Christa Kinde's Blog, page 42
October 29, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 253: Always Changing
Chapter 253: Always Changing
Burnished feathers brushed along the ground as Nock approached the Forge’s guests. He didn’t stop until he grasped Tamaes by the forearms. “Much time has passed since your last visit.”
With an answering grip, Tamaes smiled wryly. “I stopped growing.”
Nock’s brothers caught up. “Growth has little to do …”
“ … with stature. You have …”
“ … changed. And with each change …”
Baring his fangs, Nock’s voice boomed as he finished, “ … true friends will take your measure.”
Taji cheerfully interrupted. “Are you taking volunteers?”
Tamaes turned to find him, Bern, and Jacinto with hands upraised.
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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.
October 28, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 252: Chart a Course
Chapter 252: Chart a Course
“Let me lead,” said Taji, whose golden wings blazed as they soared past star clusters and skimmed along the edges of vibrant nebula.
Jacinto asked, “Do you know the way?”
“Selection scattered us,” reminded Bern. “Our mentors brought us to different forges.”
Looping lazily around Tamaes, Taji boasted, “His star is my star, and its Fourfold are my friends.”
“You know Nock?” asked Bern, sounding impressed.
Jacinto caught on. “You were Dorum’s apprentice!”
Tamaes chuckled. “Yes. Taji’s mentor was my mentor’s mentor.” Adding a burst of speed, he cheerfully called back, “But he cannot lead if he cannot keep up!”
<< 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.
October 27, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 251: Don’t Ask
Chapter 251: Don’t Ask
Taweel found Tamaes sitting in a candle tree grove, boot laces unraveled, armor scattered on the ground. Dropping to one knee, Taweel asked, “Where are you injured?”
“Nowhere.”
“Why did you remove your armor?”
“I feel helpless. Now I am helpless.” Tamaes lifted mournful eyes. “Are there forbidden questions?”
“Ask me anything.”
Tamaes struggled for composure. “Are apprentices ever Sent apart from their mentors?”
“Yes.”
Surprise. Relief. Dismay. “Would you send me away?”
“I would. I will.” Taweel took his trembling apprentice by the shoulders and spoke in soothing tones. “Not for good, but for your good. And not alone.”
<< 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.
October 26, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 250: Fresh Wound
Chapter 250: Fresh Wound
Tamaes found Adin near the bathing pools, struggling to bind a fresh wound. “What happened?”
Adin laughed lightly. “Don’t ask.”
“Let me.” Tamaes knelt at his twin’s side and straightened lopsided bandages. “Who wounded you?”
“Doesn’t matter.”
“Does Valerian know?”
Adin’s eyebrows arch. “He’s my mentor.”
Which didn’t answer the question. “You should not go into battle alone.”
“Do you think so little of my skill?”
“I know your capabilities full well.” Tamaes’s mouth thinned. “Which is why I must wonder how you came by such a deep wound.”
“Your concern warms my heart.” Adin’s smile widened. “But don’t ask.”
<< 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.
October 24, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 249: Three for One
Chapter 249: Three for One
“How can this be?”
Taweel grunted. “Children grow.”
“You’ve changed, too, Tamaes.” A barrel-chested axeman propped an arm on his shoulder and leaned. “Just not as much!”
“Don’t tease, Bern. Tamaes is the same.” A swordsman with hyacinth curls stepped forward. “As is my admiration. Hello, brother.”
Tamaes clasped Jacinto’s hand and found he had to look up. With a jolt, he realized that
Jacinto and Bern were pierced. “How can this be?” he repeated. But he wasn’t talking about being the shortest warrior in the tent.
Taweel met his questioning glance and gruffly said, “You should check on Adin.”
<< 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.
October 22, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 248: Lost Time
Chapter 248: Lost Time
Tamaes slowly shook his head. “We have no newfoundlings.”
“Yet. They arrive at regular intervals in every encampment.”
“Not ours.” Tamaes’s jaw tightened. “I should take you to Taweel.”
Taji fell in step. “It’s strange. We were talking about you earlier.”
“We?”
“Bern’s thoughts often touch mine. He remembers our early days with great fondness.”
“And Jacinto?”
Taji nodded. “We’re closer than ever.”
Tamaes felt so out of touch. If not for his distinctive wing patterns, he wouldn’t have even recognized Taji. “I have fallen short as your Fourfold brother.”
“Now you’ll be able to make up for lost time.”
<< 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.
October 21, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 247: Passing Centuries
Chapter 247: Passing Centuries
The training Flight swooped in, full of protests and questions, but Tamaes said, “A moment, please. This is my friend. Perhaps we can coax him into playing with us.”
Interested gazes swung to Taji, who laughed. “Ages have passed, and I’ve come full circle. But this is wonderful! Are you a teacher, too?”
“No.”
Taji roughed up short silver hair. In a lower voice, he asked, “You’re still waiting?”
“I am.”
“Is Taweel still overseer?”
“He is.”
“I should let him know his new teacher has arrived.” Taji patted the slingshot hanging from his sash. “Teacher … and prospective mentor.”
<< 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.
October 20, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 246: Capture the Flag
Chapter 246: Capture the Flag
Young fighters swerved and strained, struggling to keep up with a swordsman whose flight path kept changing.
“Is he part Messenger?” muttered an adolescent.
“I heard he trains with them,” panted his teammate.
“He’s turned!” The leader of their training Flight cried, “Watch out!”
Bold as a cherub, blazing like flames, their lone opponent plunged through their ranks, scattering their formation.
A moment later, heavy boots hit the ground. Laughter sparkled in mahogany eyes as
Tamaes claimed their banner and his victory.
“You made that look easy!” exclaimed a deep voice.
Tamaes turned to the silver-haired newcomer and blinked. “Taji?”
<< 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.
RELEASE DAY: Byways Books 2-4
ON SALE NOW! Three brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths in the Byways books, which I publish under my maiden name. If you enjoy family-friendly fantasy, find out more about the big race at CJMilbrandt.com >>
October 18, 2014
This Week’s Accumulation cvi
October is turning out to be a very exciting month. (A little on the crazy side, but completely worthwhile.) Those of you who’ve read Galleries of Stone will understand what I mean when I say I’ll be gilding my nails today. But there are lots more reasons to celebrate. I have three books releasing on Monday, and I’m excited for next weekend’s big SDCWG Fall Conference. Ready for this week’s heap of authorial clutter? Come and see!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ I shared this picture earlier in the week on both Facebook and Twitter, but I don’t want to leave you out. Since I dabble in graphic design, I’m something of a font geek. My daughter and I excel at font-spotting, but rarely do I have a jaw-dropping moment of recognition.
When I saw this mat on the front step of an acquaintance’s home, I knew I needed my camera. Who knew that “my” font is sitting on thresholds far and wide? I call that appropriate!
♦ One project that’s taking up my time is edits on that angel-themed devotional. (Angels of the Bible: A 90-day Devotional will release in September 2015.) Early on, we’d planned to include several scenes with the Threshold Series cast, but those aren’t happening now. Which leaves me with a small stack of unused moments. Many of them are series outtakes, and I expect you’d enjoy reading them. A little here, a little there. They’ll be cropping up. Mostly in my newsletter. (Do you subscribe?) Today, I’m in the mood for Milo & Zeke, so I’ll share one of their encounters!
Playing Favorites
On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Zeke Pomeroy stood in front of the corner store’s soda machine. He had two quarters and permission, but he hesitated, the picture of indecision.
The store’s automatic door swung open, and Milo Leggett strode in, still in his postal uniform. “Hey, Zeke!”
“Milo! Whatcha doing here?”
“Visiting a friend.”
Zeke looked around at the other customers, then back up at his Sunday school teacher. “Me?”
“Yep!” Dropping to a seat on the wooden bench beside the soda machine, Milo asked, “You look like you’re facing a tough choice.”
“Kinda.” The boy pointed at the machine. “They’re out of my favorite.”
Milo hummed. “I know Beau prefers lemon-lime, and Jude always asks for root beer. But I didn’t realize you had a favorite.”
“I mostly like to try new stuff, but yeah … I got a favorite.” Pointing to the button with the orange light lit next to it, he said, “Red pop. Cuz it’s mysterious.”
“Is it?” Milo asked.
“Well, yeah. Because it doesn’t taste like anything normal. It tastes like red, and drinking a color is the best. Don’t ya think?”
Milo smiled warmly. “When you put it like that, I can see the appeal.”
“I wonder what green tastes like. Or yellow. Or pink.” Zeke looked at the mailman and asked, “Do you have favorites?”
“Nope.”
“Why not? Can’t you make up your mind?”
“I suppose I just take what comes my way,” Milo replied. “I’m not fussy.”
“About nothing?” Zeke asked incredulously. “I don’t believe it.”
“No? And why’s that?”
“Cuz I know stuff,” argued the boy. “Like your favorite color is blue. And almond cookies are your best favorite, and you always pick honey for on biscuits. And your favorite book is the Bible. And your favorite mailbox is ours, on account of saving the best for last.”
“You notice lots of things.”
“’Course! But I know you gotta be fair,” Zeke said wisely. “Cuz of being a teacher on Sundays and a mailman on all the other days. We gotta share you. All over the place.”
Milo chuckled. “It’s not as if I can’t have friends.”
“Zactly!” With a mischievous light in his blue eyes, Zeke whispered, “I won’t tell!”
Lowering his voice, Milo whispered, “Tell what?”
“That I’m your favorite.”
“And how do you know that?”
Zeke cheerfully explained, “It’s not church, and work’s over. So you don’t gotta do nothing. You can pick anything you want in the whole world.” With a triumphant smile, he concluded, “And you picked me.”
I remember using that same soda machine in a chapter of Rough and Tumble, which is complete in 300 chapters. You can read that story right here on the blog, but it’s also available for purchase if you’d like to add Ethan’s & Zeke’s story to your virtual library.
Now Available!
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
♦ Do you do the whole Facebook thing? You can now “like” me over there because there’s a Christa Kinde author page. I also have pages for two of my fantasy series, which are published under my maiden name.
I’ll be back next weekend with a conference report. : )
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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