Christa Kinde's Blog, page 40
November 20, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 269: Back Up
Chapter 269: Back Up
Over the steady drum of rain, a growl reverberated. Tamaes wheeled, sword ready. ���That wasn���t thunder,��� he warned.
���Do not let the enemy delay you,��� snapped Taweel. ���Go.���
���No. You are outnumbered.��� Scuffling emanated from a murky alley along with a putrid stench. ���My first responsibility is to you.���
���Unless you are Sent,��� said a new voice. A barefoot angel stepped through a blaze of silver light. He glanced coolly at the sky, and the raindrops retreated as if in fear. ���Which they are,��� continued the newcomer, casually pointing up as four angels dropped into the eye of the storm.
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER�� |�� NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author���s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde���s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don���t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, �� Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
November 19, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 268: From a Distance
Chapter 268: From a Distance
���Courage,��� murmured Taweel.
Valerian rolled his eyes. ���Likewise. Now do your part.���
With a quick thrust, Taweel removed the spear from his comrade���s shoulder. Quickly covering the deep wound with both hands, he said, ���This needs a Caretaker.���
���If so, then one will be Sent.��� Valerian pushed wet hair out of his eyes. ���But I am your least concern. Go after him, Tamaes. Make him listen.���
Tamaes hesitated. ���Why would he listen to me?���
���Are you not his brother? The twin he cherishes?��� Misery bled into Valerian���s voice. ���Adin never let me any closer than the point of his spear.���
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER�� |�� NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author���s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde���s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don���t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, �� Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Tried and True, Chapter 267: Pierced Through
Chapter 267: Pierced Through
Tamaes pointed. ���I see something!���
A faint blur of green in the corner of an empty lot showed through the heavy veil of rain. Breaking into a run, Taweel called, ���Valerian!���
���Here,��� came the coughing reply.
They found Adin���s mentor sprawled amidst ragged weeds, the broken haft of a spear pinning his shoulder to the ground. Tamaes took a defensive stance while Taweel knelt in the mud and blood. ���How did this happen?���
���Few could rival Adin in battle. Myself included.���
Taweel groaned. ���He turned on you?���
Valerian managed a brittle smile. ���Let us instead say that I disarmed him.���
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER�� |�� NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author���s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde���s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don���t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, �� Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
November 17, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 266: Grasping at Hope
Chapter 266: Grasping at Hope
“Fear not. We are here.” Tending to Omri took more seconds than Tamaes felt he could spare, but the yahavim was as dear as life to Taweel. By calming the sprite, Tamaes steadied his mentor. And perhaps in return, Taweel would be able to support him.
“Does Omri know something we do not? Is it too late?” Tamaes asked shakily.
“Valerian called for help.”
“Yes. He said Adin needs me.”
“Then we are the help Valerian needs.” From under the edge of a sheltering wing, Taweel peered through the storm. “We would not be here if there was no hope.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
November 14, 2014
This Week���s Accumulation cviii
While I know much of the country is enjoying their first taste of winter, I’d call our weather in Southern California downright autumnal. Crisp air. Fall colors. Misty mornings. Perfect for baking and spice-scented candles … lap quilts and flannel sheets. And for creative bursts. I have two serials zooming toward their respective finales … and two more waiting restlessly in the wings. So let’s take a look at my clutter heap, shall we?��
This week’s accumulation:
��� With the November issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Angel on High has reached Part 9 of 10 … and is teetering on the edge of resolution. Have you been following Koji’s backstory each month? In December, I’ll host a special giveaway to celebrate this story’s completion. Watch for it! : )
��� The new monthly serial that’s queued up for January 2015 is Angel Unaware, which dips into more Threshold Series backstory. This time, Marcus is the focus. Now that I have a summary for this story, it’s feeling really official.
Story Summary: Marcus had never been a typical cherub. Raised on earth instead of in enclaves, he blended right in with humanity. The perfect Graft. But what Marcus wanted more than anything else was to become a warrior. So he asked God for a mentor. Marcus gets his armor fittings and swordsmanship lessons. But he also ends up with a couple of well-meaning foster parents, three nosy siblings, a lonesome landlord, and a new best friend.
��� Those of you who are reading Tried and True can probably tell that the end is near … in more ways than one. This serial will reach its 300th chapter (and The End) as 2014 draws to a close. I’m glad so many of you are feeling free to comment. I like knowing how you feel about what’s been happening.
��� The new serial that’s slated to begin in January won’t be weekdaily. This time around, I’ll be giving you updates twice a week���Wednesdays and Saturdays. This change will mean a longer wait for you, but it’ll also mean longer chapters. I won’t be sticking to the 100 word limit in Sage and Song. Which also has a summary.
Story Summary: During Israel���s golden age, two angels quietly take up residence in the royal household. Asaph and his apprentice have been Sent to record the songs that are David���s legacy. But when Kester finds a harp in the treasury, a song brings him to the king���s attention. The boy soon begins a new collection: sage words from the man whose name means peace. The proverbs of Solomon.
You remember Asaph, right? He’s the blue-haired Worshiper from Tried and True… and Kester’s first mentor.
Anna Earley is working on a cover for Sage and Song. I’ll share sketches when they come across my desktop! ���
��� And last (but not least), I’ll share a peek at new art from Katie Hofgard for the Byways books, which I publish under my maiden name���C. J. Milbrandt. I know a few of you have given On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins a whirl. The digital version of this series starter is only $.99. Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Elk, wolf, coon���who knows the names of these critter-brothers? : )
When this art is finished, I’ll have the makings for a beautiful new holiday card for Byways readers!
So what���s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
<< LAST WEEK�� |�� NEXT WEEK >>
This Week’s Accumulation cviii
While I know much of the country is enjoying their first taste of winter, I’d call our weather in Southern California downright autumnal. Crisp air. Fall colors. Misty mornings. Perfect for baking and spice-scented candles … lap quilts and flannel sheets. And for creative bursts. I have two serials zooming toward their respective finales … and two more waiting restlessly in the wings. So let’s take a look at my clutter heap, shall we?
This week’s accumulation:
♦ With the November issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Angel on High has reached Part 9 of 10 … and is teetering on the edge of resolution. Have you been following Koji’s backstory each month? In December, I’ll host a special giveaway to celebrate this story’s completion. Watch for it! : )
♦ The new monthly serial that’s queued up for January 2015 is Angel Unaware, which dips into more Threshold Series backstory. This time, Marcus is the focus. Now that I have a summary for this story, it’s feeling really official.
Story Summary: Marcus had never been a typical cherub. Raised on earth instead of in enclaves, he blended right in with humanity. The perfect Graft. But what Marcus wanted more than anything else was to become a warrior. So he asked God for a mentor. Marcus gets his armor fittings and swordsmanship lessons. But he also ends up with a couple of well-meaning foster parents, three nosy siblings, a lonesome landlord, and a new best friend.
♦ Those of you who are reading Tried and True can probably tell that the end is near … in more ways than one. This serial will reach its 300th chapter (and The End) as 2014 draws to a close. I’m glad so many of you are feeling free to comment. I like knowing how you feel about what’s been happening.
♦ The new serial that’s slated to begin in January won’t be weekdaily. This time around, I’ll be giving you updates twice a week—Wednesdays and Saturdays. This change will mean a longer wait for you, but it’ll also mean longer chapters. I won’t be sticking to the 100 word limit in Sage and Song. Which also has a summary.
Story Summary: During Israel’s golden age, two angels quietly take up residence in the royal household. Asaph and his apprentice have been Sent to record the songs that are David’s legacy. But when Kester finds a harp in the treasury, a song brings him to the king’s attention. The boy soon begins a new collection: sage words from the man whose name means peace. The proverbs of Solomon.
You remember Asaph, right? He’s the blue-haired Worshiper from Tried and True… and Kester’s first mentor.
Anna Earley is working on a cover for Sage and Song. I’ll share sketches when they come across my desktop! ♥
♦ And last (but not least), I’ll share a peek at new art from Katie Hofgard for the Byways books, which I publish under my maiden name—C. J. Milbrandt. I know a few of you have given On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins a whirl. The digital version of this series starter is only $.99. Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Elk, wolf, coon—who knows the names of these critter-brothers? : )
When this art is finished, I’ll have the makings for a beautiful new holiday card for Byways readers!
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
<< LAST WEEK | NEXT WEEK >>
Tried and True, Chapter 265: Hold Me Up
Chapter 265: Hold Me Up
They plunged through a Caretaker’s door, and heaven’s light gave way to night and storm. Rain pelted, and wind sheered through narrow streets as the two Guardians hit the ground running. “This is the way!”
“Wait!” Taweel grabbed his apprentice’s shoulder and raised his voice to be heard over the downpour. “Tamaes, wait!”
He obediently skidded to a halt. “But he needs me.”
“So do I. Please, Tamaes. Help me.” Taweel stepped closer and extended shaking wings around them. In their shelter, it was easier to hear the sound that was destroying Taweel’s composure. Tiny hiccuping sobs. Omri was crying.
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
November 13, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 264: By Increments
Chapter 264: By Increments
Little by little, Loris’s apprentice grew accustomed to the comings and goings of warriors.
One by one, twenty-two young hadarim found their voices, their wings, and their confidence.
Bit by bit, Tamaes relaxed into the familiar pattern of work and worship … and waiting.
Only when his call came, it wasn’t the one he expected.
“I need you!”
Tamaes shot to his feet as the ragged voice ripped through his mind. Desperation edged the next outcry.
“He needs you!”
Icy dread flooded Tamaes as Taweel rushed in, exclaiming, “Valerian …!”
“Can we …?”
With a sigh, God’s answer came. ‘Go.’
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
November 12, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 263: Oh, No
Chapter 263: Oh, No
The changing of the watches found Taweel and Tamaes in the Weavers’ District, where they startled a wispy boy with pale blue ringlets. “Oh, no!” he gasped, ducking out of sight.
Tamaes murmured, “Do you suppose …?”
Taweel grunted.
A small, six-fingered hand stole around the edge, and the boy peeped back out. Staring at their armor and swords, he asked, “A-are you lost?”
Tamaes spread his hands wide. “We are home.”
All the boy managed was a tiny squeak, at which point Loris came to his rescue. “Peace, child.” Beaming at the big Guardians, Loris explained, “My new apprentice.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
Tried and True, Chapter 262: Unique Patterns
Chapter 262: Unique Patterns
Tamaes had always loved God’s wordless writing. He touched the spirals of filigree swirling across the blade’s surface, delicate as yahavim threads, whirling like galaxies. “If I flew far enough, do you think I would find my secret name written in stars?”
“A pleasant idea.” Taweel flipped the sword over, and Omri flitted down for a closer look.
“Can you read them, Omri?” Tamaes asked.
The little angel gave the nearest whorl a pat, but if he knew, he wasn’t telling.
Taweel slowly sheathed his blade. “We need common names, more tents, and raiment.”
Tamaes’s lips quirked. “We need Loris.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information can be found on the Tried and True index page. And don’t forget, story art is on display in my gallery.
Tried and True, © Copyright 2013-2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved. If you want to receive an email whenever my stories update, consider subscribing to this blog. You can also watch for notifications on Twitter.
