R.A. Evans's Blog, page 3

Video Review: Two Moms Discuss Asylum Lake

Reviews are awesome – even bad ones. Any time a reader feels strongly enough about what I’ve written to leave a review I count myself lucky. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the vast majority of critical and reader reviews of my thriller Asylum Lake be of the positive variety. Some, however, have been less than impressed with my debut. Of the 83 posted reviews of Asylum Lake on Amazon there are a handful of 1 and 2-star  reviews – and each one has crushed me in one way or another.

I’ve often wondered if readers mention my book in casual conversation with friends and family. Personally, I love discovering books and turning my friends onto them. It’s like a secret cool-kid club. The only thing missing are those sweet Members Only jackets from the 1980′s. 

Imagine my glee when I saw this Video Blog (VLOG) hosted by author Ciara Knight where she and her friend Julie discuss Asylum Lake. Two attractive women talking about my book – I know it’s like Christmas in June here! It’s one thing to read a review and something altogether different to eavesdrop on a conversation.

As cliche as it sounds, I owe all of my success to the readers who have braved the chilling waters of Asylum Lake. I truly hope you have found as much enjoyment in reading the tale as I have had in writing it.

Cheers from Bedlam Falls!

Asylum Lake is FREE on KINDLE!

Asylum Lake

I talk a lot about prostituting myself to sell books, and if that’s the case then my pimp is gonna be pissed because today I’m giving it away for FREE! You have until 11:59 pm PST to download the indie smash Asylum Lake for free on Kindle. Don’t own a Kindle? No problem, simply download the app to read great books like Asylum Lake on your smartphone, PC, or laptop. Heck – you can even read Kindle titles on your iPad!

CLICK HERE to download your FREE copy of Asylum Lake and I’ll even throw in a week’s worth of nightmnares at no additional cost!

You might be a serial killer if…

I’ve seen the look a million times now and I know exactly what it means.  It starts with a widening of the eyes and a sharp intake of breath and is usually followed by at least one step back. It’s the “you might be a serial killer” look and I get it a lot.

No, not because I actually look like a serial killer (at least that’s not the look I am going for).  It’s the look I get from fans who have read Asylum Lake and are having a difficult time connecting my quiet and calm demeanor with the bloodthirsty carnage and creepiness I write about. Sure, I have written about using hedge-clippers to take off the hands and feet of small children, but that doesn’t mean I actually have a collection of their little fingers and toes in my basement freezer (note to self – buy a new larger basement freezer).

I firmly believe that my writing about all things bloody actually makes me less prone to be a serial killer; I kinda get it out of my system in a very healthy and non-violent way. Besides, it all seems like so much work. Between the act of actually doing the deed and then everything that is involved with the cleanup afterward, I would much rather sit behind this keyboard and let my imagination do the heavy lifting.

So here are my top three clues to look for to determine if you or someone you know might be a serial killer:

If you drive a white van – you might be a serial killer.  Seriously, am I the only one who believes every white van on the road is either driving to or from a crime scene?
If you’ve ever been inside the crawl space of your home – you might be a serial killer. Can anybody tell me what these are used for – aside from burying bodies?
If your neighbors think you are just a quiet guy who keeps to himself – you might be a serial killer. I defy you to find me even one TV interview where a neighbor says after the police roll up, “Yeah, I suspected that dude was making lampshades out of human skin and keeping severed heads in his fridge.”

How about you? Got anything to add to this list?

Belinda Frisch, author of the zombie novel CURE, answers 7 Deadly Questions

1. In your latest novel CURE you’ve crafted an intriguing tale that could easily have been ripped from a news headline – Medical Research triggers the Zombie Apocalypse. Was it your background in the medical field or your fondness for the undead that planted the seed of inspiration?

My profound interest in medicine started this story. I’ve always been curious about reproductive medicine and genetics. I’ve worked in the medical field for fifteen years prior to becoming a full-time writer, 9 of which were spent in a hospital. Readers have told me that the setting feels very authentic and I think that is why. Zombies are the perfect canvas for a life or death outbreak tale.

2. Even in the face of a monstrosity, it is often the human horror that provides the greatest deal of true terror. Talk to me about Dr. Howard Nixon and his staff. Did the possible “ends” in their efforts ever justify the “means” in your mind?

 All of what I wrote is based on some sort of experimental medicine, tailored and fictionalized to work with zombies. In Cure, the staff is motivated by fear to go along with Dr. Nixon and I hold them blameless because it’s self-preservation forcing their hands. The Nixon Center is like a fly trap. Once you’re lured in, you’re not coming back out.

Using the zombie virus to cure cancer is a huge stretch, but impregnating captive women with hybrid infants is where the story really takes a questionable left turn. Dabbling in infants and taking away a woman’s rights to her own body are the worst kinds of intrusions, from my perspective. Even if the research could end the zombie apocalypse and simultaneously cure cancer, I’m still not sure the extreme suffering “justifies” the experiment. That’s an incredibly personal call. I think some would argue.

 

3. As a man, childbirth scares the hell out of me. I’ve been in the delivery room with camera in-hand during the births of my own children and barely made it out in one piece. I still bear the scars from what I witnessed. For me, the “birth” elements of CURE were completely disturbing – in the best possible way! As an author, is there a “line in the sand” that you will not cross?

No, there isn’t. Part of being a writer is telling the story asking to be told. I’m not one to shy away from the gruesome which is why the horror genre fits me so nicely. It’s also why I enjoy being an independent author. I work with a very talented editor and while he directs me in a general sense, he doesn’t ever try to stifle me.

4. You’re an Indie Author and wear the label proudly. Talk to me about your personal journey to publication and where you see the future taking you and the industry?

I’m not entirely certain. I didn’t submit Cure to any agents or publishers. I wrote it with the expectation of independently publishing the series.

Like most authors, I’m looking to cast the widest net. I believe that the most successful authors publish both independently and traditionally. I want to wait until after I’m certain I’ve done all I can do on my own before considering working for somebody else. As you well know, there are pros and cons to both sides. For now, indie suits me best. 

 

5. How would your undead stack up against some of the heavyweights in the genre? Are they more Walking Dead or more 28 Days Later with their flesh-eating skills?

Hmmm…my zombies are probably more the Walking Dead variety. The 28 Days crew was pretty intense. I write my stories for the human side and want them to stand a fighting chance. Obviously, not all of them win.

 

6. I understand you’ve started working on the next title in your Strandville Zombie series – Afterbirth. Is it difficult to block out the feedback for CURE while working on the follow-up?

I suspect this question stems from the Asylum Lake/Grave Undertakings phenom, but I’m not having any trouble separating Cure from Afterbirth. Cure is only two weeks new and having garnered six 5-star reviews, I don’t take the praise as pressure. There’s no hype to live up to, no fear of failing, because this series comes as naturally to me as breathing. Afterbirth, though only 4,000 words at this point, is writing itself much the way Cure did. These characters are my friends and my enemies and I enjoy every day I spend with them.

 

7. Where can readers and fans go to learn more about CURE, your sick mind, and your other books and stories?

You can find me blogging about writing and reading on my blog at : http://belindaf.blogspot.com/. My Facebook fan page is the best place to stay current with giveaways, reviews, and upcoming projects: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Belinda-Frisch/141198302620359. I Tweet, randomly, about my books and others’ at @B_Frisch. I have a G+ page, https://plus.google.com/u/0/101312429933459804632/posts which I don’t use nearly as much as I should and my Amazon author page lists all my available books on Amazon:  amazon.com/author/belindafrisch

In addition to Kindle, Dead Spell and Cure are both available on Nook and in print. Crisis Hospital is an Amazon-only e-book.

Thanks, Rich, for the 7 Deadly Questions!

 

About Belinda:

Belinda Frisch’s fiction has appeared in Shroud Magazine, Dabblestone Horror, and Tales of Zombie War. She is an honorable mention winner in the Writer’s Digest 76th Annual Writing Competition and the author of the horror novel, DEAD SPELL, the short story compilation, CRISIS HOSPITAL, TALES FROM THE WORLD, THE WARD, AND THE BEDSIDE and CURE, the first in the Strandville Zombie Series.

Belinda Frisch’s CURE is dark, disturbing, and deliciously addictive.

Welcome to Strandville, a little slice of small-town heaven with a helluva secret – something sinister is afoot within the sterile confines of the Nixon Healing and Research Center and people are starting to take note. When cancer research unleashes the unspeakable, the very CURE for the pending-apocalypse may just be more deadly than the virus itself.

Belinda Frisch’s latest tale is equal parts medical thriller mixed with classic horror where the danger posed by the undead pales in comparison to the hideous nature of Dr. Howard Nixon and his equally lethal medical team. Frisch’s characters are deeply developed and her writing propels the story toward a completely satisfying conclusion. From the characters you love to hate to those you hate to lose, the lines in this battle for salvation, and humanity itself, are finely drawn.

CURE is dark, disturbing, and deliciously addictive. I couldn’t put it down!

CLICK HERE to purchase CURE on Kindle for only $3.99!

Belinda’s Frisch’s CURE is dark, disturbing, and deliciously addictive.

Welcome to Strandville, a little slice of small-town heaven with a helluva secret – something sinister is afoot within the sterile confines of the Nixon Healing and Research Center and people are starting to take note. When cancer research unleashes the unspeakable, the very CURE for the pending-apocalypse may just be more deadly than the virus itself.

Belinda Frisch’s latest tale is equal parts medical thriller mixed with classic horror where the danger posed by the undead pales in comparison to the hideous nature of Dr. Howard Nixon and his equally lethal medical team. Frisch’s characters are deeply developed and her writing propels the story toward a completely satisfying conclusion. From the characters you love to hate to those you hate to lose, the lines in this battle for salvation, and humanity itself, are finely drawn.

CURE is dark, disturbing, and deliciously addictive. I couldn’t put it down!

Dive deeper into the mind of horror author Belinda Frisch tomorrow, June 19th, as she sits down for 7 Deadly Questions!

Whisperings Hint of Big Things on the Bedlam Falls Horizon

With less than a week to go before the announced drop date for my novel Grave Undertakings – the chilling sequel to Asylum Lake – you would think that the PR machine would be in high gear.  Yet as the release day approaches all has been silent on this front.  Some might consider that an odd promotional tactic and I can’t say that I disagree.

You see, certain plans/opportuntiies have been in the works for the last several weeks and it was only this last week that final details had been arranged for me to take the proverbial next step in my writing career.  It’s much too early for specifics with all-together too many details still to work through, but I do feel a certain obligation to share one piece of news with you – Grave Undertakings will not be released on May 22, 2012.

In fact, in the very near future Asylum Lake will also disappear from bookshelves and the Kindle store.  This blog, my author page on facebook, and perhaps even my twitter account may go dark for a bit, too. I’m taking a huge leap into uncharted waters. Some may claim I am selling my soul to the devil – and they might just be right.  I, for one, am willing to give the devil his due and see just wear his slick black cadillac can take me.

I fully understand that the vagueness of this announcement may simply turn off readers and followers and for that I sincerely apologize.  If you had pre-ordered a print copy of Grave Undertakings all charges will be refunded.  Although I cannot give you the when or where of what happens next, I can tell you this — the story of the Lake View Asylum will be told in full – in excutiatingly painful details and with surprisingly consequences.  I only ask for your patience and understanding as I move forward with my own grave undertakings to ensure that my dark stories will continue to be read by an even wider audience.

I you want to vent your frustration, pass along notes of congratulations, or simply reach out with noreal reason – please direct all correspondence to my email raevanswrites (@) live (dot) com.

Cheers from Bedlam Falls!

R. A. Evans

 

 

News Headlines Often Provide Inspiration for Horror

It’s the second most frequently asked question fans and readers pose at events and signings – “Where do you get your ideas from?”  I am sure the question is posed to nearly all authors – regardless of their chosen genre. With horror, however, the inquiry always seems to be laced with a healthy dose of fear – which is good – because fear is the fuel which powers my gray-matter engine. Everything I write boils down to me trying my very best to elicit fear in my readers – the humor and warm & fuzzy scenes I sprinkle into my stories are merely icing on the proverbial “nightmare cake”.

So where do I get my ideas? The answer might just surprise you.  Asylum Lake/Grave Undertakings started as a journal entry about struggling with the death of my father and the memories I would sometimes encounter when I travelled home to the small town where I grew up. Of course, there was no abandoned psychiatric hospital in my neighborhood or haunted board games to deal with. The inspiration for the story and the dark turns I take that inspiration are two very different things.

For FLIGHT, the project to follow the release of Grave Undertakings, inspiration came from a TIME Magazine article about the military’s use of passenger aircraft to transport the bodies of soldiers killed in action during the Gulf War.  The practice was eventually discontinued, but I oculdn’t get the visual out of my head of those flag-draped boxes next to the luggage in  the cargo holds of planes.  I merely, added a diabolical pharmaceutical company doing military rsearch and a spreading zombie apocalypse – just small elements which  make the actual story much more interesting (insert evil laugh here).

The lesson I’ve learned is that inspiration is a real bitch and that you sometimes have to take what the world gives you and turn it to your own dark devices.  You can imagine my glee when this headline from the BBC scrolled across my computer - SOUTH KOREA TO TARGET POWDERED HUMAN FLESH CAPSULES.

Will I do anything with this story? The jury is still out. I’ve been wrestling with a vampire story inspired by an article from Newsweek. You see, apparently scientists are on the verge of identifying the gene responsible for causing mosquitos to crave blood. Once modified, these malaria-carrying insects could be erradicated or at least controlled to no longer spread dangerous diseases.  In more capable hands this story would practically write itself.

So what will I do with these powdered human flesh capsules? As much as i would like to turn my imagination loose on developing the horrific who, what, where, and why – I just don’t have the time.  For now, I’ll just allow myself to quietly wonder what a powdered human flesh capsule tastes like and whether it is a  better strategy to  swallow them whole or to bite through and enjoy every last grainy morsel? 

Cheers from Bedlam Falls!

R. A. Evans

A Brush with Greatness: Killing time in Line at the Bank

I had to run a few errands on my lunch hour yesterday – pick up a prescription and deposit a royalty check at the bank.  Of course, when I arrived at the pharmacy my prescription wasn’t ready. I insist on using my corner pharmacy in an effort to “buy local” but when my son has an ear infection I kinda need to get the antibiotics relatively quick. You can imagine my mood when I pulled into the bank and saw five cars ahead of me in line for the ATM.  The world, it had seemed, was conspiring against me.

I opted for a quick run into the bank in hopes that most of the with banking needs were just as lazy as I usually try to be and were exercising their right be lazy by  not walking the thirty feet from the parking lot to the lobby. Sadly, the line was long inside, too. 

I took my place in line and quickly morphed into full people watching mode. I love to people watch, In fact, it has to be one of my favorite past times.  That’s when I noticed the woman standing in front of me in line – she was reading her Kindle. After a few failed attempts to peek over her shoulder I was finally able to decipher what she was reading – ASYLUM LAKE.

I could tell she was far enough in to have made some sort of commitment to the book – somewhere in Chapter 9 if my memory serves. Brady had already had several encounters with the Scrabble Board and young Lionel was beyond his visit with the Reed family. If this woman were going to bail on the story she probably would have done so by now.

The line dragged along slowly as I watched this woman page along on her Kindle.  The internal debate was raging – do I introduce myself? Do Iask her if she is enjoying the story? I could feel my anxiety level rising as I wondered what to do.  Would an introduction be a cool and memorable moment or might it just come across as desperate and strange?

The pace must have picked up as I stood there debating my options. Without warning the woman was called to the counter and was soon out the door. Later, as I drove back to the office, I thought about her missed oppportunity to meet the author of such a fine tale (insert sarcasm). That’s when it hit me – the missed opportunity wasn’t hers. I had missed the opportunity to thank a reader for investing their time – and $2.99 unless she downloaded it on a free day – into my debut thriller.

You see, at the end of the day the fact that I published a book really isn’t any great feat. Trust me, anyone with a computer can upload an ebook to Amazon and call themself an author. It’s having readers that allow me to be a SUCCESSFUL author – and even that is subjective. I shouldn’t feel as though I am making a reader’s day by introducing myself, I need to focus on the fact that they have made my day by choosing one of my titles to spend their time with.

Whoiever you were, mysterious woman in line at the bank, just know that I think you’re great!

And that, my friends, was my brush with greatness.

Author Ciara Knight sits down with Tardon from her acclaimed fantasy novel THE CURSE OF GREMDON

In the words of the immortal Forrest Gump, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.” Well, the same can be true when speaking of books. Although I write horror, when it comes to reading I’m a sucker for a good story – no matter the genre – and THE CURSE OF GREMDON definitely fits that bill.

I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Ciara Knight and am thrilled to have a completely unique and surreal character interview and excerpt from her novel here for your reading pleasure.  Fantasy is a tough genre to write and she does it with a skill that makes me more than a little jealous. She may appear sweet and innocent but something tells me that she could make writing the grocery list entertaining.

Without further delay, I bid you enter the mind of CIARA KNIGHT and her fantasy novel THE CURSE OF GREMDON.

Tardon opens the massive wood door and summons me inside. “Sit”

I pause and scan from his calves to his broad shoulders. I know I wrote the man, but geesh, he’s even more intimidating than I thought he’d be in person. His arms are as big as both of my thighs put together, and I was a dancer. I force a warm smile, but he only returns a grunt and a nod before motioning me to sit at a table inside his family chamber.

Kendar, Tardon’s servant, enters with a tray filled with some fruit and cheese.

I sit and retrieve my pencil and paper from my backpack. Tardon eyes my writing utensil, but I don’t give him a chance to investigate. Good thing I didn’t try to bring my lap top that would have really freaked him out.

“We must begin. I am uncertain how you traveled here, but it will be too dangerous to leave once night falls upon the castle walls.” Tardon takes a swig from his cup.

With a broad smile, Kendar hands a wooden cup to me and backs away. I sip the pale purple beverage and nearly choke, but I manage to clear my throat and continue despite the bitter residue remaining on my tongue. “Tell us a little about your childhood. Did you always live locked in a castle?”

“No, my family worked the land. We lived free beyond the walls.”

Short and clipped. Yep, he’s a man of few words but lots of action. “When did you move into the castle? Tell us a little about that night.”

Tardon gripped the cup in his right hand and snarled. “Elder’s sent Enforcers to move us into the castle. Stated the curse was taking over the land. They warned the amulets would no longer protect us and that we needed to abandon our homes. My father refused at first, but the Enforcer grabbed me and informed my father that the Elder’s decreed that any family refusing to leave would sacrifice their eldest son to the evil creatures that approached.”

Kendar shuffled forward and poured more drink into Tardon’s cup before retreating back to the shadows.

“That’s harsh. Okay, so you move into the castle. How was that?”

Tardon shrugged. “The Elders were kind and protected us from the Curse. My parents were given a family chamber where my grandfather, my parents, and I lived.”

“How did you go from young boy in the castle to Elite Warrior?” I bite into a piece of fruit in an attempt to extinguish the lingering flavor from the beverage.

“When my parents were Cursed, I was left to live with my Grandfather who took to his bed. At that point, providing food, shelter and care for my grandfather became my burden. That is when I began training as a warrior.”

“Who is the best warrior in the Castle?”

Tardon sits straight and pulls his shoulders back. “I am the top ranking Elite Warrior in the castle.

Yeah, I should’ve known he’d say that. Dumb question. “Okay, who is the next best warrior?”

“There are several warriors that train hard and will have a chance at Elite Warrior status in only a few moons.”

“Have you ever lost a fight?”

Tardon stiffens and juts out his chin. “Only once, but I was…distracted.”

Kendar snickers but Tardon snarls at him, and waves a hand to summon Kendar to cut some bread at the end of the table.

“I’m sure he was a formidable opponent. I mean, you are one huge man.” I struggle to keep eye contact, but can’t help but steal a glimpse of his bulging biceps.

“The warrior was Arianna. As I said, she distracted me. It will not happen again.”

I stifle a chuckle myself. “Is Arianna an Elite Warrior?”

“No. She has been promised the opportunity to test, but I do not believe that the Elders will allow a woman to earn the title of Elite Warrior.”

“Will you have to fight her if they do?”

Tardon’s eyes grow distant and he scrubs his chin. “No, most Elite Warrior matches are between two warriors that wish to earn their status. If I did have to fight her, she would not stand a chance.” His voice dropped to even a deeper octave, lacing his words with sadness.

“I see.”

Kendar winks at me and smiles.

The door swings open and a grizzly of a man dressed in black shrouds the torchlight from the hall. There is more to that story, but I’m out of time. The narrowed gaze from the freak of nature Enforcer will not allow another minute.

Since our interview is being cut short, how about a sneak peak at what happens in The Curse of Gremdon.

Exceprt from THE CURSE OF GREMDON

They exited the tunnels and, even with the overcast skies, he still shielded his eyes from the sun, the brightness a stark contrast to the darkness of the dungeon.

Voices echoed down the cobblestone path that led to center court. When he reached the opening, all the inhabitants of the kingdom’s eyes were on him.

Many chanted his name. A dirty-faced woman tried to touch him.

Shouts erupted.

“Burn the woman!”

“She’s a witch!”

Hatred spread faster than death fever through the crowd. How quickly the people betrayed a woman who had protected their families from evil beyond the walls.

Shouts continued from the nameless, faceless crowd. Guards guided Tardon through the mass of people and he stepped onto the center block where most sentences were carried out. He opened his mouth and the crowd fell silent in respect. As he stood there, needing to speak, burning to speak, no words flowed.

The inhabitants of the castle looked at him, waiting for his declaration of Arianna’s magical seduction. Arianna needs you. With a cough, he cleared his throat and raised his chin. “I speak to you today to clarify events, to answer the charges against myself and my fellow warrior, Arianna.”

“Send her to the fires!”

“She must burn!”

Tardon raised his bound hands to quiet the crowd, and he noticed fellow warriors lining the back wall. They stood with hard, blank stares as well-trained warriors should. His biceps strained as he pulled at the chains between his wrists. “I pray you, listen to my words. Arianna is a warrior and possesses no skills as a witch.”

“He lies,” a man’s voice carried from deep within the crowd.

“She still has him under her spell,” a woman shrieked.

“No! It was not Arianna who betrayed the Elders’ laws, but me.”

A hushed mumbling overtook the peasants, shopkeepers, and warriors. The ones Tardon had protected now stood in judgment over him.

“I…I confess to forcing myself on the innocent warrior Arianna.” Tardon choked on her name. The chains rattled but he steadied his shaking hands despite his longing to end this farce. Never had he witnessed so many faces contort in disgust at him. He’d been a person that others desired and idolized. Now he stood as a traitor to his people and a monstrous enemy to women.

“Burn him!”

Tardon sucked a welcome breath into his stale lungs. It worked. They believed him, Arianna would be spared.

“Burn them both!”

“Yes, burn them both! Neither is innocent.”

“Bring the woman out!” one voice rang loud. Then the words spread like fleas on a donkey, and the crowd chanted, “Burn them both! Burn them both!”

His gut twisted with grief. “No! I am to blame. Why do you not listen?” The chains clanked as he pushed toward the crowd.

Arianna appeared at the edge of the court in torn and dirty clothes, but at least they’d clothed her decently in a peasant dress. The Enforcer that had discovered them grabbed her now short hair and dragged her to the front. Tardon spotted raw, red swelling on her cheek and temple. Someone had struck her.

A desire to kill whoever had hurt her burned to the surface of his skin. Cracks sounded as he strained against the iron shackles. The guard next to him stepped back to summon reinforcements.

“Burn ’em both! Burn the warriors! They take our food and live like Gods while we starve!”

“More food fer us,” a tangle-haired woman called from below.

Tardon’s shoulder burned as he continued to fight against the shackles. “Warriors, take notice. These are the people we die protecting.”

Warriors stepped forward in defense against flying insults, but the Elders stood on the tower, motioning the fighters to remain at their positions. Tardon observed the other warriors’ disgust, but all he cared about was Arianna being pushed and shoved like a disobedient servant.

Arianna smiled at him as she stumbled up the wooden steps. No time for remorse at defying the Elders’ laws, the people called for blood, and they would both burn in the fires now.

Tardon shuffled to Arianna, knocking a guard out of the way.

Arianna lifted her bound wrists over him and let the chains fall down his back. “If we are to burn, let us give them a reason.” Her eyebrows rose, and a soft smile curved her lips before she opened them and pressed herself against him, her sweet mouth opening against his.

Screams of shock rang out from below, but Tardon ceased to worry about being branded a traitor and gave in to his passion, hoping it would follow him to the next life. The world spun and the screams diminished into a distant lull, while the sweet, berry taste of Arianna urged the passion inside him. Every hair on his body stood to attention. His hands roamed down her hips and squeezed them close to his. Their heartbeat became one pounding rhythm, echoing through their souls.

Hands wrapped around his bicep and throat to rip him away. Her chains pulled hair from his scalp as they raked across his head.

“Burn ’em, burn ’em now!” The chanting shattered his dream state as they were dragged from the town square to the inner fires.

He fought as they maneuvered the tiny cobblestone walkways, leaving a line of disabled guards in his wake. Warriors were ordered by the Elders to subdue him.

The group rounded the corner, bringing the wooden post of the Fire Pit into view. At least Arianna and I will die together. Warriors, his former friends, bound him to the wood.

“May the Elders forgive you in the next life.” The mumble came from his comrades while they removed his chains and tied his wrists together behind him.

Arianna’s soft hand found his and they interlaced their fingers.

An Apprentice shouted from the tower, “May this be a lesson to all who defy the Elders.”

Tardon’s pulse thudded and he squeezed his sweaty palm against Arianna’s. Fear threatened to take hold as he imagined Arianna suffering. Desperate, he addressed the crowd one last time. “She is innocent. Her blood will be on your hands if you do this.”

A guard approached with torch in hand and held it in the air, waiting for the Apprentice to give the order. Heat radiated from the orange flames dancing at the end of the stick.

Tardon held his breath, hoping the Elders would spare Arianna, but the Apprentice’s arm lowered and the guard stepped up to light the fire.

Smoke attacked Tardon’s lungs. Unable to shout his protests any longer, he tried to turn his head to see Arianna behind him. Even over the smoldering debris, he detected her unique scent. “I am sorry I brought this upon you. Die knowing this was not of your doing.” His lungs seized with a cough as the debris below the wood smoked, and his head dropped to his chest. “I failed you.”

The orange and yellow glow spread and crept out from below the wood. Arianna moaned from behind, and he stomped his feet rapidly to find relief from the burning.

His mind reeled, searching for a way to save her. As the flames grew and danced against the wood, he realized he was unable to save the most important person in his life.

Today, they would both die.

 

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About Ciara Knight

Ciara Knight writes to ‘Defy the Dark’ with her fantasy and paranormal books.  Her debut novel, The Curse of Gremdon, was released to acclaimed reviews, securing a Night Owl Top Pick and five stars from the Paranormal Romance Guild. Also, her young adult series, Battle for Souls will be released this year.