Helen B. Henderson's Blog, page 24
August 30, 2022
Hooked on Fire and Amulet, #Bookqw Edge #mfrwhooks
This week's excerpt from Fire and Amulet using the #bookqw "Edge" continues last week's post of an early morning exercise interrupted.
Excerpt:
You really shouldn’t antagonize Karst that way, whispered Deneas’ sense of self-preservation.
But it is fun, another part of her mind answered. Still, she kept at bay the grin that tried to twitch itself into existence.Heartbeats later, she decided she had toyed with her prey long enough. “Very well, another time.” Quick steps took her to the garden wall and the scabbard. A shove slid the sword into place. Without a word, she spun and walked into the house.
She knew the leering Karst followed close behind, but refused to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his presence. Mentally counting his steps, she waited until she figured he was on the doorstep. A backward kick slammed the door in his face. In the same movement she spun and dropped the wide plank into the lock brackets.
Karst’s grunt from outside told her that the door stopped at the EDGE of his nose. This time Deneas allowed her smile free rein.
~ * ~Having a slayer as a friend is dangerous when you’re a dragon.
Available in Ebook or Paperback at Amazon
Additional sites at Books2Read
August 23, 2022
Hooked on Fire and Amulet, Exercise Interrupted #mfrwhooks
A few lines from Fire and Amulet of an early morning exercise interrupted.
Excerpt:
Unbuckling the sheath holding her sword, she leaned it against the low stone wall. Sky portents were for a quick rise of the temperature, so with a tug she pulled her tunic over her head. The short pants wouldn’t impede her movements and she left them on in case any villager passed by.
A shrug to settle her leather breast band more firmly, and she grabbed the staff that served as the handle for the wooden rake used to weed the garden. Slow twirls started her practice routine, which then changed to figure eights. Slowly, then building speed, she went through an intricate series of moves. Sweat glistened on her skin. Her chest heaved from the exertion. Still, she worked with the wood pole. The physical and mental effort worked to return body and soul to a calmer state. A quick drink of water and she traded the staff for her sword.
The sensation of eyes on her broke her focus. Only Caldar or his son Karst, would be bold enough to interrupt her. A bet with herself, and she turned to see Karst leaning in all his arrogance against the side of the house. She stood the sword point down and placed her hands crosswise on the hilt so she wouldn’t be tempted to swing the blade at the self-appointed master of Darceth.
His perpetual sneer drew even higher as his gaze raked her body from head to toe, lingering on the sweat-darkened breast band. “Slayer Deneas, the council demands your presence in their hall.”
A deep breath to control the urge to wipe the lust from Karst’s face, Deneas forced her tone level. “I will attend them shortly.”
“Now, Deneas. You are to come with me NOW!” The abrupt gesture towards the large circular building that served as the village’s gathering place brooked no delay. “My father ordered. On your back or your feet. Your choice.”
Although she knew she would pay for it later, Deneas let a bark of laughter slip past her lips. “Really, Karst. You think you can take me? You’ve never been more than a candlemark’s walk beyond the village wall. Let alone run the slayer obstacle course.” To add to the boast, she swung the blade in a single-handed series of figure eights. “You never could best me in armed or unarmed combat.” The idea of beating her oppressor and getting revenge for all his insults sent a tingle of excitement through her body. “While it is the challenged who gets to choose weapons and site, today I gift it to you. Which shall it be? Sword or staff? I promise to only bruise you a little.” Now she added a hint of sultriness in her tone. “Please don’t refuse on account of my sex. After all, I’ve heard so much about your prowess, I’d love to see it.”
Crimson crept up Karst’s neck, yet he stood silent. His tight lips showed the effort he took to control his temper.
~ * ~Having a slayer as a friend is dangerous when you’re a dragon.
Available in Ebook or Paperback at Amazon
Additional sites at Books2Read
August 21, 2022
Reminiscing at BWL Blog
Lord Dal reminisces about a time in his youth at the BooksWeLove Blog. And I share one as a writer.
~till next time, Helen
August 16, 2022
Hooked on Fire and Amulet, Back #MFRWHooks
Having a slayer as a friend is dangerous when you’re a dragon.
A few lines from Fire and Amulet using the #bookqw "BACK." To set the stage, the dragon, Trelleir, watches over the valley.
Excerpt:
Even though he took advantage of the cover the statue provided, Trelleir cursed the stone effigy and its creator. Caldar was a young man, and not yet a member of the council of elders, when he bullied and blackmailed its members into carving the large figure of a dragon. It took five full cycles of the seasons to complete the work. An elder died during the sculpture’s move up the steep trail to the overlook near the top of the cliff. The man’s death marked Caldar’s ascent to the position of head slayer.
Sadness clutched at Trelleir’s heart. The statue represented more than Caldar’s rise to power. It brought back memories of Adais’ quest…and her death.
The cool stone against Trelleir’s back returned some measure of calm. At least I can enjoy the night, he thought. And be close enough to protect Deneas if need be. Shadows from the ledge above shielded him in both moonlight and bright sun. Even in his true form, those below couldn’t distinguish between the real dragon and the carved one.
The pull of someone seeking him tore Trelleir from his somber reflections. Only one person could be the source of the summoning, Deneas. He had protected her since her birth when the non-verbal thoughts of the babe registered as little more than faint cries. Now that she had reached adulthood the mental connection between them increased to the point where he swore he could hear her thoughts.
He pictured her in his mind’s eye, sitting on the rock wall he and Adais had built as a border around her private garden. Deneas’ face was turned towards the heavens. He knew she searched for a dragon.
~ * ~
Buy Links:
Paperback: Amazon
Ebook: Amazon / Kobo / iTunes / Smashwords / More sales sites
August 9, 2022
Celebrating National Book Lovers Day 2022 #mfrwhooks
To all my fellow authors and to their readers, Happy National Book Lovers Day. Since there is some confusion as to whether the day is celebrated August 9th or the first Saturday in November, I’ve decided to do both. First up is the August post.
There are a lot of ways to celebrate. The "We Are Bookish" Blog listed sixteen ways. My favorites are:
Support your local independent bookstore Patronize your local library. They not only have shelves of print books to take home, but e-books you don't even have to leave your house to have delivered to your Kindle or Nook.Get a new bookcase. Or organize your existing shelves. Have too many books? Find them a new home. Look to see if there’s a Little Free Library in your area that you could give some books to. You can also donate funds to bookish charities: Book Industry Charity Foundation helps to support bookstore employees who are facing financial hardship. Make a donation here.Then there is the personal way to celebrate by connecting to an author.
Send your favorite a fan email or leave a comment on the webpage, blog, or social media site. Buy a book. Support a favorite author, or, take a chance and look at a "new to you" author. If your series aren't complete, maybe pick up a missing volume ... or two.And the number one way to be part of National Book Lovers Day?
Happy National Book Lovers Day from the Dragshi, the dragons, the dragon hunters, and the mages from Windmaster.
Leave a review.
It is the greatest gift you give an author.
~till next time, Helen
August 8, 2022
Cats Rule
A little variance from posting about dragons and mages. Today is World Cat Day. Tighe Cat says there are health benefits to allowing a cat to own you. You may thank them later. Preferably with cheese and a snack.
In loving memory of an aristo-"cat"-ic tuxedo named Tighe. He was the inspiration for felines that inhabit the world of the Dragshi and that of the Windmaster Novels. As a kitten he was known for adventuring. Later he enjoyed time in Florida and camping in New England. But most of all waking me up when the first bird chirped outside. On clear, winter days when he stood at the kitchen door demanding to go outside. Until I opened the door and cracked the screen door. The cold air hit his nose and he turned and tail up strode away.
~till next time, Helen
July 28, 2022
Out and About at Caroline Clemmons
Lady Pelra and I visited Caroline Clemmons at her blog. Hope you'll stop by. The excerpt is Lady Pelra's first introduction to her invisible stalker.
https://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com/2022/07/windmaster-golem-by-helen-b-henderson.html
After checking out the post, would be a perfect time to hop over to Smashwords and pick up Windmaster Golem for half-price. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1044646
But don't delay as the sale ends July 31st.
~till next time, Helen
July 26, 2022
Meet Leod #MFRWHooks
Continuing the series of posts introducing some of my favorite people (or people I love to hate) from the sword and sorcery romantic fantasy, Windmaster Legend, you are invited to meet Leod of the House of Pirri.
Physical Description
With kin on ruling council, and his father having served as second seat of the House of Pirri, Leod has a deep sense of entitlement. He expects to have any woman he wants, regardless of her agreement. He uses his skill as a dancer and knowledge of the courtesies and custom of court to win if not a lady's agreement to warm his bed, at least to share a few dances and a glass of wine.
More About Her (Secrets or Public)
The one woman he really wants is Pelra. Unfortunately for Leod, she not only rejected him, but was ready to fend off his advances with force, even the weapon was only a hair pin. Instead of including it here, you're invited to read about Leod's first meeting with Pelra in “There should be someone there suitable for you" and "No is not acceptable." The first tells of Pelra's response to Leod's proposition and the second is his response.
While magic is a common thread in the Windmaster Novels, Leod has no magic of his own. In fact, he uses Pelra's newly-gained abilities against her. He blames Pelra for his losing his berth as junior officer and being assigned to a distance port as captain of a garbage scow. But, you'll have to read Windmaster Legend to learn Leod's retaliation and what happens to his first command.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Leod. Find excerpts by clicking on the cover in the banner. For more of Windmaster Legend and the rest of the Windmaster Novels, find the information below. If you're wondering why a dolphin appears in the space usually reserved for the cover? The cover of Windmaster Legend depicts Pelra, one of the star-crossed lovers, and a dolphin in part of the legend.
Paperback at Amazon
July 19, 2022
Meet Ensign Iol #MFRWHooks
Physical Description
Because Lady Pelra is featured on the cover of Windmaster Legend, most of Ensign Iol's appearance is left to the reader's imagination. He is tanned and in his twenties.
Background
Iol is a member of the trading guild, the House of Cszabo. He served as junior officer on Kilmorey. His first command, Loch Bird, didn't come with the gold bracelets of rank, but did allow him the opportunity to discover a new apprentice for his house.
More About Him (Secrets or Public)
Iol's favorite relaxing pastime is carving small figures out of wood, especially driftwood. He sketches with colored pencils obtained from his friend Conall of the Bard Guild and works with ink on shells he's picked up on the beach or tusks from artic island seals he purchased or bartered for on his voyages.
Iol is a skilled musician on the small guitar. He didn’t study music and become a bard because he loved the sea and couldn’t have two careers each which required a lifetime of study. The excerpt below is from Iol's performance at the gathering of captains. Although Iol was running the event, he was conscripted to fill-in for a missing bard. Fortunate for him, one of the other performers in the trio was his friend, a journeyman bard. And the third? The lady Pelra.
Time passed too quickly for Iol. Not used to performing, he would have preferred more time to prepare. And, he admitted, a less public venue. But, Cszabo Three had agreed to the Bard Council’s request, so there was nothing to do but study the music before him. At least, I’ve gotten Pelra to eat, if only sparingly. Determination sharpened his focus, and he returned his attention to the musical score before him. Pelra leaned in and pointed out transitions and chord changes.I hope you enjoyed this introduction to Brodie. Find excerpts for Windmaster Legend by clicking on the cover in the banner. To purchase the tale of Pelra and Iol, use the links below.“It’s time,” Conall said. Although low, his voice shattered Iol’s concentration. Turning, the bard led the way out of the maze to the courtyard.
Mere steps later, the stage loomed before Iol. It’s not that big. A tall man could hang from the quarterdeck and not reach the polished boards below. And he’d jumped that drop many times. There are only three steps.Anxiety hissed, It’s a stage.Reason countered, No, only a quarterdeck.Conall climbed the stairs and turned to give Pelra a hand up. Inhaling a deep breath, Iol followed the pair and took the chair next to Pelra. After only a glance at the sea of faces staring at him from the courtyard beyond, he shifted his gaze to his friend.Confidence and reassurance exuded from Conall. “Pelra, the composition is one of the best pieces of music I’ve heard in a long time.” He gestured at Iol, a twinkle in his eyes. “My old friend here might not be the missing Raild, but he’ll do in a pinch.” He leaned in and added in a stage whisper, “Don’t let him know, but for a sailor, he’s not a bad musician.” He straightened and picked up his own instrument. “On the beat… One… Two… Three.”The light tones of Pelra’s flute filled the air. A chorus later, Conall’s guitar wove a counterpoint. Iol’s foot tapped the beat. His gaze remained fixed on the music, he fitted his fingers to the frets and strummed.
Buy Links: One click to ebook and paperback sellers
Digging Deeper into Lord Dal
Over on the BooksWeLove Blog, I'm digging deeper into the character, Lord Dal, the archmage. Stop by and to see some of what made him who is is.
~till next time, Helen
