Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 2

2025 X : Xray

In the challenge, "X" is for Xray. No, the post is not about the diagnostic device that uses x-ray technology. Nor it is about Superman's vision. An earlier post included a picture of my father in his flight uniform. Which led to the planes he flew. Now how does that translate to X-ray? There is a special code word alphabet used by pilots.

Between the military service of family members, the shows I watched growing up, and an association with the commercial aviation industry, it is not surprising that at one time I could recite the entire alphabet. (And yes, I still use it when talking to customer service personnel who can't tell the difference between B, E, G, and several other letters.

Not giving my age, but a craft like this
was among my first exposures to airplanes.

After World War II, the military alphabet (then known as the Able Baker Alphabet) was reworked by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) so that letters and numbers would have distinct names that would be easily understood. The alphabet is also known as the Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet or the NATO phonetic alphabet.

A - Alfa
N - NovemberB - Bravo
O - OscarC - Charlie
Q - QuebecD - Delta
O - OscarE - Echo
R - RomeoF - Foxtrot
S - SierraG - Golf
T - TangoH - Hotel
U - UniformI - India
V - VictorJ - Juliett
W - WhiskeyK - Kilo
X - X-RayL - Lima
Y - YankeeM - Mike
Z - Zulu

Happy spelling. Bravo Yankee Echo. ~till next time Helen 

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants..

2025 W : Wall

 

     

In the challenge, "W" is for the wall, the setting for the short story, "Between Swords and Sickness," in the collection First Change: Tales From the Eyrie.

To set the stage, the fever called the demon fire ravaged the city leaving only a handful of oldsters and teens to care for the sick and man the wall. Defending the sick and the dying, one man stood alone against an invading army. He had no hope but for dragon fire and talons. But Geelneach is only a man.

From "Between Swords and Sickness - The Undefended Wall" from First Change: Legends From The Eyrie.

Geelneach stood on the rampart above the city gate. The decision, whether to fight or surrender, was his to make. An option, one he had not dared consider, refused to be quashed. He sent Silat and the others to man the barricade at the Great Hall. Jaoth and Silat had argued, but Geelneach prevailed. “You are my lieutenants. It is your duty to obey. Now go.” He laid a gentle hand on both the youth’s shoulders. “No matter what happens this day, you have done your city and kin proud.”

He waited until their shadows disappeared into the mist which still blanketed the city. Despite the fog, the black pillar of the funeral smoke stood out. Each day he had prayed the column would still be seen and word sent to the dragshi of Alcari’s troubles. Or the local men recalled from their hunt. But time had run out, no reinforcements had come. Only one more thing remained to be done—to challenge the leader of the invaders.

Ignoring the danger, Geelneach stood up, silhouetted by the rising sun. Battle energy surged through him and he pulled his sword. His voice pitched to be heard by those standing at the foot of the wall he issued a simple challenge. “Drust, I challenge you, fight me one-on-one.”

“And if I refuse?” came an answer from the throng below.

“Then you are a coward,” Geelneach taunted. He let his disgust show on his features.

A tall, broad-shouldered man in well-worn armor pushed his way through the group of soldiers standing in front of a tent decorated with a captain’s banner. “Bold words for the lone defender of a city,” Drust laughed. “Did your troop desert you? If you can call that handful of gray-haired oldsters and unbearded youths a troop.”

The mercenary waved, his gesture encompassing those around him. “My ‘men,’ are all veterans of a dozen campaigns.”

~till next time, Helen 

 

To read "Between Swords and Sickness," get First Change: Legends From The Eyrie at Amazon and These Sites

 If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

 

2025 V : Vigil

    

V is always a hard word for the challenge, right up there with Q and Z. In the challenge, "V" is for Vigil. If you have followed me for a while you might remember that I have said on numerous occasions that some of my most productive writing has been at two in the morning while in a bedside vigil. Instead of recounting any of my bedside vigils, I thought I would share some of the dark days and nights that those who inhabit the worlds of windmaster and the draghsi have spent.

Ellspeth looked down at Dal. The stubble of a beard covered his usually clean-shaven jaw. He’s not much over thirty turns, she mused. That’s only a turn older than me. The realization forced her to look at him anew. His features, peaceful in repose, seemed a sharp contrast to the turbulence of her thoughts. She searched for the cause of her agitation. The Sea Falcon had been put back to rights. The damage, although severe, was rapidly being corrected. None of the crewman washed overboard had died, thanks to the safety lines. The ship’s cat was the only casualty. Her eyes strayed to her sleeping charge, and the unwelcome connection she felt to the man.

She was captain of the Sea Falcon. She’d worked too hard to earn it. There will be repercussions, an insistent inner voice warned. Dal is not only a powerful wizard and friend of the King. He saved your ship. That last thought resonated with her sense of duty and honor.

Ellspeth bowed her head. For several moments she prayed to the water gods worshipped by most of her crew. In the tradition of the Mtwan Mountains she added, “Ancestors preserve your descendent, Dal.Guard him in this world. 

“Return, Dal. Return to this world,” she whispered. Then, laying a hand on his shoulder she added, “Return to me!” 

Her eyes rose from her meditation to meet his.

~till next time, Helen 

 

Buy the Windmaster Novels at Amazon and These Sites

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

 

2025 U : Underwater

     

In the challenge, "U" is for Underwater. After her cover as a sailor is blown, Anastasia is captured by the dragon hater Broch. An additional issue Broch had with Anastasia is that Broch desired the dragon lord, Lord Branin Llewlyn. The problem was that Anastasia was Dal's predestined mate. Z Broch's punishment was to chain Anastasia in an underwater cavern just above the water line ... and the tide was coming in. Between her won resources (hidden lockpicks in her boot) and the other prisoners in the cave, Branin and the true dragon, Crisiant, all are freed from their shackles. However, the entrance to the cave is underwater.

From Windmaster:

Branin put an arm around Anastasia and guided her to the water’s edge. He sent a prayer heavenward that the iron would truly protect them all from the ancient spells. Crisiant had no other choice other than risking the water. She would not fit through the winding crevice to freedom on land. By the next evening, the entire cave would be submerged. Even if the water did not burn, dragons could still drown.

Holding her wings up, Crisiant gingerly dipped in one toe. <It doesn’t hurt. The iron works.> She turned dark green eyes on Anastasia. <Hold onto my tail, little one. I will tow you. It is too soon for you to join Branin and me in dragon form.>

“I will swim in human form,” Branin argued.

<Why?> Crisiant’s question echoed the confusion evident on Anastasia’s face.

“There is not enough space in the cave for his body if I switch shape with Llewlyn,” Branin explained. “And the entrance is too small. Crisiant, you may lose some scales getting through. Llewlyn would get trapped. Also, using my magic to switch forms could still push Anastasia into an early First Change. I will not risk it. I will not risk her.” He turned an earnest stare to Anastasia in reassurance. “I am a strong swimmer, I will be fine even without Llewlyn’s dragon strength.” Then with a tone of ringing authority hidden in the request he said, “Crisiant, take care of Anastasia.”

<Very well.> With a nod at Anastasia to follow, the blue dragon led the way into the waist-deep water. Crisiant took a deep breath and held it. In a muffled tone she counted, <One... two... three.>

I hope you enjoyed this excerpt of an underwater escape. If you enjoyed this post, related "water-themed" posts include sailing and rivers. 

 ~till next time, Helen 

 

Buy the Dragshi Chronicles at Amazon and These Sites 

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.


 

2025 T: Threaten #MFRWhooks

     

In the challenge, T is for threaten. Trellier is a true dragon, the last of his kind. Everyone in his world is a threat, for dragons are to be destroyed. The except from Fire and Amulet deals with another threat, bandits. Trellier and Deneas have broken the bandits attack, but now have to escape and keep their young charge safe.

From Fire and Amulet: 

Trelleir turned and raced to the tree. Deneas was already at the front, throwing her weight against a branch. He did the same, and the tree tipped over the edge. Running leaps had them astride the log. A sharp bump and the front part of their makeshift sled lifted, threatening to dump its passengers. It thumped back down when Deneas laid flat and threw her weight forward.

From within the log came a lilting, “Whee.”

Faster and faster, their wooden steed slid. down the muddy slope. The wind whistling past his ears brought another sound. Deneas’ sharp, “Hold on.”

The sharp incline they had ridden down ended at a stone ledge jutting out of the mountainside. Beyond it lay nothing but open air. The log hit the flat spot, shuddered, and kept sliding. What seemed like wagon lengths below, white water rushed around jagged rocks. Unlike the earlier part of the ride, Leri didn’t make a sound as the log went airborne.

~till next time, Helen 

 

Buy the Tear Stone Collectors at Amazon and These Sites

If you're following other blogs in the AtoZ challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.
And here is the linky list to the marketing for romance writers participating in book hooks.

2025 S : Sailing

     

Since R was for rivers, following the theme, S is for sailing. As I have said before, I really do not like being in the water. That said, more than a few vacations or special events have included some aspect of a ship and sailing.

The following excerpt from Imprisoned in Stone describes a ship board problem. It is not written from personal experience. All of my sailing has been enjoyable with good weather. The one exception was a planned sail on a wind-powered ship in San Diego. Although they always said it doesn't rain in southern California, except for the day we arrived, the day we left, and the day before, it rained the entire time we were there. When we booked the cruise, being from the northeast, we of course asked about inclement weather to be told the cruise has never been cancelled. Well, that day it was. We showed up at the dock to be told the captain said he wasn't going back out. But out tickets could be used the following day on a different vessel. Instead of a sailing ship, we toured San Diego harbor on a large, party boat in a beautifully sunny day. All said, that was probably more comfortable than the pitching open deck in a thunderstorm.

Bad weather is always a hazard.
Superstorm Sandy put many a boat miles inland,
docked them inside buildings, or stacked the boats atop each other.

Cruising the Mississippi out of Memphis TN

The issue with on Wayward Bound is that a fanatical group of clerics put a curse on the vessel. Maerva has to use her limited training to save the ship, its crew, and her brother the vessel's captain. The inspiration for the clearing spell came from an episode of the television series, Sea Quest, where a grizzled sailor used an old sea chanty to rally the crew after the submarine is struck by lightning and is dead in the water.

Taking a deep breath, Maerva released it and cast her spell. Her voice rang with the full force of her will. “Clear our decks, we’re a sailin’. Curse be gone, our sails a fillin’. Crew be well, that we’re orderin’. Command, it shall be.”

Arcil carried the chorus in a rich bass. “Away ho, darkness leavin’. Away ho, Dawn be rising’. Away ho, curse be leavin’. Command, it shall be.”

Off key or out of tune, one by one the rest of the ship’s complement joined in. Even though the words were different, the tune of an old sailor’s chanty made it easy for the crew to lend their voices—and determination.

She kept everyone singing until raggedness entered their voices. Her grasp tight on Gareth’s fingers, she gathered the will of the crew, added her and Gareth’s magic, and threw it in a final thrust against the squirming mess. It vanished, leaving behind only the spray-covered boards. Maerva turned to Gareth to tell him, but the ship’s bow dipped into a trough sending her into his arms.

No motors, just the whistle of wind through the rigging.

I hope you enjoyed this insight into a trouble of sailing in a fantasy world. ~till next time, Helen

Buy Imprisoned in Stone at Amazon and These Sites

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

 

2025 R : Rivers

     

Next in the challenge is R for rivers. The inspiration for the post comes from my writing life. Although too many of my works have been created in hospital rooms and doctors’ offices, my favorite places to write were outdoors under the blue skies, especially in the serenity of a waterfront perch.

Rivers and coastlines have also crept into the fantasy worlds I love to visit. The Delwaree River in the Dragshi Chronicles paid homage to the Delaware River that I grew up near. And in later years, that I bicycled the canal tow path alongside the river.

Delaware River Bridge, Frenchtown NJ 

Rivers play an important part in the Windmaster Novels. In Windmaster Legacy, Dal and Ellspeth and their party are stranded on one side of a raging river. Even though they admitted the height and ferocity of the current was not usual, the ferry boat captains have agreed to make one trip across. Here is the start of the crossing.

A spot on the pier with shelter from the spray provided a clear view not only of the Ilar, but also of the ferry and the waiting passengers and fàlaire. Dal placed Ellspeth on his left. Her presence provided a reassurance he was not yet used to, but treasured anyway. Barris stood on Dal’s right side. The boy radiated such tension Dal fought down a smile at the youth’s determination. Murdo, standing at the ferry, held a bright orange scarf above his head. After a quick glance at his wife and apprentice, Dal returned his gaze to the fluttering signal flag. Wind whipped his lowered voice out into the distance.

“Air unsettled now be calm,
White capped waves be still.
High mountain storms and rain to cease,
Currents slow and floods to ease.

Selah so mote it be.”

Ellspeth’s soft tone joined Dal’s on the second chorus. His promise token warmed in response to her magic and dispelled the early morn’s chill. Barris’s light tenor came in. Dal noted with half his attention how Barris carefully enunciated the spell. By the second repetition of the incantation, the wind no longer blew in fury. The scarf in Murdo’s hand hung limp in the now-calm air.

You will have to read Windmaster Legacy for the rest of the journey.

In recognition of these precious places, a photo array from lakes and rivers I have sat beside.

Raritan Bay, note lower Manhattan on the horizon.         Reelfoot Lake, TennesseeCrescent Lake,Pennsylvania

~ I hope you enjoyed this excursion into my writing life. till next time, Helen 

 

Buy the Windmaster Novels at Amazon and These Sites

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.

2025 Q : Query

     

 In the challenge, Q is for Query. For this post a few thoughts from writing life experience

I started sending out queries in my teen years. Following the advice of the time I tried to sell short stories to science fiction magazines.at the time there was ho internet, no e-zines, only print. The letters that came back contained neat little phrases such as." sorry, not quite what we are looking for." then there was one that said they didn't like the ending. No tomato surprises allowed. The not-so-funny joke at each mail delivery (this was before the days of automated email rejections) was that enough "Thank you for your submission, but it is not for us at this time. Good luck with your writing career" letters came to paper the bathroom.

Eventually, there were non-fiction articles accepted, short stories in published. First one, then two, then and an even dozen.

Now a few notes about my latest works the Tear Stone Collectors.

When a dragon cries, their tears fall as precious jewels. Each tear stone is imbued with the magic of its creator. And for special humans, the jewels can enhance the person's natural powers or even provide the ability to take on dragon form.

Fire and Amulet 

Dragons and humans don’t always coexist in a peaceful harmony. Trelleir’s family was murdered by slayers. Alone since he cracked his shell, he longs for companionship. Even if it is only that of a human female. However, she is a slayer. Sworn to kill all dragons, including him.

Fire and Redemption 

Three men and a dragon desire the same woman. The men want her for who she is, her beauty, or love. The dragon just wants her. To have them future she desires, Brial must survive the fever, raiders, and most of all, Medraut’s dragon ability to control minds. 

~till next time, Helen 

 

Buy the Tear Stone Collectors at Amazon and These Sites

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.


 

2025 P : Passengers

    

In the challenge, "P" is for passengers as illustrated in an excerpt from Windmaster. It also reflects on guild house politics.  

Anger colored Ellspeth’s thoughts so much that passersby on Stratven’scobblestoned streets moved aside to avoid contact with her. Blinded by heruncontrollable fury, she barely noticed. “How dare he?” Two porterslooked up at the venom in her voice, then at her glare, bent back to theirwork. “The Sea Falcon is mine!” Ellspeth snarled. “Just because he’s acouncil member of the House of Cszabo doesn’t give Third the right tochange my orders. As if I would sail without resupply and shore leave formy crew.” 

Although she pictured what she would like to do to the object of her rage,she refused to even name the man in her rant and used his position titleinstead. “Wool and dyed fabric. He wants me to take the Falcon for a loadof wool and dyed fabric instead of paying passengers. Passengers whosefares were paid by the king! I’ll get the council to back me. Third mayhave more rank, but I have the king’s request.”

I hope you enjoyed this insight into the world of windmaster. ~till next time, Helen 

 

Buy Windmaster at Amazon and These Sites

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants. 

2025 O : Obsidian

    

In the challenge, "O" is for the black stone, obsidian. The archmage, Lord Dal, is on an isle in the Southern Sea. His old friend, Semelen, has joined Dal at a mountain spot used for meditation. The purpose of the visit was to help Dal uncover who murdered everyone on the Isle of Mages.

Warning - the subject of loss might be upsetting to some. From Windmaster:

A swig of fresh water from the gourd he carried refreshed him enough tofinish the climb to the ceremonial ledge near the mountain’s summit. He spotteda small pyramid of coral rocks. “This is it,” he said to a furred nose peeking outfrom between the thick ferns. 

Just beyond the marker, an outcropping, worn smooth by weather, formed anatural bench. Eons ago, islanders had carved the symbols for— fortune...happiness... and love—in the green-flecked volcanic rock. Dal folded his lankyframe to the ground in a single lithe movement. Despite the lava’s rumbling deepwithin the earth, he could sense a serene timelessness in the rock wall. His eyesclosed as he sank into meditation. 

Dal’s consciousness floated downward into the volcano. Closer and closer hemoved toward the gaping maw of a lava tube. The haunting notes of Ellspeth’stune floated up from the dark depths. The blue glimmer of runes on the tunnelwalls beckoned him into the darkness even as it lit his way. The sound of theflute led him through chamber after chamber filled with obsidian statues, theirblank-faces marred only by the flash of fire where eyes would have been. Dalcould almost feel the heat from their implacable anger.

The runes stopped at a pool of black water. A scene he knew well, the islandheart-home of all mages, formed in the unnatural mirror. The concentric rings ofwood and stone cottages seemed so real that he could see the feathers on theeagle in the council room’s stained glass window. Pushed by a southerly wind, ayellow cloud sifted over the island. Dal moaned at the scattered bodies left in itswake. His eyes strained in vain to see movement. Even in sleep, his handsclenched at the memory. Anger and pain vied for control, as the sulfur smellmingled with the remembered stench of hundreds of funeral pyres. Fires he hadset to send the dead, those closer to him than kin, to their final rest. 

“I’ll avenge your deaths,” he swore. “If it takes the rest of my days.”

~till next time, Helen 

 

Buy Windmaster at Amazon and These Sites

If you're following other blogs in the challenge, here's the master list of the other participants.