MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 459
February 18, 2013
"Forever Lost" by Mary Ann Bernal is featured in the Literary Underground Anthology entitled "Unearthed."
The Anthology is free on Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/124502
Forever Lostby Mary Ann BernalExcerpt Massive waves broke upon the deserted beach, the pounding surf crashing against the jagged rocks beneath the massive cliff that dominated the landscape. Soft silver moonlight illuminated the darkened night, and a gentle sea breeze moved inland, cooling the stagnant air.
Rina stood at the water’s edge, devoid of emotion as she stared at faint flashes of lightning on the horizon, while glimmering frothy waves caressed her bare feet and a sea mist sprayed her face, its salty taste lingering on her lips. A strong wind whipped her tattered clothing around her slender body, her shoulder-length hair lashing her tear-stained cheeks while droplets of blood fell upon the wet sand.
Rina shivered when the cold water covered her feet as she walked slowly into the beckoning sea. She heard the soundless words whispered by wind-swept waves, calling to her, offering an end to her torment and the agonizing pain of his betrayal, offering her unabated solace within the confines of the deep and dark ocean. She kept her arms around her waist, moving ever so slowly through the multiple breakers while a forceful undercurrent threatened to pull her under, plunging her into a welcoming abyss of oblivion.
Rina stretched out her arms in supplication, and closed her tear-filled eyes just as a collapsing wave enveloped her, causing her to sink into the murky depths of an angry sea, water filling her lungs as she courageously embraced death.
Threatening storm clouds ruptured suddenly over the landscape, icy rain pellets stinging the shoreline while forceful winds whipped the threatening surf. Ribbon lightning streaked across the heavens and booming thunder rocked the earth as Adrian galloped across the treacherous beach, silently praying that he would be in time. He shouted her name but his words were muffled by the thunderous roar of nature’s fury as the tempest unleashed its vengeance upon a Godless world. Blinding rain limited his vision as he searched the raging sea, hoping against hope that she had not been foolish, but as he rapidly approached the base of the cliff, and Rina was nowhere to be seen, Adrian feared he was too late.
The chestnut stallion neighed and stood on its hind legs when a bolt of lightning struck the beach, throwing Adrian onto the muddy sand before running aimlessly back towards the nearby trees. Adrian was grateful that his only injury was a bruised ego as he got to his feet and headed towards the rolling waves, searching the rough waters while praying for a miracle.
Adrian walked the length of the beach, thankful for the lightning that illuminated the darkened night. He stumbled on driftwood that had washed up onto the shore, falling to his knees as foaming waves pooled around him, swirling bubbles spitting remnants of the ocean floor. The undercurrent was strong as the waves returned to the sea, pulling him forward as he tried to get to his feet, powerful wind gusts pushing him into a breaking wave. He held his breath as he tumbled under the rushing water, kicking and flailing frantically to reach the surface. He felt the weight of her body just as he opened his eyes, scooping her into his arms before a massive wave tossed the two of them onto the beach. Adrian pulled her away from the threatening surf, dragging her body through the muddy ground, not giving in to his exhausted state until he reached the shoreline.
Adrian brushed aside her matted hair and gazed into her lifeless eyes, gently kissing her lips as tears intermingled with droplets of rain gushed down his cheeks. He held her in his arms, rocking back and forth to the tune of the angry wind, protecting her in death while admonishing himself for failing to protect her in life.
Forever Lostby Mary Ann BernalExcerpt Massive waves broke upon the deserted beach, the pounding surf crashing against the jagged rocks beneath the massive cliff that dominated the landscape. Soft silver moonlight illuminated the darkened night, and a gentle sea breeze moved inland, cooling the stagnant air.Rina stood at the water’s edge, devoid of emotion as she stared at faint flashes of lightning on the horizon, while glimmering frothy waves caressed her bare feet and a sea mist sprayed her face, its salty taste lingering on her lips. A strong wind whipped her tattered clothing around her slender body, her shoulder-length hair lashing her tear-stained cheeks while droplets of blood fell upon the wet sand.
Rina shivered when the cold water covered her feet as she walked slowly into the beckoning sea. She heard the soundless words whispered by wind-swept waves, calling to her, offering an end to her torment and the agonizing pain of his betrayal, offering her unabated solace within the confines of the deep and dark ocean. She kept her arms around her waist, moving ever so slowly through the multiple breakers while a forceful undercurrent threatened to pull her under, plunging her into a welcoming abyss of oblivion.
Rina stretched out her arms in supplication, and closed her tear-filled eyes just as a collapsing wave enveloped her, causing her to sink into the murky depths of an angry sea, water filling her lungs as she courageously embraced death.
Threatening storm clouds ruptured suddenly over the landscape, icy rain pellets stinging the shoreline while forceful winds whipped the threatening surf. Ribbon lightning streaked across the heavens and booming thunder rocked the earth as Adrian galloped across the treacherous beach, silently praying that he would be in time. He shouted her name but his words were muffled by the thunderous roar of nature’s fury as the tempest unleashed its vengeance upon a Godless world. Blinding rain limited his vision as he searched the raging sea, hoping against hope that she had not been foolish, but as he rapidly approached the base of the cliff, and Rina was nowhere to be seen, Adrian feared he was too late.
The chestnut stallion neighed and stood on its hind legs when a bolt of lightning struck the beach, throwing Adrian onto the muddy sand before running aimlessly back towards the nearby trees. Adrian was grateful that his only injury was a bruised ego as he got to his feet and headed towards the rolling waves, searching the rough waters while praying for a miracle.
Adrian walked the length of the beach, thankful for the lightning that illuminated the darkened night. He stumbled on driftwood that had washed up onto the shore, falling to his knees as foaming waves pooled around him, swirling bubbles spitting remnants of the ocean floor. The undercurrent was strong as the waves returned to the sea, pulling him forward as he tried to get to his feet, powerful wind gusts pushing him into a breaking wave. He held his breath as he tumbled under the rushing water, kicking and flailing frantically to reach the surface. He felt the weight of her body just as he opened his eyes, scooping her into his arms before a massive wave tossed the two of them onto the beach. Adrian pulled her away from the threatening surf, dragging her body through the muddy ground, not giving in to his exhausted state until he reached the shoreline.
Adrian brushed aside her matted hair and gazed into her lifeless eyes, gently kissing her lips as tears intermingled with droplets of rain gushed down his cheeks. He held her in his arms, rocking back and forth to the tune of the angry wind, protecting her in death while admonishing himself for failing to protect her in life.
Destiny of Angels (The Lilith Trilogy)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OX5J8O/?tag=kttus-20Traumatic events in her childhood, send Angel Parsons upon a different life path.
Fifteen years later, with the help of her new 'family' and the resurrected relationship with Jenny Parkes, her only friend from school, Angel confronts the perpetrators of her misery. Rather than seeking revenge and to free herself from her past, Angel uses the skills she has acquired to offer her persecutors the chance of redemption.
Will Angel fulfil her destiny and put her past behind her or will the demons she unleashes consume herself and her 'family' and leave her empty and alone once more?Show more Show less
The Phil Naessens Show February 18, 2013: The NY Knicks and Author Debbie Wilson
On Mondays Phil Naessens Show Breaking The Backboards Brent Kitchin joins Phil to discuss all the highs and lows of last weeks NY Knicks action and author Debbie Wilson stops by to discuss her faith based true crime memoir Sweet Scent of Justice.
http://phillipnaessens.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/the-phil-naessens-show-february-18-2013-the-ny-knicks-and-author-debbie-wilson/
History Trivia
February 18 1229 The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor signed a ten-year truce with al-Kamil, regaining Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem with neither military engagements nor support from the papacy. 1478 George, Duke of Clarence, convicted of treason against his older brother Edward IV of England, was executed.
1503 Henry Tudor (Henry VIII) was created Prince of Wales. 1516 Mary Tudor, daughter of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, was born.
1546 Martin Luther died. 1564 Michelangelo Buonarrotti died.
February 17, 2013
Independent Author Index Newsletter - Mary Ann Bernal featured author
http://indaindex.com/general-delivery-newsletter-february-2013/
General Delivery Newsletter: February 2013
184 authorsof368 bookshave joined the Index![image error]Thank you! In about a month, the Independent Author Index will celebrate its first anniversary! The success of the site is because of visitors like you who come here and read about authors and their work. I wanted to make sure you know how much I appreciate your time.This is the first of many General Delivery Newsletters that will be made available to visitors to the Index, so enjoy what you see here and don’t forget to find the section about the current giveaway.
Thanks for reading!
[image error] FEATURED AUTHOR: MARY ANN BERNAL!Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.
To date, her books include: The Briton and the Dane: The Special Edition | The Briton and the Dane: Birthright | The Briton and the Dane: Legacy | The Briton and the Dane The Complete Trilogy | The Briton and the Dane: Concordia
You can also find Mary Ann in the following compilations: Unearthed: A Literary Underground Anthology | Time: A Literary Underground Anthology | Independent Author Index Short Story Compilation, Volume 1 | Independent Author Index Short Story Compilation, Volume 2
Learn more about Independent Author Index member author Mary Ann Bernal!
General Delivery Newsletter: February 2013
184 authorsof368 bookshave joined the Index![image error]Thank you! In about a month, the Independent Author Index will celebrate its first anniversary! The success of the site is because of visitors like you who come here and read about authors and their work. I wanted to make sure you know how much I appreciate your time.This is the first of many General Delivery Newsletters that will be made available to visitors to the Index, so enjoy what you see here and don’t forget to find the section about the current giveaway.
Thanks for reading!
[image error] FEATURED AUTHOR: MARY ANN BERNAL!Mary Ann Bernal, author of The Briton and the Dane novels, is an avid history buff whose area of interest focuses on Ninth Century Anglo-Saxon Britain during the Viking Age. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she managed to fit creative writing classes and workshops into her busy schedule to learn the craft, but it would take decades before her “Erik the Viking” novel was ultimately published.
To date, her books include: The Briton and the Dane: The Special Edition | The Briton and the Dane: Birthright | The Briton and the Dane: Legacy | The Briton and the Dane The Complete Trilogy | The Briton and the Dane: Concordia
You can also find Mary Ann in the following compilations: Unearthed: A Literary Underground Anthology | Time: A Literary Underground Anthology | Independent Author Index Short Story Compilation, Volume 1 | Independent Author Index Short Story Compilation, Volume 2
Learn more about Independent Author Index member author Mary Ann Bernal!
The Ritual by Mary Ann Bernal featured in The Independent Author Index Short Story Compilation
http://indaindex.com/independent-author-index-short-story-compilation-volume-2/#more-15509
The Ritual by Mary Ann BernalSummary:The Ritual is a story about an impressionable young woman’s initiation into a modern-day pagan sect on All Hallows’ Eve in a mausoleum. She becomes terrified when she witnesses the first initiation amidst a raging storm and flees for her life, but will she survive the tempest?
Excerpt:
Loud rolls of thunder shook the earth, bright flashes of lightning streaking across the darkened sky as fierce winds battered the countryside. Swollen storm clouds hovered menacingly above the cemetery, threatening the celebration of All Hallows’ Eve.
The small crowd had gathered in the old section of the graveyard where the mausoleums of the city’s once eminent families still stood, long forgotten by their descendants and falling into disrepair. Statues of angels protected most of the marble and stone structures, their sightless eyes watching every move. However, two buildings were bereft of religious connotation and the inscriptions above the doors were difficult to read. Yet the family names were well known to the men and women who were waiting patiently for the high priest to arrive.
Ashley held onto Kent’s arm tightly, standing firmly against the wind gusts that toppled the nearby treetops and scattered the fallen leaves while glancing at the neglected tomb where her ancestors rested. She was proud to be a Raven just as Kent was proud to be a Wolf, their lineage tracing back to the ancient Celts. She envisioned the ancient rituals in her mind’s eye, smiling when she remembered being married to Kent. However, when she thought about her own initiation she was overcome with fear, recalling her terror when the high priest placed her naked upon the altar. She had tried to be brave for Kent, not wishing to embarrass him before his friends, but she could not control her tears. She had kept her eyes closed when they prayed above her, their hands perilously close to her exposed flesh. She remembered being relieved when the initiation was over, but she also remembered her anger when Kent had chastised her for crying and for her misplaced modesty.
Two new members would be initiated this night, but only Devona mattered, and Devona had no knowledge of what the ritual entailed. Ashley wanted to tell Devona so she would not be afraid but Kent had forbidden it, reminding her of the punishment she would suffer once the high priest learned of her meddling.
Devona and Ashley met at the Laundromat, and they quickly became friends. Devona was a country girl, having moved to the city recently to perform on stage, but the play closed within a week and Devona needed a job. Ashley found her a position in her law firm where she had met Bronson Wolf, and it was Bronson who had introduced her to their religious beliefs.
The high priest and his assistants walked solemnly through the crumbling gate as the thunder and lightning intensified. He opened the entrance to the Wolf mausoleum, entering quickly with his followers not far behind just as a heavy rain began to pummel the earth. Once the fire was lit, one of the assistants closed the door, sealing them in.
The group encircled a stone coffin that had been placed in the center of the small building that was being used for an altar that was covered with flaming candles. Incense burned in a bronze offering bowl, the billowing smoke filtering through the air. The assistants kept their heads covered, their black garments blending well in the darkened room, their piercing eyes glaring menacingly at Ashley, or so she thought.
Ashley grasped Devona’s hand, squeezing her fingers reassuringly, mouthing words of comfort while noticing beads of sweat dripping down the side of her face. She would have said something, believing Devona wanted to leave, but the high priest raised his hands above him, chanting the offertory prayers loudly to be heard over the thunder. The ritual had begun.
The Ritual by Mary Ann BernalSummary:The Ritual is a story about an impressionable young woman’s initiation into a modern-day pagan sect on All Hallows’ Eve in a mausoleum. She becomes terrified when she witnesses the first initiation amidst a raging storm and flees for her life, but will she survive the tempest?Excerpt:
Loud rolls of thunder shook the earth, bright flashes of lightning streaking across the darkened sky as fierce winds battered the countryside. Swollen storm clouds hovered menacingly above the cemetery, threatening the celebration of All Hallows’ Eve.
The small crowd had gathered in the old section of the graveyard where the mausoleums of the city’s once eminent families still stood, long forgotten by their descendants and falling into disrepair. Statues of angels protected most of the marble and stone structures, their sightless eyes watching every move. However, two buildings were bereft of religious connotation and the inscriptions above the doors were difficult to read. Yet the family names were well known to the men and women who were waiting patiently for the high priest to arrive.
Ashley held onto Kent’s arm tightly, standing firmly against the wind gusts that toppled the nearby treetops and scattered the fallen leaves while glancing at the neglected tomb where her ancestors rested. She was proud to be a Raven just as Kent was proud to be a Wolf, their lineage tracing back to the ancient Celts. She envisioned the ancient rituals in her mind’s eye, smiling when she remembered being married to Kent. However, when she thought about her own initiation she was overcome with fear, recalling her terror when the high priest placed her naked upon the altar. She had tried to be brave for Kent, not wishing to embarrass him before his friends, but she could not control her tears. She had kept her eyes closed when they prayed above her, their hands perilously close to her exposed flesh. She remembered being relieved when the initiation was over, but she also remembered her anger when Kent had chastised her for crying and for her misplaced modesty.
Two new members would be initiated this night, but only Devona mattered, and Devona had no knowledge of what the ritual entailed. Ashley wanted to tell Devona so she would not be afraid but Kent had forbidden it, reminding her of the punishment she would suffer once the high priest learned of her meddling.
Devona and Ashley met at the Laundromat, and they quickly became friends. Devona was a country girl, having moved to the city recently to perform on stage, but the play closed within a week and Devona needed a job. Ashley found her a position in her law firm where she had met Bronson Wolf, and it was Bronson who had introduced her to their religious beliefs.
The high priest and his assistants walked solemnly through the crumbling gate as the thunder and lightning intensified. He opened the entrance to the Wolf mausoleum, entering quickly with his followers not far behind just as a heavy rain began to pummel the earth. Once the fire was lit, one of the assistants closed the door, sealing them in.
The group encircled a stone coffin that had been placed in the center of the small building that was being used for an altar that was covered with flaming candles. Incense burned in a bronze offering bowl, the billowing smoke filtering through the air. The assistants kept their heads covered, their black garments blending well in the darkened room, their piercing eyes glaring menacingly at Ashley, or so she thought.
Ashley grasped Devona’s hand, squeezing her fingers reassuringly, mouthing words of comfort while noticing beads of sweat dripping down the side of her face. She would have said something, believing Devona wanted to leave, but the high priest raised his hands above him, chanting the offertory prayers loudly to be heard over the thunder. The ritual had begun.
![[image error]](http://indaindex.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/mary-ann-bernal-300h.jpg){kind=link}