C.A. Szarek's Blog, page 23

Fate's Call #8

This one was a toughy for me. The words were forced more than flowed. Hope you enjoy what I came up w/!

Erron looked up when someone called her name. Her heart stopped. Jarek, astride a dark horse, was on the road at the edge of the field she was plowing with Angus. She pulled the old gray horse to a halt and he whinnied, but she ignored him, her eyes on the man who hadn’t left her thoughts at all in the sevenday she’d been home from Dalunas Main.She glanced over her shoulder at the cottage she shared with her father. All was quiet, but would he come barging out at any moment? Erron shuddered and looked back at her tanner.The smile on Jarek’s face made her body flush. She shoved the wisps of hair from her eyes and swiped at her sweaty face. She must look awful.“Erron,” Jarek repeated, hopping down from his mount.Was he real?He laughed. “Yes, I’m real. I’m really here.”Heat crept into her cheeks. She’d spoken aloud?Jarek jumped the fence and landed beside her. Erron stared up into his dark eyes. She didn’t pull away when he gripped her hand and caressed the back of it with his thumb. The move was soothing and warmed her. But it left her wanting.“I told you I’d come for you. Did you not believe me?”“I don’t know what to say,” she whispered.Jarek flashed a smile and leaned down. Yanking her into his arms, his mouth came down on hers. Erron had dreamed about this—her first real kiss. Reality was so much better.With the first move of his lips over hers, Erron snaked her arms around his neck and Jarek pulled her closer. The warmth of his body consumed her and she inched even closer to him, opening her mouth under his. He pushed his tongue inside, touching hers. Erron tentatively returned the movement. Someone moaned. She melted against him, her knees shaking. Jarek tightened his arms around her and kissed her harder.The hard ridge of his arousal pressed into her belly, but she wasn’t afraid, she was—excited. Erron wanted more. Her stomach flipped, warmth settling low, making her achy.Jarek broke the kiss. Her head spun, and she gripped his arms hard to stay on her feet. He groaned as his eyes raked her face. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that,” he breathed.Erron blushed and looked away. Her eyes swept the field and she froze in his arms. Anyone could have seen them.“What’s wrong?” Concern clouded his dark eyes.She pulled away from him gently and Jarek released her. Erron was cold without his arms around her. She shivered.“Erron…”“My father could have seen us.”Jarek’s brows furrowed. “About that—”“You wouldn’t understand.  You need to leave before he sees you.” Her words were rushed and she had to bite her bottom lip to keep it from trembling. Her vision blurred and Erron swallowed hard. She would not cry in front of him.He crossed his arms over his chest, his expression dark. “I’m not going anywhere.”Erron stared. What could she say?“I wish to speak with your father, so let him see us.”She shook her head and took a step back. The wooden plow handle hit her hip and she wobbled. Jarek’s hand shot out and steadied her. Her heart thundered in her ears, her blood rushing from her face in a wave.“Tell me what’s wrong.”“I…can’t.”“Why?”“It...it…doesn’t matter. Just go. Before he sees you.”∞∞∞∞∞∞            Jarek stared at her. She was practically pushing him to his horse. What the hell? She wanted him to leave? The way she’d kissed him back returned his kiss couldn’t have been faked. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. Erron had been right there with him…until he’d told her he wanted to talk to her father. She hadn’t even asked him what he wanted to discuss. Her skin had paled out so much he’d feared she would pass out.            He’d always known something was wrong. A daughter didn’t fear her father—and it was fear written all over Erron—like that without reason. But what was the reason?            Cupping her shoulders, he shook her gently. “Erron, stop.” Her sky blue eyes went so wide the white of her eyes was visible all around.            “Jarek…” Her voice shook, her body trembled beneath his hands, and she threw a glance over her shoulder, worrying her bottom lip.            “I’m not going anywhere,” he answered, drawing her back into his arms. Her shoulders slumped and she collapsed against his chest. Jarek smoothed her hair. It felt so good to hold her he would take what he could get for now.            “Why did you come?” she asked, the sound muffled against the fabric of his beige tunic.            “For you, of course.”            Pale eyes met his own. “Whatever for?”            Jarek’s heart skipped a beat. What would she say to his confession? They didn’t know each other. They’d met literally two times, yet he was drawn to her with no explanation. Was it some latent magic? He could start fires and say a few spells, but nothing more. He couldn’t see into the future, but this stunning girl was a part of his own as sure as a vision confirming it. There was no doubt. She didn’t love him. He didn’t love her. Jarek cared for her deeply, and once again, couldn’t name why if someone demanded it. Loving her would be without effort. And probably not too far off. Jarek was enchanted with her, even in her current condition of too-pale skin and misty eyes, on the brink of tears that would kill him if she shed them.“I want to marry you, Erron.” He took a deep breath and waited for her answer.

TO BE CONTINUED...

All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Fantastic Friday Feature!

So, I am being interviewed on my friend and author, Cecilia Robert's blog!

It's sooooo cooool! *squeeee*

Check it out?

Fantastic Friday Feature: C.A. Szarek

Fate's Call #7

Hope you enjoy, this one was a bit tough for me.

Jarek didn’t want to leave her. He stared up at the open window—her window—and waited a moment. But she didn’t come over to look down on him. His chest constricted. Leaving her…felt wrong. He wanted to take her with him. Whoa…that was crazy. How could he feelso much for a girl he’d seen literally two times? He shook his head and forced himself away from the place, or he would run back up the stairwell, break down the door, and steal her away. Would she protest? She’d said she’d been thinking of him, too. Jarek’s heart stuttered. He…wanted her. Not just physically. “I have gone crazy,” he whispered.Though he’d hurried to get to her, his step was slow on his retreat. Every lift of his boots was an effort, his instincts screaming that he was going the wrong way. He needed to stay with Erron. He wanted to hold her, kiss her. Why the hell hadn’t he kissed her goodbye? She probably wouldn’t have let him, anyway.She’d told him where she lived. He wasn’t going to let her go.Jarek kept an eye out for her father, but didn’t see or pass him as he made his way home. Damn, he could have had more time with her. By the time he reached the tanning shop’s storefront, his heart was in his stomach, his shoulders slumped. Never in his life was the sense he’d made a mistake so strong. Jarek should have stayed with Erron.His father’s voice caught his attention and he looked up from his musings. What he saw made him trip into the doorjamb. Jarek caught himself on the wall just inside the shop.Anais was in his father’s arms. The older couple was beaming at each other.The near accident caught their collective attention. The smile faded from Kirgan’s face, replaced with concern.“Son, are you all right?”Anais slipped from his father’s arms and rushed to him. “My lad?”Jarek met her pale blue eyes and managed a smile. “I’m fine, Anais, really.” He dropped a kiss on her cheek. “You two just surprised me, is all.”His father chuckled and pulled the widow back to his side, slipping his arm around her waist. “We’ve some news,” he said.“Oh?” Jarek asked. Anais’s cheeks were crimson and he couldn’t hold back his grin.Kirgan looked at her, a tending smile on his face, holding Anais even tighter to his side. She nodded, and his father looked back at him. “We’re to be wed.”“Well, it’s about damn time,” Jarek exclaimed, sweeping his new mother into a hug. Over her shoulder, his father struggled to hold onto a mock glare but lost the battle. His grin took turns off his face. Jarek winked.Happiness for them warred with envy. He pulled away from Anais and she returned to his father. Jarek stared at them.
            “Lad, is something wrong?” Anais’s tone mirrored the concern in his father’s expression.Jarek took a breath. “No. Nothing’s wrong. Listen, I have some news, too.” As he talked, he formulated his plan.∞∞∞∞∞∞            Erron made herself remain seated on the bed as Jarek’s footsteps faded down the stairs. He had to go. Her vision blurred and she wiped the tears away. The last thing she needed was her father to notice she’d been crying and demand to know why.            She didn’t trust herself to go to the window and watch her tanner walking away. She wouldn’t be able to keep from calling out to him, begging him not to leave. Or worse—go after him. Runaway with him.            What the hell was she thinking? Norden wouldkill her.             Why had she told Jarek where they lived? I will come for you.His words bounced around in her head. Erron believed him. But what good would it do? Could he want her? Her heart thundered.            When Jarek found out the truth, he wouldn’t anymore. No one would. As much as that hurt, Erron couldn’t blame him. She was damaged, impure. A shudder wracked her body and tears cascaded. She’d always been stuck with her father; that wasn’t new. But now she knew what it was to crave something else. And feel just as hopeless about getting it.            “Erron, get it together,” she whispered, swiped her hands down her cheeks, then rubbed her eyes. Her father could be back any moment.∞∞∞∞∞∞            The ride home was coated in misery. The rain poured down on them, but it helped disguise the tears that wouldn’t stop. Jarek consumed Erron’s thoughts. She’d only seen Jarek once. It was not nearly enough. Two days in Dalunas Main and she’d not left the Old Spirits Inn and Tavern at all. Even the privy was inside the small room she’d shared with her father. At least he’d not touched her. Being around people had given her a reprieve. Evidently, her father didn’t want the outside world to know what went on behind the closed doors of their home.Norden had come and gone several times, barking harsh threats each time he’d left her. Despite that, her stomach fluttered as soon as he was gone. She waited for her tanner, but he didn’t come to her. She even called to him mentally, as if she possessed the magic necessary to get a response.            She clung to the white mare. Fancy’s mane was plastered to her long neck, but Erron weaved her fingers into the coarse hair, holding onto the reins with the other. She needed to feel something, even the soaked hide of her mount. Fancy was warm beneath her fingertips.            “Erron, sit up and hold onto that horse properly,” her father ordered.            Wincing, she did what he said, slipping a little further into her cloak so he couldn’t see her face.            When they got home, Erron helped Norden tend the horses. He was gruff with her like always, but he didn’t touch her. In the house, he watched while she heated the water for her bath without comment. Her heart thundered, hands shaking as she filled the tub by the fireplace.             Erron had no desire to bathe naked in front of him, or worse—with him.             “Hurry with your washing so the water will not chill for my bath,” her father said.            “Yes, Father.”            She breathed a sigh of relief as he disappeared into his sleeping room. Erron washed as fast as she could, donning a floor length, long sleeved, high neck chemise with too-damp skin. She shoved her arms into it, heart in her throat. The need to crawl into her own bed and bar the door was all consuming. But there was no lock on the small room she slept in. And if Norden wanted her in his bed, he usually ordered her there after evening meal. Often she never saw her own quarters.            “Father, your bath is ready,” she called. No way was she going into his room. Her hands trembled as she put out a clean bathing sheet for him.            Norden said nothing as he came back to the fireplace, but he started to unbutton his shirt. His breeches were already beltless and hanging open. She averted her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief when he said nothing to her.            Erron slipped into her room muttering a goodnight he ignored. Tears slid down her cheeks as she lay in bed. She’d been foolish to think anyone would save her from reality. Jarek’s handsome smiling face danced into his mind and she squeezed her eyes shut. He was a dream she couldn’t have.            She could only pray that Blessed Spirit would keep her from her father’s bed this night.
           

TO BE CONTINUED...


All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

           

Fate's Call #6

I LOVE how this turned out. I hope you enjoy. :)  Happy hump day.

Jarek headed toward the blacksmith’s shop. Erron’s father glanced over his shoulder just inside the open area under the Master Blacksmith, Hem’s, awning. It was all he could do to not duck out of sight. But instinct told Jarek that Erron’s father could not spot him. Where did that come from?He got close enough to hear their conversation, hidden from view behind the large cart Hem had outside and to the right of the storefront.The older man was a good friend to his father, and would have interesting questions if Jarek was caught obviously hiding. People passed by, going about their day with little notice, though, so he didn’t move from his chosen spot.Whatever business they had contained some hefty bargaining, but Hem wasn’t letting the fair haired man off lightly. Jarek admired him for that.A noisy cart lumbered down the street, the driver shouting at his lead horse and cutting him from the conversation in the shop for a moment. Jarek cursed.“….longer?” was the only word he caught of Erron’s father’s question as clopping from the horses’ hooves faded.“Perhaps an hour,” Hem answered.“I shall wait.”“As you wish.” Jarek’s heart skipped a beat. Erron’s father would be in the shop for a while. He could see her for an hour. Where was she?He heard the clang of hammer against anvil and strained to hear the men’s continued conversation. He needed to find out where Erron was. Jarek inched closer.“The Rusty Nail has better whores.” Hem was telling Erron’s father. Jarek peered over the cart in time to see the nearly toothless grin the master blacksmith flashed.“I’ve my daughter with me. That’s why I chose Felton’s place. Cleaner, anyway.”“Aye, s’pose so.”Jarek’s mind raced in rhythm with his heartbeat. Felton’s place was a tavern and inn called Old Spirits at the center of town. If he ran, he could make it in ten minutes.He turned to go, staring at the busy street. It wasn’t yet noon. Many people were still meandering in and out of the various surrounding shops or following the road into market. Jarek jogged into the crowd. People would just have to get out of his way. There wasn’t much time. Erron. He was going to her.∞∞∞∞∞∞Erron sighed as she stared out the window. She’d pulled the lone chair in the room up to it to watch the activities below. She’d not brought needlepoint, which she hated anyway, or any of her many mending projects, so there was little else for her to do.It was a warm sunny day. The kind of day that made one desire to be out in it, doing—anything. Jarek danced in and out of her thoughts. How could she get to him? She’d been foolish to think it was even possible. Besides, she was stuck, following her father’s order.            People came and went, shouted, laughed, compared purchases and bargained with crafters selling their wares. Children played, only to be admonished to move out of the road.            A dark head moving through the crowds with some speed caught her eye. Her heart thundered. Jarek. How she could tell at that distance was a mystery, but it washim. There was no doubt.He was coming toward her. Toward the Old Spirits Inn and Tavern. But…how had he known where she was? How had he known she was even in Dalunas Main?            Erron rushed to her feet at the moment he looked up. Their gazes collided and he froze under her window.            “I’m coming up.” Jarek’s voice was thick.             Erron nodded, her body flushing. Heat warred with dread, tearing at her. She…wanted him to come to her, but…her father could return at any moment. No matter how innocent, even a conversation would fuel her father’s wrath.            Her legs took her to the door. Her hand reached, opened it. Jarek’s booted feet were loud as they pounded up the stairwell. And then she was enveloped. His scent, a mixture of spiced soap and the spring day outside tickled her nose. Her cheek touched his chest as he yanked her closer. She heard the door close but was only aware of him. His arms around her, pulling her ever closer. Erron got lost in the feel of him, the scent of him. Warm. Safe.            He set her away from him, his dark eyes wide as they met hers. “I’m…sorry. I don’t know why I did that.” His hands cupped her shoulders, but he let his arms fall away. It left her cold.            Her mind scrambled for words. The embrace was over much too soon. It left Erron…wanting. What was wrong with her? This was crazy. And dangerous. “I…”            “Actually…I’m not sorry. I had to…touch you,” Jarek plowed on, as if she’d not made an attempt to speak. “I can’t explain why.”            Heat crept up Erron’s neck and she stared. “How…?”            He took a step forward. She didn’t move away. His cheeks were red from his run, his too-long hair windblown, and the heat of his body warmed her though they were not touching. Jarek cupped her face and studied her until her own cheeks heated. She averted her eyes. “Erron.” Her name on his tongue brought her gaze back, her body even hotter.  It sounded…perfect. The fact that he’d remembered her name wasn’t a surprise. Why?            “Jarek,” she whispered. He didn’t look any more shocked that she’d recalled his either.            His eyes slipped closed for a moment. “I had to see you.”            Reality was fading away, but Erron had to grasp it. This wasn’t safe. “How did you even find me?” She needed to move away from him. He had to stop touching her. She couldn’t think. But she just stared up into his dark eyes. Would he try to kiss her? No, that would be a disaster.            “I was at market. I saw your…father.” The way he said the last word made her cringe. Jarek couldn’t know, could he?            “Did you speak to him?”            “No.” Jarek shook his head. Her breath exited on a whoosh. At least Norden didn’t get the chance to harm him. “I needed to see you. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since that day.”            “I…I’ve thought about you, too.” The admission made her heart pound. Jarek flashed a smile that made her stomach flip.            He guided her to the bed and they sat as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Erron reached for his hand and Jarek entwined their fingers as if they’d held each other dozens of times. They talked for what seemed hours.            Jarek kept glancing out the window. “He will be back soon,” he said.            “I will only be in town until tomorrow.” Erron murmured, her chest constricting. He squeezed her hand. “What is…this…connection?” Jarek whispered.            “I don’t know.”            “You feel it.” It wasn’t a question. Erron nodded. “I don’t want to leave you.”            “I…don’t want you…to go. But…” she shook her head. She wanted to reach out, wrap herself around him. What was happening to her? Her heart thundered.            “I know. He’s probably already on his way back.” His tone was thick, as if he was saddened as well. She blinked back tears. Jarek caressed her cheek. “We’ll see each other again,” he whispered.            Erron nodded, a lump in her throat. She would never be that lucky. “Go. Please,” she croaked.  Her hand lingered in his for only a moment longer. He pressed a kiss into her knuckles, a ghost of a smile playing at his lips.His hand on the doorknob, Jarek looked over his shoulder. “Erron.” His brown eyes bore into hers. “I will come for you.”            Then he was gone, so he didn’t hear her whisper, “I believe you.” 

TO BE CONTINUED...
All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

  

Bound By Trust by Lavender Daye

    HAPPY RELEASE DAY to my very good friend and Critique Partner Lavender Daye. It's her First BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Its very good. Go buy it now. Hehehe! (I am overjoyed for her in case you couldn't tell!) Buy it from Siren Happy READING!

Fate's Call #5

Hope you enjoy
I am enjoying writing this.

The closer they got to Dalunas Main, the harder Erron’s heart thundered. She gripped the reins of her mare, Fancy, until her knuckles whitened. She would see Jarek again. Erron shot a glance at her father and squared her shoulders. He couldn’t know her thoughts.How would she go about it anyway? Norden never left her alone. He would kill her if she ran. If he caught her. No—when he caught her.It wasn’t fair to drag Jarek into her mess of a life. He had a father, too. What if he had a mother, siblings? They would all be in jeopardy.Once again, the possibility of Jarek being married danced in her thoughts. What if he had a wife? Erron’s heart stopped. No.But it was possible. He was grown, of a marrying age, probably a turn or two older than her twenty. Tears burned her eyes and she swallowed hard.What was wrong with her? The pain constricting her chest made no sense. She’d seen the tanner once. Why did the thought of him being married bother her so much? It wasn’t like he would volunteer to save her, anyway.“Erron,” her father snapped.She jolted in her saddle and met his irritated gaze. “What are you doing?”“N-n-nothing.”“Pay attention. Take control of Fancy. If she stumbles because of you I will take it out of your hide.”Erron nodded, but her father had already looked away. He ranted about how he was allowing her to ride his horse. He grumbled that he should have made her walk. She sighed. It was no use daydreaming about the handsome tanner. She would never get away from her father. When they got into Dalunas Main, Erron’s hopes lifted. Her father directed them to an inn. They were staying in town overnight. Though they often made day trips to market, Norden never brought them into town and not returned back home the same day, no matter the hour.After complaining about the costs of stabling their horses and a suitable room, her father paid the rotund innkeeper. The older man then led them up rickety stairs to their room. He asked Erron if she required anything.“She’ll fetch our supper later,” her father snapped.Erron winced as the innkeeper nodded and gazed at her with sympathetic brown eyes. He excused himself with a slight bow.She looked around the small room, her heart tripping over itself. If Norden wanted to overpower her, there was no way for her to retreat. The bed took up much of the room, with a window to the left that opened over the busy streets. The furniture was sparse, only a chest of drawers and a cloudy mirror. The privy was in the corner. Small, but private. At least the room smelled and looked clean. Looking back at the bed, Erron’s stomach clenched. She would have to share it with her father.“I’m going out.” She met her father’s eyes as he spoke. “Do not move from this room.” He was leaving…without her? She stared at him, fighting not to show a reaction. “Yes, sir.”With a grunt, Norden turned on his heel and left, shutting the door with a resounding thud. She studied the warped wood, frozen. He’d left her alone? Norden had never left her alone. Blessed Spirit, he’d actually left her alone!She rushed to the window. Looking down, she scanned the crowds of people moving toward the busy market center. There were people on foot, people on horseback or leading pack animals. There was even a cart lumbering on its way.Erron spotted her father’s retreating figure easily enough. He was headed down the road that led to the blacksmith’s shop. Just two streets over from there was her tanner. Jarek. How could she get to him?∞∞∞∞∞∞∞            Jarek sighed. Anais continued her conversation with the butcher’s wife even though she’d concluded her meat shopping. Why he’d agreed to her request to go with her to market was beyond him. He was a human packhorse. The woman had bought one of everything. His arms ached with her four—four full baskets hanging at every angle. It was enough food to feed an army. But her smile was bright and she always did so much for him and his father, so Jarek couldn’t refuse her. She was oblivious to his annoyance as well, but he had no intention to offend her.“Ready, Jarek, love?” Anais asked several moments later.“Of course. Where to next?” Home, please.            “I think I’ve gotten everything we need.”            Thank the Blessed Spirit. He flashed a smile. “I thought you would never say so.”            “Oh, hush. You’re a strapping young man, you can handle it.”             Jarek’s smile slid into a sheepish grin. “My arms won’t be right for days.”            Anais mock-glared at him. “You’re not too old to have your hide tanned.”            He laughed out loud, shaking his head. “I’m two and twenty! What’s too old?”            “Hmmm, you’ll always be my lad.”            Jarek’s heart warmed. Had he not had arms full of groceries, he would have hugged her. “Thank you, Anais.”            She nodded and flashed a smile. “Home, then?”            “Before my arms fall off would be preferable.”            Anais squatted at his rear end as they headed out of the butcher shop and Jarek chuckled.            They fell into step and easy conversation as they headed down the road. He genuinely enjoyed her company. How could he nudge his father into making her an official…permanent part of their family? The sooner the better.            Leading her down the shortest path home, Anais followed Jarek across the street and he gestured for her to step ahead of him as the path narrowed for several feet before widening again. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a familiar figure. He froze and turned around.            The widow paused, her expression curious as she met his eyes. But Jarek looked away from her, his gaze locked onto Erron’s father as he headed into the blacksmith’s shop.            “Jarek? Is something wrong?”            “I…need to go.” His heart thundered. Where was she? He scanned the street. Among the people that were coming and going, he couldn’t spot her anywhere. Was she in Dalunas Main? Was she all right?            “What are you talking about?” Anais asked, her tone concerned.            Jarek forced himself to meet her pale eyes. “Remember the girl from the alley Da and I told you about?”            “Yes…”            “Her father just went into Hem’s shop.”            “Go, lad.” No hesitation in her tone whatsoever.            Jarek nodded curtly. Anais’s support made his decision. “Will you be all right with all these things?”             “Yes.”            He dropped a kiss on her cheek and she smiled at him. Anais patted his cheek before taking the four baskets and Jarek whispered his thanks. He slipped away from her then. He had to find Erron.

TO BE CONTINUED: 
All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author. 

                       

Interview!

I am being interviewed today *squeeeeeee* First time and it's COOL!

On my friend Dawn Alexander's Blog today!

Check it out!

For one lucky person that comments on my interview on Dawn's blog, I am going to give away a SIGNED copy of the AWESOME book, Dragon Lover, by Jeanne Guzman who is one of my Critique Partners! It's a FANTASTIC read.

I will pick a winner tomorrow AM and post it on Facebook.

Goodreads

I am a goodreads author. How cool is THAT?  But what's even cooler is that I already have fans and people have already added Sword's Call on their "To-read" list. *squuuueeeeeeeeeee*

Thank you guys for all your support!

Me on Goodreads

Fate's Call #4

So, sorry this is a day late, but it's better than Friday, right? ;)

It's taking a dark turn, but I hope you still will enjoy it!

Her arms shook, aching from wrist to shoulder as she pushed the plow. Erron’s back throbbed, muscles straining as she did the job minus Angus, their plow horse. Her father’s punishment for running off the other day on their way to market in Dalunas Main. But physical labor was preferable to lying beneath him naked while he took what only a husband should. She shuddered. He’d done that last night.Screaming and fighting him didn’t help. Erron had long learned he was quicker to finish and leave her be if she didn’t respond to him in any way. Perhaps now anger would keep him away from her longer than normal. She prayed for a fortnight or two.The dark eyed stare of Erron’s rescuer floated into her mind. Jarek. His name was Jarek. If she closed her eyes she could see every detail of his concerned expression. His handsome face, his gentle touch… If only for a moment, he’d caredabout her.Was he married? It would be pleasant to be with a man like him. So different from…what she knew. Who was she trying to fool? Even if the tanner was unwed, it was unlikely that he’d ever want her. Damaged. Impure. No one would have her if the truth got out. Her father had ruined any chances of a good marriage for her.Several of the surrounding family farm holdings had sons. Any one of them would make a fine husband. Although she was recently twenty, none had even considered offering for her, so what did it matter?  Erron chided herself for girlish fantasies.Her mother had passed away just over ten turns before. Erron’s father, Norden, had gone mad with grief. One moment he clutched her tightly because she resembled her mother, and the next he pushed her way claiming the same reason. Not long after, he’d demanded she fill her mother’s place in his bed. Barely eleven, he’d taken her innocence, despite kicking and screaming. Her father had crushed her, body and spirit. She’d begged, pleaded, and sent countless prayers to the Blessed Spirit, but Erron had been forsaken. She was trapped with her father. Norden would kill her or make her bear his children.Every time he painfully forced himself into her, fear froze her heart that he’d leave her with his bastard. If it happened, everyone would know what went on behind the closed doors of their home. Whore.            Erron bit her lip to hold back threatening tears. A pregnancy had never occurred, though she’d bled monthly since age thirteen. Perhaps that was the Blessed Spirit’s one concession.            “Erron.” Her name was a gruff command and she bit back a gulp, squaring her shoulders before meeting his pale blue gaze.            “Yes, Father?”            “You’ve almost finished.” He gestured to the smallest of their three fields.            She was covered in sweat, pain settling over her whole body, but Erron would not complain. “Yes Father.” She swallowed hard as she stared at his unreadable expression.            “Use the horse for the rest.”            “Yes Father.”            “I expect my supper at the normal time, and you’re taking too long.”            Erron bowed her head, eyes blurring with tears. Never would she give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. Besides, it would likely save her from his heavy hand.             He said nothing as he turned to go, and neither did she. She waited until his footsteps were no longer audible before she went to the barn to get Angus. At least the old horse was a friend.∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞            Erron stared at the bowl in front of her, no real appetite for its contents. Her father ate with vigor as was normal for him, having demanded she refill his plate twice before she’d even had a chance to sit down. His grunts of appreciation were the only compliments she ever received. But, he ate her food without complaint. That at least was preferable to a slap across the face.            Her limbs were heavy, every muscle aching. If she did not soak in the bathtub she wouldn’t be able to move in the morning. The farm had to be worked, so that wasn’t an option. Hopefully she could sneak into the barn for a bath without notice. She would wait until her father fell asleep.            “We’re going to market in the morning,” her father said, his mouth full of stew.            Erron’s head reared up and their gazes collided. Norden cocked his head to one side. Her heart pounded. She should have masked her surprise. She should have not moved so fast. He would likely hit her—            “What’s wrong with you?” he snapped.            “N-n-nothing, Father.”            He stared a moment longer, Erron’s heart thundered. She bit back the urge to swallow hard and fought for a serene expression.            “I have business with the blacksmith.”            “I am to accompany you?” She prayed her tone was even.            “Of course,” her father growled. “I do not trust you here alone.”            “Yes, Father.” Erron’s heart threatened to burst from her chest. After running from him, she never imagined he would take her back into Dalunas Main at all, let alone so soon. Jarek. She could see Jarek again.            “Erron?”            “Yes, Father?”            “If you run from me again, I will kill you.”            Her stomach roiled. Erron locked onto the picture of Jarek in her mind and forced her head to nod. Norden spoke the truth. But could she see her tanner again? The possibility of missing the opportunity scared her even more than her father’s promise.

 TO BE CONTINUED:

All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.

Fate's Call #3

Like the last one, I guess I don't have much to say here. Hope you like it and you check back for the next segment! I am going to Chicago Thursday, so my next segment might be a lil delayed. Forgive me if it's Friday instead of Weds.

Limbsheavy, his chest constricted with crushing disappointment. He couldn't findher. Jarek had scoured the market and the surrounding area—even three of thebetter taverns with rooms for rent. No sign of the girl or her father. It wasas if the whole exchange had been some phantom he'd imagined. Had his fathernot been a witness, he really would have thought he'd lost his mind.Wherethe hell had they gone? Dalunas Main was not so large that one couldn't coverit in a day. Were they in Lower Dalunas? Jarek shuddered. No. For the girl's sake, it couldn't be.Eveningwas settling, and with it a chill in the air. The breeze carried the scent ofimpending rain. Jarek sent a quick prayer to the Blessed Spirit that she waswarm, safe and stayed dry for the night. He admitted defeat. If he didn't headhome, his father would worry. Not to mention Anais. Hisfather was laughing when Jarek entered their quarters, located on the oppositeside of their storefront. Laughing. Hestared for a moment, looking back and forth from Kirgan and the woman that satat the table with him. Whyhad he never noticed how lovely the widow was? Anais wore no bonnet, her fairhair neatly coiffed at the back of her head, and her face was radiant as shelooked at his father.Washe intruding? He was hesitant to enter his own home."Jarek,"his father exclaimed as he noticed him hovering in the doorway. Anaisshot to her feet as if she'd been caught doing something wrong, her cheekscrimson. Jarek would have taken a moment to reassure her, but it could resultin further embarrassment, and he didn't want that. He loved the idea of themtogether."Wherehave you been, lad? I was starting to worry," Kirgan remarked. Onecorner of Jarek's mouth lifted. His father had looked content…and far too busyto be worried about his adult son.But it warmed his heart anyway."Letme get you something warm to eat," Anais rushed her words."I'mfine," Jarek told her with a gentle smile that got him nowhere as she hurriedto the hearth. As soon as she lifted the lid from the pot of stew she'd made,the pleasant aroma tickled his nose and his stomach growled. "All right, I'lleat."Anaisthrew a smile over her shoulder as she spooned his supper in a bowl. "I thoughtas much, this is your favorite.""Youknow us so well," his father mused. Jarek glanced at him and saw a tendernessthere as the older man gazed at the widow. He hadn't seen that before. It's about damn time. What had changedthe awkwardness Kirgan had displayed this morning?Hisheart skipped a beat as the stunning girl danced across his thoughts. He didn'tknow her, yet he could imagine gazing at her in much the same way. She'denchanted him."Ishould think so," Anais said, grinning as she came back to the table. "I havebeen caring for you both for turns."Kirgannodded and Jarek slipped into his normal seat."Hereyou go, love.""Thankyou," Jarek told her as his father handed him a spoon. He nodded thanks to himas well. Anaisslipped her arm around his shoulders and squeezed him in a hug before she satback down next to his father. She'd moved too fast for him to return theaffection, but Jarek wanted to. He flashed her a smile instead and took a biteof the thick bread she'd made.Hegroaned in appreciation and Anais rewarded him with another grin. She had toldhim many times that preparing food held no joy unless she could share it withothers who would also delight in it. She was a fantastic cook."Wheredid you go?" his father asked.Theyboth watched him. Too closely. Howmuch should Jarek admit? They would both likely think him foolish. He didn'tunderstand the drive to find the girl himself, how could he explain it to hisfather?"Ilooked for the lass," he admitted. Kirgan'sbrows drew together. "But why?"            Anais's expression also heldconfusion, but Jarek didn't stop to recite the happening of that morning,although his father might have mentioned it.            "I can't explain it, Da. I need tofind her."            His father looked even moreconcerned. He rested his calloused hand on Jarek's forearm. "Be sure you're notconcerning yourself with something that isnone of your concern."            Jarek sighed. He didn't want to hearthe sense of his father's caution. He just needed to find her. He couldn'texplain the whys.            "He should find her, Kirgan, if hefeels that strongly. Perhaps it's fate," Anais said softly. So, his father hadtold her what had happened after all. Jarek shot her a grateful look.            Kirgan looked deep in thought for along moment before he spoke. "Fate?"            Anais smiled at them both. "Don'ttell me such things are only for foolish women. I'm beyond believing that."            Jarek grinned and his fatherchuckled.            "I would never call you a fool, mydear," his father whispered.            Anais beamed and squeezed his hand.            "Smart man," Jarek put in. "If youdid, Da, she might never feed you again, and we all know what a horrible cook I am." They all laughed.            His father and the widow gazed ateach other as if he wasn't there. Jarek shifted on his seat. Quite odd to bethe uncomfortable one in his own home. Bigsky blue eyes and blonde plaits entered his mind again. Why was she hauntinghim? Did it really mean something? Was there such a thing as fate, as Anais hadsaid? Heexcused himself from the table. His father and Anais barely noticed. Jarek wasfine with that. When she retired for the evening—provided it was to her ownbed—he would tell his father that he had his blessing. Perhaps it would assistKirgan along with things, although based on what happened at the table, maybehis father had finally girded himself against shyness. He laughed and shook hishead. What a thought that was.Jarekbusied himself preparing for bed, but the fair haired girl wouldn't exit hismind. He was more determined than ever to find her.

TO BE CONTINUED...

All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.