#FreeviewFriday Part X : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to my final Freeview Friday for Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th - MONDAY!!!

EEEEEEEEP! 

I hope you've enjoyed following along the last ten weeks AND I hope you'll stop by on the 7th for the big release party, where I'll be having a giveaway including signed copies along with some swag.

Anyhoo. Here it is. The final installment of FVF for EotS! If you missed last weeks, it can be found HERE.

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She peeked around the mass of ferns she huddled behind. Something shimmered around the wolf’s body. A human Aura? How is that possible?

His head swiveled in her direction.

She jerked behind the scanty cover, biting on a knuckle.

Time slid by slower than a seed sprouted. Hyla’s legs began to stiffen and tingles shot upward from her aching calves.

A songbird tweeted. Moments later another bird called back. Did she dare check if he’d gone? Exhaling, she peeked once more.

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Well folks, that's it! Eye of the Soul releases in THREE DAY! 

Lots of giveaways going on, so be sure to swing by on book birthday day!!

#FreeviewFriday Part IX : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to Freeview Friday! Thanks J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Each week I'm going to share a little snippet of my debut fantasy  novel, Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th. 

I hope you'll follow along each week and get a feel for Hyla and her world. If you missed part IV it can be found HERE.

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A chill swept up her spine as the birds’ songs cut off in abrupt silence.

Hyla froze, foot suspended above the ground. Branches swayed in the breeze far above her head, rubbing against each other and groaning.

She lowered her foot. Sudden movement flickered ahead of her on the deer path she followed. Her breath caught as black flashed again.

No animal that large walked on Taran’s shores.

Pulse thudding in her ears, Hyla tried slowing her heart by drawing slow measured breaths. It didn’t work.

The figure moved forward and came into full view. A wolf. 

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Hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to stop back next week.

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGES you to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday Part VIII : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to Freeview Friday! Thanks J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Each week I'm going to share a little snippet of my debut fantasy  novel, Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th. 

I hope you'll follow along each week and get a feel for Hyla and her world. If you missed part VII it can be found HERE.

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Hyla gathered her travel packs and crept across the room. A squeaky board protested beneath her foot, sending her heart into her throat, but the men snored on.

Gerlak’s boots still encased his feet. A feather-light touch removed her knife from where he’d hidden it. Releasing a slow breath, Hyla tucked the blade into the sheath at her hip and moved back across the room toward the door, careful to avoid the loose floorboard.

She reached for the handle without a backward glance, but it turned before she could grasp it. The door creaked open, and she leapt back, hand stifling the cry erupting from her lips. 

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Hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to stop back next week.

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGES you to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday Part VII : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to Freeview Friday! Thanks J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Each week I'm going to share a little snippet of my debut fantasy  novel, Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th. 

I hope you'll follow along each week and get a feel for Hyla and her world. If you missed part VI it can be found HERE.

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A loud thump sounded in the hallway, waking Hyla. The door shoved open. By firelight she recognized Irmen as he backed into the room, arms beneath another man’s booted feet.
What in Fadir’s name? Hyla struggled up from her soft pile of blankets and rubbed her eyes.

Dokar entered gripping Nigen’s arms.

Ah. The dog drank too much.

The two men deposited Nigen’s dead weight onto one of the empty beds and Irmen bid the commander a pleasant evening before shutting the door behind him.

Hyla hunkered back down in her blankets.

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Hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to stop back next week.

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGES you to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday Part VI : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to Freeview Friday! Thanks J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Each week I'm going to share a little snippet of my debut fantasy  novel, Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th. 

I hope you'll follow along each week and get a feel for Hyla and her world. If you missed part V it can be found HERE.

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The two soldiers made their way back up the alley, Dokar intent on eating, Nigen hesitating, regret filling his Aura. Hyla turned away, gaze intent upon the gray cloak falling to Gerlak’s boot tops.

“I won’t let him hurt you.”

Hyla glanced up and met Gerlak’s gaze. “I know.”

His brow rose. “You’re very trusting for someone in your position.”

Trusting? Hyla bit back the sarcastic laugh begging for release. “I trust you only to deliver me to Varosh as you’ve been commanded to.”

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Hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to stop back next week.

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGES you to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday Part V : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to Freeview Friday! Thanks J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Each week I'm going to share a little snippet of my debut fantasy  novel, Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th. 

I hope you'll follow along each week and get a feel for Hyla and her world. If you missed part IV it can be found HERE.

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Dokar ignored northern paths and roads, cutting north east through Derlund’s grain bowl. He didn’t stop for lunch, but tossed Hyla a piece of dried meat and an apple.

He glanced at the sky, his gaze tracking the sun. “We’ll dine at The Bottle and Barrel tonight. Gerlak, you’ll wait at the back entrance with the girl. I’ll get us a room and have the taverner let you up the back stairs.”

“I’ll watch her while you two eat,” Nigen offered from behind Hyla.

Dread gurgled in her stomach when Dokar replied, “She’d like that I think.”

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Hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to stop back next week.

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGES you to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday Part IV : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to Freeview Friday! Thanks J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Each week I'm going to share a little snippet of my debut fantasy  novel, Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th. 

I hope you'll follow along each week and get a feel for Hyla and her world. If you missed part III it can be found HERE.

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“You’ll carry your own packs and I’ll hear no complaining—of weariness or any other female ailment,” Dokar said. “Understand?”

Hyla nodded, eyes downcast. She waited while the three soldiers mounted. Saddles creaked and bridles jangled as the horses tossed their heads. One snorted and stepped forward, brushing close to Hyla.

“You’d best keep up,” Dokar leaned down and hissed, “or I’ll make it harder for you not to. Or perhaps I’ll just turn my head next time Nigen thinks about dragging you off into the woods.”

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Hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to stop back next week.

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGES you to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday Part III : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to Freeview Friday! Thanks again to J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Each week I'm going to share a little snippet of my debut fantasy  novel, Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th. 

I hope you'll follow along each week and get a feel for Hyla and her world. If you missed part II, it can be found HERE.

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Gerlak roused on her other side. As soon as his eyes opened, Hyla sat up. “I need a moment’s privacy.”

A yawn stretched Gerlak’s mouth. “Nigen will take you.”

“I’d prefer if you did,” Hyla quickly replied, not giving the soldier behind her a chance to agree. She begged Gerlak with her eyes, praying he would understand.

Gerlak glanced beyond Hyla and red spiked through his Aura. His brow furrowed.

He sees what I see. Thank the gods.

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Hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to stop back next week.

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGES you to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday Part II : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to Freeview Friday! Thanks again to the lovely J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Each week I'm going to share a little snippet of my debut fantasy  novel, Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th. 

I hope you'll follow along each week and get a feel for Hyla and her world. If you missed Part I, it can be found HERE.

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The three Varosh soldiers snored like sows when not standing watch. Hyla found no rest. The sun rose, but Nigen sat awake while the other two men slept. He hovered at her right. Close enough to touch, he whispered about how he would ravish her pink flesh. He spoke of hemp rope and a knife, and the pleasure both would bring her.

Eyes clenched tight, Hyla tried to ignore the nauseating murmurs which broke her body into a cold sweat. Her full bladder ached, but the thought of relieving herself within the soldier’s line of sight turned her stomach.

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As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGES you to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday Part I : Eye of the Soul #Fantasy #Excerpt

Welcome to Freeview Friday! Thanks J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Each week I'm going to share a little snippet of my debut fantasy  novel, Eye of the Soul, which releases from J. Taylor Publishing on Oct. 7th. 

I hope you'll follow along each week and get a feel for Hyla and her world.

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A branch smacked Hyla in the face. Eyes tearing, she blindly pushed onward. The ground dropped beneath her feet and she pitched forward tumbling end over end, rocks and brambles attacking her body. A crack and sharp pain sent her head reeling and brought her to a stop. Damp earth gave way to Hyla’s clawing fingers as she tried to blink her eyesight clear.

A shadow loomed above, blocking what little moonlight filtered through the trees.

“Gerlak told you not to run,” a rough voice said.
Powerless to stop the swinging arm, Hyla closed her eyes and embraced pain’s exploding darkness.

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Hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to stop back next week.

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGES you to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday #ChristmasMagic Part 3

Welcome to Freview Friday!

Today I’ll be sharing one last snippet of my story, Beginning of Forever, from Still Moments Publishing’s Christmas Magic Anthology which releases in less than 2 weeks!

Part I can be found HERE / Part II HERE.

I couldn’t function.

I didn’t want to.

“Lillian?” Marion hovered in my bedroom doorway. “Can I get you anything else before I go?”

“No,” I replied, not taking my aching eyes from the photo on our bed stand. What am I to do, Ronnie? I can’t face life without you.

The front door closed and my thoughts took form, my voice unrecognizable to my own ears. 

“Mother can’t be bothered to come, so of course Father can’t either. Marion stops in. She says that time will lessen the grief, Ronnie, but I just….”

I choked on a sob. Fresh tears coursed down my face and dripped onto damp linen. “I j-just wish I could sleep this pain away. Sleep and never wake.”

Hope you enjoyed these teasers! Christmas Magic will be available for purchase on December 4th. 

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGE syou to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday #ChristmasMagic Part 2

Welcome to Freview Friday!

Today I’ll be sharing another teaser from my story, Beginning of Forever, from Still Moments Publishing’s Christmas Magic Anthology which releases December 4^rd.

In case you missed part I it can be found HERE.

Through Steven’s heightened cries and the ringing in my ears I heard my husband’s name and Anna Jacques hospital.

This isn’t real. I need to wake up.

“Mrs. Douglas?”

I swayed and slumped to my knees on the linoleum floor, struggling to keep Steven in my grasp.

The floor is cold. I’m not dreaming.

“Mrs. Douglas?” The woman’s voice sounded muffled. Far away.

I lifted the slipping phone back to my ear. “Is he…Is Ronnie alright?”

“You need to come to the hospital immediately.”

Good heavens. The scent of ham and cloves wafted from the oven, turning my stomach. “Yes. Of course. I-I will.”

Be sure to swing by next week!

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGE syou to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday #ChristmasMagic Part 1

Welcome to Freview Friday!

Today I’ll be sharing a bit of my story, Beginning of Forever, from Still Moments Publishing’s Christmas Magic Anthology which releases December 4^rd. I try to keep it to 10 lines, but this week it needed a smidge more. Read on & you’ll see why.

A shrill ring jolted me awake.

So tired.

The phone shrieked again, cutting through the haze of exhaustion.

Steven’s howls rose from the bassinette beside my bed. I rolled over and crooned, gathering his warm body to mine. Talcum and the delicious scent of baby filled my nose, tugging my lips upward.

My eyelids drooped, but I pulled myself from the bed.

I rubbed my fussing son’s back and stumbled down the hall to grab the phone.

“Hello?”

“Mrs. Douglas?”

A glance at the clock and my stomach clenched. Ronnie was an hour late for our Christmas Eve dinner. “Y-yes?”

“There’s been an accident.”

Be sure to swing by next week!

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGE syou to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday #MakeBelieve Part 3

Welcome to Freview Friday!

Today I’m sharing another snippet of my story, Sacrificial Oath, from J. Taylor Publishing’s Make Believe Anthology which releases December 3^rd.

Part 1 can be found HERE & Part 2 HERE if you missed them!

A fresh wave of fear surged through her. “What oath?”

“I never expected ….” Another sob tore from his lips.

She wiped a tear with her thumb and tried for an assuring smile. “Tell me, Father.”

“I made an oath to the Goddess.” Chest heaving, he struggled to continue. “In an exchange for survival and victory, I promised t—to sacrifice the first virgin who emerged from the gates upon our return.”

Cold overtook Alesuela.

“I have given my word,” her father cried, “to our blessed Goddess.”

Darkness shrouded Alesuela’s mind, and she slumped to the ground.

Dun dun dun dun …. 

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGE syou to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday #MakeBelieve Part 2

Welcome to Freview Friday!

Today I’m sharing another snippet from my story, Sacrificial Oath, from J. Taylor Publishing’s Make Believe Anthology which releases December 3^rd.

Missed the first installment? Click HERE.

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Alesuela knelt before her father and cupped his cheeks in her palms. “What is it ?”

He clenched his eyes shut. “Not her,” he said. “Not my only daughter.”

“Father, you’re scaring me.”

Amant grasped her wrists and met her gaze.

The unusual display of sorrow constricted Alesuela’s throat. She forced herself to draw breath. “Please, tell me,” she whispered.

“Oath. I—I gave an oath.”

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Until next time ….

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGE syou to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!

#FreeviewFriday #MakeBelieve Part 1

Welcome to my debut Freeview Friday! Thanks J.A.Belfield for this awesome idea.

Today I’m sharing a snippet from my story, Sacrificial Oath, from J. Taylor Publishing’s Make Believe Anthology which releases December 3^rd.

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“Father!” Alesuela called out, knowing he would be displeased with her for leaving the palace grounds. “Father!” she cried again, recognizing the dark-haired man leading the army.

Clinking armor and creaking leather stopped as the Sovereign of Vecina held up a fist.

Alesuela’s steps slowed when her father’s face became visible through the settling dust. “Father?”

“Beloved Goddess,” Amant gasped, his stubbled cheeks ashen, “anyone but her.” He dismounted, started toward Alesuela and fell to his knees.

The earlier sense of dread flooded over her . She took a hesitant step forward. “Father, please … are you alright?”

He didn’t answer but held his head in his hands, moaning.

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Hope you enjoyed it! Be sure to stop back next week for the next tasty morsel.

As J.A. Belfield has said, any and all are welcome to join her in this weekly shenanigan. HOWEVER, if you do so, she URGE syou to keep the shared snippets short and sweet. Mine (like hers) will be a maximum of TEN (10) sentences. To help identification of these posts, we’ll be hashtagging them (for Twitter purposes) as #FreeviewFriday. Feel free to knick said hashtag for your own Freeview Friday posts. Hope you’ll join us!