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.”

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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.”

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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!

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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. 

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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.” 

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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.