Andrew Q. Gordon's Blog, page 42
August 27, 2014
New Release: Deconstructing Channing, by BA Tortuga
![Deconstructing Channing_HiRes[1]](http://andrewqgordon.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/deconstructing-channing_hires1.jpeg)
Blurb:When they were young together back in their werecat pride, Bowie and Channing experimented with love and sex, as well as flirting with a threesome with their best friend Emma. Channing and Emma both ran from their needs, leaving Bowie to break away and find his own life. Now a confident Dom, Bowie discovers Channing again through a video of a consummate sub, one Bowie knows he needs to find once more.
When Bowie shows up on his doorstep, Channing feels like a teenager again, all confusion and need. He doesn’t date his own kind, only humans, and he’s not in the market for a full-time Master. Bowie is impossible to deny, a force of nature, and while both men know they’ll have to think about Emma eventually, now is the time to see if they can get to know and love each other all over again.
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave
Cover Artist: Kelly Martin
Excerpt:
The trip was designed to give him time. Time to figure out what he was going to say to Channing Lanier when he saw the sorry son of a bitch again.
He could start with “Hey, you rat bastard. Amazing how you came out after you dropped me like a hot rock.” That would be fun. Or maybe, “I thought you weren’t into spanking and bondage, and your precious asshole was sacrosanct, but now you’re a bottom in the underground BDSM scene,” would work better.
Bowie wouldn’t even be going to see said bottoming asshole if it wasn’t for the flyer tucked neatly away in his briefcase.
Tawny Catnip.
Seriously?
Their Emma was a fucking stripper?
A Vegas stripper? The revue was touted as a classy burlesque show and topless nightclub called Catnip Crazy.
Hell, the crazy thing was that both of his ex-lovers had called him a goddamn perv.
Him. Because he’d wanted them both. Because he’d wanted Emma over his lap. Because he’d wanted to see Channing bound and on his knees between the both of them.
Fuckers.
Author Bio:
Texan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy’s Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her basset hounds, getting tattooed, texting her sisters, and eating Mexican food. When she’s not doing that, she’s writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting and surfing porn sites in the name of research. BA’s personal saviors include her wife (still amazing to say that), Julia Talbot, her best friend, Sean Michael, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to hard-core cowboys to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which was raised in Northeast Texas, but has gone to the high desert mountains and fallen in love. With books ranging from hard-hitting GLBT romance, to fiery menages, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
Tour Stops:
Parker Williams, Cate Ashwood, Inked Rainbow Reads, Prism Book Alliance, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Fallen Angel Reviews, Love Bytes, the Twins: Talon ps & Princess so, Iyana Jenna, Tara Lain, Wake Up Your Wild Side, MM Good Book Reviews, Carly’s Book Reviews, The Hat Party
Giveaway:
Click the Rafflecopter link below and enter for a chance to win an eBook copy of Deconstructing Channing.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sales Links:
http://www.ellorascave.com/deconstructing-channing.html
Author Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/batortuga
@batortuga on Twitter
Be sure to check back on Thursday August 28, 2014, for the Satyr’s Lure, Book Blast:
This Book Blast is a Pride Promotions event. Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions:
August 25, 2014
The Need to Touch, by Brooke Johnson and Natalya Parks Blog Tour
Welcome Brooke and Natalya. Can you take a moment and tell us about yourselves.
Brooke- I live in Louisiana with my boyfriend & five daughters. I have four dogs, a cat, and a hairless rat. I’m 31 years old but I feel a lot older than I am. I’ve just been through so much and seen so many things in 31 years. While I feel older than my age, I feel that I’m a lot more mature and successful because of it.
Natalya- I live in Louisiana with my dog who thinks he owns and runs the world. I have three wonderful grown children and four grand children. Number five is on the way! I spend as much time with my family as I can.
Do you have a day job besides writing and if so- what?
Brooke- Technically I don’t have a ‘job’ but I’m a domestic engineer =) Writing is my full time job when I’m not chasing my kids around.
Natalya- Yes, I work for a major oil field support company. When I’m not there I’m writing as much as possible.
The Need to Touch is your new release, talk a bit about the book.
Brooke & Natalya- Ben and Ryder are two young adults who meet in college. They are both emotionally distraught and not looking for anything but a way to survive the cruel and punishing world that they are living in. They had no intentions of falling for each other, but the connection was there from the beginning and just blossomed into love right in front of their eyes. They still struggled with the ups and down of young love, being complete opposites, and society’s views on gay love, but they make it through the rough waters.
This is a co-authored book, tell us how you two went about co-writing the story.
Brooke & Natalya- Brooke is good at starting a story, where Natalya kind of struggles to get the story going. So, it was easy for Brooke to start it and Natalya jumped in and brushed up the minor flaws in it and added to it. We both feel that we write one character better than the other, so it’s fun for us to have “our character” and write it that way.
This appears to be the first in a series- how many more books are planned? Any hints as to what’s next?
Brooke & Natalya- We are planning on at least three more books, but there might be more than that. We don’t want to give anything away, but we will say this…some characters leave in the next few books and more characters will be coming in as Ben and Ryder’s relationship is tested.
Tell us something(s) interesting that is not in the blurb?
Brooke & Natalya- You wouldn’t know from the blurb that Ben has a strip of pink in his hair, paints his nails, and has several tattoos and body piercings. You also wouldn’t be able to tell that Ryder has a lot of emotional issues as well as Ben. Ryder is also very insecure about the way he looks, always thinking that he needs to change the way he is to ‘fit in’.
Talk a little bit about how it felt when this book was released versus your first one.
Brooke & Natalya- This is our first release but we are really excited, and still trying to wrap our heads around the fact that we even have a published book. It’s just a dream come true for the both of us. Just having the opportunity to publish it is a great feeling.
Have you ever based characters on anyone you know?
Brooke & Natalya- Ben’s character is based off the memory of Brooke’s best friend from High School. Other than that the other characters are strictly made up.
What’s your favorite part about the writing process?
Brooke & Natalya- We have both agreed that our favorite part is seeing the character develop throughout the book as we are writing. We have an idea of who and what we want them to be, but then they just advance from there. It’s pretty amazing to go back and read the final product and see how realistic they are, and the MC’s pretty much did that on their own.
What’s your least favorite?
Brooke- My least favorite thing about the writing process is editing. I despise getting the manuscript back from the editor and seeing everything that needs to be fixed, but in the end it makes me happy knowing that it’s completely done.
Natalya- My least favorite part about the writing process is actually starting the story. Even with an outline I struggle with it, mostly because I feel that it is the foundation to the whole story, and I get nervous that it will not be strong enough.
Since there is always another story to tell, what are you working on now?
Brooke & Natalya- We are currently working on a standalone called Silently Waiting. It’s about an artist who is a manic depressant who is also deaf, and a police officer that is just out of the closet.
What have you read lately that most people haven’t read but should?
Brooke- I just read the last book in the Cut & Run Series called, ‘Ball & Chain’ by Abigail Roux. All though I think that most people that read this genre have read it or plan on reading it. If not, they should!
Natalya- Unfortunately, between working full time and writing full time, I have not had time to pick up a book and read anything lately. When I do, I’ll let you know what it is =)
If you could meet any writer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?
Brooke- I would want to meet William Shakespeare. First of all I would want to thank him for bettering our education system, and keeping the meaning and importance of literature alive for so long. Then I would ask him why he wrote what he wrote. Why so many of his stories are love stories but so tragic? Did he not believe in fairytales, or everlasting love?
Natalya- I would love to meet J.R.R. Tolkien and ask him how he did what he has done. How he came up with all the stories of Lord of Rings and Hobbits. Stories that everyone knows of even if they don’t even read them, or know anything about them, they know of them.
What’s a fun- non-writing- day for you?
Brooke- A fun non-writing day for me would start with being able to wake up and spend some time with my family. Not just get them up and see them off to school and work. Maybe go fishing with them. Then I would want to sit for awhile and read. Not get interrupted and be able to sit down in utter silence and just read. I would end the day with spending time with my spouse and having some alone time with him, which is rare in our home with all the girls!
Natalya- A fun day for me would be a day that I didn’t have to get up and go to work. I would lounge around and watch a good movie. Play some video games, and read. I would want to spend as much time doing pretty much nothing but things that I love to do and not worry about adult stuff =)
Besides reading and writing, what else do you enjoy?
Brooke- I love fishing, hunting, crocheting, and playing with my kids. Anything is fun as long as I’m with them.
Natalya- I enjoy spending as much time with my family as I can. I love to paint and doing different crafts such as sewing and cross stitch. I love playing video games such as World of War Craft.
Last Question is all yours- feel free to talk about anything you want your readers to know about you, your book, anything at all.
Brooke & Natalya- We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Jamie and Adrianna and all our author friends and Cool Beans P&E. Not only for giving us the chance to publish our books with them, but for all the continuous support they give us. Jamie edited our first book, and stood by our side through all the blood, sweat and tears, never giving up on us. Just having them to experience this with us, is so wonderful.
Thank you both for coming by and answering my questions.
The Need to Touch, by Brooke Johnson & Natalya Parks
Blurb:
You can only win someone’s heart once you’ve captured it.
Nineteen year old Ryder Harrison grew up near a small town in Montana, working on the family’s ranch and in love with his best friend, Landon Pennington. That was until his Grandfather decided he needed to go to college in California. Ryder promised his Mom before she died that he would finish his education. Staying true to his word, Ryder packs his clothes, and heads to California, confident that it would all be one big disaster. The only thing he hadn’t planned on was meeting Bentley Carter.
Twenty year old Bentley Carter has enough emotional issues to write his own ‘How to Cope’ manual. Surviving an abusive childhood, he made a personal promise to always stay true to himself, and never let emotions overrule his common sense. Content with his current life and friend with ‘benefits’, Ben is determined to not let his new roommate affect him.
Uncertain about their places in the world, and with each other, Ryder and Ben struggle to understand the person who is not what they thought they wanted, yet who they are unable to live without. Living in a sometimes cruel and unforgiving world they are determined to embrace the reality of falling in love and the challenges that follow.
Publisher: Cool Beans Publishing and Editing, LLC
Cover Artist: Aj Corza
Excerpt:
Two days since meeting Ryder and I was considering changing majors.
It’s been thirty minutes since this lecture began, and I couldn’t remember one word the professor said. The cause of my distraction was chewing on his pen, two rows down from me. I groaned, and then tried to cover it with a cough. My face felt hot as the girl next to me glared in my direction. Why did he have to do that with his pen? It wasn’t until everyone closed their books that I realized I had stared ay Ryder through the entire lecture.
I continually found reasons to spend time with him. So I shoved my stuff in my bag and rushed out of the classroom. I was eager to run into him in the hallway, maybe then I’d get him to talk to me.
I rushed past a bundle of people gathered in the hallway. It wasn’t as though he was hard to find. Ryder was tall and solid muscle; I bet he looked even better naked. Ryder smiled as I fell into step next to him.
“So, what did you think?” I asked as we took the stairs to our dorm room.
“It was okay. I could swear someone was watching me the whole time.” Ryder said.
Tour Dates/Stops:
8/25: MM Good Book Reviews
8/26: Andrew Q. Gordon, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves
8/27: Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings
8/28: Jade Crystal
8/29: Amanda C. Stone, EE Montgomery
9/1: Parker Williams
9/2: LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Iyana Jenna
9/3: The Hat Party
9/4: Love Bytes
9/5: Kimi-Chan
9/8: Cate Ashwood
9/9: Prism Book Alliance
9/10: Hearts on Fire
9/11: Fallen Angel Reviews
9/12: Foxylutely Book Reviews
9/15: Love of Bookends
9/16: Wake Up Your Wild Side
9/17: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
9/18: Hearts on Fire
9/19: My Fiction Nook
Click the Rafflecopter link below to be entered for a chance to win one of two signed paperback copies of The Need To Touch:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sales Links:
Coolbeans Publishing and Editing:
Amazon:
Barnes & Noble:
Smashwords:
ARe:
Author Bio:
Brooke Johnson lives in Louisiana with her five girls, wonderful boyfriend, and many pets. When she is not working on finishing her current degree, she can be found fishing, coloring, or blowing bubbles with her kids. Just over a year ago, Brooke decided she wasn’t going to back down from her dreams, and started writing full time. With the encouragement of her family she is proud to be publishing her books for the world to read.
Brooke started reading later in life. Unlike many authors who have always had a special love for reading, Brooke didn’t pick up a book until she was in her late teens. She remembers wanting to find something to do with her mom, who has always been her best friend. One day her mom was talking about a romance novel that she just read. Not being interested in it all, Brooke gave in and read the book. She’s been her mom’s reading partner ever since. They can now sit and talk, laugh and even cry about all the books they have read over the years.
So, with great pride and honor, Brooke is happy to thank her mother for encouraging her to not only read, but to follow her heart, and write her own books. What started as simple poetry on scrap paper, at the age of seven, is now a dream come true. Brooke started writing but felt something was missing. When she started writing with Natalya Parks, everything seemed to fall into place, and now here they are. Launching books, and writing more. This may be the first you see of them, but Brooke is determined that this won’t be last. Brooke is excited for you to meet their characters, and fall in love with the men that they have spent many hours with over the last year, just for you!!
Natalya Parks lives is Louisiana with her beloved dog, Napoleon. Natalya enjoys spending as much time as possible with her children and grandchildren.
Natalya has had an ongoing passionate love affair with books since she was four years old. While her friends were getting in trouble for not reading she was getting in trouble for reading. She was late for dinner, forgot to do her chores, stayed up past her bedtime, forgot about homework and was late for the school bus on many occasions; because she couldn’t put the book down. Her most embarrassing moment caused by reading a book occurred when she was in seventh grade. The school bus pulled up to her stop and of course she couldn’t possibly stop reading. The story was just too good. So with her nose still in her book she slowly made her way down the aisle of the bus. She as she got to the top of the stairs she tripped over an instrument case that was jutting out just a bit into the aisle. Where she promptly fell head first down the stairs landing in a heap in the dirt, her feet resting on the bottom step. Natalya was wearing a dress that day.
She has wanted to be a writer since she was a teenager but never thought she could write anything good enough for someone else to want to read. Her dear friend Brooke convinced her otherwise and literally dragged her into the world of writing. Something she will be forever grateful. Now, not only does she get to love and enjoy works by other authors but also those that she has contributed to as well. Her mind still goes tilt, tilt when she thinks about the fact that she is a published author. Dreams really can come true.
Author Contact:
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21455376-the-need-to-touch?ac=1
Be sure to check back on Wednesday August 27, 2014, for the Deconstructing Channing, Book Blast:
This blog tour is a Pride Promotions event. Click the badge for more information about Pride Promotions:
August 24, 2014
Paint The Sky, by Lily G. Blunt – New Release
My friend and fellow Free Friday Fiction author, Lily G. Blunt has a new release, Paint the Sky, coming out on August 30, 2014. Take a moment to read the blurb and excerpt, and then go order the book – it’s available for pre-order now.
BLURB:
A love of art…
A mutual interest in art draws two shy university students together. Ben admires Vinnie’s painting of the university building, so Vinnie invites him to an exhibition of his artwork. From a wealthy family, Ben purchases some of Vinnie’s art and arranges for the artist to personally hang the paintings in his apartment.
Starry, starry night…
Ben commissions Vinnie to paint his portrait, in order to spend more time with the artist. On the night of the sitting, Vinnie fingerpaints the starry night on Ben’s chest… and they kiss. They begin a relationship beneath the night sky, God’s own canvas.
But every relationship has its ups and downs and so it is with theirs. When Ben thinks Vinnie spends too much time with a fellow artist, his jealousy drives a wedge between them and forces Vinnie into the very thing Ben dreads.
Hold tight to your dreams…
Ben and Vinnie will have to walk through fire before they can find one another again. But if they believe, and if they keep their faith in the night sky and each other, just maybe they can make their dreams of love come true.
EXCERPT:
Vinnie led me across the room, pulling me by the shirt. “Lie back on the sofa for me and I’ll paint you.”
As if in a dream, I settled my head against one arm of the sofa, my legs dangling over the other end, scarcely breathing now. Vinnie knelt on the floor beside me with an open pot of paint in his hand.
Teasingly, he dipped his index finger into the dark blue paint as if it were cream he would lick off. His finger connected with my skin and he made short strokes across my chest, the coldness of the paint making me shiver.
Mesmerised by the closeness of his beautiful face, the view of the night sky through the window, and the picture forming upon my chest, I watched as dab after dab and stroke after stroke he built up a mix of shades, until a dark night sky with the moon and stars were there to be seen—a masterpiece, drying on the warmth of my blazing skin, a transient thing of beauty. His fingers skimmed my skin causing gooseflesh to ripple in waves down my arms and thighs. My nipples pebbled in response to his touch.
And when he was done, his lips met mine in a languid kiss; how our first kiss should have been—sweet, innocent, and full of promise. He pulled away, smiling down at me.
This was the beginning of something special.
BUY/PRE-ORDER LINKS:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MSYA1JQ
About the Author:
Lily G. Blunt writes contemporary gay romance and erotica. She loves to explore the relationship between two men and the intensity of their physical and emotional attraction. Angst often features in her stories as she feels this demonstrates the depth of the men’s feelings for each other. Lily is forever writing imaginary scenes and plots in her head, but only a few ever make it to the page—there never seems to be enough hours in the day despite having left the teaching profession to concentrate on her writing!
Lily discovered the wonderful world of m/m romance novels four years ago via fan fiction and went on to write stories in her spare time. With the encouragement of her friends and readers she decided to publish some of her work.
Lily has several self-published stories available on Amazon. She is also published with Torquere Press and Wayward Ink Publishing.
Easily distracted from her writing, Lily makes videos using clips from gay-themed movies and posts gorgeous pictures of men kissing or making out on her tumblr and Facebook pages. Lily is also an avid supporter of GLBTQ rights and advocates equality for all.
Lily lives in central England with her rather bemused husband, two twenty-something children, and a ‘mad as a bag of frogs’ Shetland Sheepdog.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
WordPress: http://lilygblunt.wordpress.com
Blog: http://lilygblunt.blogspot.co.uk/
FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/LilyGBlunt
FB Profile: http://www.facebook.com/lily.blunt.75
Tumblr: http://bobloving.tumblr.com/
Tumblr: http://lilygblunt.tumblr.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/BoyonBoyLoving?feature=mhee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoyonBoyLoving
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6586037.Lily_G_Blunt
Be sure to check back tomorrow, August 26, 2014, to check out The Need to Touch Blog Tour:
August 21, 2014
Free Fiction Friday – The Price of Love – Part 4
The Price Of Love – Part 4
Sounds from inside the cave interrupted my thoughts. A new wave of anxiety washed over me. Chenoth was no longer a spirit and would obviously be the one to carry me back.
I didn’t—couldn’t—blame him for taking Barh, but it didn’t hurt any less. He’d ripped my heart from my chest and left me alone and numb. Even with my promise to Barh, I didn’t know how I could ride Chenoth back to where our army waited.
When I got the courage to look, I saw a blue dragon walking slowly toward me. Although smaller than Chenoth, the new dragon barely fit inside the tunnel. I should have been seized with fear, but I felt nothing. Perhaps it was the knowledge that Chenoth sent the creature that kept me calm. Or maybe I secretly welcomed death and didn’t care. Whatever the reason, I met the dragon’s gaze without distress.
I pressed myself against the wall, willing the rock to swallow me so he—and somehow I knew it was a he—could pass. Instead of continuing toward the entrance, the dragon stopped just before me and lowered his head. Not an invitation to mount, but a demand.
Though I knew what I needed to do, I didn’t want to move, not yet. I had to force myself to step closer. Barely aware of my surroundings, I used the ridges on the dragon’s side to climb onto his back. There were no spikes or protruding scales in the small area where the neck merged with the back. Only later did I wonder if the gods created this space for me to sit.
“Hold on.” The voice sounded male, though I had no point of reference to distinguish the sex of a dragon.
I grasped a pair of bony spikes and squeezed my legs tight around his neck. Slowly my new companion rose. He wiggled just enough for me to test my grip.
Without another word, the dragon burst into a full sprint straight for the mouth of the cave. When he reached the lip, I could hear his talons dig into the rock as he thrust us skyward. Once clear of the mountain, his enormous wings snapped outward, catching the wind to keep us aloft.
The times I’d flown with Barh did nothing to prepare me for the sensation of riding a dragon. Long, powerful beats quickly took us north even as the wind tried to tear me from my seat.
Despite the sensation, I searched for Chenoth and the other Elementals. Seeing nothing but empty sky, I felt betrayed. Barh sacrificed everything for one dragon’s aid? I expected an army led by Chenoth to fly out of the mountain to overwhelm the Degari. Meaning no insult to my companion, but Barh’s power as a Magi was already worthy of legends. No one dragon could replace him.
Anger replaced my grief as we neared the edge of land. Resigned to the travesty Chenoth perpetuated, I felt ashamed when the top of the mountain exploded before my eyes.
Struggling against the wind, I kept my focus on the mountain. A continuous stream of white— not clouds or ash but a river of solid white—shot from the peak. Within seconds the solid mass slowly revealed itself as much more.
Leading the way, Chenoth cut through the air with his massive wings. Even at this distance I could tell he was even bigger than when I saw him in the cave. Behind him, an army of… I didn’t know what they were. Unlike anything I had seen before, they were still the most beautiful sight I could imagine. They were the salvation of the world.
Looking closer, I saw shapes I recognized. Horses, cows, wolves, bears, all many times larger than the animals they resembled. There were also giant felines, striped horses, and creatures with long necks, massive arms, or sharp horns. And then were those I couldn’t even name. Each was pure white with small, delicate wings that impossibly kept them aloft.
Dwarfed by Chenoth, the aerial army continued to grow until it covered the sky for miles. Chenoth’s angry roar filled the air triumphantly, daring someone, anyone, to defy him. His growing army echoed his challenge. My ride, however, did not join the call as he carried me away.
Focused on Chenoth and his army, I was surprised when I faced forward and found us slowly angling toward the army of my people. At first no one noticed our approach. Chenoth and his legions commanded everyone’s attention. Then one, followed by others pointed toward us as we drew closer.
“Show yourself to ease their fear.” The dragon’s voice reminded me of Barh’s words. I needed to lead.
Standing as best as I could, I waived my arms and shouted. “To arms! To arms! Chenoth has answered our call.”
I shouted it over and over, each time struggling not to choke. Chenoth hadn’t answered our call; Barh bought the help with his life.
Despair changed to hope, then to joy, as soldiers from three ancestral enemies waved their weapons and cheered as one people at their unexpected salvation. We swept over the rejuvenated force, landing just in front of the assembled army.
My ride slowly turned around and we faced the troops. Men and women ran toward us, caught up in the euphoria of the moment. I stood up feeling a profound sense of loss that my beloved was not among their number. Drawing my sword, I did what was expected of me; I tried to instill hope in their hearts.
“Address them.”
Waiting for the soldiers to stop, I observed the three kings and their retinues press forward. I saw shock in the faces of more than a few.
Before I could speak someone called out, “Where is the Magi Barh?”
The question echoed throughout the crowd. A knife through my heart could not have hurt more than hearing some say my beloved’s name. Barh was gone, how could they ask me to say out loud what I had yet to reconcile in my heart?
“The Magi did what was expected of him.” Tears forced themselves to corners of my eyes against my will. I pointed skyward hoping no one would saw my weakness. “Behold! Chenoth answered the call of the Magi. Salvation is at hand.”
The last few words came out cracked and broken. Even saying his title was too painful.
“You must take the fight to your enemy.” The dragon told them. “Chenoth cannot fight this battle alone. When you take to the field, he will strengthen your arm and shield your body.“
Another cheer erupted before the soldiers surged forward, ready to do the impossible. Chenoth had come. They were invincible.
As the dragon promised, the moment our soldiers met the Degari, Chenoth and his followers struck. Some swooped in to shield the soldiers, while Chenoth led the others in destroying the black demons. Everywhere I looked I saw Barh’s hand, protecting the people he loved enough that he died for them.
Others told me I rode the blue dragon as it flew across the width of the enemy, erupting white-hot flames as he passed. I have no memory of the fight other than it was brief.
Afterwards we learned the white avatars fanned out across the globe, weeding out any Degari who sought to hide. The war ended in the blink of an eye. It had been so easy once Chenoth and his army joined the fight. All Chenothequired was for one man to give all that he had and all that he ever would and for another to live with a broken heart.
{Epilogue next week.}
Be Sure To Check Out The Other Stories:
Follow all your favorite authors and read the first 100 words on the group’s website:
Free Fiction Friday
August 19, 2014
Unicorn Rescue, by Chris T. Kat – New Release and Giveaway
Andy, thank you very much for the opportunity to be a guest on your blog. eXtasy books published my new release, Unicorn Rescue, on August 15th.
Even though Unicorn Rescue is my 11th published book, it’s the first with eXtasy Books, and I’m very excited about it. Most of my stories are published with Dreamspinner Press, but I also have a short story with Torquere Press. A while ago, (almost a year, actually), I posted about how it felt to have a second publisher. If you’re interested, you can read it here: http://purpleroseteahouse.charliecochet.com/guest-author-chris-t-kat-is-it-cheating/
Well, at the time I wrote Unicorn Rescue I knew it would only be a short story. Of course, it would’ve been possible to write a longer story (it’s fantasy, after all), but I wasn’t in the mood. Sometimes I enjoy writing shorter stories, and so that’s what I did. Which meant submitting to Dreamspinner Press was out of the question. Now what?
Sure, my first thought was to submit it to Torquere Press but then… I looked around some more to get a better feeling for what the various publishers wanted and whether they had minimum word requirements. During my search, eXtasy books popped up again and again. I’d read some books from this publisher, and from other authors I’d heard only positive things. What sold me on them was the great amount of paranormal books. Submitting Unicorn Rescue felt like the right thing to do.
The acceptance e-mail from eXtasy books was the fastest I’ve ever received—after only two days. Yep, you got it right. :)
Working with eXtasy books has been a good experience, and I’m happy to be with them. However, there’s this small but nagging voice inside my head, asking me whether it is appropriate to have three different publishers… I know, this voice is an annoying worrywart. ;-)
I’ll ask the same questions I did about a year ago, because I’m still interested in hearing the various answers, so: How about you, dear readers, how do you feel about an author publishing with different publishers? Do you rather follow an author or do you keep an eye on the coming soon page of your favorite publisher?
Buy links:
eXtasy Books: http://www.extasybooks.com/chris-t-kat/unicorn-rescue/
Blurb:
A search for missing unicorns reveals a Fate that Samuel has only dreamed of before.
When they first meet, Jordan takes Samuel’s breath away—but not in a good way. Jordan knocks Samuel, a gatekeeper from a world called Eden, flat on his ass. In Jordan’s defense, Samuel did freak him out, appearing out of thin air the way he did. Luckily, the appearance of the unicorns preempts a possible fight.
Relieved to have found Eden’s unicorns, Samuel is astonished that Jordan knows about them, despite the fact that their horns have been concealed by magic. Attempting to remove the halters that bind them, Samuel is rendered unconscious.
The question now is how to get the unicorns back to Eden, as well as solve the mystery of who has stolen them to begin with. But just maybe Samuel and Jordan need to deal with this attraction between them that seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. Are their feelings tied in with the mystery of the unicorns?
Excerpt:
“What the fuck?” Samuel groaned. After locating the unicorns on Earth, he’d opened a gate at night and stepped through it, not expecting any trouble while retrieving the unicorns.
But something had gone wrong because he found himself sprawled on the soft grass, rubbing his aching jaw. The darkness around him wasn’t absolute—a sparse scattering of stars in the sky illuminated his surroundings. As he searched for his gate, he came up empty. There had been no time to stabilize it and, annoyed, he conceded that it probably had collapsed.
“Who are you? Or should I ask what are you?”
Samuel opened and closed his mouth several times, wondering whether he needed a healer or if an ice-pack would be sufficient. He sat up and observed the man who’d knocked him to the ground. The same man he’d seen in Selina’s crystal ball.
“I asked you a question!”
“Well, it would’ve been easier to ask your question first instead of knocking me out. Just a well-meant piece of advice for next time.” Samuel hauled himself to his feet and shook his head to clear it. His jaw would sport a wonderful bruise tomorrow if he didn’t do something about it. This guy sure had a powerful fist.
“I didn’t allow you to get up!”
Samuel fixed his gaze on the man, taking stock of him. He’d seemed small in the crystal ball but that didn’t have to mean anything. Still, even in real life he came across as small but lean, with bright blue eyes that looked rather huge in his finely chiseled face. Pretty. Really pretty.
“I’m talking to you!”
“You’re not talking, you’re screaming,” Samuel said. “Scared?”
“Why would I be scared of someone who stepped out of nothingness? Although it looked like some kind of opening, which is all kinds of weird and… and… who are you?”
“I’m Samuel, nice to meet you…?” Samuel smiled and extended his hand, knowing he’d surprised the other man with his casual manner.
“Jordan.”
“Hello, Jordan. Now, how about we start again? I think we got off on the wrong foot.” Samuel clasped Jordan’s trembling hand in his. “Don’t be afraid.”
“Afraid? No, no, I’m not. I mean, why would I be? It’s an everyday thing that people show up out of thin air. Haha! See? I’m not afraid.”
“Ah, yes, I noticed how not afraid you are.”
About the Author:
Chris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, where she shares a house with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there’s any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks or does cross stitch.
Links:
Blog: http://christikat.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/christi_kat
GoodReads:http://www.goodreads.com/ChrisTKat
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChrisTKat
Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Chris-T.-Kat/e/B008FQQH2Q
Giveaway:
Chris T. Kat is giving away the two coin purses pictured below. Just leave a comment before August 21, 2014 to be enter to win:
August 17, 2014
Cover Reveal: Wet Paint, by Will Parkinson
Wet Paint (Sequel to Pitch) From Harmony Ink Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Blurb(s):
Although Addy’s heart and body bear the scars from his life before he was adopted by the Deans, he’s ached for something he thought he would never find. Until he met Benny. He isn’t sure how anyone can care for someone as broken as he is, even though he wants it desperately.
High school senior Benny Peters has his whole life planned out for him, until a chaste kiss at summer camp opens a new world of possibilities. Determined to erase Addy’s insecurities, Benny works to take away his boyfriend’s pain and replace it with love.
When Addy’s past intrudes on their future, it’s going to take everything Benny can muster to show that no matter what – or who – they face, they belong together.
Video trailer:
Pre Order Links:
E-book: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5417
Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5418
Author Bio:
WILL PARKINSON believes that no matter what obstacles are thrown in the path of young love, it will always find a way to win in the end. He wants his characters to have their happily ever after, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to come easily.
None of this would have happened if he had followed the advice he was given many years ago. “What are you wasting your time on that for? It’s never going to amount to anything.” He believed it for the longest time, abandoning characters he’d created in his childhood.
He picked up his very first m/m story by a writer named Eden Winters, who was an absolute joy when they corresponded. She asked him if he wrote and he told her the story. Eden explained to Will that the voices in his head would never go away and how he needed to let them out. With that thought in mind, Will put e-pen to e-paper once more. It was truly a liberating experience and one he has no intention of giving up again.
Author Contact:
Website: http://www.willparkinson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillParkinsonau
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/will.parkinson.520
E-mail: will@willparkinson.com
Excerpt:
Benny cast a glance at Addy, noticing how his eyes kept darting to him and then to the floor. He seemed troubled, unsure.
“Addy? Is there something wrong?”
Addy heaved a deep sigh, then was quiet for a moment. “Do I embarrass you?” he finally asked.
“What? No, of course not. Why would you even think that?” Benny was genuinely perplexed.
“Jackson and Taylor don’t seem to have any problem touching each other, but you act like I’ve got germs or something and won’t come anywhere near me when there’s other people around. I have to wonder if you’re ashamed to be seen with someone like… me.”
“Oh God, no,” Benny replied sharply. “Please don’t ever think that. You know what? C’mere.”
He grabbed Addy’s arm and dragged him into the lounge.
“Listen to me, little man. I am not now, nor have I ever been, nor will I ever be ashamed of you. If anything, you should be ashamed of me.”
Addy looked puzzled. “Why?”
Benny slid his fingers through his stubbly hair, then rubbed the back of his neck before he spoke. “I’m not really comfortable with being… like this. I really do care for you, but I’ve never felt this way about a guy— well, about anyone—before, and I don’t know how to handle it. So no, I’m not ashamed or embarrassed of you at all. I’m just not sure how to deal with everything.”
Addy took Benny by the hand and peered into his eyes. “That’s all I needed to know. I don’t want to rush you. If you need time, you’ve got to know I’ll give it to you. I just wanted to be sure that you wanted me.”
Benny regarded his boyfriend. Yeah, his boyfriend. Benny had never been afraid to stand up for anyone in his life. Why should he be ashamed to stand up for himself now?
“C’mere, little man,” he growled, putting his hand on Addy’s neck, pulling him in close.
Addy’s eyes went wide, excitement dancing in them. Benny licked his lips and then pressed them to Addy’s in a deep, thrilling kiss. Someone whimpered. Benny wasn’t really sure which one of them it had been. He felt his synapses fry. It was the most incredible thing he’d ever experienced. A voice called out, startling them both.
“Benny? Is there something you’d like to tell me?”
Benny looked up and stared for a moment at Taylor, who had a wide smile across his face. Benny could feel his cheeks heat up. This wasn’t the way he wanted this to go, but damn, right now he needed Addy in the worst way.
“No, Taylor, not right now,” he replied quietly. Then he went back in for another one of those amazing kisses.
Tour Dates: 8/18/14
Tour Stops: Parker Williams, Angel Martinez, Hearts on Fire, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Cate Ashwood, Amanda C. Stone, SA McAuley, Elisa – My Reviews and Ramblings, Love Bytes, LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Prism Book Alliance, Havan Fellows, Emotion in Motion, My Fiction Nook, Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Charli Green, Jade Crystal, Lee Brazil, Trisha Harrington’s Blog, Will Parkinson, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, Wake Up Your Wild Side, EE Montgomery, Inked Rainbow Reads, Full Moon Dreaming, Top2Bottom, Book Reviews, Rants, and Raves, Fallen Angel Reviews, Sinfully Sexy, Iyana Jenna, Andrew Q. Gordon
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Be sure to check back on Wednesday August 20, 2014, when Chris T. Kat stops by to talk about her latest Release Unicorn Rescue:
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August 15, 2014
Cover Reveal – A Matter of When, by Eden Winters
BLURB:
Wealth. Fame. Gold record. Hookers and Cocaine front man Henri Lafontaine has it all…including a control freak manager, band members who smile as they sharpen blades for his back, and last but damn well not least, a fan out to steal his heart. Literally. Trying to write hit songs and plan a comeback in the midst of the hi-fi white noise of LA feels more like watching his world implode, until he’s offered a month in the Colorado Rockies for vocal coaching.
Sebastian Unger’s rich, classically trained tenor inspires wicked thoughts. More than a pretty choir boy, he cracks the whip without hesitation to drive tattooed bad-boy Henri to give his all to his music. Working, fighting, and finally establishing a fragile peace, they find inspiration and perhaps more in each other. But the clock is ticking. Time will pull Henri back to the grit and gold of LA’s mean streets and fame machine, while Sebastian must return to the opera circuit, where a mysterious man known as “the patron” holds far too much sway. Only the trust they’ve built on a handful of notes bridges their two worlds…and shields them from malice.
Pre Order Links:
eBook: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5425
Paperback: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5426
Author Bio:
Captivated young by story-telling, Eden Winters’ earliest memories include spinning tales for the family’s pets. Her dreams of writing professionally took a sojourn into non-fiction, with a twelve-year stint in technical documentation.
She began reading GLBT novels as a way to better understand the issues faced by a dear friend and fell in love with the M/M romance genre. During a discussion of a favorite book, a fellow aficionado said, “We could do this, you know.” Good-bye gears, motors, and other authors’ characters; hello plots and sex scenes. So far that’s produced such award winning novels as The Wish, Settling the Score, The Angel of Thirteenth Street, Duet, Naked Tails, and Diversion.
Somewhat of a nomad, Eden has visited seven countries so far. She currently calls the southern US home, and many of her stories take place in the rural South. Having successfully raised two children, she now balances the day job with hiking, rafting, spoiling her grandchildren, and stalking the wily falafel or elusive tofu pad Thai at her favorite restaurants. Her musical tastes run from Ambient to Zydeco, and she’s a firm believer that life is better with fur kids and Harley Davidsons.
Author Contact:
For more information about Eden, please visit her website at www.edenwinters.com. Be sure to look for Eden’s soon-to-be-published works: A Matter of When and Manipulation.
Author Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdenWinters
Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eden-Winters/300380906658065?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdenWinters1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Cover Artist: Reese Dante
Tour Stops:
Full Moon Dreaming, Parker Williams, SA McAuley, Prism Book Alliance, Rainbow Gold Reviews, Boy Meets Boy Reviews, Hearts on Fire, Iyana Jenna, Angel Martinez, Nephylim, Carly’s Book Reviews, Velvet Panic, 3 Chicks After Dark, MM Good Book Reviews, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words, The Hat Party, Book Reviews and More by Kathy
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Be sure to check back on Monday August 18, 2014 for another cover reveal, Wet Paint, by Will Parkinson:
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August 14, 2014
Free Fiction Friday – The Price of Love – Part 3
The Price Of Love – Part 3
“Why?” My shout reverberated around the hall. I glanced up, but Chenoth didn’t react.
“Because what I give life to, you must lead,” Barh said. The profound sadness I saw robbed his beautiful eyes of life.
“Me?”
“Please forgive me, Jacks. I didn’t know.” His voice trailed off into a whisper and he began to cry again.
I was so numb I couldn’t speak. He must have mistaken my silence for a refusal to forgive him. His body stiffened, and he struggled to compose himself.
“In times of crisis, a Magi may marry and keep his powers because his spouse is necessary to aid the Elementals.” The deep breath he drew came out in a ragged exhale. “We were meant to be together so that we could be parted today.”
What cruel twist was this, that we were allowed to love only so we could be ripped apart?
“I didn’t know.” Barh turned away. He sounded like a man resigned to his fate. “If I knew loving you would cause you such pain, I would have pushed you away at the start. Even if you can’t forgive me, please believe that I never meant to hurt you.”
Barh started to walk away and my mind screamed at me to do something. I grabbed his arm and he stopped. “I do.”
My voice was so soft I wondered if he heard me. I expected him to pull away, but he kept still. “I forgive you, Barh.”
He turned to face me and it broke my heart to see him so sad. Tears ran down my cheeks and I tried to focus my eyes. He’d agreed to give up everything to save the world. Though my heart lay broken in my chest, I tried to find the strength to ease his pain.
“You gave me a reason to live when I wanted to die, Barh. You gave me someone to love when all the love was taken from me.” My forced smile probably made me look crazy, but I refused to fail him. “All you did was make me happy. If we die today, I’m content. There is nothing to forgive.”
Gently, Barh used the thumbs of his scarred hands to wipe the tears from my cheeks. “Oh Jacks. I’m not coming back, but you can’t come with me. One of us has to stay behind and live with a broken heart.”
Barh had always placed me above all other things, but this time he couldn’t and it must have been destroying him. Seeing him in such pain lent me a measure of strength.
“I forgive you, Barh,” I said again, and pulled him in to me so I could feel him in my arms one last time. The sound of the medallion around his chest striking my armor reverberated against the wall.
“Please don’t hate me, Jacks. Please don’t hate me for leaving you.” He sobbed on my shoulder. “I’ve searched for another way, any way, but there is none.”
“Barh,” I pulled his face up so I could stare into his eyes. “I will never hate you. Not now: not ever. You are the finest person I know. It was my… my privilege to sh..sh..share my life with you.”
It was all I could manage before my throat closed. I couldn’t hold back the wave of grief that reduced me to a weeping mess. Through my tears, I kissed him, saying my goodbye with such voice as I had left.
That I couldn’t remember how long we kissed bothered me. Was it over quickly? Did we linger? I couldn’t recall. All I remembered was the feel of his lips on mine, and how his hands held my face tight, as if afraid to let go.
Barh finally stepped back, and we each gulped for air. He pulled the chain from his neck and stared at it.
“I won’t need this anymore.” He struggled to get the words out. Carefully he spread the chain wide and slid it over my head. With shaking hands, he laid the symbol of his position gently against my chest. “Keep this to remind you of my love. Our love. Know that I’ve loved only you, Jackson.”
My weeping had sapped the moisture from my mouth, preventing me from responding right away. I placed my hands over his and tilted the gold pendant so I could see it. “I will.”
Barh slowly removed his fingers from under mine and using his free hand, raised my chin until our gazes locked. “Promise me you will love again.”
“Barh—” I shook my head. My heart was being ripped apart. It would never love again.
“Promise me, Jackson.” The ragged intake of air through his clogged nostrils spoke to me of how much our parting broke his heart, too. “Do not let my death stop you from finding joy in the world.”
He sniffed twice and I watched new rivulets of tears spill down his cheeks. I saw his struggle clearly. Did he follow his heart, or his duty? The reason a Magi lost his gift when he married was so he’d never have to choose. The exception was in the darkest of times. Then our gods forced the one upon whose shoulders the fate of all rested to choose. Their cruelty hardened my resolve.
“I will.” I nodded, more to steady myself than to reinforce my answer. “Because of you I’ll cherish every day I have left.”
That I wouldn’t be able to keep my promise didn’t matter. Barh needed to hear me say I understood his sacrifice, and wouldn’t waste it. He smiled and stood a little straighter. The meager morsel of joy brought a spark of life back to his brilliant blue eyes.
Knowing I was able to give him a measure of peace in our last moments together caused the corners of my lips to twitch upward. Barh’s smile grew, which added to mine. Soon we were laughing, despite our pain, to celebrate the joy we gave each other during our too brief time together.
He shuffled his boots toward me and I knew this was the end. When our lips met, the truth hit me like a giant rock. This was our last kiss and it would have to last me a lifetime.
Too soon, he pulled back and the kiss—like our time together— ended. Uncertain I could refrain from flinging myself at his feet and begging him not to go, I turned away. I wanted my last image of him to be the proud, honorable man, about to give everything so the world would endure. Fingering Barh’s amulet, I stumbled toward the entrance, refusing to look back.
Barh voice was loud enough for me to hear him say, “Thank you, Chenoth. I’m ready.”
There was no sound or flash of light to tell me it was over, but I knew Barh was gone the moment it happened. It felt as if someone had blown out the candle that lit my soul, leaving a void I could never fill again.
A solitary tear rolled slowly down my right cheek. He deserved so much more than one, but it was all I had left. When I reached the tunnel that led to the exit, a ray of sunshine peaked above the rim of the cave entrance. It bathed me in its warmth, as if trying to rekindle my spirit. I wanted to believe it was Barh’s way of reminding me not to let darkness consume me.
The light also brought home something neither of us had considered. Without Barh, I had no way back. How could I lead whatever help Barh’s sacrifice secured if I was trapped on the island? If I didn’t return, the Degari would overrun the world and Barh would have died in vain. Panic threatened to sever the tentative threads that held my sanity together.
I leaned back against the wall, closed my eyes and summoned Barh’s face to my mind. He’d given too much for me to let despair overtake me. There had to be some way off the island. It fell to me to find it.
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Free Fiction Friday
August 9, 2014
Ashes of Life – Free Release
As I’ve mentioned a few times, Ashes of Life is a story I wrote for the Love’s Landscape edition of Don’t Read in the Closet (DRitC) sponsored by the Goodreads MM Romance group. Basically how it works is someone sends in a picture and gives a bit about what the picture says to them and asks an author to write the story behind the picture. Here’s the prompt I selected: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1729208-dear-author-ilona—claimed-by-andrew-q-gordon As many who read my work know, I love fantasy. There is something about being able to read about things that can’t be real but should. Once I might have said that writing fantasy, being able to bring to life my imagination, is even better, but I’ve learned much since I was a ‘lil q myself. The tendency to make characters all powerful is hard to resist. Creating believable systems of magic can be more challenging still, and while in my mind I’m the all-powerful hero, my inclination is to just play god and make it go away. Yawn. With Ashes I took a slightly different approach. Thane—the main character and narrator—has no powers at all. “Jeanne,” in a review on Goodreads described Thane as: “Just a kind humble man living life the best he can.” He also happened to free a being—the phoenix Eraq—that was powerful and at the center of a millennia long conflict. I wanted to write this story from the POV of someone who couldn’t move mountains or save the day with a wave of his hand. I wanted a hero who was one of us. I’ve kept the magic and mythical creatures to a minimum to focus on Thane and Eraq so this should be a good read even for non-fantasy fans. If you get a chance to read the story. I’d appreciate you taking a moment to let me know what you think. The story is available in ePub, Mobi and PDF so whatever devise you have it should be easily accessible. Here is the link to the website where the eBook is available for download:
Ashes of Life; by Andrew Q. Gordon
Ashes of Life, By Andrew Q. Gordon
When Sergeant Thane asked his best friend and second in command, to go riding, he had no idea how much his life would change. Whisked away by his horse to a forest that shouldn’t exist and hears a cry for help. Answering the plea, Thane releases a phoenix—Eraq—from his centuries long imprisonment. Eraq’s first act of freedom is to claim Thane as his own. But the phoenix is more than he appears. A mage-shifter, Eraq sets his sights on the man who answered his call for help. Thane returns the interest despite learning that his act of liberation has set in motion events that will change the world. When he learns his relationship with Eraq places him at the center of events beyond his understanding, Thane refuses to abandon the man he’s come to love. Even as it hurtles him toward certain death.
About the Author:
Andrew Q. Gordon wrote his first story back when yellow legal pads, ball point pens were common and a Smith Corona correctable typewriter was considered high tech. Adapting with technology, he now takes his MacBook somewhere quiet when he wants to write. He currently lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his partner of eighteen years, their young daughter and dog. In addition to dodging some very self-important D.C. ‘insiders’, Andrew uses his commute to catch up on his reading. When not working or writing, he enjoys soccer, high fantasy, baseball and seeing how much coffee he can drink in a day and not get the shakes. Social Media Links: You can find his books at Wayward Ink Publishing Dreamspinner Press Amazon Follow Andrew on his website: www.andrewqgordon.com, On Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrewqugordon, On Twitter: @andrewqgordon, Or just email him: andrewqgordon@gmail.com
&nbs
August 7, 2014
Free Fiction Friday – The Price of Love – Part 2
The Price Of Love – Part 2
As Chenoth said? If Barh spoke to Chenoth a year ago, why didn’t he tell me before? More importantly, why hadn’t Chenoth helped us yet?
My lungs burned and I realized I held my breath waiting for something to happen. Running my eyes around the cavern, I searched for some sign of Chenoth. Barh’s body shook, but he didn’t move his feet.
“Welcome, Magi Barhingolis.”
I nearly jumped through the rock. The deep voice was strong and commanding, yet comforting. It appeared to come from all around me frustrating my search for the speaker. “Long has been your journey, child. be at ease in my home.”
“My thanks, Chenoth, but I shall find no comfort in your home this day or any. The hour is short and our need is great.” Barh didn’t shift his focus from the odd rock in the center of the room. “I have come to secure your help and restore balance to our world.”
“What do you offer?”
“All that I have and all that I ever will.” Barh’s answer started out almost a sob, but steadied by the last word. I shivered despite the temperature.
“As is proper.” Chenoth paused and I felt my breath catch again. “Are you prepared to do all that is necessary to secure my help?”
“I am.” Those two little words held such sadness I knew something terrible had just happened. I stared a hole in Barh’s face, but he refused to meet my gaze. Movement in the main part of the cave forced me to turn away.
White vapors swirled all around the room and gained substance as more appeared. Like Chenoth’s voice, I couldn’t locate the source, but the fog continued to thicken and grow. Just when I thought it would engulf us, the white, puffy cloud pulled back and coalesced into an enormous dragon. The hulking body filled nearly the entire space with its mass. Only then did I realize smoke had enveloped Barh and a thin line connected him to the dragon.
“Chenoth.” I’m not sure if I said the word aloud or just mouthed it, but with all my heart I knew he was about to take the man I loved. Before I could protest, he spoke.
“I accept your offer.” The last wisp of white pulled away from Barh and into Chenoth. Light filled the room and the dragon looked pleased.
Barh finally tilted his head up and stared at Chenoth with tears at the edges of his eyes. “Will you allow me to say goodbye?”
Say goodbye? I tried to find my voice, but I couldn’t speak. My worst fears had come true and I was powerless to stop the events from unfolding before me.
“You have earned this small boon and more.” Impossibly, Chenoth stood up and stretched his enormous wings. Awe replaced my fear for the briefest instant as I saw the cavern expand and open to the sky.
Barh was staring at me when I looked down. He tried to smile, but his lips trembled so much he had to pull them tighter.
“Goodbye?” I croaked.
“I can’t… I can’t go back with you, Jacks.” Although he whispered, the sound felt like someone shouted into my mind. My mouth wouldn’t move, not that I knew what to say.
“All that I have, and all that I ever will.” Barh started to turn, but stopped and kept his gaze locked on mine. “Someone must give everything to save the rest.”
“No.” I found my voice and shook my head. How could this be happening? “Not you, no! Let someone else. Let someone else!”
I felt my control waiver and I nearly gave into the urge to scream hysterically. Barh stayed my break down with the barest of smiles. It felt like he was trying to remember something happy and that was all the joy he could manage.
“Oh, Jackson.” Tears started to drip down his cheek. “If there were any other way.”
“No!” I screamed as if I could refuse to hear him. “No!”
He grabbed my hands and ran his thumbs over my skin. “Forgive me, please.”
I turned, searching for something to say, some way to stop the stampede of pain heading toward me.
“Please,” he pleaded.
“No, no, no, no!” It was the word that filled my thoughts. “Barh don’t do this.”
“I have no choice. There is no—”
“PLEASE!” I shouted him into silence. For a moment.
“Jackson,” I barely heard him call my name. My grief engulfed me to the point I heard a thunderous roar in my mind. “I need you to tell me, this is okay.”
Shaking my head, I mouthed his last word. How could he think I would ever tell him this was okay?
“Don’t do this to me, Barh.” I shook my head and refused to look at him. “Please don’t.”
“If there was any other way, Jacks.” Barh swallowed twice and took a deep breath. “Last time I was here, Chenoth told me the price of his help. I couldn’t… I wouldn’t pay it.”
I watched in shock when the tears began to drip down his cheek. Soon his sobs wracked his body and he used his hand to cover his eyes. During the war, Barh suffered pain beyond any I could imagine: demonic burns, sword cuts, even the lost of his closest friends. Nothing reduced him to this state. Finally, he regained control, but the tears continued.
“I wouldn’t pay it,” he repeated. “I couldn’t leave you and because I was weak, the war continued and thousands more needlessly died.”
So much that I didn’t understand became clear. Those odd looks, the way his gaze lingered on me, the times he had us stay somewhere “just a few minutes longer.” He knew each visit somewhere would be our last.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
He turned his attention to toward the silent form of Chenoth. “Because I refused to believe it was the only way. In the end, the truth never changed and I failed you and everyone else who looked to me for help.”
I lived for years in constant fear the war would take him from me. I began to cry at the cruel twist of fate. He’d survived it all only to be told the answer he sought required him to sacrifice himself.
“Barh,” I whispered between my own sobs. “You never failed me.”
Despite my attempts, he refused to look at me. “Yes I did. Chenoth explained everything the last time we were here and I refused to accept the truth.”
“What truth?” Every child was told how the gods gave Chenoth and his kind to our world to watch over and protected us. The Degari pose no threat to Chenoth, but they could only intercede when are our need was greatest. Like now. So why didn’t they answer our call?
I stood transfixed, waiting for him to answer. Barh sniffed twice and wiped the remaining tears from his face.
“The Magi exist to serve the people. This we always knew. Last year Chenoth told me that he and the other Elementals could only act if a Magi…if a Magi agreed to be his earthly form.”
The gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it. “You’re the last Magi.”
The Degari must have known Chenoth’s price, because they’d been targeting the Magi with unwavering devotion since the war began. Barh had been the last Magi since before we came here last year.
Barh finally looked at me. “No, I’m not.”
“What?” I couldn’t have heard it right. “How?”
“Three other Magi are still live. The Council quickly recognized the Degari were targeting us. They faked the deaths of three who were our best teachers and hid them in three different kingdoms. Fifteen of the brightest novices accompanied each teacher. The hope is they will survive so our talents will not be lost.”
“If you’re not the last, then someone else can pay…” My hopes were dashed as he slowly shook his head.
“Chenoth was specific, I am the price of his aid.”
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