Christa Kinde's Blog, page 59
May 15, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 134: Shod for War
Chapter 134: Shod for War
Lost in memories, Taweel hummed the cadences of a battle song as he wove crisscrossing straps around his calves.
“Wait!”
With a blink, he recalled his young companion.
Tamaes sat in a hopeless tangle of bootstraps. “Slower?” he begged.
“Fear not. You will learn.” Tying off a final knot, Taweel knelt before his apprentice and gently switched the boy’s boots, which were stuck on the wrong feet.
“Oh.” Tamaes blushed. “That is better.”
Evening up the straps, Taweel casually remarked, “If you practice with Weft, you will soon master the patterns. Until then, this is my service.”
Tamaes whispered, “Thanks.”
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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.
May 14, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 133: Finishing Touch
Chapter 133: Finishing Touch
Tamaes’s excitement over his new armor redoubled as Taweel worked the straps into place, then added a finishing touch. “Do all Guardians do this?” the boy asked.
“Who can say?”
“Did your mentor to this?” Tamaes pressed.
“Yes. Every time.”
“More than once?”
Taweel huffed softly. “I grew.”
Realization dawned. “We will be back?”
“Many times.” Brushing aside stray flecks, he offered the slim dagger. “Now you.”
Tamaes’s tongue peeped out of the corner of his mouth as he slowly scratched his name inside Taweel’s new breastplate. He liked knowing the inscription would always be there, over his mentor’s heart.
<< 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.
May 13, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 132: Mark of a Mentor
Chapter 132: Mark of a Mentor
Taweel could no longer see Tamaes. Sentient rings sang as they spun, encompassing the boy in light. But then, his apprentice fearlessly joined the Forger’s song with a sweet burst of grateful praise. Good. When Taweel grunted, Omri tugged at his new handhold.
“Do you like your gift?”
The little angel chirruped.
Not only had the opanim shaped the new ear cuff that marked Taweel a mentor, he’d formed the delicate chain that linked it to the ring piercing the Guardian’s ear. Omri had been swinging from it ever since its discovery.
Taweel’s lips quirked. “All makers delight in details.”
<< 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 3: Silver and Gold
The May 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 Three? ★
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 Three: “Silver and Gold”
Christian Fiction Online Magazine, May 2014 | Read it now >>
After you’ve read there, I hope you’ll come back here with any comments and questions. : )
May 12, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 131: Wheels Within Wheels
Chapter 131: Wheels Within Wheels
“Ever-turning. Shining. Burning,” recited their guide. “They will take your measure.”
“I will go first,” offered Taweel, who hoped Tamaes would share his awe for the opanim.
Tamaes’s face was a picture of confusion. “Those rings are alive?”
“See for yourself,” urged the Fourfold.
The boy tiptoed closer, and the intricate gyrations slowed to a standstill. Catching sight of the living gems set into the rings’ inner rims, Tamaes gasped, “He has eyes!”
Taweel stepped to his side and addressed the Forger. “I found my way back, bringing this boy.”
“And Omri.” Tamaes touched the outermost rim and whispered, “Hello.”
<< 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.
May 9, 2014
The Week’s Accumulation lxxxix
While I’m a big fan of same old, same old, it’s nice when there’s something that elevates a day, even in a small way. This week’s little lifts included walks to the post office (because my new P. O. Box isn’t far from home), a passion fruit boba smoothie at my new fave place to go write (I bring along Olexi, my tiny white laptop), and kicking off a countdown for a new book series (one I began writing more than three years ago). Lots of fun stuff this week, so check it out!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ A few of you still need to contact me with your address because I’m eager to send out your prize postcards. You can contact me at christa [dot] kinde [at] gmail [dot] com.
♦ Grace
♦ Scottlin
♦ Evaine
♦ Things have taken an interesting turn in Tried and True. Two “new” orders of angels were introduced this week: the Forgers and the Fourfold. If you have a chance, go read Ezekiel 1. Because I’m not making this stuff up! : )
♦ It’s been a while since I highlighted the three FREE short stories that are companions to the Threshold Series. Have y’all nabbed your copies of Angels All Around, Angels in Harmony, and Angels on Guard? If you’ve been holding off because you don’t own an e-reader, I need to tell you that there are plenty of free reading apps that work on your desktop computers, laptops, tablets, iPods, and phones. So no excuses!
♦ Those of you who started following my other blog will have heard that I’m counting down to a new series. I’m going to be publishing the Byways books under my maiden name, so if you want to keep up with all the news, I’ll encourage you to follow CJMilbrandt.com and subscribe to the brand new Byways newsletter. Here’s the series header…
Do you recognize all those critters? I’m curious what kind of story you think I’m planning to tell! : ) Of course, you could just go read the summary. I included it in this announcement post. In upcoming Thursday posts, I’ll also be introducing the cast and sharing details about their upcoming adventures. This week, followers met Ganix, who’s nicknamed the scamp. These new books are for youngsters who are ready for their first chapter books, so ages 5-8. Do you have younger siblings? Maybe they’d enjoy this tale of three brothers who take sibling rivalry to new lengths.
♦ Be on the lookout for a new installment of Angel on High. Part 3: “Silver and Gold” should go live any day now, in the May issue of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. You can find links to all the chapters on my Angel on High index page. I’ll do a special post as soon as I see that my column is up.
♦ This week I made time to answer the stack of cards and letters that I’ve received from readers. Pretty notecards. Art. Gifts. Questions. Postcards from your travels. The pile was starting to teeter, and I was long past due in answering them. Watch your mailboxes! And if you’re inspired to drop me a note, my new address is P. O. Box 23053, San Diego, CA 92193. ♥
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Tried and True, Chapter 130: Fourfold
Chapter 130: Fourfold
“Breastplates for both, and measure …”
“ … their feet. Lacing boots is a challenge. Can he …”
“ … learn before leaving?”
“Most do not.”
Nodding in unison, the Fourfold chorused, “They do not.”
Tamaes liked these new angels, but he found their habit of finishing each other’s sentences confusing. What’s more, each member of this angelic brotherhood had four names. And four faces. The boy couldn’t keep them straight.
Taweel asked, “May I introduce Tamaes to the opanim?”
The Fourfold whose name might have been Lapis Innis Merriel Nock answered, “The wheels are turning. Bring your apprentice forward.”
<< 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.
May 8, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 129: A Heavenly Guard
Chapter 129: A Heavenly Guard
Tamaes whispered, “Is he a Forger?”
“No. The Fourfold are like us.” Taweel offered his sword on upraised palms. “Guardians, but not of humanity.”
The boy couldn’t take his eyes from the oncoming angel’s leonine face. “What do they protect?”
“Many things,” replied the Fourfold in a deep, echoing voice. “Stars and seasons. Doors and dreams. Thrones and dominions. Powers and principalities.”
Awe shivered up and down Tamaes’s spine.
The angel accepted Taweel’s blade, then crouched before Tamaes. “Fear not, apprentice. My brothers and I are here to serve you.”
With a tentative smile, Tamaes shared, “I have a brother.”
<< 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 128: Armorers of Heaven
Chapter 128: Armorers of Heaven
Taweel’s bare feet touched gold, which paved a gracefully curving arc suspended like a yahavim’s nesting hoop in space.
“It is a circle,” Tamaes whispered, tipping his head back so far, he lost his balance.
“Yes, and there are others. Circles within circles.”
Despite the surrounding darkness, the ring sparkled like chrysolite. And at its center, veiled in flashing eddies of red and violet, a ball of white-hot light burned.
Tamaes squinted. “Is that a star?”
“It is.”
From amidst the blaze emerged a figure who glowed like molten bronze. Four wings. Hoofed feet. And a sword in his hand.
<< 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.
May 6, 2014
Tried and True, Chapter 127: In the Darkness
Chapter 127: In the Darkness
Tamaes didn’t understand why his mentor insisted on carrying him … until they dropped into darkness. The boy’s arms quickly clamped down around his mentor’s neck. Braving a shadowed alcove was nothing compared to facing his first night.
Taweel murmured, “Fear not.”
From his precarious perch on the warrior’s shoulder, Omri squeaked and held out his hand. Tamaes rescued the little angel, cradling him close to his chest while Taweel carried them far from home.
All the while, his mentor explained, “Galaxies are smelts for heaven’s Forgers.” He spiraled into a nebula-wreathed star cluster. “Their order sings with the constellations.”
<< 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.
