Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com For some great excerpts. Mine is found at eclecticwriter.blogspot.Janet Lase
As Alizand slipped into the outer courtyard of the palace in Cedris, the
sun peeped over the horizon. Today was his fourteenth name day, but the
occasion brought no joy. Though he should be declared Prince Heir, his father
hadn’t spoken to the elders about the ceremony that would mark the choice.
Alizand’s fingers tightened into fists. Prince Zedron had hopes his new spouse
would present him with an heir who wasn’t a halfling.
The loss of this position wasn’t what troubled him this day. Today, his
only friend and protector was being sent to patrol the land at the rear of the
mesa behind the henge.
“Lad, I knew you’d come. My good wishes be with you on your special day.”
Alizand wanted to throw himself into Sergeant Dragen’s arms and weep, but
that display of emotions wasn’t fitting for one who was no longer a child. “I
wish you didn’t have to leave.”
“Prince Zedron’s orders must be followed.” The older man joined Alizand
in the shadows cast by a balcony several stories above. “Gifts I have for you.”
He held a chain of red-gold metal with a multi-colored crystal dangling from a
loop. “’Twas your mother’s. Gave me this before she entered the birthing
chamber. ‘For my son. Should you ever have to leave him unguarded, give him the
stone. ‘Twill warn him of danger. Should he have an affinity, the crystal will
enhance his talents.’”
Dragen placed the chain around Alizand’s neck. The swirling colors of the
stone coalesced until the crystal glowed with a scarlet light.
Warmth flowed from the stone. Alizand fought a fresh need for tears. His
mother had died at his birthing. He’d been raised by an ever-changing group of
nursemaids and this man. “’Tis not fair for him to send you away.”
Dragen raked his fingers through yellow hair tinged with gray. “Not much
in this world of ours is fair. Lad, one day things will change.” He held a
sword in a plain leather sheath. “My gift to you. The naming of the sword is
yours.”
Alizand drew the weapon. The sword was the color of the chain about his
neck. “How does one name a blade?”
Dragen touched his weapon’s hilt. “Mine is Loyal for that’s what I swore
to be.”
“Courage,” Alizand said. “That’s what I need.”
A trumpet sounded. Dragen straightened. “Must go. Be brave. Stay safe.”
He pulled Alizand into a fierce hug. “You’re the son I never had and the hope
of a better world.”
The tears Alizand refused to shed choked him. “Be safe.” He said no more,
but remained in the shadows to watch Dragen mount his war steed and lead the
patrol from the yard. Alizand thought of all the things he’d wanted today and
prayed there’d be another time.
Why had the army been sent against the henge? Hadn’t Dom Jonden once been
Wesren’s prince? Isn’t my father far cousin and step-brother of that Dom? If
Dom Jonden hadn’t shown affinity for the elements, Zedron wouldn’t have been
named House Wesren’s ruler. How could he move against his kin? The only answer
Alizand had found chilled him. ‘Twas that man lately come to the palace who’d
laid the plans.
Instead of returning to his chamber, Alizand scurried across the yard and
entered the stable. His war steed snorted. He stroked the animal’s side. He’d
chosen the near-white colt because like him ‘twas a misfit. With Dragen’s help
he’d trained the stallion. Another secret they’d shared. Arrow was Alizand’sNo other could mount the horned beast.
He ran his hands along the steed’s fighting horn. “Dragen is gone. You’re
all I have to keep me safe.”
A shudder rippled through his body. Without Dragen at his back, his
step-mother’s sons would express their hatred in more than words. The bullies
were older and stronger. Twice in the past, he’d felt their fists.
The mount lipped his hair. Alizand smiled. “If they attack me again, I’ll
flee on your back and no one will catch us.” The idea of leaving Cedris wasn’t
new. Until his father had taken Melena as his spouse, Alizand had been content.
Since then, his life had changed. He straightened and grasped the hilt of his
sword. Courage and resolve filled his thoughts.
He left the stables, crossed the yard and pressed the pattern in the
stones to gain access to the inner passages. Within the walls of the north wing
and tower he’d found a warren of ways and several hidden rooms. As far as he
knew, he was the only one who used these corridors.
He took the taper he’d left, called fire and lit the wick. He had until
the name day feast at midday to savor his presents. He would leave the sword in
the hidden room. If he wore it into the hall, Mandir or Lodar would covet the
weapon. Melena would badger until Alizand gifted the sword to one of her sons,
and the other would express his disappointment with his fists.
When the first summoning bell sounded, Alizand left his chamber. He’d
donned the silk tunic and breeches he’d found on the bed. As he walked along
the corridor, he heard footsteps behind him. His spine prickled and the scarlet
crystal flared.
My Places
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So young for so much responsibilities. I'd say he has plenty of courage!
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