Christa Kinde's Blog, page 56
June 18, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 158: Time Flies
Chapter 158: Time Flies
Two Guardians paused in the middle of sparring and lowered their weapons. “Would you look at that?”
“Newfoundlings.”
“There haven’t been any little guys here since we were brought in.”
“I know.”
The auburn-haired teens leaned against their spears as a line of wide-eyed youngsters trailed by. Adin asked, “Were we ever that puny?”
Tamaes shook his head. “It does not seem possible.”
Adin’s attention snapped to the Overseer’s tent. “Gotta go. Valerian wants me.”
Tamaes caught his friend’s spear and turned toward the armory, nearly colliding with his own mentor. Taweel gruffly said, “Yes.”
“Yes?”
“You were that puny.”
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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.
June 17, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 157: For His Sake
Chapter 157: For His Sake
Tamaes wasn’t sure how to explain, but he had to try. “May I remain here?”
Taweel looked him up and down. “Did Adin injure you?”
“No. I am well.” Tamaes tried again. “But he was sad.”
“Adin?”
“Yes. He missed me. And you. Us.”
“You enjoy our outings.”
Tamaes shuffled his feet. “But he was sad.”
“Did Adin ask you to stay within the Hedge?”
“Nooo. I am the one asking.”
With a soft sigh, Taweel summed it up neatly. “You want to grow up with Adin, not apart from him.”
Tamaes flung his arms around Taweel’s arm. “May I?”
<< 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.
June 16, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 156: On the Sidelines
Chapter 156: On the Sidelines
Adin was showing an aptitude for the spear. “He is a good match for you,” Taweel remarked.
“Hmm,” Valerian agreed, his attention fixed on their apprentices. “My mentor was also a spearman.”
“And a harpist?”
The lean Guardian tore his eyes from the match. “No.”
Taweel asked, “How long have you played?”
“A Messenger shoved a harp into my hands shortly after I was pierced. It endured many mournful melodies before I remembered joy.” Valerian’s gaze flitted to Taweel’s shoulder, where Omri gripped his dainty handhold. “Is he your harp?”
Omri patted his cheek, and Taweel grunted. “One of many.”
<< 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.
June 13, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation xciii
It’s been a quiet week in my hometown. (If you’re familiar with Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion, you’ll understand why I’m smiling.) But small town, rural Minnesota definitely has its own pace. One that’s conducive to writing. My notebook and I have ranged all over my old stomping grounds, and I’m pleased with my fortnight’s creativity. I have enough pre-writing done to “get serious” and turn these notes into a manuscript. Not too shabby. Let’s see … today, I have more shapshots and reminders for you. Take a look!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ I’m zeroing in on my summer deadline for Realms of Glory. In case this is your first time hearing about my current writing project with Zonderkidz, I’ll sum up. They invited me to write an angel-themed devotional. The book highlights what we know about angels from the Bible, so you’ll be able to tell fact from fiction. These little lessons take various forms—word studies, Q&A sessions, biblical angel encounters, and teaching moments that revisit the cast of the Threshold Series. You’ll get to see Prissie and Koji again. And drop in on Milo’s Sunday school classes. And you’ll meet a young angel who’s learning what it means to be one of God’s Messengers.
If you haven’t already subscribed to my newsletter, you’ll want to scoot over and take care of that. On Monday the 16th, the June issue will include an exclusive excerpt from Realms of Glory … and a sneak peek at new art for the upcoming 90-day devotional. SUBSCRIBE >>
♦ In case you missed it, the fourth installment of Angel on High is live. You can read “Look and Listen” in Christian Fiction Online Magazine. And frankly, I’m curious about your reactions. Did Koji surprise you? : )
♦ I sent out a whole passel of postcards this week. This is something I’ve always loved to do, and I’m always eager to add more readers to my mailing list. To find out more about how I keep the post offices busy, check out my Postcards page. (Especially since there’ll be a brand new Threshold art card coming out in July!) Teaser….
♦ SALE! Don’t forget that Zonderkidz is running a Summer Reading promotion right now. You can buy all four of the e-books in the Threshold series for $3.99 apiece. Spread the word. Nab them for yourself. Gift them to a friend. You only have until Monday, June 16 to take advantage of the price break. ♥
♦ More pictures to share! The peony beds burst into bloom this week, which made me happy. I grew up with those white ones, with their tiny threads of crimson. Mom added the pink ones after I married and moved away from home. (Betcha Prissie would love them!) ♥
♦ My bags are packed, and I’m flying home this afternoon. Looking forward to rejoining my mister and my girls. Travel is wonderful, and I love trying and seeing new things. But home is sweet. This homebody is ready to return. : )
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 155: Share and Share Alike
Chapter 155: Share and Share Alike
“Where were you?”
Tamaes stopped short at Adin’s injured tone. “With Taweel. Training.”
His friend muttered, “No fair. Taweel is mine, too.”
Was he? Things had certainly started out that way, with both boys impressed by the mysterious warrior at Weft’s house. But Tamaes was Taweel’s apprentice now. His name was under his mentor’s hand; Taweel’s etched over Tamaes’s heart.
Adin said, “Valerian wouldn’t let me search because he had lessons.”
“I am here.” Tamaes hugged Adin, who had to share his mentor with the whole encampment. “Do you want to spar?”
His twin grinned. “I’ll get two spears!”
<< 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.
June 12, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 154: In the Armory
Chapter 154: In the Armory
Tamaes asked, “What is that?”
“Crossbow.” The Enclave’s weapons master placed it the boy’s hands. He cast a sidelong look at Taweel. “Hadarim don’t teach archery?”
“We favor close range weapons.”
Tamaes struggled to lift the crossbow. “Like this?”
“Almost.” Gently correcting the boy’s grip, the cherub said, “I do not have a smaller size.”
“Oh. Am I too little?”
“Not to learn. Let’s take this bow apart and put it back together. Then you’ll understand its strengths and limitations.” He held Taweel’s gaze and added, “When you’re older, find me again, and we’ll see if your aim is true.”
<< 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.
Angel on High, Part 4: Look and Listen
The June issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine has released, which means the next installment of my serial is available to readers! Are you ready for Part Four? ★
Koji was always reaching for stars.
Story Summary: As the newest member of his order, Koji is eager to learn what it means to be an Observer. But looking and listening lead to trouble when he spots danger and overhears secrets. Heaven’s archivists weren’t made for battle, but Koji will need a warrior’s courage to be ready for the unusual plans God has for him. This serial in ten parts is a prequel to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz].
Angel on High, © Copyright 2014 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved.
Part Four: “Look and Listen”
Christian Fiction Online Magazine, June 2014 | Read it now >>
After you’ve read there, I hope you’ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )
June 11, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 153: Cherubim Games
Chapter 153: Cherubim Games
Arrows rained down, but the formation of young cherubim didn’t endanger Tamaes. “We are both warriors, but you fight differently.”
The overseer explained, “Guardians defend their charges. Protectors engage the enemy.”
In this impromptu game, Taweel and five of the Enclave’s teachers had “captured” Tamaes. Their students formed Flights and rallied to rescue him.
Tamaes understood little of strategy, but when a daring boy dropped from the sky and swathed him in cobalt wings, he knew the game was won.
“Fear not. You are safe,” his rescuer said solemnly.
“I will not be afraid.” Tamaes shyly added, “Cherubim are amazing.”
<< 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.
June 10, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 152: Enclave
Chapter 152: Enclave
The Enclave’s overseer welcomed them and spoke kindly to Tamaes. “We have no newfoundlings in our tents. All our boys are nearing the end of their lessons.”
Tamaes spotted several adolescents with long bows. “What happens when there is nothing left to learn?”
Their host leaned down to grip Tamaes’s shoulder. “There is always something more to learn. And in the fullness of time, you will go to your charge. And we will go with you.”
“Cherubim will?”
“You and your mentor will be added to one of our Flights.”
“Can I try?”
The cherub winked, straightened, and whistled shrilly.
<< 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.
June 9, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 151: Pushing Boundaries
Chapter 151: Pushing Boundaries
Now that Taweel was conscious of Tamaes’s inquisitive nature, he noticed how often the boy asked him to indulge it. “How did you know there are cherubim encampments?” Taweel asked.
Tamaes blinked. “I did not know. I guessed. Was I wrong?”
“No. They also dwell in tents.” He nodded toward the territories beyond the districts. “The nearest Enclave is that way.”
“Can we go?”
Taweel saw no harm in letting Tamaes’s curiosity guide their course. “Unfurl your wings. There are no roads into the fringes.”
The boy hesitated, “No roads? Do they not like visitors?”
“Let us see for ourselves.”
<< 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.
