Aurora Springer's Blog
May 27, 2025
Character Art for Beyond Oakenwald
Beyond Oakenwald is a special duologyof Books 3 & 4 in the Oakenwald Chronicles.It includes custom chapter header images and illustrations of characters andscenes from the two stories: PrincessShuka and the Pirate King and PrimrosePringle and the Warrior Elf.
The art for characters inBeyond Oakenwald was made for my Kickstarter campaign to create a deluxehardback of the duology - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/auroraspringer/beyond-oakenwald-epic-fantasy-exclusive-hardback
The picture shows anunnamed blue dragon, Thorson Brightblade with his horse Storm, and merman Ikaika.
Which is your favorite picture?
Comment with your choiceand I’ll make the most popular picture on my shared Fine Art Store: https://www.playfulgallery.com/digital-art.The picture will be available as a high quality print, matted and framed, or onvarious items such as T-shirts, mugs and jigsaw puzzles.
Find a catalogue of mySci-Fi and Fantasy stories at: https://www.auroraspringer.org/p/my-books.html
All my stories arediscounted at https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels
May 5, 2025
Creating a Novel: From Initial Draft to DeLuxe Hardback
Are you intrigued by the process of writing a novel? I wasa late started, although now I have published 28 novels or novellas as well asseveral short stories.
I published my first novel, The Lady is Blue,in 2014. However, I wrote the initial draft some decades earlier. This sci-firomance / alien invasion story has more than 100,000 words. I wrote the first draftsby hand on sheets of paper that I arranged in a binder. This handwrittenversion went through several rounds of hand-scrawled revisions. The picture showsthe first lines of the story with revisions and notes in pencil.
The next picture shows my character sheet with the names,physical appearance and personality of the major characters in the story. Thestory is set on a remote planet with a favorable climate and a small colony ofhumans. The scaled alien Atrapako come from another planet with a toxicatmosphere where an earlier civilization was destroyed by a major catastrophe.
Over the years, I typed the novel into digital files indifferent formats. Anyone remember floppy disks? By 2014 I had a complete,edited version, which I decided to publish on Amazon kdp. The ebook and paperbackcame out in late April. A few years later, I published the ebook at otherretailers including Barnes&Noble, Apple, Kobo, and GooglePlay. Now I alsohave a webstore.
Also in 2014, I was inspired to write a sequel set on the aliens’home planet. Since I was familiar with the characters, I wrote the sequel, Dragons of Vkani,in a couple of months and published it in July 2014. This story explains theorigin of the Atrapako and gives hints about the cause of the catastrophe thatleft a harsh climate and barren terrain.
Five years later, at the request of readers, I wrote anotherbook in this series, Trapped on Vkani,which stars a different romantic couple struggling to survive on the alienplanet. This plot has a surprise twist on alien abduction.
In 2024, a decade after the first publication, I made aspecial anniversary duology with interior art for the two novels, The Lady isBlue and its sequel, Dragons of Vkani. The print editions have holographic foilcovers, endpapers, ribbon bookmarks, and decorated edges. You can see the deluxehardback at - https://youtu.be/qvC2Y9pq6vk
The two maincharacters, Dr. Lucy Stannis and Sa Kamizan Veedak, are shown below in an illustration prepared for the anniversary duology.
The series, Atrapako on Eden,has three novels and favorable reviews. Have you read them? Would you like meto write another story set in this world?
MY BOOKS
You can find a catalogue of my science fiction and fantasy booksat https://www.auroraspringer.org/p/my-books.html
Direct Bookstore
My ebooks are available at a discount in my virtual store (https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels).
March 26, 2025
Spring Wild Flowers in North Alabama
Many of our early spring flowers are small and dainty. SpringBeauties and Bluets (see below) bloom in the sunlit grass, while Wood Anemones (see header image) prefer theshade under trees and by streams.
Wild cherries and similar fruit trees provide the first showof their white flowers in the woods before the trees have grown leaves. Redbudsare the next trees to brighten the woods with reddish purple blossoms.
What are your favorite Spring-blooming flowers?
DIGITAL ART
https://www.playfulgallery.com/digital-art
Top-quality prints with or without frames, and selectedmerchandise.
Find Aurora’s FantasticCreations at her RedBubble shop:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/auroraspringer/shop
DIRECT BOOKSTORE
My ebooks are available at a discount in my virtual store (https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels).
All my books are available in paperback. Check individualtitles on my Catalogue .
AUDIO
More than half of my stories are available as Audiobooks.
(See my Catalogue )
February 4, 2025
A short sci-fi romance for Valentine's Day
Stranded on Illumina
A short science fictionromance story
Jacie Lane thought she was going for a dream vacation on the exoticplanet of Illumina. But when she arrives at the resort, she finds her boyfriendhas dumped her, leaving her stranded with nowhere to stay. Alone on anunfamiliar world, she is rescued by an intriguing stranger, Tiger Granoth. Asthey talk, she discovers he is not just a kind and fascinating person, but alsohighly respected by humans and aliens. What began as a chance encounter soonbecomes an enjoyable evening. Could Jacie’s heartbreak on Illumina lead to anunexpected new friendship?
Or from your favorite retailer BookStores
January 15, 2025
Read the first chapters of Primrose Pringle and the Warrior Elf
A cynical mercenary. Anelf warrior with a secret. A bond tested in a savage battle.
Newsof the brutal invaders’ march toward the Northlands sends battle-hardened mercenary,Prim the Grim, riding to defend the border. On her journey, she intervenes towarn two travelers of a goblin ambush and meets Thorn, an elven warrior. Hiscombat skills, calm authority and sharp wit spark an attraction Prim thoughtshe had sworn off forever. She is unaware he is Swordmaster ThorsonBrightblade, a legendary hero she has long admired.
Drawn together by their shared mission to repel theinvaders, their perilous trek through the mountains ignites a bond between Primand Thorn. But the dangers multiply when they join the allied armies gatheredat the border. Treachery stirs within their own ranks and dragons darken theskies. As the enemy army advances, Prim must choose between her love for Thornand her duty to a commander she no longer trusts. Will their love be a beaconof hope or a casualty of war?
Book 4 in the Oakenwald Chronicles.
Coming in 2025!
Read the beginning here:
Primrose Pringle and her younger sister, Jessica, rodethrough the forested wilderness toward the mountain pass and the border of the Northlands.A battle-hardened mercenary, Prim had chosen this disused trail in thefoothills of the Gray Mountains to evade the ruthless invaders. She had seenthe horrors left by Raglan’s troops on their march from lower Barringsland. Heranger flamed at the memories of burned cottages and putrid corpses in ravagedvillages. She swore to fight to her last breath against the evil invaders ofher homeland.
Their hooves crunching on the layer of frozen pine needles,the horses kept to a steady pace along the trail under the gloomy pines. Prim’schestnut mare, Ginger, trotted a little ahead of Clover, her sister’s bay mare.An icy breeze shivered in the upper branches of the conifers, carrying thethreat of snow. Just beyond a curve in the trail, thick boles of oaks andslender birches replaced the pines. Their bare branches arched overhead,revealing a pale wintry sky. Straight ahead, glimpses of cloudy sky between thetree trunks marked a break in the forest.
Leery of riding into theopen, Prim reined her chestnut mare to a halt.
Behind her, the rhythmic clomp of Clover’s hooves ceased,and Jess called, “Why have you stopped?”
Swinging around in her saddle, Prim frowned at her youngersister. “Learn to be wary, Jess. We’re traveling into unknown territory. Weneed to scout ahead rather than gallop blindly into danger.”
Jess murmured, “Sorry, Prim.”
Her sister’s woeful tone drew a sympathetic grin from Prim.Jess had endured drastic changes in the weeks since she had agreed to escapefrom their cruel stepfather. They had decided on a simple disguise to confusepursuers. Prim had shorn Jessica’s beautiful tresses into a boy’s short cropand acquired men’s clothing for her. Her sister, Jessica, became the lad, Jess.Prim hoped that a young man traveling with a seasoned female warrior wouldattract less attention than two women. At all costs, she and Jess must eludeRaglan’s brutal soldiers, at least until they reached the armies gathering todefend the Northlands from the invaders.
Prim herself had dressed like a man for almost a decade eversince she had run away from hone at sixteen. Clad in a padded leather jacketover well-worn leather trousers and a battered leather cap reinforced withsteel bands, she carried a sword, bow and quiver of arrows, and a thin dagger. Trainedby renowned Swordmaster Corwin Bonder, she had become a formidable warrior,using her height and long reach to advantage. Her prowess on the battlefield hadearned her a ugly scar on her face and the name of Prim the Grim.
Dismounting, Prim handed her mare’s reins to Jess. “HoldGinger while I survey the trail ahead.”
Jess gave a solemn nod and steered her bay mare alongsideGinger.
Trusting her sister would wait quietly, Prim strolled alongthe trail to the edge of the forest. With each careful step, her boots crushedwithered leaves. She slipped behind the massive trunk of an oak tree, brushingher fingers on its rough bark, and dropped onto hands and knees. Crawling underthe heavy branches, she gained a vantage point behind a protruding rock andpeered across the valley.
Beyond the edge of the forest, meadow grass, scattered with grayrocks and scrawny bushes, covered the downhill slope. The trail ran into thevalley, joining a wider track beside the stream at the bottom. Another forestrose on the opposite side of the meandering stream, the lower branches protrudinglike fingers over the water.
The valley was not empty. Two men on fine white horsestrotted along the track by the stream. Sunlight glinted on their helmets, thehilts of their swords, and the bosses of their shields. The lead rider worechainmail under his cloak and rode a big-boned steed. His slim companion wasmounted on a smaller horse.
Prim’s tension eased. The strangers bore none of the insigniaof the hateful enemy. Their greenish-brown cloaks and earth-toned trousers hadno resemblance to the scarlet kilts and cloaks emblazoned with a black dragon ofRaglan’s cavalry.
She gazed enviously at their chainmail and gleaming helmets.Such fine battle gear would have spared her many a wound. But the cost of a chainmailshirt or a steel helmet was beyond her means. And her last engagement, thedisastrous defeat of Athelric’s forces by Raglan’s remorseless army, gave herno chance to scavenge from fallen foes.
At first, she was inclined to hide in the woods until themen had ridden out of the valley. Neither she nor Jess would welcome thescrutiny of strangers. Then, she spied movement in the shadows under the treeson the far side of the stream. Her senses on alert, she discerned dark shapescreeping between the trees at a site ahead of the two riders. An ambush.
A figure peered around a tree trunk. She glimpsed its misshapenhead. A goblin.
She caught her breath and froze in alarm. These foulcreatures from old folktales had emerged around the same time as Raglan’s invasionof Barringsland. Shades of Hades, she could not let the strangers blunder into thistrap.
Wriggling backwards, she retreated to the trail andreclaimed Ginger’s reins from her sister.
“Goblins,” she whispered in an urgent voice. “They’re skulkingin the woods near the path of two riders. I have to warn the men.”
“Of course,” Jess said with touching faith in her sister’sdecision.
Prim stabbed her forefinger at Jess. “Wait in the forest.I’ll ride into the valley and alert the strangers.”
Her face pale and scared, Jess nodded.
Prim swung into the saddle and pressed her legs intoGinger’s flanks, urging her forward. The chestnut mare trotted to the verge ofthe forest and halted at Prim’s touch on the reins.
Shading her eyes with one hand, Prim peered down to thetrail by the stream. The scene showed little change. The two riders, heedlessof any danger, approached the point on the trail where the goblins lurked inthe shadows of the trees.
Freeing her sword, Prim slapped the mare’s neck in thesignal to gallop. As Ginger pounded downhill, Prim yelled, “Goblins. Anambush.” Her voice rang clear to the strangers.
The lead rider pulled his sword from the scabbard. Hishelmet glinted as he glanced at her and raised his shield in acknowledgement.His steed sped into a canter.
His companion mirrored his actions. Both riders raced towardthe ambush.
The goblins, realizing they had lost the advantage ofsurprise, sprang out of the forest and leaped across the stream.
The leading rider shouted, “Ware Brightblade.” His big horseplunged into the swarm of goblins. His sword flashing in the sunlight, thestranger milled through the goblins. His battle-trained charger twisted andreared, smashing its hooves onto the attackers. The clang of steel on steel andcrunch of hooves on bone resounded across the valley.
Prim gripped Ginger’s flanks and charged toward the conflict.Anger mixed with remorse at her recklessness. Why hadn’t she stood at thesummit and fired arrows? Why hadn’t she removed the heavy saddlebags? Theirweight would hinder her poor mare.
Blood throbbing in her ears, she shifted into icy battlemode and fell upon the goblins. She knocked the sword out of the nearestopponent’s fist. An instant later, a mass of the ugly brutes crowded around Primand Ginger. Goblins loved horsemeat and they were not adverse to human flesh.
Ginger dodged from side to side, freeing Prim to slash herblade into one ugly fiend after another. Thankfully, the sturdy saddlebags protectedthe mare’s flanks rather than impeding her progress.
Shrieks, howls, and the rank stench of their foul bodiesfilled the air.
A few paces away, the stranger’s sword and his whitecharger’s hooves spread slaughter
A frightened scream diverted Prim’s attention to thehillside.
Jess was riding downhill toward the battle. Why had her foolishsister left the safety of the trees? Her bay mare had no experience of goblinsor of battle.
Clover shied and bucked, jolting Jess off the saddle. Freedof her rider’s weight, the mare spun away from the threat and raced uphill intothe woods.
Jess tumbled to the ground. She rolled over and laymotionless.
Goblins bounded uphill toward her hapless sister.
Terrified they would kill Jess, Prim swung Ginger uphill.
Before Prim could reach her sister, a slim stranger gallopedpast. He thrust his sword and felled two goblins. The others fled downhill. Theman slid to the ground and bent over Jess’ prone body.
As Prim rode near, he looked up, saying in a lilting tenor,“I’ll tend to her. Fend off the goblins.”
Prim swung her mare around and surveyed the remnants of combaton the near bank of the stream.
Sword held upright, the senior warrior rode in a circlethrough a scene of carnage. His well-trained mount stomped its hooves on theirfallen opponents. Clearly he shared her hatred for the vile creatures.
Goblin bodies were strewn across the grass. Some lay in thestream, their blood fouling the water. Other goblins scrambled into the trees. Inanother moment, their vicious foes had vanished. Even the scuffle of theirfootsteps in the dry leaves faded into the distance.
Prim exhaled in relief. They had routed the goblins.Swinging off the saddle, she ran to Jess.
Now helmetless. the slim stranger propped her sister’s headon his arm. A blush coloring her pretty face, she gazed up at her young rescuer,groaning, “Oh, my head throbs.”
“Lie still,” he murmured. Working one handed, he extracted asmall bottle from a pouch on his belt. He flipped up the cap and offered thebottle to Jess. “Take a sip.” His musical voice held a soothing appeal. Hetilted the bottle to her sister’s lips.
Wary of the unknown contents of his little bottle, Primgrabbed his wrist and demanded, “What’s that drink?” Gentle Jess had nosuspicion of a man offering a strange liquid. Prim’s memories curdled unbidden,smelly taverns, men with fake grins plying her with ale, their grimy hands uponher. She hoped Jess would never experience those ills.
Sincerity written on his handsome face, the stranger said, “Itis a healing cordial. ‘Twill lessen her aches.”
Vexed by his rapidpenetration of her sister’s disguise, Prim stiffened. Yet his fair face held nohint of guile. Deciding he was not a threat, she saidgruffly, “Give her the cordial.”
He reverted his attention to her naive sister. “What’s yourname?”
“Jess,” shemurmured. “Jess Pringle.”
“I’m Faran Truesinger.” Glancing back at Prim, he explained,“She was stunned by the fall. She has broken no bones.”
Dropping on one knee beside her sister, Prim asked, “How doyou feel?”
Jess wailed, “Oh Prim, I’m so sorry. When I saw the goblins rushout of the trees, I was afraid. I thought they were creeping up behind me.”
Prim gave a wry chuckle. “Next time, listen to me.”
“I will.” Jess scrambled into a sitting position, supportedby Faran, and looked around. “Where’s Clover.”
“She bolted,” Prim said bluntly. “Scared of the goblins.”
“Oh no,” Jess cried. “It’s my fault.”
“No.” Prim held up an admonishing finger. “It’s the fault ofthe goblins’.”
“Fear not,” Faran said.“Despite her terror, I doubt your mare ran far. Let me look for her.”
“Please do,” Jess pleaded.
The slender youth ran upthe hill and into the trees.
Jess whined, “How will we manage with only one horse?”
Prim shrugged. “Ginger can carry both of us.” The loss ofClover was a severe setback. The mare had carried not only Jess, but their tentand her sister’s saddlebags with her space clothes and half of their food. Yet,they would survive despite their losses.
“Wait here,”she said. “I’ll get your stuff.” Her sister’s quiver had come loose and arrowswere scattered over the grass. Her waterskin lay a little farther away. Primhastened to gather the arrows as a future defense. Jess was far better as an archerthan as a swordswoman.
The other stranger rode up from the stream toward her. Partway up the slope, he dismounted in a lithe motion. Leaving his white chargerfree to graze, he picked up her sister’s waterskin and a couple of arrows andstrode up to Prim.
Although Prim was taller than most men, her eyes were onlevel with this stranger’s chin. Every inch of his athletic frame and garbproclaimed the champion warrior from his hard gray eyes under the burnishedsteel helmet to his chainmail shirt, long sword, and steel-tipped boots.
He handed her the arrows and waterskin. Removing his helmetin a courteous gesture, he revealed a stern visage. Sunlight glinted on long silver-blondhair falling to his shoulders. His cool blue-gray eyes, straight brows and thefirm line of his mouth pronounced a resolute authority. She could not guess hisage. His smooth chin and cheeks bore no trace of a beard. Only the tinycrinkles at the corners of his eyes and lips indicated his mature years.
His expression warmed as he gazed at her. Dipping his headin a slight bow, he said, “Well met, friend. My thanks for your warning and yourkeen swordsmanship.”
His deep melodic voice sent a warm thrill through her. Unsettledby this compliment from a stranger, she fought to keep her expression neutral. Hewas gorgeous, totally gorgeous. She had never met a more attractive man.
“I hate goblins,” she said gruffly. Nodding at his steed,she said, “Your horse is magnificent. Truly fit for a battle mount.”
The muscular gray stallion had trotted to Ginger and wassniffing the mare in a proprietary manner.
“Storm has carried me in many a battle.” Following her gaze,the warrior said, “Your stalwart mare is also accustomed to combat.”
Having exchanged compliments on their horses, Prim resolvedto learn more about the stranger and asked, “What’s your name, Sir?”
“You may call me Thorn,” he said gravely.
“I’m Prim. Primrose Pringle, or Prim the Grim to myenemies.” She eyed his stern face speculatively. How would he respond?
He smiled and his voice warmed, “A fitting name for a valiantwarrior.”
Stilling her racing pulse, she asked, “Where is yourhomeland, Thorn?”
“When I’m not engaged in battle, I live in Oakenwald.”
“Legendary Oakenwald? Are you an elf?” she demanded.
His smile dimmed a fraction. “My nephew, Faran, and I areboth elves. We owe allegiance to Queen Krisolde Whitestar.” He aimed his thumbto the northern end of the valley. “Enough of pleasantries. We must depart fromthis valley before the goblins recover their courage and attempt anotherassault.”
“Good idea.” Restoring the arrows into the quiver, she turnedto look at Jess. She sat in the same position, staring uphill at the woodswhere the younger elf had stepped into the trees.
Thorn asked, “Canyou manage with only one horse?”
“Jess and I can both ride my mare,” she said gruffly.
“In recompense for the horse you lost while fighting on our behalf, will youpermit Faran and me to escort you as far as our roads run together?”
A glance at her sister’s face showed awed fascination. Primdeduced Jess would favor the strangers’ company. The goblins had proved thetrail was more hazardous than she had expected. Two extra swordsmen wouldprovide well-needed protection. And surely such valiant elves would not harmtwo women.
She said, “We’ll be glad to ride with you, Thorn.”
A fluting whistle sounded from inside the forest at the top of the hill.
“My nephew sings true,” Thorn said. “Wild beasts and tamewill heed his call.”
While they waited for Faran, Prim went to check her steed. Unharmedby the goblins, Ginger was grazing peacefully beside the big stallion. Thechestnut mare lifted her head and sniffed at her mistress. Prim stroked themare’s soft nose, patted her sleek neck, and left her to feed on the yellowedgrass.
His expression grim, Thorn stared at the forest beyond thestream as if he wished to penetrate the darkness beneath the trees and discernany new threats. After a brief survey, he looked at Prim and asked, “Where areyou bound in this wilderness?”
“My brother Jess and I are traveling to the border betweenBarringsland and the Northlands.”
“Brother?” His voice grew sharp with skepticism.
Rattled by the disbelief in his tone, Prim blurted anexplanation, “It’s a disguise. Meant to deter unwanted attention on our journey.”
He looked at Jess and shrugged. “Such a pretty lad would failto discourage all attentions.”
Prim buried her head in her hands and groaned. He had crushedthe entire basis for her deception. He must think her a fool. Desirous ofsalvaging her dignity, her words gushed out, “I served in King Athelric’stroops before Raglan’s army broke the siege of his stronghold in Castleton.Since our retreat, I learned his Marshall had ridden north to assemble a newarmy at the border. I decided to join the fight. The call to arms arrived alongwith news of the invaders’ northward march along the Vale of Taw.” She gesturedto the east across the stream. “Hence we chose to travel in the hills above thevalley.”
“A good choice,” he remarked, “were it not for goblins andtheir ilk.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Why were goblins lurking in thesewoods? I’ve never seen so many of the evil brutes.”
“Nor have I.” His blond brows compressed in a frown. “I fearthey seek the scrounging’s of a fresh battle.”
She mused, “The goblins first appeared in the wake ofRaglan’s invasion. Before that catastrophe, goblins were unknown except for oldfolktales.”
“Aye. Raglan’s sorcerers summoned vicious creatures toharass the people of this continent. Dragons are reputed to be the worst of theevils. Doubtless in due course, I will have the ill luck to meet one.”
Clenching her fist on her sword hilt, Prim squashed ashudder. “I’ve no wish to fight a fearsome dragon.”
A moment later, their conversation ceased when Faranreappeared. A flock of small birds fluttered around his head as he hurried downthe hill.
Rejoining them, he shook his head and sighed. “The mare randeeper into the forest. I heard her snuffling in the trees beyond the trail. Sheis afraid to come out and I dared not linger.” He smiled at Jess, saying, “Youneed not despair. Clover will follow us once she is calmer. She knows yourscent and the stallion will tempt her.”
Poor comfort, Prim thought. What if the goblins find Clover first?As usual, she steeled her expression and refrained from burdening her littlesister with this unhappy notion.
“Faran and I willcarry your belongings.” Thorn plucked the quiver of arrows off hershoulder and tossed it to his companion, calling, “Strap this quiver on Melody.We’re moving on.” He strode to Ginger, transferred Prim’s pack to his ownsteed, and held the mare’s reins for Prim to mount.
She hopped into the saddle. Scrunching forward, she tappedthe rear of the saddle and reached out to Jess. “Climb up.”
Faran boosted Jess onto the saddle behind Prim.
“Hold tight to me,” Prim said.
As the elves donned their helmets and mounted their horses,Jess hugged Prim’s waist and whispered, “Ooh, elves.”
Prim shared her sister’s curiosity about the handsome elves,although she had misgivings. Men had betrayed her trust before, more than once.But never again. She had renounced men and their faked friendship. All her fumblingattempts to gain a lover had proved painful mistakes. What man could truly lovea scarred warrior woman?
Unlike her pathetic prospects, men were often attracted toher pretty sister. Was Jess still a virgin with a naïve view of males? Did sheneed protection from their vulgar attentions? A contrary thought drifted intoher mind. Their new companions were elves not men. Prim felt a strongattraction to Thorn. She admired his warm smile, deep voice, and warrior’spoise. Yet she could ill afford a distraction on this perilous journey. And hemust find her scarred face truly repulsive.
Read the first chapters of Princess Shuka and the Pirate King
An elf princess inexile. A pirate with a promise. A war that will unite or destroy them.
Princess Shuka, once aproud and pampered elf of the Southern Lands, is stranded in the treacherousMarshes of Mu after a devastating dragon attack. Her world is overturned whenshe falls into the clutches of fearsome marsh wights and is rescued by the jauntypirate, Captain Rolf Fox.
Rolf vows to restoreShuka to her father, even though her haughty demeanor taxes his patience. Thechallenges escalate after he discovers Shuka’s father has already left her fordead. Emperor Raglan’s fleet of dragon ships threatens to invade the Marshlands,. With war on the horizon, he is torn between his duty tohis people and his promise to Shuka.
Shuka must swallow herpride and join forces with the pirate and the barbaric Marshmen to defeat theenemy invaders before she can sail home. As battle rages and passions ignite,will they triumph over a relentless enemy or will their differences tear themapart?
Book 3 in the Oakenwald Chronicles.
See Buy Links at https://www.auroraspringer.org/p/princess-shuka-and-pirate-king.html
Read the first chapters:
Asblue-scaled and deadly as an angry demon, the dreadful dragon swooped down.
Shukafled.
Pulsethudding in terror, she sprinted toward the barrier of tall sedges on thefringe of the marshes. Taller than a man, the bullrushes offered concealmentand perhaps safety.
Agust of wind from the beating wings of the great beast blew a narrow gap in thewall of rushes.
Herhood slipped off her head, exposing her veiled face, and her cloak billowedout. She clutched the folds of her cloak and dashed into the gap. Brushingaside the tall reeds, she ran along the narrow strip of mud between stretchesof swampy water. The back of her neck itched in anticipation of the hot breathof the dragon.
Shoutsand cries sounded from behind. A battle?
Awoman shrieked.
Wasthat Musa?
Shuka’sfoot slipped in the mud.
Sheclutched at a swaying stalk and regained her balance with an effort. Consigningthe fate of her fusspot attendant to a distant part of her mind, she hasteneddeeper into the perilous Marshes of Mu. She jumped over a small stream of smellybrown water and hopped from one clump of reeds to the next.
Thenoises of combat faded as she ran. Instead, the wind rustled the dry sedges onall sides. This gentle susurration did not reassure her. The forest of reedsmight conceal her from an enemy on the ground. But that demonic dragon couldfly.
Cringingin fear of an attack from above, she skidded to a halt and glanced up. Thegloomy clouds held no winged beast. Or not yet.
Shelooked down. Half-sunk in the sticky sludge, her travel boots were soaked andfilthy. She plucked her feet out of the mud, one by one, and hurriedonward.
Thetrack veered around a murky pool.
Wearyfrom her unaccustomed run, Shuka slowed and edged along the mud bank. She eyedthe sluggish stream warily. Did evil demons lurk in the depths?
Watergurgled.
Ahideous creature leaped out of the pool. Half toad and half man with scrawnylimbs, the yellow slimy thing seemed the embodiment of evil.
Shescreamed.
Asecond toad-man hopped onto the muddy bank.
Thehideous creature dove at her and dug its clawed fingers into her leg.
Shefell.
Painflared in the side of her head.
RolfFox poled his wooden punt along the water channel that meandered toward thewestern edge of the Marshes of Mu.
Poggle,his orange-striped ferret, propped its front paws on the side of the punt andpeered into the reeds. The ferret was invaluable for warning of danger. Itssensitive nose and ears would register the scent and sound of any prowlerslurking in the tall grasses.
Forthe past week, Rolf had stayed with his Aunt Polly and Uncle Marlin Fisher.Their homestead lay on the northern border of the marshes by the foothills ofthe Gray Mountains. His usual habit was to visit in this season to help his kinprepare for the stark winter months.
Newsof an attack on Ebbasmouth had percolated to the homestead via a trio oftravelers rom Bogstown headed for the mountain trail to Lake Rindlemere. Somedays earlier, a fleet of dragon ships had invaded the harbor of Ebbasmouth.Enemy soldiers rampaged through the streets, burning houses and killingtownsfolk. The travelers described the exodus of townsfolk fleeing the ruthlessinvaders. With the port town held by the enemy, the travelers feared the lowerstretches of the River Ebba were no longer safe from the dragon-prowed ships.
AuntPolly had exclaimed in horror, while Uncle Marlin looked grim. They relied ontrade with the townsfolk of Ebbasmouth for anything they could not grow intheir fields or garner in the marshes and the adjacent forest.
Manyof the Marshmen must also be uneasy about the enemy ships in the harbor and thebattle for the town. The entire south coast was vulnerable. The invaders withtheir dragon ships threatened the lives and livelihood of Rolf’s people. Thefishermen could not sail in safety, nor could he and his crew ply their less orthodoxtrade of assailing defenseless merchants ships.
Awareof the danger, Rolf abandoned his plan for a month-long visit with his kin andresolved to rejoin his crew in the coastal marshes. In the morning, he decidedto make a detour to the tiny village of Wallow on Riker’s Creek in the westernmarshes. The freshest news of Ebbasmouth could be found at Wallow since thevillagers maintained close connections with the townsfolk.
Poggle’snose twitched and the ferret gave a low growl.
Acommotion ahead caught Rolf’s attention.
Suchloud splashes often heralded the scaled water devils or the marsh wightsfighting over their prey. He thrust the long pole into the muddy bottom of thestream and sent the shallow boat gliding silently toward the noise.
Arounda shallow curve, the water channel flowed into a pool of deeper water. Twowights were jostling over a long brown object lying on the mud bank. Twostrides farther along the bank, a third wight tossed a swath of red cloth overits shoulder and plunged into the stream. A vee of ripples marked its rapidpassage underwater.
Rolfnarrowed his eyes to focus on the object of the wights’ dispute. The brown bodywas not, as he had initially supposed, one of the water beasts. A slim brownarm drooped into the water. Some unwary person lay unconscious or dead, trappedunder the squabbling wights.
Poggleuttered an angry hiss.
Rolfhated the wights’ predilection for human meat. Tempering a flare of rage, he grippedthe weapon in his hands. He swung his pole at the wights, knocking one wightinto the water. Reversing the direction of his swing, he slammed the secondwight backwards onto the mud bank.
Theymust not escape and fetch their entire lodge to assault his boat.
Rolfrotated the pole down into the water and shoved the boat toward the wight. Inone smooth motion, he drew his sword from its sheath and jumped onto the bank.
Thewight thrust the sharpened tip of its spear stick at him.
Dodgingaside, Rolf stabbed the maneater in its foul heart.
Itsank to the ground.
Pogglesqueaked.
Alertedby the ferret, Rolf spun around.
Thefirst wight leaped out of the water. Claws extended, it dove at his legs.
Rolfslashed his sword into the wight’s neck.
Bloodspurted. Its claws slipped off his leather-clad legs.
Twistingthe blade, Rolf hurled the wight onto its back.
Hestood, catching his breath and surveying the remains of the skirmish. Two deadwights and a slim brown corpse.
Thethird wight had vanished. No bubbles marked its underwater passage.
Nomatter. He could slip away well before the wight summoned its lodge mates for afresh attack.
Butfirst, he ought to remove the corpse.
Sharinghis impulse, Poggle scampered to the body. The ferret nosed the limp arm andgave an uncertain mew.
Rolfcrouched by the half-clad body. The wights had torn off the outer garments,leaving only a long undershirt. Its original color disguised by the mud, thewet undershirt clung to the slim torso and thighs. A woman, judging by therounded contours of the chest. As he watched, her chest rose and fell in shallowbreaths and the woman uttered a tiny moan. She still lived.
Hewiped off a layer of gooey mud to examine her face. Under the mud, hediscovered the face of a young woman with a dusky complexion and long blackhair tied in a braid. The delicate elegance of her features shone through thelayer of grime. He had never seen such an attractive face. Her beauty faroutshone the loveliness of his youthful betrothed, a girl long dead at thehands of the wights.
Astonishedby his discovery, he pulled his hand away and sat on his heels. Questions swirledthrough his mind. Who was she? Where had she come from? And how had she beencaught by the wights? Had she wandered unwarily into the marshes? Or had thewights grown bold enough to raid her home? Her dark features suggested she wasnot a native of this region, however, the port of Ebbasmouth attracted manyforeign traders. The unfortunate woman might have traveled on a merchant shipfrom a distant land.
Theport town lay some miles to the south and west. According to his recent news,many townsfolk had fled from their homes to escape the invaders. Refugees mighttravel up the Ebba to seek shelter in the Rindle villages, or perhaps hide inTrogsden, if the trolls were amenable to their presence in the caves. Thiswoman might have fled with those frightened refugees.
Pogglechittered a sharp reminder.
Theywere alone in dangerous territory and should decamp swiftly ere the wightsregrouped.
Acknowledgingthe warning, Rolf patted the animal. He gathered the woman’s slight body in hisarms and jumped onto his punt.
Theferret leaped into the prow, resuming his station as watch guard.
On a quick examination, Rolf found no bleeding wounds. He wrapped the woman in a blanket and laid her gently on thebottom of the boat. A flash of blue on her wrist caught his attention. Partlyconcealed by the long sleeve of her chemise, a gold bracelet around her wristbore a shiny blue stone. Why had the wights not stolen the bracelet along withher clothes? Surely they must have seen the gleaming jewel.
Hepeered closer. The sky-blue stone held curving white lines like wave crests orthin streaks of cloud. Did the azure stone hold a magic spell to repel thewights? He placed a cautious fingertip on the rounded edge. The tiny buzz,although not repellent, convinced him of its power.
Heshook his head. Such wizardry was beyond his ken. He might learn more when thewoman awoke.
Pickingup the pole, he pushed off downstream in the opposite direction to the fleeingwight.
Whereshould he go? The unconscious woman would need proper clothing, and likely shewould benefit from a healer. Few people lived in the marshes. His kinsfolk,Polly and Marlin and their children, were the nearest inhabitants. The Fishers’stockaded homestead was proof against the marsh wights and other predators.They would be surprised to see him again so soon. He had bade them farewell atdaybreak and poled southwesttoward the village of Wallow.
Heshrugged. No problem. The Fishers would welcome him and whomever he brought.They had spare clothes and Aunt Polly was a notable herbwife. He thrust thepole into the mud at the bottom of the stream and angled the punt into the sidechannel leading north.
Ashe poled toward the dwelling of his kinsfolk, he pondered the mystery of thelovely woman lying in his punt. Once she woke, he might learn where she camefrom. He felt honor-bound to restore her to her family if possible. Elsewise,he could leave her in the care of the kindly Fishers.
December 17, 2024
Year End Report on my Writing and Art
During 2024, I published an illustrated fantasy duology, anepic fantasy book, and a book of poems and pictures. Also I ran threeKickstarter campaigns to make special illustrated books.
Oakenwald Duology on retailers at the end of May. The Oakenwald Duology combinesthe first two books in my new fantasy series. This duology has custom headerimages for each chapter and color illustrations of characters and scenes in thestories.
Book 1: Bridget Bramble and the Wandering Elf
A desperate witch. A mysterious elf. A perilous journeytoward hope and love.
Bridget Bramble’s world is destroyed when ruthlessmarauders target her village. The young witch flees into the woods, armed onlywith her Granny’s advice and a bag of magic buttons. She resolves to find thefabled land of Oakenwald where elves and humans live in harmony. But the paththrough the wilderness is treacherous, and Bridget must grapple with maliciouscreatures from the darkest folktales.
Lost and desperate in the mountain foothills, sheencounters an enigmatic elf, Windswift the Wanderer. Windswift offers to guideher through the perilous mountain passes to Oakenwald. She accepts his offer,although his cool demeanor perturbs her. Can Bridget trust the elf with herlife and her heart?
On their journey, Bridget and Windswift must confront theevil forces threatening their world as well as the growing bond between them.Their quest becomes a race to reach the peaceful haven of Oakenwald in a landteeming with dark forces.
Book 2: Bridget Bramble and the Dragon Ship
A witch with courage. An elf with honor. A realm on thebrink of war.
After a harrowing journey across the wilderness, BridgetBramble and the elf, Windswift the Wanderer, finally reach Oakenwald, apeaceful land of ancient magic. But their hopes for a quiet life are crushed when news arrives of a fleet of enemy ships threateningthe southern shores. With the enemy’s pincers closing about the enchanted land,Bridget and her elf partner are thrust into a perilous mission to scout theroads to the southern port.
The perils increase as they travel farther from the elfqueen’s domain. When a deadly foe strikes and scatters her companions, she mustrisk her life and employ her new powers to save the elf she loves.
The ebook is available HERE .
B. In December, I published the third book in the OakenwaldChronicles, Princess Shuka and the Pirate King
Book 3: Princess Shuka and the Pirate King
An elf princess in exile. A pirate with a promise. A warthat will unite or destroy them.
Princess Shuka, once a proud and pampered elf of theSouthern Lands, is stranded in the treacherous Marshes of Mu after adevastating dragon attack. Her world is overturned when she falls into theclutches of fearsome marsh wights and is rescued by the jaunty pirate, CaptainRolf Fox.
Rolf vows to restore Shuka to her father, even though herhaughty demeanor taxes his patience. The challenges escalate after he discoversShuka’s father has already left her for dead. Emperor Raglan’s fleet of dragonships threatens to invade the Marshlands, . With war on thehorizon, he is torn between his duty to his people and his promise toShuka.
Shuka must swallow her pride and join forces with thepirate and the barbaric Marshmen to defeat the enemy invaders before she cansail home. As battle rages and passions ignite, will they triumph over arelentless enemy or will their differences tear them apart?
Danger and unexpected love beckon in the magical tales ofOakenwald.
You can find the ebook HERE .
C. I published Whimsical Creatures, a book of poems andillustrations of imaginary beings.
The book has 25 short poems and 86 pictures of dragons, griffins,merfolk, dancing cats, flying horses, trolls, and other fantastic creatures fromold folktales.
Some of the individual illustrations are available at my ArtStore .
You can find the ebook HERE .
https://www.auroraspringer.org/p/whimsical-creatures.html
KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGNS
Mid-January to February, I ran a Kickstarter campaign tocreate Whimsical Creatures . This Art Book combines 25 short poems and 86 pictures offantastic creatures, including dragons, unicorns, fairies, anthropomorphic catsand dogs, and more.
The eBook of Whimsical Creatures is available on my WebStore .
In July, I launched a campaign to produce a gorgeousillustrated edition of the Grand Master’s Trilogy . Thespecial edition combines the prequel, Grand Master’s Cat, with books 1-3 in theseries. It has a new cover, custom chapter headers, illustrations, and bonuscontent including the prequel and images of the twelve Grand Masters. Thehardcover has gold foiled text, endpapers, colored edges, and a ribbonbookmark.
Check my campaign HERE .
The eBook of theSpecial Edition of Grand Master’s Trilogy is available on my WebStore
In September, I ran a campaign to create a special Tenth Anniversary edition of Dragon Lady, comprisingBooks 1 and 2 in my science fiction series, Atrapako on Eden. This edition hascustom chapter headers, illustrations and bonus content. The hardback is agorgeous collector’s edition with holographic foil on the cover, endpapers anddecorated edges. See Dragon Lady .
The eBook of the TenthAnniversary Edition of Dragon Lady is available on my WebStore
In parallel, I made a matching illustrated edition of Book3, Trapped on Vkani, which is available HERE .
What’s on my agenda for next year?
I’m writing the fourth book in my epic fantasy series, the OakenwaldChronicles . This book will bereleased as part of my upcoming Kickstarter campaign.
UPCOMING KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
In my next project, Beyond Oakenwald , I plan to create aspecial illustrated edition of Books 3 & 4 in the Oakenwald Chronicles.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/auroraspringer/beyond-oakenwald-epic-fantasy-exclusive-hardback
DIGITAL ART
https://www.playfulgallery.com/digital-art
Top-quality prints with or without frames, and selectedmerchandise.
Find Aurora’s FantasticCreations at her RedBubble shop:
https://www.redbubble.com/people/auroraspringer/shop
You can choose artprints with or without frames, and a wide variety of merchandise with originalart, including clothing, stickers, pillows and blankets.
All my books are available in paperback. Check individualtitles on my Catalogue .
AUDIO
More than half of my stories are available as Audiobooks.
(See my Catalogue )
Direct Bookstore.
My books are available at a discount in my virtual store (https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels).
I invite you to join meon Facebook , Twitter /X, YouTube, or Instagram
November 21, 2024
Thanksgiving Book Sale - Five Sci-Fi and Fantasy Stories
These five ebooks are discounted to 99c for Thanksgivingweek.
A Tale of Two Colonies : A lost colony, mysteriousfoes, and a fight for survival on a distant planet.
https://www.auroraspringer.org/p/a-tale-of-two-colonies.html
Bridget Bramble and theWandering Elf :A desperate witch. A mysterious elf. A perilous journey toward hope and love.
https://www.auroraspringer.org/p/bridget-bramble-and-wandering-elf.html
Book 1 of the Oakenwald Chronicles , Epic fantasy adventures with elves and dragons.
Super Starrella: Teensuperhero, Starrella, and her flying horse combat alien killers in Atalanta.
https://www.auroraspringer.org/p/super-starrella.html
Book 1 of Secret Supers
Superpowered CollegeStudents with Fantastic Animals.
Grand Master’sPawn: Oneyoung woman challenges the super psychics ruling the galaxy, and finds animpossible love.
https://www.auroraspringer.org/p/grand-masters-pawn.html
Book 1 in the Grand Masters’ Galaxy, Science Fantasy, Psychics in Space.
Europa : Daredevil scientist and scarred alien merman forge perilous alliance.
https://www.auroraspringer.org/p/europa.html
Book 1 of Taxyon Space,Science Fiction Thriller and Romance.
DIRECT BOOKSTORE
All my books are available at a discount in my virtual store (https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels).
October 2, 2024
New! Princess Shuka and the Pirate King, Epic Fantasy Romance
NEW! Pre-Order PrincessShuka and the Pirate King for Release on December 2nd.
An elf princess inexile. A pirate with a promise. A war that will unite or destroy them.
Princess Shuka, once aproud and pampered elf of the Southern Lands, is stranded in the treacherousMarshes of Mu after a devastating dragon attack. Her world is overturned whenshe falls into the clutches of fearsome marsh wights and is rescued by thejaunty pirate, Captain Rolf Fox.
Rolf vows to restoreShuka to her father, even though her haughty demeanor taxes his patience. Thechallenges escalate after he discovers Shuka’s father has already left her fordead. Emperor Raglan’s fleet of dragon ships threatens to invade the Marshlands,. With war on the horizon, he is torn between his duty tohis people and his promise to Shuka.
Shuka must swallow herpride and join forces with the pirate and the barbaric Marshmen to defeat theenemy invaders before she can sail home. As battle rages and passions ignite,will they triumph over a relentless enemy or will their differences tear themapart?
Danger and unexpectedlove beckon in Book 3 of the magical tales of Oakenwald.
DISCOUNTED! Begin the Oakenwald Chronicle with BridgetBramble and the Wandering Elf discounted to only 99c.
A desperate witch. Amysterious elf. A perilous journey toward hope and love.
Bridget Bramble’s worldis shattered when her village is destroyed by ruthless marauders. Armed onlywith her Granny’s advice and a bag of magic buttons, the young witch flees intothe wilderness, determined to find the fabled land of Oakenwald where elves andhumans live in harmony. But the path to safety is treacherous, and Bridget mustgrapple with malicious creatures from the darkest folktales.
Lost and desperate inthe mountain foothills, she encounters an enigmatic elf, Windswift theWanderer. Windswift offers to guide her through the perilous mountain passes toOakenwald. She accepts his offer, although his icy demeanor disturbs her. CanBridget trust the elf with her life and her heart?
On their journey, Bridgetand Windswift must confront not only the evil forces threatening their worldbut also the growing bond between them. Their quest becomes a race to reach thepeaceful haven of Oakenwald in a world teeming with darkness.
An epic tale ofcourage, magic, and unexpected romance, Book 1 of the Oakenwald Chroniclesweaves the richness of folklore into a quest for a better future.
DIRECT BOOKSTORE
My books are available at a discount in my virtual store (https://payhip.com/AuroraSpringerNovels).
I invite you to join meon Facebook , Twitter /X, YouTube, or Instagram
September 16, 2024
Celebrate my Tenth Anniversary as a Published Author of Science Fiction
Do you lovecharacter-driven science fiction adventures with culture clashes and politicalmachinations?
Do you crave a newtwist on alien invasion?
Do you fancy a romancewith friends to enemies to lovers?
Then, you’ll love theDragon Lady Duology. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/auroraspringer/dragon-lady-tenth-anniversary-edition-with-foiled-hardback
The Dragon Lady duologyhas two books, two key characters, and two contrasting planets, pleasant andharsh.
When an alien spaceshiplands in the human colony on Eden, Dr Lucy Stannis is thrilled. But willhumanity get along with the scaly Atrapako? A biologist and undercover Terranspy faces an unpredictable challenge in this exciting sci-fi boxset.
The Tenth Anniversary Hardbackof Dragon Lady will have holographic foil on the cover, decorated endpapers andedges, and custom interior art.
Sci-fi romance pitssassy scientist against formidable scaled alien.
Join my campaignfor an illustrated Duology with foiled hardback. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/auroraspringer/dragon-lady-tenth-anniversary-edition-with-foiled-hardback
