Spoke to High School AP English class today!

It went great!

I spoke to my daughter's Advance Placement English class at the High School. I talked about writing and my books.

At first I was nervous and I suspect it showed. I stuttered and droned on, but as I continued and the love of writing and creating came out of me, I relaxed and could be myself. I need to feel that way all the way through it and not fifteen minutes into it. I must capture the excitement and joy and spill it out to the kids. I do that after a bit but I need to do that from the beginning. I guess it's a lesson learned for next time, which in this case is the 28th of September.

Janeen (my long suffering wife) and Katelyn (my long suffering daughter) came up with the idea of raffle tickets as a way to give away a copy of Dark Threats. It worked really well. I also threw candy at them.

The kids enjoyed it. There were a few who were really interested. I found myself talking about Myths and got a few really excited. Hmm. Maybe I should epublish that as well? I suppose I could always put it up and then shop it around agents while it's on Amazon, etc.

So the 1st speaking engagement is done. On to the next!

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Guarin

GUARIN

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Name Origin
French form of Germanic Warin, meaning "cover, shelter."

Physical characteristics:Guarin appears young, in his twenties, and in good shape. Always seen garbed in a dark green hood and cloak with a green and blue robe. While he looks young, he is actually over seventy-five years old when Annabelle first met him in 1692. He took the Right of Ascendance some time prior which if successfully completed, grants a warlock or witch immortality.

Personality:
A good, strong leader. Always willing to do what's right. He is determined to stand in the way of Lord Domi and his evil. Like his mentor, Dagda, his desire to stand up for what is right, no mater the cost, is unwavering.

History:
Guarin practiced white magic under the teachings of the immortal warlock Dagda. His skills have been seasoned from decades of battles against Lord Domi and his many monster servants. Along with Dagda and Blandia Blackburn, Guarin created the magical barrier that protected Eliza Pratchet, Annabelle and Roland Foresight, the small English colonial settlement of Jorgantown and the Mohegan Indian village.

After Dagda's assassination by Domi, Guarin became the High Mage of the ancient Order of the White Warlocks and works from the North American division. He fought in the first Battle of Jorgantown after the barrier fell.

Despite the fact that the Coven have always acted as police to the magic world, most white warlocks and witches remain in hiding. Hunted by Domi (or Dominic’s) forces for centuries, they operate in super secret covens across the globe. No more than three in each group and always on the move, Guarin accepted new responsibilities after Dagda's death. He now has to keep the entire Order of the White Warlocks organized and hidden. He marshals their forces across the globe to constantly block Domi's attempts to take over the world. They regularly work with the prophetic Falabranwyn.

Guarin helped Blandia Blackburn to take the Right of Ascendance, a task he has been quoted as saying "was in some ways harder than fighting an army of werewolves."

Amping up to speaking at the Jr High & the book signing!

Yesterday was busy. Among other events we stopped by the Jr High. They're excited for my visit. I'll be speaking to the English classes each period. I'm scared and excited all mixed into a ball of nerves!

We then visited Starry Night Books. We're just about ready for the book signing in two weeks! They really help local authors out and I can't wait! They're setting up a display and refreshments and everything. So cool!

The 28th of September will be the most auspicious writer's event I've ever had!

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Eight: Present Day, Hyde and Seek

Annabelle’s cold fist smashed through the zombie’s ribcage.  With her other arm she wacked off the creature’s head, sending it spiraling into a tombstone.  If she were human, these things would scare her, but she hasn’t been human for a long time.

Her brother Roland, laughed as he ripped a zombie apart and began to move at top speed around the graveyard, smacking the undead with a firmly held corpse.  His weapon of choice crumbled in his pale hands.  “Darn.  These things just don’t hold up like they used to.”

She smiled as she slashed a zombie in two with her nails.  “Whoever reanimated this horde didn’t take their time with the spell.”

Annabelle looked across the misty graveyard.  Gross bodies continued to shuffle from their graves.  Grey fingers clawed to the surface, revealing more decrepit enemies to fight.  So far none had escaped the sacred grounds of the cemetery, but with the sheer amount of undead, she knew it wouldn’t be long.

“And why zombies?” Roland asked as he unsheathed his silver cutlass.  “It’s so last week.  Why couldn’t it be living skeletons or mummies?”  He began to slash away at the horde, the moonlight reflecting off his sword.

Annabelle took to the air, hovering just out of the grasp of an undead man in a tux.  Half his rotten flesh seemed to fall off on its own.  “Could be worse.  They could be gremlins.”  She brushed off pieces of shredded corpse from her clothes.

“Ugh!  Please not those again.”  Roland flew into a mass of petrified bodies and began to slice them to shreds.  His blood-red eyes flickered and a wicked grin stole across his pale face. 

 

 

------

For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Threats on Amazon.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Cletus

CLETUS

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Physical characteristics:
Cletus has dirty blond hair and dull eyes. He's large and stocky, shorter than his brother Beufus but taller than his younger brother Charlie. He had yellow teeth when he was alive and gained a set of vampire fangs after he was turned.

Personality:
Wimpy, always following the lead of his brother Beufus.  They get into mischief. Scared of his older brother because of the many beatings inflicted upon him by Beufus. Dull and dim witted and very dense. Often makes mistakes or says things that annoy Beufus.

Abilities:
Cletus has the basic vampiric abilities; strength, speed, stamina, sharp nails that are used like claws, enhanced senses and the ability to heal from most small injuries. Like all vampires, he can't handle sunlight, wooden stakes to the heart or beheading. Each of these turn him to ash. Like all evil vampires, religious artifacts harm him as well. He has not learned how to transform or fly. While Cletus is extra strong, he can't maneuver very well. This means smaller vampires with more developed speed could easily avoid his massive hands.

Known History:
Cletus and his brothers lived in Jorgantown all their lives. They were satisfied with scratching out a small living doing dock work and hiring themselves out for farm work or cabin building. Their evenings were spent drinking at the pub and occasionally causing a ruckus in the town.

The night they finally met Eliza Pratchet, the supposed town witch, was their last night alive. They teased her, only to have the recently arrived Foresight family try to defend her. Something in Eliza's eyes made the brothers forget what they were doing and instead they found a quiet spot to sleep off their drink.

The vampire Fenroth happened across them and seeing the stocky built of both Beufus and Cletus, turned the two of them. Once a human has been bitten three times he or she begins to change. The transformation to vampirizim isn't always over night. The older the human, the longer it can take.

After the white warlock Dagda warded off the vampire lord Dominic Pratchet from his property and began to set up a magical barrier to prevent any dark creatures from entering it, Dominic knew he would need inside agents to enact his revenge on his estranged wife, Eliza Pratchet, and the two children Eliza betrayed Dominic for. Realizing Fenroth's newest subjects were still in the incubation stage and therefore not dark creatures yet, Dominic commanded Fenroth to leave almost vampires Beufus and Cletus and their non-vampire brother Charlie where he found them, within the town. The barrier passed them by and once the full transformation was in effect, Dominic had three agents, (two vampire and one human) to use.

At first the men thought it was Dominic who turned them, since he was the vampire who summoned them once they woke up in their new lives. He sent them to retrieve Annabelle and Roland (the children Eliza rescued). They were to kill Eliza on sight. They failed and Cletus was killed by Eliza.

Bite of Story Thursday

And we're back to preview day on Bite of Story Thursday! I'm working on Myths with quite a bit of the rough draft still waiting to be written. I'm just over half a book on the page so there is lots to go. Remember, this is from the rough draft so it does not reflect the final product. Anyway, sit back and enjoy...

---------

“Time to roast a few creeps,” Lyndi said as she attempted to move forward. 

Celeste held her arm, “Wait.  Look what they’re doing,” she pointed at one goblin that wore what looked like a crown made from bone.  It climbed upon the table and rose up at tall as it could, waving its scrawny arms to get the crowd’s attention.  They were chanting something in a foreign tongue but once the single goblin raised his arms they became instantly silent.

The single goblin said something with determination.  Eli shared a look with his companions when the name ‘Brimstone’ was mentioned. 

“It’s hard to imagine they still worship him after what he did,” Frunz whispered.  “Good thing the creep is still locked up on Prison Island.”

The lead goblin began to chant the word ‘crum’ over and over.  The others echoed it until the entire meeting hall hummed with the word. 

Flitty stopped screaming and had the peace of mind to respond, “Look guys, as I said before, you don’t really want to do this.  I’m just a small fairy.  Not really worth all this fuss.  How about instead you just untie me and we can all sit around and sing songs by a camp fire?  Wait.  What you got there?”  Her bright yellow aura caused several goblins to shield their eyes.

The lead goblin raised a silver dagger with a wooden hilt.  It seemed to be the only weapon among them and it was pretty clear what he intended to do with it.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Dagda

DAGDA

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Name Origin
Irish Gaelic name meaning "the good god." In Celtic mythology, this is the name of a god of knowledge and magic, and a leader of the Tuatha Dé Danann, supernatural beings who inhabited Ireland prior to the coming of the Celts.
 
Physical characteristics:
Dagda appears as an old Irishman, bald with a thick white beard with black streaks on both sides. He's a bit winded from centuries of battle but otherwise in good shape. Always seen garbed in a dark green hood and cloak.

Personality:
Very kind and willing to help others if needed. He is determined to stand in the way of Lord Domi and his evil. Passionate about standing up for what is right, no mater the cost.

Abilities:
Dagda is a High Mage of the ancient Order of the White Warlocks.  He has practiced white magic for centuries and has a number of powerful spells at his fingertips.

Known History:
Dagda was an apprentice to the great warlocks during the Exodus War. He was there during the Farnalla Exodus and elected to stay behind to protect the in-between years. 

He’s the High Mage of the North American Coven. He migrated to North America to watch for the "prophesied younglings". While most forgot the prophesy, he still believed it.

 

Despite the fact that the Coven have always acted as police to the magic world, most white warlocks and witches remain in hiding. Hunted by Dominic’s forces for centuries, they operate in super secret covens across the globe. No more than three in each group and always on the move, Dagda keeps them organized and hidden. He marshals their forces across the globe to constantly block Domi's attempts to take over the world. They regularly work with the prophetic Falabranwyn.

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

Yesterday I spoke with several teachers. I caught up with Mrs. Crookston at the Tooele Junior High. I'm set up to speak to all the English classes on the 28th of September! I can't wait!

As I was plotting out Myths it occurred to me what some of the new experiences and challenges would be for Eli and his companions in the latter half of the story. I want them to each get involved in school life at the Junior High. Since Eli and company are around 14 and midway through the book they are stranded on Earth, these kids are picked up by B.I.G. (Bureau of Interdimensional Gathering)and placed into false lives in my home town. They disguise their fantasy features, attend Junior High and try to accustom themselves to human life.

With this in mind I thought I'd do something a little different with my Jr. High appearances. I decided to pose the question to the classes. I'd do a breakdown of the characters and ask the kids where they think these fantasy creatures would fit most at home at the Junior High and have them give reasons. The ideas that work best for the overall story will be used in the book!

On top of that I'll do my introduction, including telling them about the Annabelle series and offer up questions. If I have enough copies, I'll give away Dark Threats.

Other speaking engagements will be Mrs. Kramer's High School English class on the 18th of September and Mr. Palfreyman's English classes (full day) on October 26th.

More to follow!

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Birth


Chapter Eight; First Night

Dominic replied hotly, “You take the word of crows over one who has advised kings?  My warriors remain trapped because of the Falabranwyn.  I’ve tolerated enough.”

Dominic moved around the three defenders with enough speed to burn a circle in the grass.  He broke from formation, ripped out a large tree and swung at Dagda. 

White flames flickered from the fingertips of both warlocks and the witch.  The flames grew into a raging fire that engulfed the tree.  The tree vaporized, but in an eye blink Dominic was back, this time clutching two large rocks.

Before he could smash the rocks on their heads, the younger warlock spread his arms wide and a large light green dome erupted outward.  The rocks smashed against the dome and rubble trickled to the ground.

“Guarin, lower it,” Dagda commanded.  A twist of the younger warlock’s wrist and the dome dissipated.  Dagda shot crackling light towards Dominic but the vampire sped away in the nick of time.

“Blandia, try the earth spell!” 

Dominic smiled wickedly as he easily dodged blasts from both the men.

“But... I’m not sure I can do--”

“Now!”  Sweat began to pool on Dagda’s forehead.

White flames flickered from the woman’s hands into the ground.  Chunks of earth rose up and caused Dominic to stumble.  Before he fell, he leapt over the new jagged outcropping of dirt, morphed into a large bat and flew over the humans.

A gust of wind blew from Guarin’s fingertips, knocking Dominic back.  “Get away, beast!”

“Not until everyone here has died at my hand.”

---------------

For more check out Dark Birth at your local online store. Links to Dark Birth on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Birth on Amazon.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Beufus

BEUFUS

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.


Physical characteristics:
Beufus has dirty brown hair and dull eyes. He's large and stocky, bigger than his brothers Cletus and Charlie. He only had two yellow teeth when he was alive and gained a set of vampire fangs after he was turned.

Personality:
Bossy, always wants to lead his brothers in mischief because he's bored with life and hates everything and everybody. Rules over his brothers by threatening violence. Dull and dim witted almost as dense as his brother Cletus. Does most of the talking for his brothers.

Abilities:
Beufus has the basic vampiric abilities; strength, speed, stamina, sharp nails that are used like claws, enhanced senses and the ability to heal from most small injuries. Like all vampires, he can't handle sunlight, wooden stakes to the heart or beheading. Each of these turn him to ash. Like all evil vampires, religious artifacts harm him as well. He has not learned how to transform or fly. While Beufus is extra strong, he can't maneuver very well. This means smaller vampires with more developed speed could easily avoid his massive hands.

Known History:
Beufus and his brothers lived in Jorgantown all their lives. They were satisfied with scratching out a small living doing dock work and hiring themselves out for farm work or cabin building. Their evenings were spent drinking at the pub and occasionally causing a ruckus in the town.

The night they finally met Eliza Pratchet, the supposed town witch, was their last night alive. They teased her, only to have the recently arrived Foresight family try to defend her. Something in Eliza's eyes made the brothers forget what they were doing and instead they found a quiet spot to sleep off their drink.

The vampire Fenroth happened across them and seeing the stocky built of both Beufus and Cletus, turned the two of them. Once a human has been bitten three times he or she begins to change. The transformation to vampirizim isn't always over night. The older the human, the longer it can take.

After the white warlock Dagda warded off the vampire lord Dominic Pratchet from his property and began to set up a magical barrier to prevent any dark creatures from entering it, Dominic knew he would need inside agents to enact his revenge on his estranged wife, Eliza Pratchet, and the two children Eliza betrayed Dominic for. Realizing Fenroth's newest subjects were still in the incubation stage and therefore not dark creatures yet, Dominic commanded Fenroth to leave almost vampires Beufus and Cletus and their non-vampire brother Charlie where he found them, within the town. The barrier passed them by and once the full transformation was in effect, Dominic had three agents, (two vampire and one human) to use.

At first the men thought it was Dominic who turned them, since he was the vampire who summoned them once they woke up in their new lives. He sent them to retrieve Annabelle and Roland (the children Eliza rescued). They were to kill Eliza on sight. They failed and Cletus was killed by Eliza. Beufus escaped through the barrier which burned his hair off and permanently sizzled his flesh.

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Two : 1692 Witch Attack

Annabelle and Roland hovered nine feet in the air.  Each time they tried to escape, one of the witches sent blazing magical fire to block their path.

Roland landed and gently pushed Thomas behind him.  Annabelle did the same with Polly.  They had to escape but how?

Roland shouted, “If you hurt our friends I’ll make you sorry you left your cabin.” 

“Two lost children, victims to the harsh woods,” Gertrude coldly replied as she quietly moved towards them.  “Besides, it’s what they deserve for getting involved with creatures like you.” 

“They’re more human than you!” Polly shouted from her hiding place behind her big brother.

“Take that back, witch!”  Thomas shouted as he threw a rock towards the old woman. 

A cruel sneer crossed Gertrude’s wrinkled face.  She sent another hex bolt but it hit the bushes behind Thomas. 

Roland grabbed their friends and sped further back into the thick trees.  He pushed Tom and Polly behind some thick bushes for protection.  “Stay.”

Tom began to stand up, his shoulders squared and his brow knit.  “We’re not dogs.”

------

For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Threats on Amazon.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Glorianna Foresight

GLORIANNA FORESIGHT

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Name Origin:
"Glorious Grace."

Physical characteristics:
Glorianna was a woman of medium height, long curly red hair and was in excellent shape.

Personality:
Friendly, kind and determined to help others if needed. She always provided a kind word and a shoulder to cry on. Very caring, she provided the softer side when Anthony was cross with his son. She supported her family in any endeavor.

Abilities:
Glorianna had the normal abilities of a full grown woman.

Known History:
Glorianna grew up in London, England. She met her husband Anthony during the great London Fire of 1666. They struggled together to rebuild their lives. They had two children, Roland and Annabelle.

Anthony and Glorianna did something unheard of, they taught their children to read. It was his hope that Roland would one day take over the business but Roland never could get interested in books or staying still inside. Annabelle, however, loved the business and learned a great deal, even reading all the books that came through her father's shop.

Everything changed when a strange woman dressed in black visited the Foresights, and convinced Anthony to sell his business, buy property in the American colonies and move his family to Jorgantown, Massachusetts.

Shortly after their arrival the Foresights met Eliza Pratchet. Anthony stood up for her against some rough men. For some unknown reason, Eliza fled into the woods and when Roland followed, Anthony gave chase. Soon the entire family were trapped in the dark wood, surrounded by wolves. They met Dominic Pratchet, the rightful owner of the land Anthony was sold. Dominic killed Anthony and his wife Glorianna.

Annabelle and Roland would forever remember their parents love and devotion. They strive every night to live their undead lives in honor of their parents.

Bite of Story Thursday

Once again, this Bite of Story Thursday will show something I'm currently working on. Keep in mind, any preview bits like this is due for changes upon future reviews.

This week we're previewing Myths!

----

Lyndi let out a surprised scream as something huge and green pushed her into a thick tree trunk.  She fell to the ground, dazed.

“Oh my stars and tree nymphs,” Frunz exclaimed.  “What is that thing?”

A locust the size of a rhino kicked the dazed Lyndi into another tree, knocking her unconscious. 

“That’s my best friend, you over grown cockroach!” Flitty sent several pixie-bolts at the bug, which made it back up.

Eli notched an arrow but before he could let it fly, another giant locust landed in front of him.  Its wings knocked him down, along with Heilgar and Celeste.

A third locust landed behind Frunz and Mark, prompting both to scream and duck for cover.  The large insect let out a blast of sticky goo which covered Flitty and plastered her against a tree trunk.

“Yuck!  Do you know how much this dress cost?”  She tried to pull out from the stuff but it held her tight.  “Little help here.”

“I’ll put you on my ‘things to do’ list,” Eli replied as he let several regular arrows fly.  One punctured a locust’s eye while two others pinned its wings to its body.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Gertrude

GERTRUDE

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Physical characteristics:
Physically Gertrude is weak due to her advanced age. She has grey eyes and hair and a permanent scowl on her face.

Personality:
Angry, uptight and in need of constant control. She answers only to Dominic Pratchet, the vampire lord. She hates children, Dagda and the North American Coven of Warlocks and just about everyone. She has no patience for less experienced witches or warlocks.

Abilities:
She is an expert witch with an arsenal of spells and the skills to match.


Known History:
Not a lot has been revealed about Gertrude's history. Once she was part of the North American Coven of Warlocks. She became corrupted by Dominic at an early age but the master vampire never actually turned her. Still, she remained in his service as a spy until found out by Dagda and exposed. She took part in many of Dominic's North American schemes and trained Penelope Chesterfield.

OMG! Mermaids are real?

I just watched a documentary on Animal Planet. Yes, you guessed it. It's called Mermaids : The Body Found. They were very convincing in their evidence and almost got me going except some of the experts clearly seemed to be acting and the "actual footage" was clearly false and in one case extremely computer generated.

They did a great job leading up to their results. Nice use of drama. Of course it's all bupkis. I mean there was beached sea life a few years ago and there was an unexpected "Bloop" sound recorded, but everything else was just pure fun.

I did some research and apparently many people thought it was real. I could see how they would because the docufiction was pretty compelling. Guess the government and NOAA (National Oceanic and  Atmospheric Administration) both had to issue statements that mermaids aren't real. Sigh. It's 1939 and the radio broadcast of HG Wells' War of the Worlds all over again.

Regardless, the docufiction sure got me in the mood to tweak my mermaid chapter in Myths. Sure, they may be fake in the real world, but in fiction, anything is possible!

Starry Night Books!

I just began a working relationship with Starry Night Books in Tooele. The owner, Brandon, is reviewing Night Children: Dark Threats. It's a strong possibility that Dark Threats will be sold at their store! We set up a future book signing for September 28th!

More info to follow. Watch this space!

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Birth

Chapter One; Arrival

Annabelle watched Mother give Father a quick hug.  Her parents were nearly as excited as they were, she realized.

She felt a surge of joy. Despite their crammed, stuffy spot below deck, her mother always seemed to make their long trip at sea seem almost like home.  Happiness shone through her long, gentle face like the warm sun.  Her beautiful red hair rested on her slender shoulders.  Some might’ve seen it as unkempt due to the rigors of traveling at sea, but Annabelle thought its beauty still glowed.

“They’re excited again, I see.” 

“Yes,” he chuckled.  “Can you blame them?” 

“No.  I believe there’s excitement enough for everyone.”  She kissed him.  “In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy.” 

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.  Back in London, our lives were so constrained.  Out here in the New World, there are so many possibilities.” 

Roland shouted, “Father, Mother, we’ve stopped.  We’re docking.  Let’s go!  Let’s go!  Let’s go!” 

The excited boy led his family up on deck where they watched the sailors toss heavy ropes over to the wooden jetty.  The boatswain shouted for the crew to furl the sails.  Annabelle jumped as the heavy anchor chain splashed into the water.  She couldn’t believe it.  They were finally here. 

---------------

For more check out Dark Birth at your local online store. Links to Dark Birth on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Birth on Amazon.

Who's Who in the Annabelle Universe? Anthony Foresight

ANTHONY FORESIGHT

No picture at this time. Hopefully that will change someday.

Physical characteristics:
Anthony was a man of medium height, dark brown hair and was in excellent shape.

Personality:
Friendly, kind and determined to help others if needed. He always encouraged his children in any endeavor and was willing to take any challenge on.

Abilities:
Anthony had the normal abilities of a full grown man.

Known History:
Anthony grew up in London, England. He was apprenticed as a bookbinder at age fourteen, became a journeyman at age nineteen, and a master at twenty-two. He met his wife Glorianna during the great London Fire of 1666. They struggled together to rebuild their lives. He built up a successful bookbinding business on Threadneedle Street. They had two children, Roland and Annabelle.

Anthony and Glorianna did something unheard of, they taught their children to read. It was his hope that Roland would one day take over the business but Roland never could get interested in books or staying still inside. Annabelle, however, loved the business and learned a great deal, even reading all the books that came through her father's shop.

Everything changed when a strange woman dressed in black visited the Foresights, and convinced Anthony to sell his business, buy property in the American colonies and move his family to Jorgantown, Massachusetts.

Shortly after their arrival the Foresights met Eliza Pratchet. Anthony stood up for her against some rough men. For some unknown reason, Eliza fled into the woods and when Roland followed, Anthony gave chase. Soon the entire family were trapped in the dark wood, surrounded by wolves. They met Dominic Pratchet, the rightful owner of the land Anthony was sold. Dominic killed Anthony and his wife Glorianna. 

Annabelle and Roland would forever remember their parents love and devotion. They strive every night to live their undead lives in honor of their parents.  

Bite of Story Thursday

Night Children: Dark Threats

Chapter Four: 1899

       “Wait.”  Roland rolled his eyes.  “Invisible spies?  Vampires can’t turn invisible.  The most we can do is turn to mist and most can’t even do that.”

“No, his spies will be human,” Aisling replied.

Annabelle’s jaw dropped, as did Roland’s.  “Invisible humans?” she asked.  “Working for Dominic?  How?”

Aisling explained, “Let me start at the beginning.  Two years ago a man from England named Charles Griffin found a way to turn animals invisible.  He experimented on himself and went insane.  Griffin became paranoid, and hurt some people.  A mob of scared and angry townspeople tried to kill him.  Dominic’s bride, Penelope, watched the commotion and used her magic to sneak Griffin to safety.”

“So Dominic already has him?”

“No Roland.  Griffin’s experiment deranged his mind.  He fled Penelope, traveled here to America and went into hiding.  He’s in Florida, counting on the warmer climate to help keep him hidden.”

“Huh?” Roland always looked silly when he was confused.

Annabelle nudged him.  “If he’s invisible, he could go anywhere naked.  It’d be pretty tough walking around in the buff in the middle of a snowstorm.”

“Ah.”  A light came on in Roland’s eyes.

Aisling continued, “He wrote the formula down in two journals.  A man by the name of Thomas Marvel kept them in secret but he wasn’t very bright.  He opened an Inn by the name of The Invisible Man.”

“What an idiot.”  Roland slapped his forehead.

“What happened to him?”  Annabelle already guessed the answer.

“Penelope killed Marvel, took the journals and burned the Inn down.  Dominic’s servants tried to reproduce the formula.  It was written in a mixture of Russian and Greek.  That wasn’t hard to interpret but some pages were washed out.  They failed.”

“So why worry about it now?  It’s a dead end.”  Roland still appeared frustrated.  He shuffled his feet in the snow.  He still didn’t want to help.

“King Corbin received another vision yesterday.  He saw the chaos the invisible army would commit, and then he saw the two of you trying to protect Griffin from Penelope in Florida.”

“Did we succeed?”  Annabelle asked.

“Uncertain.  His visions cloud up after you arrive at his beach house and begin fighting with Penelope.  We need you.  You’ve got to rescue him.” 

------

For more check out Dark Threats at your local online store. Links to Dark Threats on the web can be found on the Store Page on this blog or you could just go here, Dark Threats on Amazon.

What I'm reading

Thought I'd drop a quick note that I'm enjoying Watership Down by Richard Adams.
Back in 1980, this was one of the first books I ever read. I loved it and have had fond memories ever since.

I haven't, however, reread it in all this time. Rereading it has been wonderful. My daughter Katelyn had to read it for English last school year and I decided to read it fresh after all these years so we could better talk about it.

I'm enjoying it. I forgot how wordy Adams is in his description. I tend to wander when I read heavy description so I've had to catch myself. I do the same things with Tolkien. Despite this, Adam's characters are strong, believable and once again I love sharing adventures with Hazel, Fiver and Bigwig all over again.

Anyway, got to get back to the bunnies.