Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasy. Show all posts

Saturday, May 18, 2024

ooks By Helen Henderson are featured on Saturday's Blurbs #BWLAuthor #MFRWAAUthor

 

Fire and Redemption


Shunned by his kind and expelled from the dragon isle, Medraut is forced to shed his wings and take on human form to live amongst the people of the mainland. His problem? There are slayers, sworn to kill all dragons.

Brial has one chance to stop the fever ravaging her kin, but her healer powers have not yet awakened. To have the future she desires, she must survive the fever, raiders, and most of all, Medraut’s dragon ability to control minds.

Karst, son of the head slayer, was disowned and sent on an impossible quest to kill a dragon. Rather than return to his village and be subjected to the deadly justice of the Goddess, he made himself a home in the trading wagons of Clan Vreis. His newfound happiness is threatened when the caravan stops to help an injured man lying in the middle of the trail.

Three men and a dragon desire the same woman. One wants her for power, one for her beauty, and one for love. The dragon just wants her.

Amazon –https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY7ZDFBJ

Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-and-redemption-helen-b-henderson/1145164176

Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fire-and-redemption-1

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1537238

Apple – https://books.apple.com/us/book/fire-and-redemption/id6479545385

Additional sites – https://books2read.com/fire-and-redemption



Windmaster Golem


Action and adventure rule when a rogue mage plots revenge. With a magical army of clay soldiers under his control, Reliq means to take over the mythical city of mages hidden beneath a lake—and to rule all mages including the one he wanted most—Kiansel.

Kiansel, sister to the current Oracle of Givneh, is expected to one day assume the mantle and lead the temple’s followers. Her emerging powers force an impossible decision. Turn her back on her family and heritage to study the way of magic or follow the teachings of the oracle.

Brodie, weaponsmith for the School of Mages, couldn’t refuse the archmage’s request to act as escort for a healing team fighting a curse upon the land. He soon learns the dangerous quest requires both sword and sorcery. But how can a man without any magic of his own fight a curse or protect a friend from an invisible stalker.

Love has a magic of its own. But will it be enough to defeat a rogue mage and his army of enspelled golem.


Amazon –
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JTZD6K7/

Apple – https://books.apple.com/us/book/windmaster-golem/id1533090496

Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/windmaster-golem-helen-

Kobo – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/windmaster-golem-helen-b-henderson/1137734264

Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1044646

Additional sites: https://books2read.com/Windmaster-Golem



Hatchling’s Vengeance


Vengeance has two paths. The cult leader, the Parant, means to have his. No matter how long it takes or how many innocents die, he will kill all dragon shifters. For the last two unattached dragon shifters, their only weapons to save their kind are their swords—and love. Sometimes not even dragon fire and talons are enough to overcome the mind control wielded by the one called—the Parant.


For those who the Parant commands, will vengeance yield to love and provide a path to redemption? Or will retribution decree the punishment for past acts be death?


Dragon shifter and follower alike stand on the knife’s edge with happiness and loss fighting to control the balance.


Amazon - https://amzn.com/B01H9968QO

Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hatchlings-vengeance-helen-henderson/1124015107

Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1128171775

Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/hatchling-s-vengeance

More Sites - https://books2read.com/Hatchlings-Vengeance


Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Escape - A new Friend #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Escape #New Friend Fantasy #all ages #affinities

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com  For some great excerpts. Mine is found at eclecticwriter.blogspot.Janet Lase


Two sets of halfling twins, Ashlea, Brandien, Jaydren and Kylandra sent away from their home by their parents to protect them from trouble, search for mentors to teach them how to use their affinities. Each of these young teens has an affinity for one of the elements. Ash for Air, Bran for Water, Jay for Earth and Ky for Fire. During the escape, they face many problems forcing them to use their affinities by trial and error. They also meet Alizand, the son of the ruling prince of Wesren. Zand has an affinity for Fire and this will keep him from gaining the rule. Dom Senet, an advisor to his father, and once a friend of the quartet’s parents suspects Zand’s affinity. He wishes to corrupt the teen and use him to gain control of the four princedoms of the land and of the highlands. The evil dom has all four affinities. The four must reach a secret place and find teachers before the evil man discovers them





Excerpt:

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.



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Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Escape - into the caves #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Fantasy #young adult #all ages Affinities #earth, water, fire, air

 

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks for some great excerpts. Mine is found at https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com and is from Escape first book  of the Affinities series

BLURB:
Two sets of halfling twins, Ashlea, Brandien, Jaydren and Kylandra sent away from their home by their parents to protect them from trouble, search for mentors to teach them how to use their affinities. Each of these young teens has an affinity for one of the elements. Ash for Air, Bran for Water, Jay for Earth and Ky for Fire. During the escape, they face many problems forcing them to use their affinities by trial and error. They also meet Alizand, the son of the ruling prince of Wesren. Zand has an affinity for Fire and this will keep him from gaining the rule. Dom Senet, an advisor to his father, and once a friend of the quartet’s parents suspects Zand’s affinity. He wishes to corrupt the teen and use him to gain control of the four princedoms of the land and of the highlands. The evil dom has all four affinities. The four must reach a secret place and find teachers before the evil man discovers them


Excerpt:

Doma Calanda rose. “Ashlea, to you is the mastery of Air. The flute and this stone are yours.” Over Ash’s head, the Doma slipped a silver chain with a crystal so clear it seemed nearly invisible. “To you the things of the mind, the reading of thoughts carried in the air, the knowing of aromas, the calling of the wind, music to stir the air into patterns to influence others and to open hidden doors.”

Dom Jonden stood behind Bran. “Brandien, to you is the mastery of Water. The scrying cup and this crystal are yours.” He fastened a blue-white chain holding a clear blue stone around Bran’s neck. “To you are matters of the heart, the reading of emotions and the balancing of fluids within and without. In the scrying cup, you will see images of what occurs in the land. Potions brewed in the cup will gain strength. To you, the ability to balance unstable minds and bodies, to take and feel the emotions of others. You will be able to find sweet water, no matter how deep.”

The Doma moved to Jay. “Jaydren, to you is the mastery of Earth. The staff of living wood and this crystal are yours.” A green stone dangled on a gold chain. “From beneath the earth and above, you will know when things are right. To you, the feeding of men’s bodies. With the staff, you can enhance the growth of all plants. You can unearth the riches of the earth. Stone, metal, crystals are yours to use for the wellbeing of others.”

The Dom placed a crystal on a red-gold chain around Ky’s neck. “Kylandra, to you is the mastery of fire. The flame sword is yours to bear. Fire is light and light brings courage. You are action and will know how to fire the spirits of others. You will mesh with all manner of beasts. Fire brings both life and death. This sword can be used for war or for peace. To have one, you must face the other.”

“Now, children, the time grows short,” Doma Calanda said.

Ash watched her parents’ faces change from Dom and Doma to the visages of the ones who had loved and raised her and her siblings. Grief showed in their eyes and subtly altered their scents.

A cup appeared in her mother’s hands. “Come, share this cup. Then you must go.”

“Mama, Papa, come with us,” Ky cried.

Dom Jonden held Ky in his arms. “The henge will fall. Your mother and I must remain to see the ending causes as little harm as possible to the land and the people.”

Ash drank from the cup. Warmth infused her. She kissed her mother’s cheek and was enfolded for a moment.

“Be brave. Be wary. Trust not the ones whose thoughts are completely shielded. Trust the crystals for should you meet those who mean you harm, the stones will grow warm against your skin.”

She left her mother and went to her father. He kissed her forehead. “Go. Know you are loved now and forever. Make haste on your journey through the passage for we don’t know how long we can hold.”

Ash donned her cloak, took a bundle of torches, a packet of journey food and a flask of water from one of the shelves. She lifted her flute and played the notes her mother had taught her. The wall of stone at the rear of the chamber parted. The torch she’d freed from the bundle flared. Though she wanted to remain, at the head of her siblings, Ash stepped into the darkness.

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Friday, April 12, 2024

Books by Janet Lane Walters are featured on Friday's Blurbs #BWLAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Paranormal #fantasy #for all ages #earth #water #air #fire

 


Escape

Two sets of halfling twins, Ashlea, Brandien, Jaydren and Kylandra sent away from their home by their parents to protect them from trouble, search for mentors to teach them how to use their affinities.During the escape, they face many problems forcing them to use their affinities by trial and error. They also meet Alizand, the son of the ruling prince of Wesren. Zand has an affinity for Fire and this will keep him from gaining the rule.Dom Senet, an advisor to his father, and once a friend of the quartet’s parents suspects Zand’s affinity. He wishes to corrupt the teen and use him to gain control of the four princedoms of the land and of the highlands. The evil dom has all four affinities. The four must reach a secret place and find teachers before the evil man discovers them




Searches

Two sets of halfling twins, Ashlea, Brandien, Jaydren and Kylandra sent away from their home by their parents to protect them from trouble, search for mentors to teach them how to use their affinities.During the escape, they face many problems forcing them to use their affinities by trial and error. They also meet Alizand, the son of the ruling prince of Wesren. Zand has an affinity for Fire and this will keep him from gaining the rule.Dom Senet, an advisor to his father, and once a friend of the quartet’s parents suspects Zand’s affinity. He wishes to corrupt the teen and use him to gain control of the four princedoms of the land and of the highlands. The evil dom has all four affinities. The four must reach a secret place and find teachers before the evil man discovers them

My Places

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 https://www.facebook.com/janet.l.walters.3?v=wall&story_f

bid=113639528680724

 http://bookswelove.net/

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Buy Mark My Places

 

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Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Keltoi, The third of the opposites #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Romantia #Paranormal romance

 

Join the Authors at MFRWHooks here :http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some interesting excerpts. Mine is from Keltoi found at https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com  and introduces the third of the second trio 

BLURB:
Two friends have been tested and are acclaimed as a Healer and a Seer. Now the friend who will be the Warrior faces her test. When she succeeds the three travel through a tunnel and down to the lakeside believing they will be sent to an Isle where three crystals stand, one red, one blue and one green. Instead they are told they are part of the Three and three and must find the others.

Three brothers separated as soon as one of them reaches the age of five. They were taken by their father, Prime Voice of Midra in Keltoi. They have all displeased him and have been punished. They escape from their different prisons and must find their way.

Each of the meetings between the two warriors, the two Healers and the Two Seers is an adventure that binds them together. As Three and Three, they must meet the enemy and win.


EXCERPT:


His lip curled. Prime Voice, his father, was an evil man. Loran knew there was nothing he could do to change his father now. In the future? Perhaps. In a flash memories of his brothers rose. Where were they?

As he struggled to read the tattered scroll frustration rose. Three will…What would they do? More words. Healer can. Some broken words/ Warrior and Seer will bring… What? A long section of ink faded to a whisper held the answer but he couldn’t sound out the words.

In frustration, his hands fisted. After drawing a deep breath, he pushed back from the table. To act might destroy the rest of the scroll. He couldn’t do that.

A series of bells began. He counted and frowned. Six bells. Time for the evening meal. Where had the day gone. He hadn’t heard twelve bells to match the midday meal. He returned the scroll to the shelf and pinched the flames of the candles. He left the room and dashed along the halls to the refectory. There he found a place at a table. Soup, meat and vegetables were served. After he finished his portion, he considered returning to the library to search for other scrolls that might provide answers. A jaw cracking yawn reminded him of his exhaustion. He left his place and walked to his cell. If he could leave this place, could he find his brothers? He couldn’t remember how to find the hut in the forest where they had lived. He couldn’t even remember their names. He curled beneath the blanket and opened his mind to the winds.  Before he had a chance to begin a search, sleep claimed him.

The peal of the morning bells woke him. He counted seven chimes, rose, washed and dressed. He scurried to the refectory and carried a bowl of porridge to the table.

He looked toward the head table and quickly bent his head. What was prime Voice doing here? He seldom ate meals in the refectory but ate in his private quarters either alone or with another Voice. Loran’s gut churned but he forced himself to eat.

Before  long, other trainees joined him. While listening to their chatter, he read the winds in the room, Once he finished, he slipped from the room and hurried to the isolated room where scrolls were kept.

He looked for the tattered scroll from yesterday and couldn’t locate it. Odd, he thought. He selected another one and removed the metal case.

Someone entered the small room. Loran stood and saw his father and bowed. Why was Prime Voice here?

His father strode to the table and placed a scroll on the table. Loran saw the missing one. “And?”

“I want you to read of this all you can.”

Loran touched the scroll. “As you can see this is badly damaged. What I found yesterday makes no sense.”

“Don’t defy me. Read.” Prime Voice sat at the table across from Loran.

Loran smoothed the parchment, taking care not to do further damage. “As you can see much of this scroll is damaged and there are missing words and phrases.” He leaned closer. “They will bring…” He held the candle over the blurred words. “Healer healing Seer. He looked up. “Reading is impossible.”

Prime Voice glared. “I order you to continue.:

Fear engulfed Loran. His hands shook. Wax from the candle dripped on the parchment.

Prime Voice grasped Loran’s shoulder. “You clumsy fool. Are you trying to destroy the scroll?”

“No sir.” He could barely force the words out.”

Prime Voice slapped Loran’s right cheek and then the left. He jerked him to his feet and pushed him toward the door. Loran fell. Rage rose but he could not react. Prime Voice gestured to his guards.

“Take him. Lock him in a deep cell.” His eyes narrowed. “He will remain there until I find a replica of the ruined scroll.”

Protests rose to choke Loran. He dare not argue. His face stung from the blows. A guard grasped either arm. Though thoughts of fighting filled his thoughts he realized the futility of such action.

The swordsmen marched him to a ramp and led him down. At the bottom, they opened a door and thrust him inside. The door clanged behind him.

Loran drew deep breaths and fought to calm the anger he felt for such unjust punishment. How could a person read words that had faded into blurs






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Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Seppal - Moon Rising #MFRWHooks #romance #swords #sorcery #romantasy

 






Join the authors at #MFRWHooks for some great excerpts. Mine is found at https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com and is from Seppal a romantasy

BLURB:

In Seppal, the prophecy has been heard and the Three and Three are awaited.

Ranal’s dead mam once told him one day he would learn why he had been born. He has found two companions, boys like himself who have no home and become seaweed gatherers like he has been. His two friends are developing strange skill. He can see no change in himself but he desires a sword. Then they will be three, Seer, Healer and Warrior

Amera returns to the clan after spending the summer with the king windsteed stallion and six yearlings. What she finds is the slaughtered herd and also the clan. Only one person remains barely alive and tells her Bethera, her cousin and almost sister has been taken by the priestesses and their guards. Not knowing what to do, Amera follows the king stallion to a sheltered glen and a huge cave complex. When the stallion calls her, she follows him to the priestesses’ keep and manages to rescue her cousin and another young girl. During the next few years, her friends develop talents and are becoming the Seer and the Healer. Amera wants to become the warrior but she can’t imagine how she can gain a sword.

Now the Three and Three must join to bring justice, healing, order and change to Seppal.


EXCERPT:

     Silence brought Ranal awake. Last night when he’d curled in his blankets for sleep, the wind and rain of the first autumn storm had begun. Slowly, he uncurled from his cocoon and walked to the opening leading to the hilltop above the hidden underground shelter. Before leaving his home, he grabbed three burlap sacks,

Alone. Eerie silence surrounded him. His mother had died during the last days of summer. Her body had been sealed behind a wall of rocks he had carefully fitted together. A small cell-like room had become her final resting place.

An ache of sadness caused his heart to flitter. For a moment, loneliness filled his thoughts. After drawing several deep breaths, he lifted the sacks. Mam had been his only companion for the thirteen years of his life. Not long enough but she had taught him how to survive.

He held the sacks over his shoulder and climbed the stone steps to the surface. The flight had been embedded in the sloping wall.

When he emerged, a slice of sunlight pierced the heavy cloud cover. A grove of trees thrust dark shapes that merged with the gloomy atmosphere. He walked to the narrow path leading to the shore. He hugged the wall of rocks promising safety. The other side was a steep drop to the ground. The earth beneath his feet slick from the rains made each step an adventure. When he reached the end, he released a held breath,

Ranal began collecting seaweed and hoped to finish before scavengers from town made their way to the shore. First he separated the strands of blue from the tangled clumps. When he filled a bag, he set his spoils at the foot of the path. Next he collected red strands. He finally filled a bag with green. Before dragging the filled bags up the path, he pressed each one to remove as much water as possible.

When he reached the top of the path he pushed several rocks to cover the opening. He dropped the sacks on the flat rock facing the entrance and hurried down to make himself presentable for his trip to the market. He washed in the fountain pool. Then he dressed in his best clothes. He realized he had grown. The breeches allowed his socks to show and the tunic sleeves bared his wrists.

A smile crossed his face as a memory unfolded. Mam had studied him from her sick bed. “The day will come when you’ll be tall and muscular. You’ll become a handsome man. Don’t grow up too soon.” But he’d had no choice.

He reached for the boots he’d worn days ago and found his toes were cramped. Ranal shrugged and went to the room where heaps of robes and lines of boots were stored. He had no desire to wear one of the black robes that were women’s wear. He left the room to comb his hair and braid the dark strands into a single plait.

Ranal strode up the steps to the plateau. Gray clouds roiled like the waves of the sea. After hoisting the sacks, he walked to the edge of the mesa. Before descending. He recalled Mam’s words. “Never take the same way down or up. Don’t make a path anyone can follow. Someday, you will learn why you were born. You must remain safe until that day comes.”

He scanned the slope and planned his descent. With the bags over his 

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Nilos Healwomen #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #romancy #fantasy #swords #sorcery

 

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some great excerpts. Mine is found at https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com and is from Nilos

Blurb:

Return to the world where Midra and Midran rule. The god and goddess have two faces. Midra is Mistrees on the Moon and also Mistress of the Dark. Midran is Lord of light and Lord of shadows. Rons ago, the Three and Three rose, Seer, Warrior, Healer defeated the Lord of Shadows, though remnants of his worshipers remain. As generations pass in the four nomes of the land only a few remain to honor the Mistress. Once again the followers of Midran prevail, leaving trouble to roil beneath the surface. Prophecies abound and many point to change. Will the Three and Three come again?

In Nilos, Healwomen have become only midwives. Their hodara lies in ruins on the bank of the Nilos River in the city of Memphos. Only a few women come for training and remain in the city. Others serve in the highlands and on the desert. The Eldest, she who rules the midwives, sets upon a scheme fo bring the Three to life and to rule the nome.

What will happen when the Eldest sets her plan into action? Will there be just three women or will they find their opposites becoming the fabled Three and Three? Who will rule the changes to come?

   

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2021
An evocative fantasy with hints of The Handmaid's Tale, when females are demoted to a servile role in their society. Ms. Walters spins a compelling story of struggle and empowerment. I must try the other books in this series.
Plus that cover is gorgeous!


EXCERPT:

The Eldest, ruler of the midwives, entered the ruined remains of the hodara. Once the Healwomen, Sworn to Midra, Mistress of the Moons, resided here. People from the nome had come here to seek healing. She reached the banks of the Nilos River. The churning waters of the life-bringer rushed toward the sea. Anger roiled her thoughts. Her hands clenched.

Why had the Healwomen lost their standing in the land? Once they had walked hand in hand with the priests of Midran. Her gut churned with desire, not to stand with the priests but to rule over them.

I am a Healwoman. Those words rang loud in her thoughts. Though the title remained an empty promise, she vowed to find a way. The few women who entered had dwindled. Those who had once dwelled in the House of Healing had been relegated to the status of midwives. Where they once had been considered vital to the land their reputation lay in tatters.

She moved away from the edge of the river and reached a deep depression where chunks of stone had been ripped away and carried to the city. Much of the newer buildings in Memphos had been made from the granite of the hodara. Where she stood had once been the healing pool. The ill and injured had come to bathe in the warm water before entering one of the Halls to be treated by the Senior Healwomen. She should have been one of them.

The change had come long before her birth. As the last of a line of Elders extending back for generations, she was a failure. She had failed to give birth to a daughter. To her disgrace, she had one child, a son. He’d been taken by his father when the boy reached his fifth year. Failure had honed her determination. She had dreams and plans to restore the reputation of the Healwomen. I will succeed.

She stumbled over a protruding stone and nearly fell. Her hand hit a piece of rubble that moved. A bit of parchment showed from beneath the rock. She stooped and carefully moved the piece of granite and grasped the scrap.

After finding a place to sit, she read the words. The Three…Seer, Warrior, Healer…come again…unite with.

Those few words rocketed into her thoughts.  Destined.  She’d always known a way would be found. What else had been written on the torn shard? She wished for more. Her hopes flew like prayers to Midra, Mistress of the moons.

The Eldest planned. She would be the one to find the fabled Three and thus erase her failure. She slid the scrap into the pocket of her divided skirt. Were there more pieces of parchment to guide her?

Though she overturned other stones and rocks in what had once been the scriptorium, she found no other bits. Her excitement remained high. What she’d found was a gift from the Mistress and she would use what she had learned.

Thoughts of triumph raised a broad smile. I will be the one. The Three will come. The Seer, Warrior and Healer called by the Mistress of the Moons will bring change to Nilos. The midwives would regain their proper position in Nilos. Once again, they will be called Healwomen. A new hodara would be built.

She rose and crossed the road to the wall surrounding the house where she lived with the other women considered mere midwives. Moments later, she opened the beaded curtain and entered her office.

Plans to make. Three young women, each to birth a girl, must be found. Her eyes closed as she thought of the women living in this house and the few assigned to the highlands.

Not many young women sought to join the midwives. Most were middle-aged. Of the five who were of a good age to bear a child one had just joined, two had nearly completed their training and two were poor choices. Finding a willing man for them would mean coins they didn’t have.

For the fathers, young men would be best. They must possess good blood lines. Most under consideration were priests of Midran. One of that ilk was her son. Though he was a few years older than the others, his lines were pure. The daughter to come would be of her heritage, making her failure less. Tomorrow she would begin to implement her plan.

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Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Moon Summoned #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Romantasy #romance #fantasy #time travel #magic #swords #evil priests

 

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some excellent excerpts. Mine is found at https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com and is from Moon Summoned

BLURB:

Three Moon Summoned women. Ashiera the Seer who controls the winds and sees into the thoughts of others. Dian the Warrior who controls fire and fights with the sword. Egeria the Healer who controls fluids and heals those who are injured. They are joined in their battle by Sieper a sailor who knows the winds, Kobe once sworn to the Lord of Shadows and Jetan a healer of animals. These three vow to help the three women against those sworn to Evil.

Lugal the Cabal reads the winds and thoughts. Sargon the Gladius controls fire and the armies of the Lord of Shadow. Lugal the Cabal has knowledge of herbs and uses them for evil. These three with their cohorts will face the three and three sworn to the Mistress of the Moons.

Editorial Review: Janet Lane Walters has written a story that will take you to another time and place. She gives vivid descriptions of her characters and their role in this story. Ms. Walters has constructed a civilization so real that you will feel its very existence. A place where men rule women as chattel for their sexual needs, and three evil rulers who drain their bodies of their very essence for spells and to gain power. There is betrayal and treachery inside of plots, as each priest plans to rule alone. Ashiera, Egeria, and Dian are bound to the spirits of the ones who came before them. They discover a truth that will astound them, and have them doubting their chosen path. They will experience a love that is forbidden and discover that two stand together better than one. I could feel the emotional struggle between love and destiny, described so passionately by the author. I hope Ms. Walters plans to continue this story. I could feel that this is just the beginning of this tale. Janet Walters book, Moon Bright, Moon Dark will go on my keeper shelf, beside such authors as Charlotte Boyett-Compo and Nancy Gideon. I give this story Five Hearts and recommend it highly. Enjoy!

Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2014

Walters is a phenomenal world builders. This is not my first fantasy by her and it will not be my last. Three woman, who control the elements are joined on a fantastic journey as the battle the forces of evil.



EXCERPT:

 

Prologue

Eclipse

 

The setting sun brought shadows creeping along the mountain slopes. From the battle lines stretched across the plateau, the smell of blood mingled with the dust. Metal clanged against metal. Shouts, curses and screams filled the air. The moans of the wounded broke the Seer’s concentration on the amber light streaming from the crystal atop her staff. The beam sent a jagged pattern through the growing darkness.

A piercing cry arose. The ruby ray from the Warrior’s sword shot toward the sky. The Healer darted among the fallen and knelt beside the sorely wounded woman. Blue light from the Healer’s wand focused on the Warrior’s wounds. The Healer poured life-sustaining energy through the azure beam.

Gusts of wind drove thick waves of fog from the mountain peaks to obscure the plain and to cover the retreat of the women. A cluster of the servants of the Mistress of the Moons, clad in tunics of amber, red and blue, stumbled after those who bore the Warrior. They carried her between a pair of standing stones into a narrow passage that led to a crater lake and the Place of Choosing.

The Seer stumbled and would have fallen if the Healer hadn’t caught her arm. Together they moved through the fog. The edges of their cloaks brushed the standing stones.

“How much time do we have?” the Healer asked.

The Seer tightened her grip on the staff. “I pray enough to complete the ritual before the eclipse hides the light of the moon.”

The Healer guided the other woman into the narrow passage. “With the coming of the fog, the bright moon and the dark moon have risen. We must succeed or all is lost for the One we serve.”

“Pray our call is answered before the next eclipse and the time of the lunar of the dark moon. For now and to all eternity, the thirteenth moon, the dark moon will rise each year to fill the sky.”

“We must wait thirteen years before this comes to pass. Pray the Mistress of the Moons will hold the Queen of Darkness at bay so the ones we call will have a chance.”

“Unless those who serve the Lord of Shadows call the Queen forth.”

The Healer sucked in a breath. “Never will the ones who serve the shadowed one share the rule.”

The Seer sighed. “Mistress bless. So be it. We will call, the Three will come and all will be as it has been. Unlike those in the other nomes, we can’t allow a drastic change to alter what we’ve built.”

“Agreed,” the Healer said.

They emerged from the passage and walked across the rock-strewn earth to the crater lake. The walls on three sides formed a crescent around the pool.

The Seer marshaled enough strength to walk unassisted. Her hair, darkened by age, flew wildly around her face. The Healer’s hair was as black as a night beneath the dark moon.

The remaining women clustered at the edge of the lake. The Seer and the Healer took the ends of the stretcher on which the Warrior lay. They waded through the cool water to the isle in the center of the lake. Gently they laid their companion on the pale rock. The Healer placed the Warrior’s sword on her chest and crossed the woman’s arms beneath the orb in the hilt.

Those who served the Mistress as seers, warriors and healers held torches aloft.

The ebon globe slid across the surface of the pale golden moon. The Seer passed her hand over the head of her staff. From the depths of the amber crystal, a band of pale yellow light flowed.

“From out of time and out of space, we three, Seer, Warrior, Healer, send our spirits questing for those who will continue the battle against the Lord of Shadows. We call for those who will keep the faith exactly as we have. Mistress of the Moons, pray keep the Queen of Darkness in bonds so you will prevail.”

The Healer raised her wand. The blue crystal on the tip flared and blue light shone. “The time of passing is upon us.” Her voice held neither fear nor anticipation. “Moon bright becomes Moon dark. May this eclipse add strength to our quest.”

The dark orb continued its stately progress across the face of the moon. The Seer held her staff so the light shone across the body of the Warrior. “How fares our sister?”

The Healer pressed a hand against the Warrior’s chest. “Her heart beats, but her body weakens. Can she bring forth the light of her sword?”

“The Mistress will sustain her.”

The Healer gasped. From the ruby crystal embedded in the hilt of the Warrior’s sword, a red ray rose to touch the blue and amber. “Just as our lights unite, we three are one.”

 

Moon Bright, Moon dark,

Mistress of the Moons.

From out of time,

From the depths of space.

Call the Three,

Seer, Warrior, Healer.

Empower them.

From conception comes the thought.

From the thought rises the desire.

From desire springs the seed.

And the fruit becomes the harvest,

Ending shadows, bringing light.

 

The women who had gathered at the edge of the lake added their voices to those of the Three. Once, twice, thrice, they intoned the call. As the dark globe completely covered the moon, they plunged their torches into the water. Clouds of herb-scented smoke obscured the isle. When the sun rose only a staff, a sword and a wand remained.




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