Helen Garraway's Blog, page 31

Writing Challenge #12DaysOfTurvy Day Twelve: Wildcard-Evening Service

The characters are from Sentinals Banished, the 5th book in the Sentinal series- though these events are all made up for the #12DaysOfTurvywriting challenge and are out of sequence and do not exist in the book.

Chatacters:

Leyarille is Jerrol and Taelia’s daughter, born at the beginning of Book 4, Sentinals Across time. She is now 17, as is Jared, Alyssa and Jennery’s second son.

Marianille and Birlerion are Sentinals, and step-brother/Step-sister.

Niallerion is a sentinal and Marianille’s husband.

Dec. 12: Wildcard: Evening Service

“That was never a Darian,” Birlerion said as they walked through the temple gardens.

“You got it though,” Leyarille replied with a laugh as she snuggled in the warm shawl Jared had given her.

“I’m a good guesser.”

“You were just throwing words out there,” Marianille called from behind them.

“That’s because her miming was so bad!”

“Well, how would you have mimed a Darian?” Leyarille asked.

“Not by prancing about on my toes!”

They all laughed and slowed as they reached the temple entrance. Waiting their turn, Leyarille shivered as other people entered. Birlerion wrapped an arm around her shoulders and she snuggled into his side. “It won’t be long,” he reassured her. “We used to live to the north of the city, it used to be quite a walk through the streets, but good for working off the dinner.”

“Ma used to think she was feeding the whole town,” Marianille agreed.

Birlerion chuckled under his breath and stepped into the temple. He smiled at the frisson of welcome that rippled through the air and led the way to a row of empty seats. They all sat, loosening their cloaks as they stared around at the candle lit interior. Alcoves were festooned in greenery and berries, candles cast a warm golden glow over everything and the white marble glistened. The statue of the goddess Lady Leyandrii watched over them all, her arms full of flowers and fragrant evergreens.

“It’s so beautiful,” Leyarille whispered.

Birlerion inhaled the fresh green scent of the evergreens and spice, a hint of roses mingling with aroma, and he smiled at Leyarille. Her silver eyes sparkled with happiness and he relaxed as the service began and music filled the vaulted ceilings.

***

“Lady’s blessings on you,” the Father said, as they filed out of the temple after the service.

Everyone was silent on the walk home, lost in the music and the atmosphere of love and belonging.

“An exquisite end to a beautiful day. May the New Year be just as wonderful,” Marianille said as they arrived home. “Welcome to our home and the New Year,” she said as she flung open her arms and embraced each one of them as she welcomed them over the threshold of her home. The air was soon filled with cinnamon and fruit as Niallerion heated up the mulled wine they had left ready for their return.

They all raised steaming glasses. “Happy New Year!”

Writing Challenge #12DaysOfTurvy Day Eleven: Games

The characters are from Sentinals Banished, the 5th book in the Sentinal series- though these events are all made up for the #12DaysOfTurvywriting challenge and are out of sequence and do not exist in the book.

Characters:

Leyarille is Jerrol and Taelia’s daughter, born at the beginning of Book 4, Sentinals Across time. She is now 17, as is Jared, Alyssa and Jennery’s second son.

Marianille and Birlerion are Sentinals, and step-brother/Step-sister.

Niallerion is a sentinal and Marianille’s husband.

Dec. 11: Games

Marianille glanced around the room and laughed at the sprawled figures dozing in the mismatched chairs they had borrowed to have enough for everyone.

“This is no good! You can’t sleep the day away.”

“I can’t move,” Jared groaned.

“You shouldn’t have had thirds,” Leyarille said, poking his stomach.

“Don’t,” he moaned.

“Let’s play ‘Mimes’. I have some cards here. You have to select a card, and then act out the word on the card, and we have to guess what the word is. No speaking or you pay a forfeit! That’s not too energetic, but it should wake you all up.” Marianille moved a small table into the middle of room and placed a stack of cards on it.

“I’ll start.” She picked up the top card and laughed. She held up one finger.

“One word,” Niallerion said.

Marianille hugged herself and elaborately shivered.

“Cold,” Jared said.

She wiggled her fingers in the air and then pretended to scrape something together in a ball and threw it at Niallerion.

“Hey,” he protested as Jared shouted ‘snow’!

“Well done.” Marianille pointed at the pile of cards. “Your turn.”

Jared grumbled, but he levered himself out his chair and took a card. He frowned at it. “How am I supposed to mime that?”

“Break it down,” Niallerion advised. “How many words?”

Jared held up two fingers and then two again.

“So, two words. Second word.”

Jared scowled at Marianille and then straightened and curved one arm in front of him and stretched the other out and then started stepping around the room.

“A bad dancer,” Birlerion called.

“That’s not one word,” Niallerion said with a laugh. “Dance.”

Jared scowled at Birlerion, nodded at Niallerion, and then clasped his hands and drew them apart.

“Dancing,” Marianille said.

Jared tapped his arm with two fingers and then one.

“First word.” Marianille leaned forward.

Jared huffed, then mimed a circular shape then kicked it.

“Ball, no Ballroom Dancing,” Leyarille shouted.

“Thank goodness,” Jared said, and gladly sat back down as Leyarille rose. “And I am not a bad dancer.”

The evening progressed with much laughter and teasing.

Writing Challenge #12DaysOfTurvy Day Ten: Holiday Dinner

The characters are from Sentinals Banished, the 5th book in the Sentinal series- though these events are all made up for the #12DaysOfTurvywriting challenge and are out of sequence and do not exist in the book.

Chatacters:

Leyarille is Jerrol and Taelia’s daughter, born at the beginning of Book 4, Sentinals Across time. She is now 17, as is Jared, Alyssa and Jennery’s second son.

Marianille and Birlerion are Sentinals, and step-brother/Step-sister.

Niallerion is a sentinal and Marianille’s husband.

Dec. 10: Holiday Dinner

Niallerion cleared his throat. “Dinner is almost ready so open the rest of your gifts and I’ll bring it out.”

   “Oh good,” Jared said. “That wonderful smell has been making my stomach growl all morning.”

Birlerion laughed. “When does is not?” He moved to the table and picked up a small bundle. “For you,” he said, handing it to Leyarille. “May all your dreams be fulfilled in the New Year.”

Leyarille quickly opened it, folding up the deep green ribbon. “Oh,” she exclaimed, unrolling the pouch and the contents inside. She admired the comb, and quickly smoothed her hair back and tied it with the ribbon. Uncorking the phial she applied the scent liberally and grinned.

“The pouch is waterproof, so you can keep all your necessities safe in it when you are on the road.”

“It’s wonderful, thank you, Birlerion. She leaned up to kissed his cheek, and then placed a package in his hands. “Your turn.”

His nimble fingers untied the bundle and he gasped as the etched buckle was revealed. Birlerion immediately unbuckled his old belt and replaced it with the new one. “It’s perfect,” he said, a wide smile on his face. Leyarille grinned back in relief.

After everyone had exclaimed over their gifts, Marianille cleared a space on the table and Niallerion brought in the goose.

Jared was the first to sit, his eyes huge as he watched the progress of the roasted bird to the centre of the table. He inhaled deeply and Marianille laughed at him. She hurried out to bring in the vegetables and everyone sat. Holding hands, silence fell as Birlerion gave thanks for their friendship, good health and for Niallerion for cooking the meal.

Niallerion rose and began carving the goose as dishes were passed around. Laughter and happy voices filled the air, and Niallerion grinned and raised his glass at Birlerion. His home was a happy haven full of new found family and friends, and he couldn’t be happier.

Writing Challenge #12DaysOfTurvy Day Nine: Gifts

The characters are from Sentinals Banished, the 5th book in the Sentinal series- though these events are all made up for the #12DaysOfTurvywriting challenge and are out of sequence and do not exist in the book.

Chatacters:

Leyarille is Jerrol and Taelia’s daughter, born at the beginning of Book 4, Sentinals Across time. She is now 17, as is Jared, Alyssa and Jennery’s second son.

Marianille and Birlerion are Sentinals, and step-brother/Step-sister.

Niallerion is a sentinal and Marianille’s husband.

Dec. 9: Gifts

Year End Eve arrived, and Marianille’s home was a bustle of activity. Fronds of greenery lined the window, interspersed with the red holly berries and pine cones. She had proudly hung her wreath on the front door to great applause and now Jared and Leyarille were laying the table ready for the great feast which Niallerion was busy cooking.

Later the house would be full of friends and Sentinals, but first, the rich aroma of roasting meat mingled with the youngster’s rising excitement. This being their first Year End away from home, she wanted it to be memorable.

As the day progressed, small parcels wrapped in cloth, and tied in colourful ribbons appeared on the table. The excitement in the air ratcheted up a notch and Marianille laughed when Birlerion arrived and he was as quietly excited as Jared and Leyarille. He had never lost his sense of wonder at the celebrations, especially as he had celebrated so few of them as a child.

It finally got to the point where Niallerion clapped his hands. “Calm down. If you don’t all sit now, I am cancelling dinner.” 

Laughter rang around the room. After all his efforts in the kitchen, there was no way he would cancel dinner, but the threat worked and everyone sat around the fire and relaxed for a moment.

Marianille leaned forward and touched Leyarille’s shoulder and then Jared’s knee. “Before our friends arrive, we wanted to share a moment with you both. We’ve loved having you here, and we are so glad we had the opportunity to get to know you better before you join the rangers.” She smiled at them. “You are both about to start a new chapter of your life and we wanted to send you off with our love and best wishes.”

“Hear, hear,” Niallerion said.

“So,” Birlerion continued, “we got you both a little surprise.” He placed a bundle in Leyarille’s and then Jared’s hands.“These are from the three of us, to remind you that no matter where you are, we love and support you, and that we will protect you, always.” His voice was a little gruff as he finished speaking, but the exclamations from Leyarille and Jared, as they unravelled the bundle and revealed a pair of finely balanced daggers, the blades etched with swirls around a tall tree on one, and a crescent moon on the other.

“These are beautiful,” Leyarille said, her silver eyes gleaming.

“They are perfect,” Jared’s voice was just as gruff as Birlerion’s, and Marianille smiled, satisfied.

Leyarille looked up at the Sentinals. “Thank you,” she said, her voice soft and then she launched to her feet and hugged each of them close, Jared not far behind her.

Book Review Alert: Sins of the Father by Saffron Amatti

Reviewed: December 9th, 2022
Released: May 2nd, 2020
Genre: Fantasy Cozy Mystery

Tommy Kilbourne is a rogue, a scoundrel, a cad, completely untrustworthy, and has been trying to steal Lucas Rathbone’s girlfriend for years.

Unfortunately, he’s also the only person who might know where she’s gone.

Out of options and against his better judgement, Lucas enlists the help of this black sheep – and falls straight into a trap set for someone else.

Because Tommy has been scheming and will stop at nothing to avenge his blighted his life.

Now, Lucas must use all his wits to not only save the life of the woman he loves, but also that of a man who doesn’t deserve mercy.

The sins of the father cast long shadows across the life of his son…

But penance could prove fatal.

And time is running out. Read my Thoughts…

Writing Challenge #12DaysOfTurvy Day Eight: Travel

The characters are from Sentinals Banished, the 5th book in the Sentinal series- though these events are all made up for the #12DaysOfTurvywriting challenge and are out of sequence and do not exist in the book.

Chatacters:

Leyarille is Jerrol and Taelia’s daughter, born at the beginning of Book 4, Sentinals Across time. She is now 17, as is Jared, Alyssa and Jennery’s second son.

Marianille and Birlerion are Sentinals, and step-brother/Step-sister.

Niallerion is a sentinal and Marianille’s husband.

Dec. 8: Travel

The next day a snow storm swept through Old Vespers, trapping everyone in their houses, where it was snug and warm.

“I’m glad we don’t have to travel anywhere this year,” Marianille said as she placed another log on the fire.” She glanced at her brother. “We need some more logs.”

“I’ll get them,” Jared offered, taking the basket and hurrying out the back of the house.

“Do you remember that time Versillion almost missed the dinner on Year End Eve?” Marianille asked and Birlerion gave a soft chuckle.

“I remember. He left it so late to leave the garrison, he almost didn’t make it. Pa was about to send us all out to search for him.”

“That was the last time we were all together,” she said with a melancholy sigh and

Birlerion leaned forward and squeezed her arm.

He glanced up at Niallerion, hovering behind her in concern and changed the subject. “Niallerion, what was the furthest you travelled to get home for Year End?”

Niallerion frowned in thought. “Probably when I was posted to Aguinti in Birtoli. It took over a week to ride back to Vespers.” He shuddered. “I was not prepared for the cold when I got home. My mother spent most of the time trying to tie me up in woollen scarves!”

“You shouldn’t be so skinny,” Birlerion said with a smile. “You need more fat on your bones to keep you warm.”

“Is that your excuse?”

Birlerion threw a cushion at him and then had to wrestle it back off him.

“Wouldn’t it have been quicker by waystone or boat?” Leyarille asked as Jared returned with the basket of logs, his hair and tunic covered in snow.

Niallerion held his hands up in horror. “Do you know how long it took to sail around the horn? No! Much quicker to ride. Mortelin was only half a day’s ride, so much quicker once you reached the East Road.”

Jared frowned. “But Aguinti is an island.”

“It wasn’t back then,” Birlerion said. “It used to be connected to the mainland before the floods. And Leyandrii hadn’t created the waystones, so it was by horse or on foot.”

“It was much easier to travel by horse,” Niallerion said, “unless you’ve got a ship like Roberion’s.”

“Now that would be the way to travel in style,” Birlerion agreed.

Writing Challenge #12DaysOfTurvy Day Seven: Music/Songs

The characters are from Sentinals Banished, the 5th book in the Sentinal series- though these events are all made up for the #12DaysOfTurvywriting challenge and are out of sequence and do not exist in the book.

Chatacters:

Leyarille is Jerrol and Taelia’s daughter, born at the beginning of Book 4, Sentinals Across time. She is now 17, as is Jared, Alyssa and Jennery’s second son.

Marianille and Birlerion are Sentinals, and step-brother/Step-sister.

Niallerion is a sentinal and Marianille’s husband.

Dec. 7: Music/Songs

Leyarille and Parsillion caught up with the others as they gathered by a group of people bundled up in scarves and hooded cloaks, all holding candles in their gloved hands which lit their faces with a warm glow.

Birlerion was behind Niallerion gripping his arms tight as Marianille tried to cover his mouth. They were both laughing as Niallerion tried to wriggle out of their hold.

“You are not singing,” Marianille proclaimed, as Birlerion grinned at Leyarille, his silver eyes sparkling with mischief.

Leyarille couldn’t help but smile back at him, they all looked so happy. “What’s going on?”

Parsillion chuckled beside her. “Niallerion can’t hold a tune to save his life. He’ll spoil the carols.”

“I won’t!” Niallerion groused as he managed to free himself. “Carols are for all to join in; it’s the participating that counts not how good you can sing.”

Sentinals Across Time makes the 2022 CIBA OZMA Book Awards for Fantasy Fiction long list.

I am so excited to share that Sentinals Across Time, the fourth book in the epic fantasy Sentinal Series has made it through to the Long list for the 2022 Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBA) OZMA Book Awards for Fantasy Fiction!

The Ozma Book Awards recognize emerging new talent and outstanding works in Fantasy Fiction. The Ozma Book Awards is a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards (The CIBAs).

Chanticleer International Book Awards discovers the best books in the Ozma Awards featuring magic, the supernatural, imaginary worlds, fantastical creatures, legendary beasts, mythical beings, or inventions of fancy that author imaginations dream up without a basis in science as we know it. Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery, Dragons, Unicorns, Steampunk, Dieselpunk, Gaslight Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, or other out-of-this-world fiction. These books have advanced to the Long List in the 2022 CIBAs OZMA division.

Sentinals Across Time has moved forward in the judging rounds from all 2022 Ozma Fantasy Fiction entries to the 2022 Ozma Book Awards LONG LIST. Entries are now in competition for 2022 Ozma Short List. The Short Listers will compete for the FINALIST positions. Finalists will be selected from the Short List. All FINALISTS will be announced and recognized at the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC23) on April 29th, 2023.

Sentinals Across Time is the fourth book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.

Jerrol’s fragile balance between duty and family life took two years to refine and one brief moment to tear apart as the Lady Leyandrii and the Oath conspire in a desperate bid to protect the Birtolian Empire. As a result, Jerrol finds himself stranded in the middle of an ocean, lost across land and time and seas.

Unsure what is expected of him, Jerrol learns to appreciate the idyllic life of the Birtolians, the vibrant people and the beautiful coastline. To his growing horror, he realises the devastation which lies in their future.

Can Jerrol prevent the destruction of the gentle people he has grown to love? Is he meant to? Desperate to find a way home, he begins to leave clues in anything he thinks will survive the test of time. Taelia and the Sentinals are his only chance of ever returning to his own life but can they find him before the Lady sunders the Bloodstone and changes the Birtolian Empire forever?

The fourth installment of the Sentinal Series takes us to the beautiful Island Empire of Birtoli. Only once, it wasn’t an archipelago of islands, it was a land of majestic mountain ridges, mystical forests and exquisite sandy bays joined as one to the southern Vespiri borders.

If you would like to stay in contact and follow my writing career, then sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

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Writing Challenge #12DaysOfTurvy Day Six: Outdoor Activities

The characters are from Sentinals Banished, the 5th book in the Sentinal series- though these events are all made up for the #12DaysOfTurvywriting challenge and are out of sequence and do not exist in the book.

Chatacters:

Leyarille is Jerrol and Taelia’s daughter, born at the beginning of Book 4, Sentinals Across time. She is now 17, as is Jared, Alyssa and Jennery’s second son.

Marianille and Birlerion are Sentinals, and step-brother/Step-sister.

Niallerion is a sentinal and Marianille’s husband.

Dec. 6: Outdoor Activities

Leaving the theatre, the aroma of roasting nuts drew Parsillion to a halt. He inhaled, and searched the stalls lining the market square. Glass lanterns lit the stalls with a warm yellow glow, enticing the theatre goers to linger and buy cups of mulled wine, cakes and biscuits. A sweet scent drifted on the air and Parsillion abruptly turned, dragging Leyarille with him. “Honey sweets,” he whispered, and Leyarille laughed.

“Sweets? Really?”

Parsillion grinned, “It’s the only time of year you get them. I’d forgotten how much I liked them.”

He purchased a bag, and popped one in his mouth. A moan of pure contentment escaped him, and he offered Leyarille the bag.

She pulled off her glove and selected a sweet. An explosion of flavour filled her mouth, a concoction of sweet honey, seeds and nuts. “Mmmm,” she said, and then she in turn paused as a stall caught her eye.

“Oh, look.” She pulled Parsillion over to inspect the leather goods. “What beautiful metal work.” Inspecting the buckles on a range of belts, she traced the etching of a tall tree, a sentinal, the metal cold and silky smooth under her fingers. “This one,” she said. “Parsillion, check if this will fit you. I was beginning to think I wouldn’t find him a gift.”

Writing Challenge #12DaysOfTurvy Day Five: Going to the Theatre

The characters are from Sentinals Banished, the 5th book in the Sentinal series- I did cheat today as the characters do go to the theatre amd this is actually a snippet from the book!

Chatacters:

Leyarille is Jerrol and Taelia’s daughter, born at the beginning of Book 4, Sentinals Across time. She is now 17, as is Jared, Alyssa and Jennery’s second son.

Marianille and Birlerion are Sentinals, and step-brother/Step-sister.

Niallerion is a sentinal and Marianille’s husband.

They are joined by Parsillion and Frenerion who are also Sentinals.

Dec. 5: Theatre

Niallerion had procured seats in two rows almost in the centre and on the third tier; they looked over the lower levels and had a clear view towards the stage. To the left of the stage, a red velvet bedecked box was prominent, though empty. Merani was sure the king would one day realise what he was missing and deign to grace his theatre.

Niallerion finally pulled his wife down into the seat next to him. “Stop fussing and relax,” he grumbled, and Marianille draped herself over his arm and fluttered her eyelashes at him until he laughed.

“Stop flirting, you two, and tell us what this show is all about,” Parsillion interrupted them from his seat behind them.

Marianille laughed. “The Great Merani presents ‘A comedic journey of two halves.’”

“A comedy.” Frenerion’s voice was tinged with doubt. “Are you sure this was a wise choice?”

“I’ve heard it’s hilarious. We’ll be rolling in the aisles, or so they say,” Marianille promised. She turned back to the stage as the musicians began tuning their instruments and the light started to dim as torches were extinguished. Part of the stage was cleverly lit, leaving the rest in darkness.

Birlerion watched Leyarille’s face. Her eyes shone in anticipation, and her lips parted as she waited for the show to begin. He shifted so he could watch her expression and still see the stage and smiled as her face lit up with amusement as the show began.

…

Marianille held her sides as they gathered outside the theatre. “Oh, my ribs; such agony. I haven’t laughed so much in all my life.”

“Wasn’t the man with the exotic bird so clever? To make it behave so and when he wanted it to as well.” Jared’s eyes were shining with excitement. “Imagine being able to train a bird to do such things.”

“I thought the parable about the poor man who was actually the richest was the cleverest,” Leyarille chimed in.

Marianille turned to Birlerion. “And you, dear sir. Such utter failure. What happened to our sustenance? I had such faith in your capabilities, and now they are all dashed.”

Birlerion made a tragic face. “My lady, you destroy me with your words; there were too many barriers to reach the victuals, and then I heard the laughter and could not delay further and so miss the show.”

Marianille laughed at him and then groaned. “Don’t make me laugh! My ribs …”

Leyarille smiled to see the Sentinals so relaxed; the banter of old friends was comforting. She was looking forward to making such worthwhile friendships. She eyed Jared thoughtfully. Maybe he was a good place to start. She smiled as Parsillion offered her his arm, Marianille having dragged Birlerion off with her. “Thank you,” she murmured as she fell into step.