Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 16

Thursday Thirteen - Lines from the Dragshi Chronicles

 

This Thursday Thirteen are teaser lines from the Dragshi Chronicles. Morethan just a man or woman, the dragshi are humans with a twinned dragon soul, able to change forms with each other at will. 

 

Legend said that if you think of a man or wish for love beneath a solstice moon, your desire will be granted and you will meet your mate within a season. (Dragon Destiny)

The chill stare Eirwen turned on him felt like being peeled to the core. (Dragon Destiny)

His connection to Anastasia exploded into a mist of shimmering motes. (Dragon Destiny)

In the short time it had taken to administer aid, a dozen men armed with pikes neared her small sanctuary.(Dragon Destiny)

Thick silence changed the shadowed woods into a sepulcher. (Hatchlings Curse)

An evil chortle floated over a figure chained on the wet sand below the high tide line. (Hatchlings Curse)

Feather-light touches teased his senses pulling him deeper into maelstrom. (Hatchlings Curse)

The berserker rage of his ancestors washed over Branin and he leaped from the saddle. (Hatchlings Curse)

Eirwen’s stare raked Branin to the core. The sensation passed leaving Branin wondering what the lady ruler found.(Hatching's Mate)

Weaving against the effect of the drugs, she kept her blade lifted. (Hatchling's Mate)

The twang of their arrows release was lost in the sounds of wounded animals, but the scream of the man who windmilled in the air proved the accuracy of the strikes. (Hatchling's Mate)

From the darkness just beyond the entrance, a single torch flickered into being, then another and another until a solid line of light streamed across the opening. (Hatchling's Mate)

Neither the food nor the notebook awaiting the latest tale requested by the ceoltiers worked to overcome the tension in the room—and her body. (Hatchling's Mate)

I hope you enjoyed this Thursday Thirteen and that you will come back again. If any of my published titles intrigue you, click on the cover in the banner or for the series, the pull-down menu for blurbs, excerpts, a free read of the first chapter, and of course, buy links.

And of course, be sure to visit the other thirteens.

~till next time, you're invited to fly with dragons. Helen

Hooked on First Change, Anger #mfrwauthor

 

 This week's excerpt is from "The Unknown Patient," one of the tales recorded in First Change: Legends From The Eyrie. At this point, Falamn still hasn't recovered his memory. But has travelled with Clan Weiss long enough he is participating in a celebration. This post shows a different relationship, the one between a dragon lord and the seidhern that chose him as its rider.

Writing the seidhern that appear in the various tales in the Dragshi Chronicles was fun. Although the seidhern looked like nothing more than a very large horse, they were a magical breed, very loyal to their riders, independent, and sometimes a bit snarky.

To set the scene, Falamn has retreated to the forest to recover from Etianne's unexpected kiss.

Excerpt:

The sound of a heavy body crashing through the brush halted the entertainment. Yells of “Get ’im” were overridden by a beast’s squeal of anger. Falamn ran back to the lantern-lit square where dozen men moved back and forth in an erratic circle, however they weren’t dancing. The object of their attention was a dark-gray horse. Three ropes led from its neck and each had a handful of men hanging on it. Dust lay in a thick layer on the horse’s lathered coat. Ribs pressed against the hide indicated either a long journey or days without meals. 

“Who would treat such an animal so,” Falamn cursed. Despite its emaciated state, the animal fought any attempt at capture. When he dragged one man off his feet, another took the fallen one’s place.

“Lorg,” Falamn yelled. The paralysis left his legs and he raced down the path to the straining men. “Drop the ropes. Leave him be.”

The horse stopped rearing and sniffed the air. He turned his gaze on Falamn. Where before the animal bugled in anger, now it whinnied and headed unerringly towards Falamn.

Although they did not drop the ropes as ordered, the men provided slack and the stallion stumbled forward. He extended his nose to Falamn who absently stroked the soft muzzle. A moment later, the animal nosed into pockets and when nothing was forthcoming added a nudge to his demand for a treat.

Around him Falamn heard the sounds of murmured comments. “He’s crazy. That horse will kill him.”

“No,” said another. “He acts like he knows Falamn.” 

“Sorry, boy,” Falamn said with a laugh. “You won’t find any orange roots down here.”

The snort that followed told the animal’s response. So find one.

“Well, lad,” came a low voice from behind Falamn’s shoulder. He looked back to see Nuanain standing there. The loop of a rope hung loose from his fingers. “Falamn, you may not know your true name, but you sure do his.”

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Buy Links: Links to ebook sellers

Additional excerpts from the three novellas (and two bonus short stories) in First Change. 

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A New Task Imprisoned in Stone #wewrwa

 

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Today's excerpt is from the dark fantasy Imprisoned in Stone. This scene takes place the day of the mage's arrival and gives insight into Maerva's world and foreshadows what is to come. And now the Sunday Snippet.
 

Excerpt:

Maerva held her breath and tried to become invisible. When needed, she assisted with the nursing, and everyone said she did it well, but it did not come easy. How could she help in a healing? Especially with a female who called herself a draoch–the traditional title for a wizard? Suliceen taught that magic belonged to men. That a woman’s only power was the ability to bring life into the world. The contradiction always confused Maerva. If a girl could sail as well as a man, why couldn’t she do other things as well? So engrossed in her reflection, she forgot her surroundings until she heard her namee.
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​I hope you like the snippet I shared from Imprisoned in Stone. Be sure to read the other Weekend Writing Warriors blogs and the #SnippetSunday authors for more great reads. 

~till next time, Helen

Thursday Thirteen - Changes from Childhood

 

 
This Thursday Thirteen is a departure from the books I've authored or visits with the characters. This post contains some reflections from childhood to adulthood, and to some might give insight into my age.
The two-story farm-house of my youth has given way to a more age-friendly one-story home.Blizzard of 1996

 Instead of sitting under the large weeping willow to watch bats sweep over the fields at dusk, a bright, airy, sun room provides a viewing area for the aerial acrobatics of cardinals. Unlike where I grew up where cardinals and blue jays appeared with the prospect of snow, the red birds are year-round residents.One thing that hasn't changed is watching the hawks soaring the thermals. Mastering the ability to read and write in cursive (aka script) was taught in school. Your penmanship had to be neat and readable. A senior from last-years graduating high school class was taught how to sign her name in cursive by her family because the school system never did. One thing hasn't changed. As when I was younger, parents and siblings still assist in the education process. Sometimes it is the older generation teaching the younger, in others it is the younger sibling helping the older one. What is different now is who I help. And the use of computers.
Our entire future was not determined by one test in the third grade, where missing the wrong question invalidated an entire year's worth of A's. Of course, we still had the assessment tests to graduate high school or enter college but they were one only one consideration. Like many of my era, the first books I read featured Dick, Jane, and Spot I turned into a voracious reader. The Cherry Ames nurse series, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries quickly gave way to exploring the all areas of the county library.Those early simple school books were supplanted by the telepaths and dragon riders of Anne McCaffrey, the adventure books of Allistair MacLean and Leslie Charteris, and riding the western mountains and plains with the characters of Louis L'Amour. Although writing in my childhood was short stories or school work, my adult writing is in longer formats. To date ten novels and two collections of short stories and novellas have gone under the editor's pen and been published. more on my other works is in the Thursday Thirteen, Backlists, or by clicking on the banner covers or pull-down menu.
Today's reading buddy is more likely to be a bird perched on the railing outside the sun room door than the four-legged ones of my youth. Of course, Tighe, the aristocatic feline I've talked about before would claim the title of chief reading and writing buddy for his ability to knock a book out of your hand when he wanted a pet or to walk on the keyboard when a writing session extended into his meal time. Tighe was showcased in his own Thursday Thirteen, He Ruled The House.



For decades, the Sunday afternoon of the Memorial Day Weekend was reserved for the town parade. People of all ages from the (older) members of the historical society who rode the horse-drawn wagon, to the much younger cub and boy scouts, the brownie and girl scouts marched. Or in the case of some of the groups, danced from the staging area to Memorial Park. Where I now live there is no local parades. However, the towns line their main streets with flags. Instead of walking in a parade this year, I joined the boy scout troop and veterans to place flags on the graves of those who had served. To get eggs I no longer have to avoid the rooster, shoo the hens, and search throughout the hen house. The short walk to the store ad buying them off the shelf is much easier on the nerves and old bones.
Television programs are broadcast in "living color" rather than the black-and-white of the programs I was introduced to. And the television sets are built with circuit boards and among other things can stream content from the internet or specialized providers. Of course, they are not as easy to fix. You can't take out bad tube (identified with the black, burn mark on the top), walk to the local store to buy a new one, and be back watching your favorite western in no time.
Each time, from childhood to mature years, has their own special experiences. I may no longer be able to ride a bicycle for hours, but have learned the proper rhythm for a speed bag and have held my own in a sparring session with someone a head taller than me. For full disclosure, the sparring is non-body contact with both boxers wearing gloves, or one wears gloves while the other wears strike pads.
If any of my published titles intrigue you, click on the cover in the banner or for the series, the pull-down menu for blurbs, excerpts, a free read of the first chapter, and of course, buy links. And of course, be sure to visit the http://newthursday13.blogspot.com/ to see other thirteens.
~till next time, Helen

Hooked on First Change, Aim #MFRWHook #bookqw

 

This week's excerpt is from "Fire and Ice," one of the tales recorded in First Change: Legends From The Eyrie. To set the scene, Mirabeesh's friends come to rescue her.

Excerpt:

Shadows showed the reaction to her silent cry. Qaralzha put an arm around the two girls and pushed them downhill. A crack sang out and Aneko slipped on the ice, falling to her knees. Her blade skittered across the ice. 

“Kill them,” Xelme yelled. Those of the temple who carried both sword and bow, fumbled with to string arrows. The cold slowed their movements and when the twang of released strings filled the air, spoiled their aim. The flood of bolts splattered harmlessly onto the ice. 

He grabbed the nearest man and pushed him after the running figures. He kicked and slapped other daxa. “After them, you fools. The one who lets them escape dies. He who kills the soldier, gets Aneko.”

“No.” Mirabeesh formed the word, but her cry died unborn. Its life ended with a swing of Xelme’s boot in her side. The image of Garu held down on the black altar in the depths of the temple sent a surge of strength through frozen muscles. She screamed, not in pain but frustration. Merged with the ice, her body belonged to the mountain god—she couldn’t move.

  ~ ~ ~

Buy Links: Links to ebook sellers

Additional excerpts from the three novellas (and two bonus short stories) in First Change. 

A Female Wizard? Imprisoned in Stone #wewrwa

 

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Today's excerpt is from the dark fantasy Imprisoned in Stone. This scene takes place a few mornings after the post, Keep Quiet. The awaited visitor arrives while Maerva is making the breakfast batter and the newcomer is not what Maerva expected. And now the Sunday Snippet.
 

Excerpt:

Noise in the doorway pulled Maerva's gaze from the bubbling pan. A tall, slender female casually leaned on a walking stick. The hem of her robe was dust-covered from travel as was the heavy sword that hung alongside her leg. Suliceen rushed over to greet the newcomer. “Greetings, Mistress Tralin. Would you like to break your fast?”

The woman Maerva now understood was the expected mage shook her head. “Thank you, Suliceen, but not at the moment. Perhaps, after I’ve seen to Beatreas. However, I could use someone to help me?”

Suliceen’s glower scanned the room as if searching for someone. Maerva held her breath and tried to become invisible.

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​I hope you like the snippet I shared from Imprisoned in Stone. Be sure to read the other Weekend Writing Warriors blogs and the #SnippetSunday authors for more great reads. 

~till next time, Helen

Hooked on First Change, Owe #mfrwauthor

 This week's excerpt uses the #bookqw "owe."

To set the scene, the weather is changing and the traders are due to leave the shelter of their winter caves. Falamn had been found by the traders along the trail, unconscious and with no memory of his true self. He had been nursed back to health by Etianne.

And now the snippit from from "The Unknown Patient," one of the tales recorded in First Change: Legends From The Eyrie. 

Excerpt:

Falamn wondered what the pair were leading up to. Word had circulated that with the improved weather the clan would soon leave the caves and return along the secret trails of the Helenet Forest back to their trading route.

The clan leader gestured to his kinsmen now gathered behind him. “Falamn, we have spoken amongst ourselves. Know this, Clan Weiss makes no offer lightly. You owe us neither loyalty nor duty. However, a space in the train is yours if you wish to journey with us.” 

Next to Falamn, Etianne tensed and he wondered the reason for her held breath. He bowed his head in a moment’s reflection. More than anything else he wanted to stay. Not with the clan—with her. But in his heart he knew even if they overcame the objections about the differences in their ages, someday his memory would return. Or someone would claim him—and he would leave. Still, he promised himself, I will cherish every moment we have together.

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Buy Links: Links to ebook sellers

Additional excerpts from the three novellas (and two bonus short stories) in First Change.

About First Change

The dragshi are more than just a man or woman. Each are two beings–one a dragon, the other a human–sharing one body in space in time and able to change forms with the other at will. Their world and the adventures of the dragon shifters are recorded in the Dragshi Chronicles.

Within each of the chronicles, the ceoltiers, the keepers of the past and teachers of the present, recount some legend. As with all such tales, some contain larger than life deeds. Others are the simple story of a man or woman doing what must be done, regardless of the cost. Sometimes embellished, the ceoltiers use the stories of times and actions past to educate and inspire.

Unlike the previous works in the series which related to the trader girl Anastasia and Lord Branin Llewlyn, First Change features the real story behind the legends told in the previous volumes. First Change contains five stories of duty and honor, love and loss, happiness and despair from the chronicles. As with all such tales, some contain larger than life deeds. Others are the simple story of a man or woman doing what must be done, regardless of the cost.

This or That at the BWL Blog

 

Over on the BooksWeLove Blog, I'm sharing some thoughts on making choices. "This or That?" ~till next time, Helen

Hooked on Hatchling's Mate, Fear, #mfrwhooks

An excerpt from Hatchling's Mate using the #bookqw "Fear." To set the scene, the newest dragon lord, Lady Lexii, and her bodyguard, Glyn, stop to enjoy the idyllic setting of a mountain pasture. But all is not what it seems and mercenaries with orders to kill all dragshi attack. The post "Jump" tells the beginning of the attack. Glyn uses her mount to send the wounded Lexii to safety. Which means, Glyn is now stranded and on foot as the mercenaries close in.

Excerpt:

Six feet of smirking mercenary advanced on Glyn. Light glinted off the sword the raider wove, one-handed, in one figure eight after another. Four more armed men lined up behind their leader. Their comments spoke not only of their intentions, but their prowess. A growled, “Give up now and I will make your end quick,” failed to ruin her focus. From the descriptions circulating throughout the region, these were the same group who, a few days earlier, tried to rape a woman at a local farm.

Glyn knew a swift end would not be her fate if her true sex was uncovered. I will not be used that way. She ignored the flash of the moving sword and concentrated on her opponent’s chest. The words of one of her early weaponsmasters echoed in her ears. “Muscles can’t lie.”

Again her opponent repeated his offer of mercy.

And again Glyn remained silent.

Determination aided by anger and fear quickenedGlyn’s reflexes. Timing her counter, she didn’t have blade meet blade, but instead ducked beneath the intended fatal blow. Her sword flicked out. Blood flowed from the man’s side. No longer grinning, he tightened his grip on his sword’s hilt. Without warning, he attacked in a flurry of thrusts.  

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You'll have to read Hatchling's Mate to see who is victorious.

Hatchling's Mate - From their birth it was expected that Talann’s and Lexii’s destiny would be entwined. However fate had other intentions. Lexii and Talann could not stand to be together.

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Click here for another excerpt and a free read of the first chapter.

Keep Quiet, Imprisoned in Stone #wewrwa

Welcome to Weekend Writing Warriors, the weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Today's excerpt is from the dark fantasy Imprisoned in Stone. This scene takes place the morning after the post, An Intruder. Maerva confides to her brother, Arcil, captain of the fishing vessel, Wayward Bound, and gets a surprising order. And now the Sunday Snippet.
 

Excerpt

Maerva glanced around to see who might be listening. Suliceen was down at the far table, supervising those wrapping the fish in leaves for smoking. Ruadhan paced up and down the line, but Maerva did not worry about her father overhearing. He only had ears for the count passed to him by the heads of the various teams slicing the fillets or piling the whole fish into man-high stacks in the smoking caves.

“I had a strange dream last night,” she said in a low voice. In between calls for more fish, she told Arcil about the unseen presence and its ghostly message.

“Don’t tell anyone,” he hissed. “Especially not our parents.”

His tone reminded Maerva of Arcil’s position. He captained a ship and knew many things beyond her ken. Why he wanted the dream kept private seemed strange, but she would do as he asked.

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Buy Links: 1-Click to all Sale Sites
​I hope you like the snippet I shared from Imprisoned in Stone. Be sure to read the other Weekend Writing Warriors blogs and the #SnippetSunday authors for more great reads. 

~till next time, Helen