Christa Kinde's Blog, page 78
November 13, 2013
Tried and True, Chapter 3: Next Things
Chapter 3: Next Things
Shortly after dawn, Dorum managed to interrupt Taweel’s brooding. “There have been new assignments in nearly every Flight. The exodus will scatter us all.”
Taweel glanced up to find theirs gathered and quickly lowered his gaze.
Their captain spoke into the silence. “A final song before parting … and ….”
Dorum knelt and said, “Look at me, Taweel.”
He obediently lifted dull purple eyes.
“You know what I must do.”
“I am to be pierced.”
“Yes. By my own hand,” his mentor acknowledged. “Are you prepared?”
Taweel whispered, “It hurts.”
Dorum touched the ring in his own ear. “I know.”
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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 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, 2013
Tried and True, Chapter 2: Past Tense
Chapter 2: Past Tense
Taweel had known nothing but dread since the announcement of the final plague. The girl whose name God had placed under his hand had suffered so much. Thirst. Fleas. Frogs. But especially the darkness. “She is afraid of the dark.”
“Come away.” Dorum laid a hand on his apprentice’s broad shoulder. “She is no longer here. Your service has ended”
“I know.” Taweel’s voice broke, and a sob escaped his tight throat. The child he loved had suffered … and died.
“There are next things to consider.”
“No.” Taweel dragged shaking purple wings closer to the shrouded pallet. “Not yet.”
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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 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 11, 2013
Tried and True, Chapter 1: Every Firstborn Child
Chapter 1: Every Firstborn Child
Another scream. Pleading denials. Waves of despair. Taweel knelt on the roof of a merchant’s dwelling, too numb to respond to the uproar. Hundreds upon thousands of Guardians were similarly bereft, but knowing he wasn’t alone didn’t lessen the shock.
She’d been so young.
Broken voices. Frightened pleas. Quavering dirges. Their gods might be false, but their sorrow was as real as Taweel’s. He covered his face as the girl’s tenderhearted father choked on his sobs, and her mother cursed the prince who had betrayed Egypt.
The tenth plague would set God’s children free, but it cost Taweel his charge.
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 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.
In which one story reaches ‘The End’…
Authorial Endeavor #028. The final installment of Rough and Tumble has been posted, wrapping up a serial I’ve been telling for more than a year. Ethan’s story kicked off back in August 2012 leading up to the release of Book 1 in the Threshold Series, The Blue Door. If you haven’t already read this mini-epic, I’d encourage you to give it a go. Why?
♦ Since the story takes place from Ethan’s point of view, it fills in a lot of details about angelic culture.
♦ Several of the cast members have a part to play in Angels All Around, a FREE illustrated short story, which takes place during the events of Rough and Tumble.
♦ A few of these angels also make their way into the four-book Threshold Series. You’ll recognize them right away if you’re familiar with Rough and Tumble.
I invite you to reread the story from its beginning. And to browse through the gallery of story art for the story. Here are thumbnails of a few of my favorites:
It’s nice to complete something. But it’s also very exciting to begin something new. My next serial adventure will begin today. I’ll post the first chapter of Tried and True shortly. May it capture your imagination in brand new ways! ♥
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 300: Enter into Joy
Chapter 300: Enter into Joy
Two Messengers found Ethan alone. “The blight is gone from the orchard,” declared Verrill. “Well done, good and Faithful servant.”
“Yes, but ….” Ethan tugged at his pink T-shirt. “That Caretaker forgot to change me back.”
Raz laughed. Verrill tutted. Padgett arrived.
Returned to his former glory, Ethan flew straight into one little boy’s dream.
Zeke collided with the warrior’s embrace. “You’re here!”
“Yes. I am with you.”
“Like always.” Zeke muttered, “I ’member now, ’cept I mostly forget.”
“Do you mind?”
“Nah. S’good.”
Ethan agreed heartily … and mushed all his feelings into that same joyous, boyish monosyllable. “S’good.”
♦ THE END ♦
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz]. More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. Zeke and Ethan have their parts to play in the FREE short story Angels All Around. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 Christa Kinde, all rights reserved.
November 8, 2013
The Week’s Accumulation lxiii
We’re one week into November, and that means Elza and I are one week into the annual craziness that is NaNoWriMo. If you’re not acquainted with National Novel Writing Month, be sure to check out their website. I’d set aside November so my daughter and I could participate together, and so far we’re doing good. But life rarely lets us focus on one thing at a time. I’ve had a busy week, and my desktop needs decluttering. You won’t want to miss the fun stuff I have to show and tell!
This week’s accumulation:
♦ Let’s start with a brief NaNoWriMo report. Last night, on Day 7 of our combined efforts, Elza and I hit 20,000 words. That’s a solid lead on the daily minimums. I like going into Thanksgiving week with a head start so I can relax a little over the holiday.
♦ One of life’s little interruptions this week was definitely for a good cause. Book 4 in the Threshold Series is about to go to print, so my editor and I were rushing around getting last minute details taken care of. Line edits. Discussion questions. Story summary. Cover copy. Dedication. Back ads. The Garden Gate is set to release on January 28, 2014, so I’ll be kicking off a quick 4-week countdown after the Christmas holidays. Look forward to it!
♦ I just posted Chapter 299 of Rough and Tumble. One left, and we’ll be letting that story stand complete. Not exactly goodbye, since I have more plans for Ethan and Zeke down the road. But weekdays will belong to Tried and True. Chapter 1 will go up on Monday, carrying us into the distant past, when Taweel was an apprentice with a charge of his own. Earlier today, I updated the Tried and True Index Page and the story’s Art Gallery. I encourage you to take a peek! You’ll be seeing a lot of this guy in the months to come:
Story Summary: When Taweel’s charge dies, his heart shatters. Bitterness, anger, and despair leave him vulnerable. The grieving Guardian’s life undergoes a slow and steady transformation after he meets a yahavim named Omri, a pair of heavenly Weavers, a Worshiper whose songs are laced with sorrow, and two little boys with auburn hair and wide brown eyes.
♦ My desktop is scattered by illustrations again. I’ve been working with Anna Earley on the art for a third short story that will release in Spring 2014. It’s interesting how far ahead I’m working. Some of the stories I’m writing now won’t see the light of day for two more years. But that’s fine. I’m the sort of person who enjoys working ahead. And there are fun things right around the corner. Like the Christmas treat that is “Angels in Harmony.” Last I heard, it’ll release the first week of December!
♦ Let’s wrap up with links to the latest art in the galleries:
So what’s cluttering up your desktop? Do tell!
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Rough and Tumble, Chapter 299: Front Lawn
Chapter 299: Front Lawn
A small Hedge bristled around Blight, who smiled at the gathered Guardians and used his jailor for a shield. Ethan would have preferred to distance himself, but his Sending was clear.
The silver-haired ranger arrived then, his uniform traded for shining raiment. Ethan dragged Blight out from behind his back, and the Caretaker said, “Choose your prison.”
“I know a place. Close. Quiet. Seal me there.”
Blight sounded confident, but Ethan felt him tremble. Pity vanished the moment he realized Blight was laughing. The demon’s farewell was a whispered warning. “Keep me well, or I’ll catch you next … friend.”
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Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 298: Catch and Keep
Chapter 298: Catch and Keep
Blight nodded. “I accept your offer.”
Ethan set the dagger’s edge against Blight’s throat. “You have no choice.”
With a slowly growing smile, he countered, “The blade is dull. As are your wits. You are the one without a choice. Sent to me, with me you must remain.” He lowered his voice. “I win.”
At Ethan’s call, Tycho and Conrad spiraled to his aid.
“Inside the Hedge?” asked Conrad in sharp tones.
Tycho reached for Blight, but the demon ducked under the archer’s hand. To Ethan’s mortification, Blight took shelter behind him, saying, “He caught me. He shall keep me.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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 6, 2013
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 297: Strangely Dim
Chapter 297: Strangely Dim
Once Ethan entered the long rows of apple trees, Blight stepped into his path. “My friend, why are you suddenly dim? The glory of heaven is gone from your face.” The young Guardian didn’t flinch from the demon’s curiosity … or his touch. Blight whispered, “Taking on the form of a man …?”
Catching the demon’s wrist, Ethan shook his head. “I am neither friend nor savior.”
Instead of pulling away, Blight stepped closer. “What then? For I know you are mine.”
“Yes, I am Sent to you.” Ethan stole the blade from the demon’s sash. “To be your jailor.”
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
Rough and Tumble, Chapter 296: Flip-Flop
Chapter 296: Flip-Flop
Goodbyes lingered, but Ranger Prentice finally escorted Ethan away. He expected a transformational touch, but Padgett didn’t undo the Guardian’s disguise. Instead, he pointed southwest. “Walk home.”
Ethan looked down at himself. “Like this?”
With a small shrug, the other angel said, “It’s only a few miles.”
Through the woods. Past a ridge. Into an open field. With the soft slap of unfamiliar sandals, Ethan aimed for the boundary he’d often patrolled. Without armor, weapon, or wings, he felt vulnerable, but red and turquoise sparks rode the night breezes high overhead. Tonight, his mentor and captain were his guardian angels.
<< PREVIOUS CHAPTER | NEXT CHAPTER >>
Author’s Note: This story in small chapters is a companion to Christa Kinde’s Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] and updates every weekday (Monday through Friday). More information and cast pictures can be found on the Rough and Tumble index page. And don’t forget, more story art is on display in my gallery!
Rough and Tumble, © Copyright 2012 – 2013 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.
