bubbled.

Oris rubbed his fleshy hands. “Indeed, he is magnificent.”

The thin priest’s eyes narrowed. He addressed his companion in an unfamiliar language. “Nomarch, he will do nicely,” he added.

Kashe wanted to rub his arms to ward off a sudden chill, but he wouldn’t allow the pair to see his distaste and fear. He kept his gaze steady and examined the thin priest. Hebu’s eyes were serpent-like, dull and flat. Kashe’s hands formed fists. Though Oris had been named as the chief priest, his companion was the more dangerous of the pair. Another thing became clear. Hebu belonged to the defeated enemy. Kashe had heard that language from a prisoner his father had brought to the compound as a slave.

Oris nodded. “He will be the perfect battle leader for our men.”