Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 22

Hooked on Hatchlings Curse, Rebellion Quelled #MFRWHooks

To set the stage, a storm is raging outside and the animals in the stables are panicking. Branin and his friends go to qualm the rebellion. The snippit picks up where the post, Breath, left off, with Branin caught in a stampede.

Excerpt:

Marsainn, his white-striped mane rippling over his gleaming midnight coat, shouldered his way through the milling horses in the aisle and raced across the open space surrounding the struggling pair. His strident bugle silenced all sounds in the cavernous room, except for the squeals of the mare and the grunts of her captor.

The brown released his prisoner, but blocked her retreat. Rearing, he trumpeted in defiance. Marsainn answered the challenge. Flailing hooves and the head stallion’s superior skills forced the smaller horse back. Marsainn clamped his teeth around the rebel’s neck. The ring of death tightened until the brown whinnied in submission. Branin, Liam, and two grooms looped ropes around the rogue’s neck. It didn’t object when they tied it to a heavy pole. Instead, the once arrogant animal stood there, head hanging down. Anastasia and Dealan led the filly into a nearby stall and closed the gate. Their voices quieted the animal enough they could treat her wounds.

The brown released his prisoner, but blocked her retreat. Rearing, he trumpeted in defiance. Marsainn answered the challenge. Flailing hooves and the head stallion’s superior skills forced the smaller horse back. Marsainn clamped his teeth around the rebel’s neck. The ring of death tightened until the brown whinnied in submission. Branin, Liam, and two grooms looped ropes around the rogue’s neck. It didn’t object when they tied it to a heavy pole. Instead, the once arrogant animal stood there, head hanging down. Anastasia and Dealan led the filly into a nearby stall and closed the gate. Their voices quieted the animal enough they could treat her wounds.

Sweat darkened Branin’s clothes. Wet braids hung over Anastasia’s shoulders. Waving to Liam and his wife, Branin put an arm around Anastasia and guided her out into the now-calm air of the star-filled night. She leaned heavily on his arm. Her slow steps betrayed the effort she had put into calming and healing the speckled mare.


* * *

The dragshi are more than just a man or woman, but two beings—one human, the other a dragon. The pair share one body in space and time and are able to change forms with the other at will. But be warned, a dragon form comes with more than just the freedom of the sky.

The Dragshi Chronicles-- action-filled, romance-laden fantasies. 

 
Buy Links:   One Click to major book sellers.
Click here for another excerpt and a free read of the first chapter.

Downtime? Or is it?

 

 

Over on the BooksWeLove Blog, I'm sharing some thoughts on holiday activities. Stop by and see some thoughts on Christmas seasons, past and present.

~till next time, Helen

 

Hooked on Hatchlings Curse, BookQW Breath #MFRWHooks

To set the stage, a storm is raging outside and the animals in the stables are panicking. Branin and his friends go to qualm the rebellion. The snippit picks up where the post, Freedom Wanted, left off, with Branin caught in a stampede.

Excerpt:

Branin struggled to draw breath into his starved lungs. He tried to move free of the dead weight on his chest, but his arms and legs refused to obey his command. Pain greeted the attempt. His sight cleared to reveal Anastasia crumpled against him. Pieces of straw in her hair contrasted with the dark brown of her curls.

Liam lifted Anastasia and leaned her against a bale of straw. His attention shifted to Branin. “You lazy lug, do you expect me to clean up this mess by myself?” Worry in the other man’s tone removed the sting from his words as did the hand-up he offered.

Branin drew air deep into his lungs. Slowly, he stood and tested the strength of his legs. Cradled in Dealan’s arms, Anastasia showed no damage from the collision. He looked around to see the room relatively unchanged. His gaze centered on a brown stallion. The larger horse’s teeth closed on the neck of the young mare who had just recently tried to break out of the stable. Rivulets of blood colored the white stripes of her mane. Her head twisted as the stallion forced her into a position obvious to all. He meant to mount the filly, with or without her approval. Something she did not appear to give.

“No wonder the speckled one risked the storm,” Liam said at Branin’s side. “None of the seidheirn would treat a mare that way, especially one so young. The brown is too strong. We can’t handle him by ourselves.”

* * *

The dragshi are more than just a man or woman, but two beings—one human, the other a dragon. The pair share one body in space and time and are able to change forms with the other at will. But be warned, a dragon form comes with more than just the freedom of the sky.

The Dragshi Chronicles-- action-filled, romance-laden fantasies.

Buy Links:   One Click to major book sellers.
Click here for another excerpt and a free read of the first chapter.

Seasons Greetings

Seasons greetings from the dragshi and their dragon soul twins. 

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, a great turn’s end, 

and a New Year with all your hopes and dreams fulfilled!

The Dragshi Chronicles Dragon DestinyHatchlings CurseHatchling's MateHatchling's VengeanceFirst Change: Legends From The Eyrie
 

Hooked on Hatchlings Curse, Freedom Wanted #MFRWHooks

To set the stage, a storm is raging outside and the animals in the stables are panicking. Branin and his friends go to qualm the rebellion.

Excerpt:

Pulling the door open, Branin halted at the sight of the sheet of rain rolling in. With a nod to the others to follow, he raced across the ice-covered courtyard that would soon become even slipperier with the deluge. Sounds of a heavy animal throwing itself against the massive double doors of the stable thundered into the air changing Branin’s direction to the small postern door. The rest followed close behind.

Once inside, his gaze scanned the chaos of milling animals and settled on a brown stallion bulling its way through the press of bodies. Before Branin could take three steps, a gray-speckled colt galloped past. The filly’s panicked rush ended when the seidheirn threw herself against the doors.

“We have to stop her,” Anastasia yelled. “Once outside, the storm will blind her and she’ll run off the cliff.” Suiting actions to words, she snatched up a rope and shook out a loop.

A brown blur was all Branin saw before Anastasia was knocked into him. The force of the blow careened them both against the sharp corner of a stall post. His breath expelled in a hiss. Sparks from the collision of his head with the wood filled Branin’s vision and obscured the beams overhead.


* * *

 The dragshi are more than just a man or woman, but two beings—one human, the other a dragon. The pair share one body in space and time and are able to change forms with the other at will. But be warned, a dragon form comes with more than just the freedom of the sky.

The Dragshi Chronicles-- action-filled, romance-laden fantasies.

Buy Links:   One Click Link to major book sellers.
Click here for another excerpt and a free read of the first chapter.

Changing Clocks at BWL

 

I'm visiting at the BooksWeLove Blog. Stop by and see some thoughts about changing clocks and changes at the end of a series.

~till next time, Helen

An Early Holiday Present - Stars for Hatchling's Vengeance

One of the holiday phrases I remember from my childhood was, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause." (If you don't know the reference, look up the movie.) Well, this year what was told the young Virginia is true. I received an early Christmas present. A five-star review courtesy of Readers' Favorite for Hatchling's Vengeance, book four of the Dragshi Chronicles.

Here’s a teaser of what the reviewer said:

The way the story evolves is a delight and piques the reader's interest so that they will keep reading just to find out what is going to happen and if good triumphs over evil. 

the story lingered long afterward in my mind and thoughts … a lovely, exciting read.

Go to Reader's Favorite blog for the full review. In the meantime I’m jumping with joy.

Happy Holidays and Good Reviews to All.
Helen

Searching for Holiday Spirit

With the approaching holiday, sometimes thoughts turn to earlier times. Although the memories were sometimes clouded with time or seen through rose-colored glasses, some remained bright and vibrant. A tale of an unexpected reward for a duty performed out of necessity and which became the basis for a story was one such memory. The Thanksgiving tale of a family gathering was later accepted for A Yuletide Wish - Poems and Stories for the Extended Holiday Season.

If you're looking for an an uplifting offering of good-news, happy-ending set of stories by established authors from around the globe, the link is at the bottom. 

Excerpt:

The smell of turkey permeated the kitchen as Claire peeled potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner. Finally, she thought, this will be my year. She hummed her favorite carol as she pictured herself in her new black velvet dress sitting at the adult table for the holidays.

The tune stopped mid-note as her mother walked in, phone in hand. Claire knew her mother's look meant bad news. "Please let me move up this year," the fourteen-year old whispered under her breath.

"Claire, go down to the cellar and bring up some more potatoes. Cousins Mike and Irene from western Pennsylvania decided to spend their anniversary in New York City, so I invited them to Thanksgiving dinner here."

Stifling a moan, Claire managed to ask," How many, Mom?"

"Four. Mike and Irene, Billy is ten and the baby is 18 months." Seeing the look on her daughter's face she continued, "I'm sorry, hon. I know you had hoped to sit at the big table, but I need you to help me out and be hostess at the children's table. Maybe next year."

This was my one time to sit with the grown-ups, Claire fumed. Now I don't know when I'll be able to sit there. The family's grown so much; we can barely crowd enough chairs around the table now. I don’t' want to wait until I'm old. I don't want anyone to die, or anything bad to happen. But I really wanted to sit with the adults this year. She had been so hopeful. Her aunt planned to visit an old friend in Texas so there would be an empty spot at the adult's table.

It was only for this one time, but as the oldest at the children's table, Claire would move up and sit in the elderly aunt's spot.

Fighting back her disappointment, Claire asked. "Do you want me to take care of the baby?"

"That would be great," came the answer she dreaded. "I know Irene would appreciate the break."

In the bustle of helping prepare dinner for 30 people, Claire didn't have time to dwell on her disappointment. Her mother watched as Claire went about stirring the various pots boiling on the stove and basting the large turkey. Then smiled as Claire started humming the holiday tunes along with the old black radio on the windowsill.

As the men moved the heavy wooden picnic table into the kitchen, Claire's mood darkened. Her humming stopped. She loved the summer picnic table. For barbeque get-togethers with friends, it sagged in the middle with roasted corn and watermelon. But Claire hated the winter table used to sit all the "children." To her, the contrast between the detailed carved legs of the family's large oak table and the drab rough planks of the picnic one was just another way she didn't fit. She wasn't a child, but not an adult either.

 ~ ~ ~

You'll have to get the anthology to learn Claire's reward for being a dutiful daughter.

For myself, while I don't want to return to the girl who wanted to be an adult and found that meant being the hostess at the children's table, I plan to read the book again. Sometimes in these hectic times, there are never enough happy-endings.

A Yuletide Wish - Available at Amazon.com  

 

Thank You For Your Service

As I have in other years, a post to honor of those who wore the uniform as well as those who held the homefront together.

As a special acknowledgement to one who served on the homefront and the battlefront, proceeds from Hearth and Sand until the end of the year will be donated to a veteran and her family.

Hearth and Sand is twelve tales of duty and honor, love and romance. Set universes apart and separated by decades in time, the stories in Hearth and Sand reflect a continuity of service from the past to the present and into the world of tomorrow.

Although the events are fictional, the voices captured within these pages came from historical notes, veterans’ own words, letters left by their ancestors, or contemporary events. Pen was put to paper while watching fighter planes land in the Philippine Islands and in the shaded woods of a stateside farm.

The tales cross genre from contemporary to historical, and science fiction to poetry. More on the tales can be found here.

And on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, thank you for your service and prayers that peace will someday render war unknown. 


Hearth and Sand Available At:   Amazon   Walmart   More Ebook Sellers

 

As a teaser, the titles within the collection.

Contemporary

The Introduction – In a secluded grove, a young girl learns about her heritage. 

Stetsons and Spangles – Change of duty station meant more than a change in address, but the loss of a beloved pet. 

The Walk – Sometimes the question is the answer. 

Historical

Echoes From The Valley – A soldier of yesteryear teaches the real meaning of duty. 

First Mission, Final Day - Yesterday’s debt links the present to the future. 

Letters to Loved Ones – Letters connect home and hearth. 

Manufactured Proposal – A flea market treasure turns out to be worth more than money. 

Poems

If Tomorrow Never Comes –Thoughts on the eve of battle 

The Sentry – A tribute to those who answered the call and returned alone. 

Tomorrow’s World 

Live or Surrender to Technology – In a near future, a man’s journey to escape his future, reawakens his urge to live. 

Pirates Reprise – Sometimes duty means learning to live. 

Uncommon Mercy – A future leader in an apocalyptic future learns the true meaning of duty.

Hearth and Sand Available At:   Amazon   Walmart   More Ebook Sellers

 

 

Meet Lord Branin of the Dragshi #MFRWHooks

For the next in the series of posts introducing some of my favorite people (or people I love to hate) from the fantasy romances of the Dragshi Chronicles, you are invited to meet Lord Branin of the Dragshi.

Physical Description

Although Branin who is long-lived like the rest of the Dragshi looks 29, in reality he is 300 years old. His wavy hair is dark with amber highlights. He wears it short on sides. Longer in the back, it kisses the collar of his tunic. One lock perpetually falls over his face when he's excited. To those who know him well, his gray eyes can offer insight into his emotions.

His physical strength is apparent even in loose travel clothes. A trained mercenary, he is so skilled and strong that only one of the dragshi, his friend Liam, will meet Branin in either unarmed or armed combat. Remnants from his fighting days include a narrow scar along his jaw line and a long scar runs across his back from shoulder to shoulder.

Background 

Branin's marriage to his first love, Caralene, was not only short-lived, but full of heart-ache. Their only child died during its first year of life.

More About Lord Branin Llewlyn (Secrets or Public)

Between the education he received as the younger son of a clan leader, as an officer in a mercenary troop, then later as a dragon lord, Branin was well prepared to serve as adjudicator when called to judge disputes between holds or lands.

A trait he inherited, then developed to its full potential was the skill of working with horses. A master horse trainer he rides Marsainn, the head stallion of Cloud Eyrie. Magical creatures, the seidhern choose their rider and are only ridden by dragonlords.

Branin is the only one of his generation who can wield the powers dragon fire embued in the sword called Mt’wan Comraich. The holder can fight with it for hours, use it to create an illusion of invisibility or to make one running horse appear to be a thundering herd.

I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Lord Branin Llewlyn of Cloud  Eyrie. Find excerpts by clicking on the cover in the banner. For more of Hatchling's Curse and the rest of the Dragshi Chronicles, find the information below.

Buy Links:  Amazon

One click to book sellers  Books2Read