Cyndi Friberg's Blog, page 23

Excerpt of Dragon

Tears of the Dragon is officially coming soon!

What that means for you is a sneak peek at the novel!

An Excerpt From: TEARS OF THE DRAGON

Copyright © CYNDI FRIBERG, 2010

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

He emerged from the darkness like a specter, moonlight glistening off his chain mail and the massive black horse beneath him. His hand rested upon the hilt of the lethal-looking sword strapped to his side. The gesture should not have been so intimidating, given the distance separating them, but Lady Rowena of Pendragon trembled all the same.

"If you persist in this foolishness, I will lay siege to your castle," the dark knight called out in strong, articulate Norman French.

Rowena squared her shoulders and pressed her hands against the stone ledge of the battlement. She had been summoned to the forward tower some moments before by the frantic urging of one of her castle guards. One would think Satan himself had appeared at her drawbridge, not this one knight with a handful of men.

"Pendragon Castle has never succumbed to a siege, and many have tried. You don't frighten me!"

"I don't want your fear, my lady. I want your cooperation. Storming your defenses will give me no pleasure, but I've orders from—"

"I understand your orders," she interrupted. "It's your misfortune that your needs are incompatible with mine. I cannot leave Pendragon Castle at this time."

"Milady."

Rowena glared impatiently at Farrell, her steward. He stood behind her, his expression a potent mixture of anxiety and fear. She couldn't fathom what had him so distraught, but she stopped his interruption with an upraised hand.

"Lower the drawbridge, so we can discuss this like civilized people," the dark knight tried again.

"There is nothing to discuss. You've requested that I accompany you on some fool's errand, and I've refused. That is the end of it."

"Milady," Farrell repeated more urgently. "You should—"

"I should what? Allow myself to be duped by one of Edwin's tricks?"

"Lady Rowena!" The stranger's bellow demanded her attention. "The night is chill, and I am weary of your stubbornness. Lower the bridge!"

"If I allow you in, you will only have to leave come first light. I am not going anywhere with you." Though shaken inside, she did her best to sound assertive. Edwin had tried all manner of intimidation over the past few weeks, but this felt different somehow.

"You will accompany me regardless of your preference. If I must, I shall complete my mission with you bound and gagged over the back of my horse. Now open or pay the price!"

Rowena didn't respond well to ultimatums. "Seek shelter in the village and be off my land by Prime!"

For more information about the book, or to read the entire excerpt, click HERE.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This one doesn't sparkle, but at least you can see his face.