Eclectic writer

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

Buy Mark My Places

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

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.

My Places

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

Buy Mark My Places

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.

My Places

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

Buy Mark My Places

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Keltoi - The second of the second trio #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #romance #paranormal #romantasy

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some great excerpts/ Mine is found at https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com and may or may not complete the series.

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:

Tanan stood in the still room of the Herbalist’s Hall. Today his task had set him checking the shelves of prepared medicinals to find what needed replenished. He yawned. A year ago, he had passed his final test and had been named an herbalist. On that day, he’d been assigned here rather than being sent to visit several villages. “You’re too young to be sent out,” the Chief Herbalist had said. “Another year or two will see you mature.”

A scowl wrinkled his brow. He’d recently learned the real reason. Prime Voice had demanded he remain. Though that man was his father, Tanan had never seen any sign of favoritism from the man.

Tanan continued his survey of the stillroom. He noted on a slate the items he must replace. At the end of the lowest shelf, deep in the shadows, he found six vials he’d never seen before.

A frown appeared when he noticed the vials were made from dark glass meaning the contents must avoid the light. He checked the lists of the contents of the herbarium and found no mention of these vials. He listen one and saw it wasn’t empty. What were the contents? The cork was sealed with wax to keep the liquid contained. With care, he removed the seal and drew a deep breath. His hand shook. He nearly dropped the vial. Once again, he sniffed the contents.

No. How could they have such an evil present? He jammed the cork into the vial’s opening. Spotted Fever. Those six containers held enough material to infest dozens of villages. Tanan carried the vial to the counter and heated a strip of way. He placed the sealing material around the cork. Though he wanted to destroy the disease vials, he couldn’t. That would endanger him and probably find him imprisoned or dead. He carried the container back to the shelf and placed it with the others.

He slumped on a chair. Why had the Chief Herbalist done this. He could think of no one else who would dare. Why? For some reason, Prime Voice wanted a plague to attack the villagers. Why one that killed the young and old.

Anger bubbled closer to the surface. He must not show the higher place Herbalists his true feelings. He rose and walked to the shelves he hadn’t checked. He continued the list of the preparations needed to be made.

Tanan went to the preparation table and gathered the ingredients for the first tincture to be made. The stillroom door opened. Two men wearing dark trousers and shirts. Travel robes ended at their knees. Both carried the packs herbalists used when they traveled.

“Can I help you prepare your supplies?” Tanan asked.

One of the men shook his head. “We can do our own The Chief wants you to present yourself. He is in the refectory. Midday meal is serving now.”

Tanan walked to the door. “Just a warning. Several of the medicinals you’ll need must be prepared. That was on my list of what to do.”

“We can make what we need,” the second man said.

Tanan exited the stillroom. He vowed to check those vials once the men had departed. His stomach clinched. Were his suspicions true?

He strode through a twisted set of halls and paused outside the door to the refectory/ Was he finally going to be sent into Keltoi? His hands fisted and he made a vow. He wouldn’t take of those vials.

Finally his emotions cooled and he pushed open the door and stepped into the room. His hands fisted. A dozen long tables were ready for those wanting to eat. He found place and was able to sit when the Chief Herbalist called is name and gestured for him to approach the single table set on a stage overlooking the ordinary diners. Tanan sucked in a breath of air laden with the scents of stew flavored with garlic and basil.

Tanan walked slowly up the steps. He kept his gaze lowered. At the end of the table, he bowed to the Chief Herbalist and waited for the man to speak.

“Tanan, you have been assigned to several villages.” He slid a paper across the table. These are the lists of what you must carry in your bag. I will check to make sure you have packed all you’ll need. The directions to the four villages are listed. There are also special directions for you to follow.”

“Why am I finally being sent out?” Tanan asked.

“A message came from Prime Voice,” the Chief Herbalist said. “This is a testing of your ability to follow orders. Your loyalty to Prime Voice and Midran.”

Tanan stared at the rolled parchment. “I will do my best.”

“I know you will. Now go and eat. Then go to the stillroom and gather your supplies. I’ll meet you in the stables..”

My Places

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

Buy Mark My Places

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Keltoi - The other three #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Romantasy #paranormal #Warrior, #Healer #Seer

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some great excerpts/ Mine is found at https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com and may or may not complete the series.

BLURB:

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:

Keon sat on a bench in the salle. He held the sword he had forged in the smithy across his knees. He waited for his turn to be tested and be named a swordsman. He held back a groan. Six times in the past six months, he had been tested and each time his blade had failed. The seventh trial would see his dreams fulfilled or not. If his sword snapped again, he would be forced to leave the Citadel. What would he do then?

Tension gripped his body. His neck stiffened and every muscle felt locked. He watched the first bout begin. When this one finished, there were eight before his. He glanced at the others waiting young men. He heard their mutters of encouragement and saw them silently applaud a good move. The others of his group had formed bonds to each other. Head none. The first reason he had been ignored was because Prime voice was his father. The others believed that relationship gave him advantages. How wrong they were. His father had never shown more than cold courtesy to his son.

Keon stared at the stone floor. His thoughts drifted to the days before his fifth birthday. Once he’d had two brothers. The first had been born just minutes after him. The second had been a year younger. They had shared a small house in the forest with an elderly couple as their guardians. They had never seen their mother. Their father’s visits had been inspections and lectures. Prime Voice had studied them with cold ide eyes. There’s had been green and in Prime Voice’s opinion improper.

As he relived those days of companionship sadness flooded his thoughts. There had been three until he and his twin had reached their fifth year. Prime Voice had taken them away leaving the youngest behind. For a brief time during the trip he and his twin had had each other. He’d been taken to the Citadel. He had no idea where his twin had gone.

Shudders shook his body so violently her nearly dropped the sword. The strong pain of that separation rocked him. He couldn’t recall his brothers’ faces. Their names had vanished in the depths of time. Did they still live? Were they facing their own tests?

A stir occurred among those seated in the stands. He turned his head in unison with the other candidates. Four remained beside himself. The bouts must have happened while he’d been lost in the past.

He behallowed lip when he saw the reason for the disturbance. Prime Voice had arrived. The tall, skeletal man dressed in a black silk robe stood at the railing of the center balcony. With a swirl of robe, he sat and grasped the railing. Keon’s stomach lurched. The steady gaze of the ice eyes brought anxiety rocketing.

Four more bouts ended with each of the candidates scoring a touch or a disarmament. Keon rose. Forcing memories of his six defeats aside, he strode to the center of the arena.

Keon’s hands shook and he gulped deep breaths of air. He raised his sword to salute the Swordmaster. Je clasped the hilt n recalled the day he’d forged the blade. The heat of the fire, the pounding of the hammer and the clank of metal on metal. With one finger, he traced the edge remembering the days of work. he’d used seven rasps to sharpen the edge.

With a sudden shock, images of the six failed swords rose. All had fractured during the tests. With each new one he had changed the blend of metals. He prayed this time he had made the proper mixture.

With his sword held high, he strode to the center of the salle floor. The Swordmaster waited. He thrust fear aside and clung to hope. He dare not glance at the balcony where Prime Voice sat. He infused confidence into his stride and thoughts. When he reached the center, he faced the older man/ Th e gesture was returned. The swords touched and a metallic click filled the air.

As the bout began, Keon felt a rush of confidence. He moved with smooth strokes to counter the Swordmaster’s attempts for a touch. His feeling he might win strengthened. Twich he can close to disarming the older man, Keon wanted to laugh. This time was his.

“Don’t think to win.” The voice e heard nearly caused him to stumble. Why had Prime Voice tried to distract him. Let me be. He sent that thought toward his father pouring anger to speed the words. With ease he regains his balance and attacked.

Keon met the Swordmaster’s blade and nearly send the man’s sword flying. The two blades clashed and slithered apart. Then disaster struck. The hilt separated from the blade. Metal clattered on the stone floor.

“No.” His cry filled the salle. His spirits sagged. Once more he had failed. With bowed head, he faced the Swordmaster.

“You cane close,” the older man said. “You know how to forge a blade. That is good. You fight with skill and grace but your chances have ended. I have no idea what Prime Voice will decide.”

My Places

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

Buy Mark My Places

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Keltoi #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #romantasy #paranormal #book 6 of Moon Rising

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some great excerpts/ Mine is found at https://wwweclecticwriter.blogspot.com and may or may not complete the series.

BLURB:

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:

Dianal held the blade to eye level. “Justice, I name you and justice you will bring to the people of Keltoi. One day those who follow the mistress of the Dark Moon will face judgment for all the evils they have done to the people.”

She turned away from the circle of disturbed earth and joined her friends. Shiera’s and Gera’s smiles broke their somber expressions. They hugged her. Laughter filled the night air.

“We are three,” Shiera said.

Dianal nodded. Her friend was right. ‘we are three,” she repeated. “Do either of you know what we are to do now?”

Gera nodded. “We must go to the lake and then we will learn what the Mistress of the Moons has for us to do.”

Dianal frowned. What would their orders be. She turned to Shiera. “You’ve read the scrolls. What do they say?”

Shiera tapped her chin. “Many things. The latest ones I’ve read speak of a time when three will come.”

“We are three,” Gera said. “What must we do?”

“Listen to what Midra says and follow,” Shiera said.

Dianal clasped their hands. “Then to the lake we must go.” She walked toward the tunnel where four times a year, the people of the hodara went to pay homage to Midra, Mistress of the Moon. Sometimes the lake’s mists cleared to reveal an isle where three massive crystals, one red, one blue and one green, stood.

Would going there this night bring a revelation of what they must do? She could only hope. “Shall we?” Her friends nodded. Together they walked the spiral path to the mouth of the tunnel.

Shiera smiled. “I pray Midra, Mistress of the moon will welcome us and take us into her service.”

Gera stepped into the darkness. “There is a strangeness in the atmosphere but also a welcome. Soon we will reach the tunnel’s eye and perhaps learn more.”

Dianal ran a hand along the smooth rock wall as she strode forward. Amazement filled her thoughts at the feat. One hand had carved the tunnel from a single massive boulder. Darkness enfolded her but she felt no fear. Her friends’ presence filled her with hope. They walked where they must.

At the end of the passage, she halted on the first step until her eyes adjusted to light from the full moon over the mountain peaks and shining on the dark waters of the lake. Fog covered the isle allowing no sight of the gems. She and her friends strode down the broad steps past the rows of seats carved from stone. Here people of the hodara gathered to celebrate the seasons.

For an instant the fog cleared. Her breath caught in her throat as her gaze focused on the red crystal flashing on the moon’s rays. She clasped the hilt of her sword and felt the hollow to fit such a stone,

She reached the level grassy area at the edge of the dark water. For a short time, she waited for Gera and Shiera to join her. Together, they approached the edge of the lake and faced a transparent barrier.

What did this mean? Dianal’s heart pounded so hard she feared her ribs would crack. Where did I fail? Maybe I’m not the one but she couldn’t’ believe her friends could err. Why were they denied. She glanced at one and then the other. Their expressions were the same as her confusion.

A voice sounded in the air. “Greetings.”

Dianal gasped and looked around. She saw no one. Gera grasped her hand. Shiera leaned closer.

“The time is not yet. You are Three, Warrior, Healer and Seer. There are three more to come. You must find them and return here for the blessing. You will be empowered on that day, you and your counterparts appear. Seek them diligently. Go now to the hodara. Rest for the remainder of the night, Leave on your quest in the morning.”

Dianal drew a deep breath. She turned from the lake and walked up the steps. The words echoed in her thoughts. Who were the other three and where would they be found?

As she exited the tunnel, she glanced at the sky. During the time spent at the lake, she felt no time had passed. The full moon still rode high. Gera and Shiera clasped her hands.

“What now?” Gera asked.

“We do what we were told,’ Shiera said.

Dianal nodded. “We must speak to the elders in the morning so we can prepare to leave to seek these other three.” Excitement rose but so did fear. She had never left the hodara, Nor had her friends. What would they find when the reached the outer world?

My Places

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

Buy Mark My Places

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Murder and Iced Tea #MFRWHooks #BWLAuthor #Cozy mystery #Robespierre #Main Coon Cat #Halloween Parade

Join the authors at #MFRWHooks here http://mfrwbookhooks.blogspot.com for some intriguing excerpts. Mine is found at eclecticwriter.blogspot.com and is from Murder and Iced Tea, a collection of short stories

Blurb:

When the mayor declares there will be no Halloween parade, a village tradition, Kate and her friends are surprised by the announcement. Sarah, Kate’s neighbor and friend is furious and she vows there will be a Halloween parade. A chance meeting with the mayor on Labor Day, also a no parade day sets Sarah and the mayor at odds. What can be done? There should be a parade, since there hasn’t been one since the start of the COVID epidemic.

Sarah gathers signatures on a petition she presents to the mayor. Mayor Bloom, refuses to acknowledge the gesture. Sarah vows she will find a way to thwart the over-weight man she calls Mayor Lard.

Kate receives a phone call from a friend in Vermont. The town where her friend lives has recently purchased some lamp post decorations that look like those she remembers from the Hudson River village. Are they the same. Kate sets out to learn.

While exploring the basement storage room at the town hall, Kate discovers the decorations for all the holidays are gone. She also discovers the body of the mayor. He has been hit over the head and also stabbed. Kate wonders who was so furious. Suspicion falls on her friend, Sarah. Kate sets out to find the killer and prays it’s not her friend.

EXCERPT:

Mayor Bloom straightened in his seat. “Greetings, Ladies. What a beautiful day for a ride around our marvelous town.” He smiled. “I’ve heard you’re planning a neighborhood feast to celebrate the end of COVID.”

Was he aiming for the invitation I knew wouldn’t be offered? Since his election as mayor, Sarah has turned cool.

Nothing special,” Sarah said. “Just a few neighbors.”

His smile brightened. Did he intend to claim a spot? He and his third wife lived three miles from here. He wasn’t part of the neighborhood.

Sarah stepped closer to the car. “Why are you riding around in an irreplaceable antique car?”

For a moment there was silence. I edged away.

The mayor leaned forward. “We’re honoring Labor Day.”

Sarah placed a hand on the car. “A parade would have been a better way to honor the day. Crowds would have brought customers to town and helped the merchants and the restaurants.”

“Assembling a crowd isn’t good. Too soon. Maybe next year.”

Sarah stiffened. “You won’t have a say if you’re not re-elected. A thought. What happens to the money allocated for parades when the money isn’t used?”

“Saved to build a surplus for something important.”

“Like what?” Sarah’s hands fisted.

“I haven’t decided.” She scowled. “I’ve heard a rumor that troubles me.” What had she heard and when? I couldn’t recall hearing any new rumors pointing to trouble. I waited for an answer. Sarah straightened her shoulders. Her expression changed to one of determination. A chill rolled down my spine. Was she inventing the rumor?

Mayor Bloom laughed. The sound emerged thin and strangled. “There are always rumors.”

Sarah’s hands tightened into fists. “I heard you’re cancelling the Halloween parade.”

His lips formed a tight line. “There’s no reason to have one. Three years have passed since the last one. No one is pushing to restore the event. I informed the committee there is no reason for a parade.”

“You’re wrong.” Sarah leaned forward and raised a fist. “Kate, how do you feel about there being no parade this year?”

Before I had a chance to answer, the mayor spoke. “There’s no reason to have one. No one has pushed for a Halloween parade. The town council agrees with me. There’s no need.”

I grasped her arm to stop the attack. “I feel sad to see a tradition ended. I understand why there’s been no parade for several years. To prevent the spread of COVID crowds were to be avoided.”

Harold Bloom nodded. “How true. We don’t need to spread the disease among the fine people of our town.” Sarah’s face reddened. “You’re breaking a tradition for no good reason.”

“I am not.” The redness of the mayor’s face matched hers. “COVID achieved that goal. We will have a new tradition.” He leaned forward and touched his friend’s shoulder. “Time to move on. We’ve wasted enough time here.”

Was he angry about no invitation to our dinner? With a jerk, the ancient car moved. The mayor grasped the seat to keep from being propelled. “Be careful,” he cried.

I watched the car chug away. What had the meeting accomplished? Nothing that I could see. “Good riddance,” Sarah said.

My Places

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

Buy Mark My Places