tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38270459930835438482024-03-12T22:32:12.360-07:00Callie's CircumlocutionCalliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-7893367142720716652018-03-22T08:09:00.001-07:002018-03-22T08:09:19.106-07:00Promo Weekend!<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hello there, my friends!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I just wanted to take a quick moment to let all of you know that I've set up a promotion for this weekend. On Friday (March 23) my very first book, "The Threshold Child," will be available to download for FREE on Amazon! Then on Saturday (March 24) the first book of my current series, "Fire Sower," will be available to download for FREE on Amazon! Two great deals! Please help me to spread the word. Don't let anyone you know pass up on this opportunity!</span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-6272621892330408552017-12-30T05:36:00.005-08:002017-12-30T05:36:49.559-08:00Flame Singer is LIVE!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today's the day, my friends! My newest book is available for purchase on Amazon. Please help me to spread the word, and be sure to let me know what you think of this next step in Idris's journey!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Flame-Singer-Fire-Sower-Book-ebook/dp/B078P9VR7X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">https://www.amazon.com/Flame-Singer-Fire-Sower-Book-ebook/dp/B078P9VR7X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8</a></span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-46757660659426911122017-12-19T12:40:00.000-08:002017-12-19T12:40:29.571-08:00Flame Singer Preview: Chapter Two<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">My newest book is scheduled to be published on December 30th! Are you excited? Are you telling everyone you know about how excited you are? Are you offering to buy copies of "Fire Sower" for all your friends so they can get excited for the sequel with you? :) I hope the answer to all those questions is 'yes!'</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here's another preview chapter to help get all of you excited with me. If you haven't read the other previews, click <a href="http://calliekanno.blogspot.com/2017/11/flame-singer-preview-prologue.html" target="_blank">here</a> to begin. Otherwise, enjoy!</span><br />
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<h1 style="margin: 32px 0px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Chapter Two: Favorable Tides</span></h1>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Few people were out and about so
early in the day. The small group crossed the grounds of the military compound
without incident.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris’s glance slid across a pair
of soldiers standing guard near the outer wall. He recognized one of them as a
young man who had come from the same village as Idris. Meic’s expression was a
mixture of curiosity and resentment as he watched Idris walk by. Idris gave him
a wide grin as they passed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Meic’s eyes narrowed and he
determinedly turned away, as if indicating to Idris that he didn’t care what
the other was doing. Idris knew it was childish to goad Meic, but he enjoyed
doing it anyway.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I
hope that boy does not get into trouble while we are away, </i>Iona commented.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Idris was taken aback by her
concern. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do you think it likely?</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Iona considered her words
carefully. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I think that youth are eager
to prove their worth, and they do not often count the cost.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris waited for her to go on, but
she fell silent. Her statement left Idris feeling unsettled, but he pushed the
sensation away. He knew he needed to focus on his present situation instead of
what Meic might do in the future.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cowan led them down the path that
stretched through the city of Marath and down to the harbor. Idris felt his
stomach clench as he realized where they were heading. He had only been on a
boat once before in his life. It had not left a favorable impression.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris cleared his throat,
addressing his leader. “Do we have to travel by ship?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cowan’s sharp eyes rested on the
young man and a flicker of amusement passed over them. “Afraid of the ocean,
young farmer?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris’s face flushed. “No,” he
answered quickly. “But the motion of the water makes me… ill.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cowan nodded in understanding. “I
have some herbs you can chew to help with that. A ship will get us to our
destination in half the time it would take traveling by land.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris said no more, but the sinking
feeling didn’t go away. He knew that they were in a hurry, but it was almost
worth it to him to take the extra time and avoid the ocean.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Unlike the sleeping city, the
harbor was a bustle of activity. Fishermen were bringing their boats into the
docks, their nets filled with the day’s catch. Merchants were setting up their
booths for the day. Impoverished men and women hurried forward to offer their
services—doing any work that needed to be done in exchange for a fish or two.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Which ship are we seeking?” asked
Aherin, glancing down the long row of docks.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To Idris’s surprise, Hildar was the
one that answered.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“That one,” she pointed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Most of the ships in the harbor
looked sturdy and purely functional, made of weathered wood blackened with
pitch. The vessel that Hildar pointed out looked as different from the others
as a horse did from a pig.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The design was sleek and beautiful,
clearly made for speed. The wood was lacquered to look red, with dark green
accents painted along the railing and masts. The name of the ship was painted
in gold on the side. The letters were elaborate, and it took Idris—who had only
recently learned how to read—several seconds to figure out what it said.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Dagmar</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Is that one of your family’s
ships?” Aherin asked Hildar.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Her expression was rather rigid as
she replied, “It is mine.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“You own a ship?” Idris was unable
to keep the disbelief from his voice.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A faint flush colored Hildar’s
cheeks. “It was a gift from my grandmother when I came of age.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Two footmen in livery stood at the
bottom of the gangplank, their backs straight as nails. They gave elaborate
bows as Hildar approached; she nodded absently in acknowledgement.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Who is Dagmar?” Idris asked,
staring at the gleaming letters.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hildar stiffened, but didn’t turn
as she muttered, “She was my younger sister.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The young woman hurriedly marched
up the gangplank, avoiding any further questions. Idris could have kicked
himself for his thoughtless question. His face burned with shame at the
inadvertent pain he had caused Hildar. Aherin shot Idris a sympathetic glance
before following Captain Cowan onto the ship.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris was reluctant to leave solid
ground, but he knew that he would be scolded if he delayed them needlessly. He
clenched his eyes shut and took a deep breath, walking forward as if to his own
execution.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hildar was standing just at the top
of the gangplank, waiting for the approach of a stocky man in a tidy uniform of
green and red. His black hair was streaked with grey, falling loosely around
his shoulders. His brown eyes crinkled around the edges, as if he habitually
squinted.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“My Lady Hildar, welcome to your
vessel,” he said in a brusque tone.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Thank you, Captain Morn,” Hildar
responded carelessly. “I trust all is in order.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“The tides are with us, m’lady,”
the ship captain answered. “We can depart at your command.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Have the horses been brought
aboard?” Cowan inquired.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Yes, sir,” answered Morn.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Prepare to set sail immediately,”
Hildar ordered.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Very good, m’lady,” Morn
acknowledged with a bow. “Shall I have Lennon show you to your quarters?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The sea captain gestured to a young
man standing just behind him. The youth had curly brown hair and liquid brown
eyes, with his intense gaze fixed on Hildar’s face.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hildar waved her hand as she
brushed the suggestion aside. “I know my way,” she said, walking away without
looking at the young man.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lennon’s lips tightened and anger
flashed through his eyes. The emotion quickly passed, leaving his expression
calm. “I doubt any of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you </i>know where
to go,” he said with a small smile. “Follow me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As they walked, he introduced
himself. “I am Lennon, the second-in-command on this fine vessel. If there is
anything you need during your journey, please feel free to ask for my
assistance.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“You are quite young to have such a
post,” Cowan observed shrewdly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lennon nodded amiably. “Yes, it was
quite an honor to have Lady Hildar ask for my service.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“She requested you for the
position?” Aherin asked with a sly smile creeping across his face.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“She did,” confirmed Lennon. “I
have known Lady Hildar since we were children. I suppose she wanted to help an
old friend begin his career.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“That probably did not put you in
the favor of other sailors,” growled the captain of the Royal Guard.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lennon shrugged. “If there were any
hard feelings in the beginning, I have since proved my worth.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The young man led them to the aft
of the ship where a cabin sat on the deck. A set of stairs led to the top of
the cabin, and Idris could see the ship’s wheel located at the far end. The
nearest door of the cabin had gold letters painted on the red door that read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Captain</i>. Lennon led the small group
around the side to another red door, which he opened without ceremony.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Lady Hildar’s room is around the
back,” Lennon explained. “These will be your quarters during the journey.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris stepped through the door and
looked around the room. It wasn’t spacious, but it was comfortably furnished. A
pair of bunk beds were attached to the wall in the far right corner of the
room, and a hammock had been strung up in the opposite corner. Drawers had been
built into the base of the bottom bed, where they could place their belongings.
A small looking glass was mounted on the wall, a pair of padded chairs were
bolted to the floor, and an enclosed case held four books—a clear sign of the
luxury of the vessel. The one window in the room looked out to the foredeck,
where Idris could see the sailors preparing to cast off.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Is there anything I can get for
you?” asked Lennon politely.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cowan shook his grizzled head. “No,
this should be just fine.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Lennon gave a brisk nod. “Then, I
will leave you to get settled.” He exited the room, closing the door behind
him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Captain Cowan sat down on the
bottom bunk, pulling out one of the drawers to put his things away. That left
the two young men to decide between them who would get the other bed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“I do not mind sleeping in the
hammock,” Idris said quickly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Aherin shrugged. “I do not mind
either.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris gave a small laugh. “What I
mean is that I would be happy to take the hammock. I slept in one for most of
my childhood, so it is quite comfortable to me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Aherin smiled. “Very well.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The ship gave a sudden lurch and
Idris went down on one knee. He felt the blood drain from his face as the
motion sickness set in.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We
have not yet left the dock and already you are ready to lose your stomach,</i>
Iona said with a tangible chuckle in her voice.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“I think I need some fresh air,”
Idris blurted as he rushed for the door.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He didn’t stop until he ran into
the railing, clutching it with both hands and clenching his jaw shut. He took
several deep breaths through his nose and closed his eyes, willing his head to
stop spinning.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Marlais
loved the sea</i>, Iona said softly. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He
said reminded him of his home.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The partisan rarely spoke of her
former master—the pain of his loss was still too recent for her—so it caught
Idris off guard to have her volunteer such information. He was always eager to
learn more about the legendary Marlais Dragonspear, even in the midst of
feeling ill.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“His home?” Idris asked, his eyes
still closed tight against the waves of sickness that rolled over his body.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Marlais
was born in a small village along the coast. Whenever he could not sleep at
night, he would think of the sound of ocean waves and it would soothe him.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris found himself focusing on the
sound of the water below. “It is a nice sound,” he admitted.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">His
father was a ship captain and Marlais rarely saw him as a child. As a result,
Marlais developed an irrational resentment of all boats. But he always loved
the sea.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris couldn’t help but smile. Iona
made Marlais seem so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ordinary</i>, in
spite of the amazing stories that were told about him.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“I thought he was the son of a
banished warlord,” the young man commented.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Iona snorted. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hardly, </i>she said in an irritated tone. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">His mother was part of the local gentry, but she was cut off from her
family when she decided to marry a sailor. She lived a life of poverty and
rarely saw her husband after they wed.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris’s brow contracted. “That is
sad,” he said quietly.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes,
it is, </i>agreed Iona.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Why are you telling me this?”
Idris asked.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To
prove a point.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“What point?” he urged.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">That
you are only as sick on water as you choose to be, farmer.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris was startled by her blunt
words. “What?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Open
your eyes.</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris complied and saw that the ship
had pulled away from the harbor without him noticing. The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dagmar </i>was sailing smoothly into the open water.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He laughed. “You told me about
Marlais to distract me.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes,
and it worked, </i>Iona said smugly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The motion of the ship began to
grow with their increasing speed, causing Idris’s stomach to rebel.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stop
thinking about it,</i> Iona ordered sharply.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“I cannot help it,” Idris moaned.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You
are a weak and foolish farm boy, </i>Iona reprimanded.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris didn’t dispute her statement.
“Exactly,” he said through clenched teeth, “and farm boys belong on land.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Perhaps
you should go lay in your hammock and pretend the rocking has nothing to do
with the ocean. </i>Iona’s voice was laden with disgust.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Idris was quite willing to follow
her suggestion. But not before he emptied his stomach into the rushing water
below.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-36684039834802985272017-12-01T15:28:00.001-08:002017-12-01T15:28:28.009-08:00Flame Singer Book Cover<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I always get so excited when I see the final product of my book cover! I've worked with such talented artists for all of my books, and I'm grateful that they're still willing to work with me. Haha! So, here is the cover for "Flame Singer" which is my newest book coming out at the end of this month. The artist is the amazing Dustin Foran, who did the art for "Fire Sower" too. Enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2R0stziMDSmIeBGbcmfkoTwNWtxlK5HxbNUjiPqgCR8LcDBF82NX6mc0Tu23sPsOzYZ_HxIl1qUac5VA27ASVnWB1YFThwiyJCcnBJOdxo6RSyOxFbd0AasNh50GradSiC41JMUpZZ0/s1600/Flame+Singer+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2R0stziMDSmIeBGbcmfkoTwNWtxlK5HxbNUjiPqgCR8LcDBF82NX6mc0Tu23sPsOzYZ_HxIl1qUac5VA27ASVnWB1YFThwiyJCcnBJOdxo6RSyOxFbd0AasNh50GradSiC41JMUpZZ0/s640/Flame+Singer+Final.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-36952965324359218362017-11-29T06:34:00.001-08:002017-12-19T12:41:20.336-08:00Flame Singer Preview: Chapter One<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's another sneak peek to whet your appetite for my newest book! As you probably already know, it is the sequel to "Fire Sower" and it is planned to be released within the next month. As always, I love getting feedback from readers, so tell me what you think so far! And, of course, help me spread the word.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you haven't read the previous preview, click <a href="http://calliekanno.blogspot.com/2017/11/flame-singer-preview-prologue.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chapter One: Leave Taking</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris’s eyes were already open when
the knock sounded at his door. In spite of Captain Cowan’s urging that he get
some rest, Idris had been unable to sleep. He had heard the soft sound of
footsteps approaching from down the hall.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Idris?” a familiar voice called.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He sat up immediately. “Just a
moment, sir.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris pulled on his boots and
walked across the room to open the door. Captain Cowan stood on the other side,
his heavily scarred face pinched and weary.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris straightened his scarlet
tunic. The dragon and starburst embroidered in gold on his chest glimmered in
the lamplight. “Are we going to see King Nikolas now?” he asked his superior
with more confidence than he felt.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cowan shook his grizzled head. “I
have already spoken to the king.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris was secretly relieved. He
suddenly understood why the captain of the Royal Guard looked so harried. “What
did he say?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“He has given his blessing,” the
old soldier answered shortly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was clear to Idris that it
hadn’t been as simple as that, but he knew better than to pry for details. King
Nikolas the Bold was a warrior in every sense of the word, and he never gave
ground without a fight. Captain Cowan had likely engaged in a lengthy argument
in order to gain the king’s approval.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris felt a surge of anxiety as
his thoughts naturally turned to the journey they were about to take—the reason
they had needed the king’s blessing. Captain Cowan and the three youngest
members of the Royal Guard were about to depart from Marath for an unknown
length of time during a turbulent period in the king’s capital city. There were
less than a dozen members of the Royal Guard to begin with. Losing almost half
of their number would leave the royal family more vulnerable than any of them
would like.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet, it had to be done. If they did
not undertake the journey, they would lose one of their number permanently.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cowan handed Idris a bundle.
“Change your clothing.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Yes, sir,” Idris answered
automatically.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The captain walked away and Idris
closed the door to his room. He set the bundle on his bed before unwrapping it.
He found it contained the clothes he was expected to wear. The tunic was brown
and nondescript, as was the rest of the ensemble. It could have been worn by
just about anyone, which was probably why Cowan had selected it. The belt that
went around the waist had a couple of pouches attached to it. Idris filled them
with items that would be of use as they traveled—a flint, a small knife, a
medical kit.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris changed his clothes, then
tidied his topknot of black hair. When he was finished, he pick up the weapon
that had gained him admittance into the king’s most elite group of soldiers.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was a partisan, with a black
lacquered shaft about six feet in length and the bottom capped in etched steel.
The top of the polearm was sculpted steel overlaid with gold and jewels to form
a dragon’s head, and the blade looked like a tongue of flame issuing from the
dragon’s mouth. Idris admired the beauty of the priceless weapon, just as he
always did when he set eyes on it. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The craftsmanship of the weapon was
extraordinary, and the detailed expression on the dragon’s face made it look
alive. The glittering rubies of the scales and the sapphires of the eyes were
so bright they almost glowed. Idris knew that was due largely to the power of
the weapon.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Is
it time, farmer?</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The voice sounded in his mind like
a familiar melody.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Yes, Iona,” Idris answered aloud.
“It is time.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The partisan—like all magical
items—was sentient and worked in partnership with Idris. Not long ago they
could barely exchange a civil conversation, but now Idris was pleased to
acknowledge that they were friends.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris gently pulled a fitted
leather covering over the head of the partisan, tying it closed. The cover hid
the riches from view. There was no way to hide that he was carrying a polearm,
but onlookers would not suspect its true worth.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris attached the partisan into a
holder which he then strapped to his back. He glanced around the room to see if
there was anything else worth taking, pausing as he looked at the mantel over
the fireplace.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When he had first come to Marath to
train with the Royal Guard, his family had given him a bundle of gifts. Among
the items was a chain of colorful yarn with beads woven into it—each bead
representing a member of his family. The family chain was a traditional gift to
those who left home, so they could symbolically carry their family with them as
they traveled. Idris picked up his family chain and tucked it into the pouch on
his belt.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>How
sentimental,</i> Iona commented. Her voice had a teasing tone, but it was
affectionate as well.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I do not know when I will be back
again,” Idris explained needlessly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With a final glance around his
room, he walked to the door and stepped out to the hallway beyond. A small
group of Royal Guards stood waiting near the exit. Captain Cowan was speaking
quietly to Drusi, his second in command, and Farah, Idris’s instructor. Aherin,
one of the new members of the Royal Guard, stood slightly to the side talking
with Demas and Palti.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris’s eyes fell on Hildar, a
young woman with the chestnut hair and fair skin that told of noble bloodlines.
Her delicate face was pale and her eyes were weary with strain. She looked at
Idris and nodded in greeting, a show of their recent friendship.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He smiled in return, but his
stomach gripped with anxiety. Hildar was the bearer of a weapon of power that
had been corrupted at some point in its history. That dagger was fighting to
take control of her. Idris had seen firsthand how destructive Hildar’s weapon
could be. He had no desire to witness it again.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His eyes automatically dropped to
the belt around Hildar’s waist, where she normally kept her dagger. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Where is Savion?” he asked in what
he hoped was a casual tone.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hildar’s hand moved to her belt,
clutching at the empty air. Her expression became one of chagrin as she became
aware of her reflexive action. She cleared her throat and determinedly dropped
her hand to her side. “Captain Cowan has sealed the dagger in a special case.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hildar gestured as she spoke.
Idris’s eyes followed the motion to the case in Cowan’s hands. It was long and
narrow, just the right size for a dagger. Idris couldn’t tell what the box was
made of, but it looked like crystal. The case looked to be solid, without seams
or hinges. If the outline of the dagger hadn’t been visible, Idris wouldn’t
have known that the rectangle was anything more than solid rock.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Captain Cowan overheard the
exchange between Idris and Hildar. He turned to address the group. “Now that we
are all assembled, I shall share with you the plan for our journey.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">An expectant hush settled over the
hall.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The captain of the Royal Guard held
up the crystal case in his hand. “This is a special item taken from the king’s
personal treasury. It was made during the time of Lyndham, the first king of
Calaris, and has been handed down through the royal family. It acts as a
barrier around magical items, rendering them useless until released. In this
way, Hildar’s dagger will be contained during our journey.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris felt as though a large rock
had been lifted from his chest. He was relieved to know that Savion couldn’t
hurt Hildar anymore.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cowan continued. “King Nikolas has
given me permission to take Hildar, Idris, and Aherin on a journey to reforge
this dagger. I have been told that it is a dangerous process, and we are not
guaranteed success. However, I believe that it is necessary for us to try.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Several heads nodded in agreement.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Drusi is in charge while I am
away,” he went on. “The remaining Royal Guards are to stay vigilant in
protecting the royal family. We know that there are traitors in the Water
Palace, and it is likely that war with Roshum is approaching. It is not
possible to be too cautious when it comes to the safety of the king and his
heirs.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris could see that Cowan’s
warnings were unnecessary. Every member of the Royal Guard took a solemn oath
to protect the royal family. The fervor of that vow shone in each soldier’s
eyes. In fact, the reason that Jerin and Roth were not present for this meeting
was because Cowan had ordered that the king never be left unattended. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Where will you go?” Drusi asked
quietly. “The art of forging weapons of power was lost long ago.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cowan gave a small smile. “There
are people who may know where to find what has been lost.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If Drusi was bothered by the
cryptic answer, she gave no indication. Instead, she nodded as if he had said
exactly what she expected to hear. “I wish you luck on your journey.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her statement signaled the end of
the brief meeting, and everyone broke into smaller groups to say goodbye.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Demas and Palti walked over to
Idris. The former clapped Idris heartily on the shoulder.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I wish I was coming with you,”
Demas said regretfully. “Adventure and glory awaits you, while I stay here to
keep an eye on the royal children.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris grinned at his friend. “I
think you mean that mud and snow and scant rations await me, while you get
comfort and hot meals.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Palti chuckled. “He has a point,
Demas.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Just think of how the ladies will
swoon when you recount your harrowing tales of blizzards and danger,” Demas
pressed on with a theatrical tone of voice.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris felt a small catch in his
throat as he laughed. “I will miss you, my friend.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Demas’s expression became more
sincere. “I wish you safety on your journey.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Palti reached out and gripped
Idris’s hand. “As do I, <i>duwado</i>.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The large man’s affectionate
nickname for Idris meant ‘little brother’ in his native language. He truly
treated Idris like a younger brother, which was something that Idris treasured.
Being away from his family had been a difficult transition, but the friends he
had made during that time had made it bearable.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Captain Cowan gestured to his three
youngest Royal Guards. “Let us waste no time. Our ship awaits.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Do
not worry, </i>Iona said comfortingly. <i>You
will see them again, in this life or the next.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris knew she meant well, but her
words were anything but comforting.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He turned and followed his
companions as they walked out of the quarters of the Royal Guards and into the
winter’s cold.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">***For the next preview chapter, click <a href="http://calliekanno.blogspot.com/2017/12/flame-singer-preview-chapter-two.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-62030217320763063422017-11-15T05:17:00.002-08:002017-11-29T06:35:59.105-08:00Flame Singer Preview: Prologue<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, dear readers! I feel bad that I've had to push back the release date for my newest book, so I thought I'd start posting preview chapters a little earlier than usual. I hope it will tide you over for now. Just know that I'm hard at work and we'll be ready to go soon! Until then, I hope you enjoy this sneak peek.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Prologue</span></span></h1>
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</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Where did you get this?”</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The harsh question caused Arik to
straighten his back. “It has been in my family for generations,” he said
defensively.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The questioner grunted dubiously,
but said nothing further for several moments. He stared into the leather pouch
as if it simultaneously contained the greatest treasure in the world and the
thing he feared most.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik studied the giant form before
him—a man doubled over from habitual stooping. Arik wondered if that was from
his work at the forge or from the years of suffering that had clearly broken
the man.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Has it ever been touched?” the
former Forger asked next.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik’s shoulder jerked guiltily,
but it went unseen by the giant man staring into the pouch. “No,” Arik lied.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik’s grandfather had given him
the leather pouch when Arik had come of age. It was a family heirloom—their
greatest pride. Arik had not believed that it was truly the eye of a chimera.
After all, the creatures had been extinct since his father was a child.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His grandfather had warned him
never to touch it, and so Arik had first dumped the lump of metal-looking
material on his bed. It looked so ordinary. So… disappointing.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But then, he had reached out to run
his fingers over the smooth surface.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik shuddered involuntarily at the
memory.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It had been like an explosion of
fireworks in his mind, full of vivid colors and strong emotions. The rush of
adrenaline was unlike anything Arik had ever experienced before.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the next few years, Arik spent
most of his private time holding the chimera eye. He reveled in the flow of raw
magic that emanated from the stone. He obsessed over the possibility of
harnessing that power. He studied every known text concerning the forging of
magical items, searching endlessly for the elusive Forgers.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, his searching had paid
off.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“What do you want from me?” the
former Forger asked, tearing his gaze away from the contents of the pouch.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I want you to turn that into a weapon,”
Arik answered promptly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The large man’s expression
darkened. “I am no longer a Forger, boy. You should have been told that by
whoever gave you my name.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik wrestled down the desperation
in his voice. “But surely you still know how it is done,” he said quietly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The former Forger’s brow contracted
sharply. “Yes,” he whispered, “I remember.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik switched to a soothing tone,
as if speaking to a wild animal. “It would be such a waste to let this
beautiful material remain as it is. It was meant to be something more.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The giant man nodded slowly. “He
has been waiting…”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik wasn’t sure what the Forger
meant, but he could sense that he was close to getting what he had wanted for
so long.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I should not,” the man murmured to
himself, “but it truly would be such a waste of the sacrifice that was made.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik held his breath, waiting for
the Forger to convince himself it was the right thing to do. Arik knew it was
only a matter of time. All of his research had shown that the Forgers had
strict beliefs regarding magical materials.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I will do it,” the large man said
finally. “But I do not do it for you. I do it for <i>him,</i>” he nodded to the pouch.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Arik’s rush of elation was so
powerful that he could hardly contain himself. It didn’t matter to him what the
Forger’s motivations were. All that mattered was that he would finally have a
weapon of power. He would be able to wield the magic that had been at his
fingertips for so long.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then, nothing would stop him…</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Will you give it a name, like all
those other famous magical weapons?” Arik asked excitedly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“He already has a name,” the former
Forger said softly. “His name is Savion.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />***To read the next preview chapter, click <a href="http://calliekanno.blogspot.com/2017/11/flame-singer-preview-chapter-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-81503953609417013602017-10-26T06:12:00.000-07:002017-10-26T06:12:12.875-07:00"Flame Singer" Release Delay<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things around here have been pretty crazy over the past few weeks--sick kids, sick adults, school trouble, etc. As a result, I haven't been able to get much work done on my newest book. So, I am sorry to say, the release date for "Flame Singer" has been pushed back a month. I'm still not sure on the exact date, but it will be before the end of the year. I hope. I'll keep you updated as it gets closer. Thanks for your patience!</span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-17938554358004282982017-10-12T08:14:00.000-07:002017-10-12T08:14:00.187-07:00Preview Sketch<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things are moving along for the sequel to "Fire Sower," which is currently set to be released in November! It will be titled "Flame Singer." I'll soon start posting preview chapters, but for now, here's a preview sketch of the cover. Enjoy!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYGDvDQj-dFNVFl0XAXLidIUhawQyFptaRfaRYeUi8MicZ0BVuJlbVK237QSo_sxOJxUowqdPYdY__jFKSm2qoOk1v6ZBHu7xAbTVk02L4b5GyXb1Qny0uFCpB3Lgwy1bM_TNodAjE4E/s1600/IMG_20170904_122125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="981" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYGDvDQj-dFNVFl0XAXLidIUhawQyFptaRfaRYeUi8MicZ0BVuJlbVK237QSo_sxOJxUowqdPYdY__jFKSm2qoOk1v6ZBHu7xAbTVk02L4b5GyXb1Qny0uFCpB3Lgwy1bM_TNodAjE4E/s640/IMG_20170904_122125.jpg" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-87469620940606663032017-06-30T12:05:00.001-07:002017-06-30T12:05:41.304-07:00Free Book!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Big news, my readers! I'm doing another promotion for my newest book! On July 4-6 (happy holiday to my fellow Americans!) you can download "Dratchers: the Golden Egg" from Amazon for FREE! This is a great opportunity to try out the first of my newest series with no sacrifice on your part (other than the time it takes to read the book). Please help me spread the word! Tell your friends, your family, your co-workers, your enemies! And put it on your calendar so you don't forget to download it yourself. ;)</span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-24695961866346946742017-05-15T19:48:00.001-07:002017-05-15T19:48:43.011-07:00New Book!<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I decided to enter the Amazon UK Storytelling Contest, which posed a couple of issues. First, all entries have to be previously unpublished. Second, the deadline is May 19, 2017. I literally had five weeks from when I decided to enter to write a new book. (Yes, I'm a crazy person.) That has meant the following: little sleep, cranky Callie, feverish writing pace, editing until I want to die, and poor nutrition. Also, my husband has been pulling double parenting duty to give me time to write. And my little ones are thoroughly tired of hearing me say, "Just a minute, Mommy's working."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I see the light at the end of the tunnel! My book is just about done with its final revision! I will be publishing it as part of the Storytelling Contest on May 17th.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a junior reads fantasy novel, rather than my usual YA fantasy. It's shorter, simpler, and meant for young readers. And I hope that my condensed time frame didn't harm the story. Please let me know what you think! I'll be posting the first few chapters on this blog over the next little while, but the book will be available for purchase in a couple of days. For now, here's the amazing cover done by Rybread Studio:</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTcpADbU1hV5kqMOVZLzZeVObebWY7AtUl1TAvzt6YHyYidcAuhcYl6o_FGuxKWpAekfTlnEgme42vZclwmi-y2sUSvFoE7AC-Es6dscLrJ4DlAW2xIDvFxwsmcBdC0o5txUIgKkDmRg/s1600/Dratchers+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTcpADbU1hV5kqMOVZLzZeVObebWY7AtUl1TAvzt6YHyYidcAuhcYl6o_FGuxKWpAekfTlnEgme42vZclwmi-y2sUSvFoE7AC-Es6dscLrJ4DlAW2xIDvFxwsmcBdC0o5txUIgKkDmRg/s640/Dratchers+Cover.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-80157834633925283762017-05-15T19:33:00.000-07:002017-05-15T19:33:06.739-07:00Oh Dear...<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've done it again! I've completely neglected this blog, and I apologize profusely. Really. I'm quite embarrassed. Things have been rather hectic for me lately, but that's not really an excuse. I mean, how hard is it to give updates on how my writing's going? Not hard. And now it's been seven months since my last entry. SEVEN. So...yeah...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Okay! Let's get down to business!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm doing fine, thanks for asking. My kids are running amok, and I'm pretty sure I've permanently lost what was left of my sanity. But I love my family to pieces! We recently sold our house and bought a new one. We don't yet live in the new one because the previous owners needed to rent back from us for a few months. So...we've been staying with my in-laws. It's actually not too bad, but I'm eager to get into my own place again. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Fire Sower" is doing quite well. I've been getting very positive feedback, and some good constructive criticism as well. I always appreciate hearing what people think, especially when it helps me to be a better writer. I do have plans for writing a sequel, but it has been temporarily put on hold while I do a shorter project. That project is just about done (I'll be posting about that separately) so then I'll be working on the next "Fire Sower" book again! I'm thinking it will be ready to go the end of this year. Maybe. Probably. I'll let you know once I get going on it again.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, don't give up on this blog! I'll keep posting...just not consistently. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter, because I'm much better about keeping those up to date.</span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-14464293512076686062016-09-01T05:45:00.003-07:002016-09-01T05:45:52.290-07:00FIRE SOWER is Live!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm so happy, and I hope that you are as excited as I am! My fourth book is finally finished, and it is available on Amazon. It has been a whirlwind process, and I have learned a lot. Namely, to be more conservative when setting deadlines for myself. Haha! But it's here, and I'm so proud of myself and everyone that helped me to get this book done. Please take a moment to help me spread the word, and don't forget to send me your feedback after you read my new book!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fire Sower</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris couldn’t wait to choose an item from the royal treasury on his
fifteenth birthday. It was a chance to bring prosperity to his family’s
farm. But something was waiting there among the gold and
jewels—something that would take him from the safety of his home and
change his life forever.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Sower-Callie-Kanno-ebook/dp/B01LC2HJ1W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472732888&sr=8-1&keywords=fire+sower">https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Sower-Callie-Kanno-ebook/dp/B01LC2HJ1W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472732888&sr=8-1&keywords=fire+sower</a></span></span> Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-80463352558330444282016-08-27T20:10:00.000-07:002016-08-27T20:10:55.368-07:00Fire Sower Preview: Chapter Three<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This will be the last preview chapter before the book goes live on September 1st! I'm really excited to see what everyone thinks of my new series, so be sure to give lots of feedback. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank my editor, Brenda Johnson. She worked extra hard to help me get this done on time, and I couldn't have done it without her. I would also like to thank my husband for his support and involvement. He's a crucial part of my writing process, and he enables me to do so much.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, here's the next chapter of "Fire Sower." If you haven't read the first two chapters, click <a href="http://calliekanno.blogspot.com/2016/08/fire-sower-preview-chapter-one.html" target="_blank">here</a> to begin.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Chapter Three: The
Treasury</span></span></span></h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The home of King Nikolas was called the Water Palace. It had
been built from marble composed of various shades of blue, and the design made
the building look like an enormous fountain. The spires looked like jets of
water shooting towards the sky, and the walls were textured to look like water
as well.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>If the design of the palace itself were not enough to carry
on the theme, the courtyard held several magnificent water features that added
to the ambience. A waterfall tumbled down the center of the stairs to the grand
entrance, several fountains glittered along the walkways, and an artificial
stream flowed through the ground level of the palace.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris stared at his surroundings with open wonder on his
face. He could never have imagined such wealth and grandeur.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>One of the civic soldiers—wearing the green tunic with the
city sigil—had been assigned to show them to the entrance of the Treasury,
which was also on the ground floor of the Water Palace.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>They walked up the stairs to the grand entrance, and through
a large set of double doors that bore the royal crest—a dragon with a starburst
in one of its front claws. The entrance hall was several stories high, with a
glass roof letting in the sunlight. A small golden bridge took them over the
artificial stream flowing through the room, and they walked down a hall to
their left.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The hallway was guarded by palace soldiers—designated by
blue tunics with a silhouette of the Water Palace embroidered on the chest.
They watched the progress of the four farmers as they walked along, as if they
didn’t trust the civic soldier to keep them under control.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>At the end of the hall was a simple wooden door, in front of
which stood two more palace soldiers. The civic soldier gestured them forward
and then walked away without further explanation.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“You must submit to a search,” declared one of the palace
soldiers.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris looked at his father in confusion, but followed his
lead in allowing the soldier to make sure there was nothing hidden on his
person. Their packs were taken to a small room off to the side, where they
could pick them up after leaving the Treasury.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris and Cadell waited while Owen and Meic went through the
same process, and then they were led through the wooden door and down a winding
staircase.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>At the bottom of the stairs there was a large room with
several rows of benches where people could sit and wait for their turn in the
Treasury. Next to another wooden door was a desk, where an aged woman with
spectacles sat with a quill before her and a bookcase full of thick ledgers
behind her.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Cadell led the way to the woman at the desk, and she looked
at them shrewdly.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“What is the name of your city or village?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Rest Stone Valley,” answered Cadell.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The woman stood up and turned to the bookcase, scanning the
ledgers and muttering to herself.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Rest Stone Valley, part of the Hills Province, west of the
Fenn Province…”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>She selected one of the ledgers and set it on the desk with
an impressive <i>thump</i>. The woman opened
the book to the middle and thumbed her way to the last entry. Then, with a soft
sigh, she sat down and prepared her quill.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Name and lineage?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Cadell nudged Idris, who stammered his answer. “Idris, son
of Cadell, son of Garan.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The woman made a careful entry, and Idris watched her in
fascination. He had never learned how to read or write.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Very well. Please wait there until you are called.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris followed his father back to the benches where half a
dozen others waited. He half-listened as Meic went through the same process,
but his mind was focused on trying to slow down his racing heart.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The wooden door opened and a haughty looking girl came
sweeping out. She was dressed in an elegant silk robe, and she held an
elaborate tiara in her hands. A palace guard followed her out and handed the
woman at the desk a slip of parchment. The woman nodded as she took it and set
it aside to enter into the ledger when she was able.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Hildar, daughter of Lord Wythe, Duke of the Hazelwood
Province,” called the soldier at the wooden door.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris looked around and spotted a remarkably beautiful girl
making her way toward the soldier. She had wavy chestnut hair and her skin was
fairer than any Idris had ever seen. However, the beauty of her delicate face
was marred by an expression of supreme disdain.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>She went through the wooden door, and it closed behind her.
Idris estimated that a half hour passed before she emerged.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The soldier handed a slip of parchment to the woman at the
desk, and the process began all over again.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Sten, son of Sten, son of Pryor.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>A slightly nauseated-looking boy followed the soldier
through the wooden door. It was only a handful of minutes before he returned
with a leather pouch in his hand.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Durban, son of Cian, son of Laz.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris found his attention waning. He was tired from the
heightened emotions of the day, and he was impatient to be done.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>After another hour, he heard the soldier call out, “Meic,
son of Owen, son of Cybi.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris leaned over to his father and whispered, “I thought I
would be first.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Cadell shrugged. “They must have mixed up the order. It does
not matter.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Meic followed the palace soldier through the wooden door and
emerged several minutes later with a sword in his hands. His smug face shone
with triumph as he faced his waiting father.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Well,” said Owen softly, “I suppose we should head home.”
He turned to Cadell and asked, “Would you like us to wait for you?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Cadell shook his head. “No, you go on ahead.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris could understand why his father had said that. There
was an expression on Owen’s face that said he wanted to talk to his son alone.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Idris, son of Cadell, son of Garan.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris felt his heart leap in his chest and he turned around
in a jerky motion.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Good luck, son,” Cadell said quietly.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris nodded his thanks and walked over to the soldier,
feeling that his feet were somehow not attached to his body.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>He passed through the wooden door and found himself standing
in another room, smaller than the last. There were two more palace soldiers
standing by a table that held scales and other measuring instruments, and
beyond them was a tall and ornate door.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The door was overlaid with gold and the royal crest was
depicted with thousands of glittering jewels. The dragon appeared to be made of
rubies, with eyes of emerald, and the starburst was made up of diamonds.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Idris, son of Cadell, son of Garan?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris nodded to confirm his identity, his eyes still glued
to the display of wealth before him.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“You may return with a single item or, if you wish for coins
or jewels, you may use one of the pouches provided within and fill it to
capacity. Return here with your choice and it will be documented.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>He nodded again and one of the guards grasped the golden
handle to the door and pulled it open.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris forced himself to walk through the opening, once again
feeling as though he were not connected to his own body. He came to an abrupt
stop as soon as he crossed the threshold, and he barely heard the door close
behind him.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The Treasury was easily half the size of the palace itself,
and Idris marveled that such a large space could exist underground. More
amazing than that was the fact that every reasonable space was filled with
valuables.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>There were mountains of coins—gold, silver, and copper—and
there were veritable rivers of loose jewels. There were several display cases
with jewelry and armor, and there were stands holding a variety of weapons.
There were bolts of cloth and a stack of rare fur pelts, and there were ornate
vases and statues and other works of fine art. There were gilded mirrors and
jeweled platters, and sets of fine china in protective cases.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris could barely process all of what he was seeing. How
could he possibly choose a single item among all of the riches?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>On a table to his right there were three stacks of leather
pouches in different sizes. The smallest was as large as his fist and the
largest was the size of his head. Idris suddenly understood his father’s advice
about choosing carefully. It was indeed a great temptation to use the biggest
pouch and fill it with gold and jewels, but how would he ever pay such wealth
back?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Having become more accustomed to the sight of the glittering
abundance before him, Idris took a deep breath and began his search.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>To his left there was a curious stand filled with tokens
hanging on small silver hooks. The tokens depicted pictures of different
livestock, along with a number. Idris didn’t know how to read, but he had been
taught to recognize numbers. Farmers used numbers far more than any other
written symbol.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>He could see that there were many options in regard to
animals that could be claimed from the royal stables. One horse or one cow; two
pigs or three goats. There were tokens representing sheep, chickens, rabbits,
turkeys, dogs, cats, pigeons, and numerous others. There were also a number of
exotic animals, such as peacocks or leopards. Idris grinned at the idea of
taking home a leopard.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Even though it made the most sense for Idris to take one of
the tokens back to the palace guards and go to the stable to claim his prize,
it still did not feel right. He slowly walked away from the stand, wondering if
he was making a mistake.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>He wandered among the piles of valuables, occasionally
picking up something to inspect it closer.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>There was a filigreed spyglass sitting next to several
instruments that Idris did not recognize. There was a vase made of pure
crystal. There was a statuette of a man riding a horse.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Nothing stood apart in Idris’s mind.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>He stopped in frustration, rubbing his eyes, which were
tired from the glare of the gold around him.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>How was he to choose?</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Suddenly, he felt something.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>It was almost like a physical tug on his body. He took a few
uncertain steps forward, following the pull but almost wanting to resist.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>He didn’t understand what was happening, and that frightened
him.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>He continued moving forward slowly, his mind searching for a
reason for this strange pull. He wove through the Treasury as if he had always
known the path he was taking. At the far end he slowed to a stop, staring at a
small doorway hidden to the side of a large display of helmets.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Even if Idris had walked right in front of the doorway, he
doubted that he would have noticed it. Yet, somehow, he had known it was there.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>With a sense of trepidation, Idris walked through the
opening into a darkened room. The only light in the room came in from the
Treasury, which was not much to see by. Dimly, he could see the outlines of a
number of weapons—swords, bows, spears, axes, and other things Idris didn’t
recognize.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>His eyes fixed on a single silhouette and his hand reached
out to grasp the item that had drawn him there.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Almost expecting some sort of trap to suddenly snap around him,
Idris hurried out of the dark room and back to the light of the Treasury. Then
he stared at the doorway for several heart-pounding moments, waiting for
something to happen.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>When nothing did happen, Idris began to breathe more
normally. He looked down to examine the weapon in his hand.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>It was a polearm, almost like a spear but with a larger
head. The shaft was about six feet long, and the wood gleamed with a black
lacquer finish. The end opposite of the blade had a pointed cap made of steel
with designs etched into it. The metal piece that held the head to the shaft
was formed in the image of a dragon, and the blade itself looked like a tongue
of flame issuing from the dragon’s mouth.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The dragon was overlaid with gold, and dozens of tiny rubies
were set to look like sections of its scales. The details etched into the
figure were exquisite, and the fierce expression on its face made it seem
alive. Two glittering sapphires made up the eyes, and the teeth were tiny
diamonds.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris stared at the weapon in wonder, amazed at the skill
and care that had been put into making it.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span>Who are you?</span></i><span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris almost dropped the polearm in surprise. He looked
around, trying to find the source of the voice that had spoken to him. It was a
woman’s voice, musical and filled with confidence.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span>Who are you?</span></i><span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The voice had become more insistent, but Idris hardly took
notice of the tone. His mind was whirling with the realization that the voice
had slipped directly into his head.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“I…I am Idris…” he stammered.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span>How dare you take hold of me
without the permission of my master!</span></i><span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris’s eyes widened as he stared down at the weapon in his
hand.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Are you the spear?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The voice was filled with contempt. <i>I am not a spear. I am a partisan.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“I am sorry,” apologized Idris. “I am a farmer, and I am not
very familiar with different types of weapons.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span>A farmer?</span></i><span> scoffed the partisan. <i>Then you have no business touching one of
the most famed weapons in the world. Return me to my master at once.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Who is your master?” Idris asked.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span>He is called Marlais.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Marlais Dragonspear?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>If Idris had not already been shocked by having a
conversation with a weapon, this information would have floored him.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Marlais Dragonspear was a legendary hero, not just in
Calaris but around the world. It was said that he defeated the last of the
bloodthirsty giants that had terrorized the land. Stories told of his many
battles and his glorious victories. There was even a tale that he had fought
with Death for the soul of his beloved wife. Such elaborate tales may have been
invented by storytellers, but history did say definitively that Marlais
Dragonspear helped King Lyndham to found the kingdom of Calaris.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span>I suppose he is called that by
some.</span></i><span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris had so many questions rushing through his head he
didn’t know where to begin. “What was he like? Were you his magical spear? Were
you with him when he battled the giant?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The voice became rather testy. <i>I told you, I am not a spear. And why do speak of him in the past
tense?</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Marlais Dragonspear lived hundreds of years ago. He is long
dead,” Idris said carelessly, eager to ask more questions.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span>You lie,</span></i><span> said the voice quietly.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris was taken aback. “What?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span>You lie!</span></i><span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Why would I lie about something like that?” he asked the
partisan.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>There was no response.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Hello?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The silence seemed almost deafening, and Idris wasn’t sure
what to do next. He briefly considered putting the magical weapon back in the
hidden room, but something deep within him rejected the idea.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>He may not understand why, but he was meant to take the
partisan with him.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Not knowing what else to do, Idris walked back to the
entrance of the Treasury and pushed the door open. The palace soldiers were
waiting for him, and they waved him over to the table.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“A spear?” asked one of the soldiers, his quill ready to
make a note on a slip of parchment.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“She said she was a partisan,” Idris answered.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“What?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The soldier looked up sharply and took the partisan from
Idris’s hands. He only had to glance at it and his eyes widened in disbelief.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Where did you get this?” he asked harshly.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris felt his heart beating faster, and he wondered if he
was in trouble. “I found it in a room near the back.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“How did you find that room?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“I do not know. I was led there…” Idris tried to explain.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Led there?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>He made a helpless gesture. “Something inside me took me there.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris didn’t have any other explanation, and he wasn’t sure
if the soldiers believed him. They were all staring at him so intensely that he
felt uncomfortable.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>After several moments, the palace guards began conferring
with one another in low voices. Idris could only hear a murmur, and so he had
no idea what they were saying. Before too long they seemed to come to some sort
of agreement, and the soldier who had been questioning Idris turned back to the
boy.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“It is rare that one is drawn to that room. Only the one who
is meant to wield a magical weapon can find the room and remove an item from
it. If you have brought out this partisan, then it is meant to be yours.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris felt a twinge of doubt. The voice of the partisan
certainly didn’t want anything to do with him.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The soldier went on. “However, there is a condition to go
along with such a choice. You will be offered the opportunity to train as a
member of the Royal Guard—an elite group of soldiers dedicated to the personal
service of the royal family. If you wish to keep the weapon, you must go
through the training and serve the king for the rest of your life.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris’s chest constricted and he had difficulty taking a
breath to speak. “What if I do not want to be a soldier?”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The palace guard shrugged. “Then this weapon goes back to
the Treasury and you go on your way.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“Do I get to pick something else from the Treasury?” asked
Idris.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>“No.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The soldier turned and began writing on the slip of
parchment. He spouted more instructions as he did so. “The partisan will be
kept here for safekeeping. If you choose to train as a member of the Royal
Guard, you can reclaim it. You will first go through the same basic training as
the army recruits, and then you will begin your specialized training with other
members of the Royal Guard. The next training cycle begins in twenty days, and
the following cycle begins exactly a half year after that. If you choose to
reclaim the partisan, return to the palace by then.”</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>The soldier walked over to the wooden door that led to the
waiting room. He held it open for Idris to pass through.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris was so stunned by the events of the past hour that he
could barely believe that they had actually happened. He walked back to the
waiting room mechanically, feeling dazed and overwhelmed.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>His father appeared before him with a smile on his face.
“Well, what did you pick?”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Idris was speechless. How could he explain to
his father what had happened?</span></span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-84749682537337222192016-08-15T09:50:00.002-07:002016-08-27T20:26:43.169-07:00Fire Sower Preview: Chapter Two<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We're getting closer to the release date of my latest book! It will be available for sale on September 1st, so mark your calendars. Until then, enjoy another preview chapter. If you haven't read the first one, click <a href="http://calliekanno.blogspot.com/2016/08/fire-sower-preview-chapter-one.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Be sure to let me know what you think!</span></span><br />
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Two">Chapter
Two: Journey to Marath</a></span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rest Stone Valley was surrounded by several low mountains,
barely taller than hills. It was given its name due to the large stone in the
center of the valley that vaguely resembled an enormous bed.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The fertile grasslands of the valley had been claimed by
farmers over the generations, until it had been transformed into neatly plowed
fields for as far as the eye could see. Occasional trees dotted the landscape, as
did the tidy homes of those who cultivated the land. Down the center of the
valley was a small river from which numerous irrigation canals spread outward.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A soft breeze swept down from the mountains, bringing the
scent of pines with it. Idris took a deep breath and enjoyed the smell of it
mixed with scent of freshly overturned earth.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I doubt there is anywhere as beautiful as our valley,” he
said happily.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell smiled at his son’s enthusiasm. “Well, I cannot say I
have travelled much, but I would be inclined to agree with you.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“What is Marath like?” inquired Idris.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Big,” was the unhelpful reply.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris laughed. “And?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“It is big and noisy and crowded,” Cadell expounded. “There
are buildings twice as tall as a house, and the palace is as large as one of
our mountains. People there wear clothes made from exotic silks and fine
linens, and they ride around in carriages pulled by the finest horses.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris rubbed his hands over his coarse shirt, which had been
carefully mended by his mother. How would he look to the rich people described
by his father?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell noticed the motion and gave a reassuring smile. “We
will only be there for a few hours, and then we will be heading home. The
people of Marath are accustomed to seeing visitors from all over the kingdom.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The road that they walked on began winding towards the west,
and Cadell waved to neighbors as they passed them working in their fields.
Before long, Idris and his father were joined by another pair of travelers
bound for Marath.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris tried to hide his dislike as he greeted the boy his
own age. “Hello, Meic.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meic made no attempt to hide his disdain for Idris, but his
father nudged him to reply. “Hello.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris had known Meic his entire life, and had disliked him
for nearly as long. They were almost exactly the same age—Idris being one day
older—and therefore they were always grouped together during local activities.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meic did not wear a topknot like the other boys their age,
but wore his long black hair in a high ponytail. He did this because that was
how warriors were described in the stories they had been told as children, and
Meic dreamed of being a warrior as well. He scorned those who were happy with
life on a farm and declared that only simpletons chose to stay.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris was among the so-called simpletons.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The animosity between the two boys went unnoticed by their
fathers. Cadell shook hands with Owen heartily and suggested that they travel
together.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“You are not waiting until your birthday to set out?” asked
Idris, even though the answer was obvious.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I will be fifteen by the time we reach Marath,” sneered
Meic.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I know,” said Idris, “but I thought you would want to spend
your birthday with your family.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The other boy sniffed haughtily. “I do not care about that.
In a few years’ time, I will not see them anymore.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Lucky them,” muttered Idris.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If Meic heard, he chose to ignore the remark. “I am going to
get a sword from the Treasury, and when I learn to use it I am going to join
the king’s army.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris frowned. “Why not join right away? They have training
for people our age, even if you have never used a weapon before.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meic looked even more disdainful. “Do you think I want to be
grouped in with all of the beginners? No, I intend to join the army when I am
ready to be placed ahead of everyone else starting out.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Who is going to teach you how to use a sword? It is not as
if there are any soldiers in Rest Stone Valley,” Idris pointed out.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His companion waved away this concern. “I will teach
myself.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris hid a smile as he thought about the fun that could be
had witnessing Meic flailing about with a dangerous weapon. Maybe he would lose
a finger and be unable to join the army after all.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At this point, Owen glanced over his shoulder and spoke to
his son. “I still think you should get a cow or two pigs. I would be happy to
make you a partner in the farm if you were willing to bring something to it.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meic’s eyes flashed with anger. “I told you, I am <i>not</i> going to be a farmer.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Owen shrugged and went back to conversing with Cadell, but
Idris thought he glimpsed a hurt expression in the man’s eyes.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“What are you going to choose?” Meic asked, his tone still
warm from the confrontation with his father.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris tried to sound casual. “I do not know. I thought I
would wait to decide until I see what is available.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meic was incredulous. “You have not decided?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“There could be things there that we did not imagine,” said
Idris defensively.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“How much imagination do you need to get something for a
stupid farm?” Meic shot back.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“If you do not wish to work on the farm,” Cadell said over
his shoulder to Idris, “you could get a horse. I am certain that Heilin and
Collen would be happy to let you join their business.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell’s two younger brothers bred and trained horses on a
ranch on the other side of the valley.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I… maybe,” Idris said lamely.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The road they were following began sloping upward, over one
of the mountains that protected Rest Stone Valley. Idris had never gone beyond
the mountains of their little home, and he looked forward with anticipation to
the sight he was soon to see.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The climb was not a difficult one, and the road soon reached
the summit. Idris quickened his step and hopped on top of a large rock to the
side of the road. Calaris stretched out before his eyes, all the way to the
coast.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I can see the ocean from here,” exclaimed Idris in delight.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even Meic couldn’t hide his excitement. “Is Marath by the
water?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Owen nodded. “Yes, the western edge of the city is a massive
port.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris turned around to take in the entire view. Rest Stone
Valley looked peaceful and quiet below, and beyond it lay the rest of the
kingdom. Cadell began pointing out different landmarks to his son.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Just beyond our valley the land turns to fen, all the way
to the eastern border of Calaris. Then to the north and south there are
grasslands, and that is where you will find all of the cities and villages and
farms. Calaris is not a very wide nation, but it is quite long. I once saw a
map,” he explained.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They continued walking on the dirt road as it wound downward,
away from the mountain. Meic began to pepper his father with questions.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“King Nikolas has to fight to keep invaders out of the
Calaris, right? Is he not the first warrior king in three generations? Are we
at war with the barbarians to the east? What is their country called? Is it
true that King Nikolas encourages all young men to become soldiers?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris could practically see the dreams of glory swirling
around Meic’s head.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Owen seemed reluctant to answer his son’s questions. “The
country to the east is called Roshum, I believe. It is true that we are often
at war with them…”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Then it is our duty to join the king’s army and fight,”
Meic said with satisfaction.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell raised a finger. “Ah, but if we all were soldiers,
who would grow the food to feed the kingdom? Even King Nikolas the Bold cannot
create grain out of thin air.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meic was silenced by his words, and Idris grinned at his
father. He knew that Cadell took great pride in his farm, and he often spoke of
how it was the greatest occupation a man could have. Idris also loved the farm,
but he felt strange when he thought about working there for the rest of his
life.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The four kept a good pace throughout the day, stopping only
briefly for a quick meal at midday. By the time the sun was beginning to set,
they had reached an area just off the road that had been cleared of any plants
or rocks. A blackened fire pit sat in the center, and it was apparent that the
site was often used by travelers.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris and Meic began gathering sticks from the ground
surrounding a nearby tree, and soon a small fire was burning in the pit. Cadell
and Owen combined supplies, and before long they had a pot full of stew to go
around and a loaf of bread to sop up the gravy.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The conversation naturally turned back to their destination,
and Meic and Owen got into a heated discussion about Meic’s desire to join the
army.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell and Idris gave them a bit of privacy and settled down
to talk on their own.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“So,” Idris’s father started, “you have not decided what you
want from the Treasury?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris had been reluctant to discuss it with others, but it
felt natural to confide in his father. “I have been thinking about it a lot,
but I can never seem to settle on anything. Every idea that I come up with just
does not seem right for me.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell’s brow furrowed thoughtfully. “Do you want to join
the army, like Meic?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris shook his head. “No, I love the farm. But when I think
about getting cows or pigs it just feels… wrong.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Well, there are lots of options,” his father said encouragingly.
“You could get some gold and buy some land, or the blacksmith is looking for an
apprentice. When I was your age I decided to get gold because I was not sure
what I wanted either.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris had never known this about his father. “Really?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell nodded. “Really. My brothers already had plans for
breeding horses, and so your grandfather said that the farm would be mine. I
did not know what I would need to help the farm along, so I just got some gold
from the Treasury. I figured I could always decide later.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Maybe I should do the same,” said Idris doubtfully. Even
that didn’t feel right.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell fixed his solemn gaze on his son. “If you do, just
remember that it will have to be paid back someday. It is tempting to take a
large amount of gold, but if you cannot earn it back during your lifetime then
you leave your family in debt when you die. Remember: we are only farmers, not
lords.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris considered his father’s words as he rolled up in his
blanket for the night. He could not understand why it was so hard for him to
decide, especially since he knew that he wanted to stay in Rest Stone Valley.
He did not have dreams of adventures or glory. He just wanted to stay near his
family and settle down. Maybe find a girl to marry…</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It seemed that he had only just drifted off to sleep when he
was being shaken awake again.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Wake up, my boy. Time for us to get going.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They had a cold breakfast of bread and dried fruit, packing
up their camp as they ate. Owen pulled out a sweet bun for Meic, declaring it
to be a birthday treat. Meic ate it with relish, looking at Idris as if
expecting him to be jealous.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris smiled blandly and said, “Happy birthday, Meic.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The weather was as fair as the previous day, and Idris had
an enjoyable time walking along the dirt road. A slight breeze rustled through
the tall grass on the sides, and soon the small road merged with a larger one
that was paved with cobblestones.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Traffic on the new road was heavier, since there were many
who had business in the capital of Calaris. There were wagon trains with various
goods, patrolling soldiers in charge of keeping the peace, petitioners, and
several other duos that looked to be parents escorting their fifteen-year-old children
to the Treasury.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It took them half a day to reach the gates of Marath, but
they could see the city looming in the distance long before they arrived.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marath looked just like the cities described in the old war
stories, with a wall that was made of thick stone and stood three times the
height of a man. Each of the city gates were made of giant logs that had been
reinforced with bars of steel, and archers were positioned along the top of the
wall at regular intervals.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The four travelers joined in the line of other visitors to
the city to be questioned by the guards at the gate.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“What are your names?” The guard who asked the question was
wearing a green tunic that bore the sigil of the city—a tower guarded by a
dragon.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Cadell and Idris of Rest Stone Valley,” Cadell answered.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“What is your business in Marath?” the soldier questioned,
jotting down a note in an enormous ledger.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“My son is now fifteen years of age. We are here to visit
the Treasury.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The soldier nodded, making another note. “How long will you
be in the city?” </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“One day.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“When you leave Marath you will be required to pass through
this same gate so we can verify your information,” droned the guard, waving
them past. “Thank you, move along.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris thought briefly about whispering to Meic that his
future as a soldier would probably be the same as the guard’s, but the jibe was
driven from his mind as he entered the city.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The noise of a thousand voices talking all at once broke
over Idris’s senses. The gate opened up to a square that was filled with all
sorts of people. Some were greeting visitors they had been expecting, some were
watching a group of street performers, some had small handcarts from which they
were selling food or trinkets, some were simply standing around chatting. In
the center of the square was a statue of a man holding a broadsword. He had a
thick beard and he was portrayed wearing elaborate robes.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“King Nikolas,” said Cadell, gesturing to the statue.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris studied the statue with renewed interest. He had never
seen the king before, nor a likeness of him. The statue certainly gave the man
the look of a warrior, and Idris wondered if the same was true in real life.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At this point they were joined by Owen and Meic. The two of
them looked just as unnerved by the chaos of the city as Idris felt.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Shall we go on?” suggested Owen, his voice rather strained.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He pointed towards the center of the city where, even over
the tops of the tall buildings, the spires of the royal palace could be seen.
That was where the royal family lived, along with the higher nobility and those
that served them.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell gave Idris’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “The
Treasury awaits.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">To read the next chapter, click <a href="http://calliekanno.blogspot.com/2016/08/fire-sower-preview-chapter-three.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span> </span></span></div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-85053636264623288602016-08-04T06:53:00.004-07:002016-08-15T10:04:05.539-07:00Fire Sower Preview: Chapter One<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As always, I thought I'd give you all a sneak peek leading up to the release of my next book "Fire Sower." Keep in mind, this is a rough draft version (since I haven't gotten back the notes from my editor yet). But I hope that you enjoy it all the same. Let me know what you think!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<h1>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chapter One: Idris</span></span></u></span></h1>
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</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first time Idris heard about
the Treasury he was five years old. His favorite cow was being led away by his
father, and he had asked his mother why.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Do you remember that Grandpa died
last summer?” she asked kindly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris nodded his small head.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Now that a year has passed, it is
time for us to pay his death tax.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His mother’s words were a mystery
to the small boy.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“What is a death tax?” he inquired.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His mother sat down on the stool
that she used while churning butter and she set him on her knee, just as she
always did when she was about to explain something to him.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Idris, do you know that we have a
king?”</span></span></div>
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</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris nodded with enthusiasm. He
had been told of their great and generous king, Nikolas the Bold. The king had
won the war with the barbarians to the east, and because of his bravery Idris
and his family remained safe.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Our land is called Calaris, and we
have always been ruled by wonderful kings and queens,” his mother continued. “A
very long time ago, one of the kings looked at his vast treasury and decided
that it was more than he could ever need. He loved his people, and he decided
that all of the riches of the kingdom should belong to them, too.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris looked around with wide eyes,
expecting to see piles of gold hiding among the haystacks of his father’s
field. “Where is it?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His mother laughed merrily. “It is
still in the Treasury, but when each child turns fifteen years old they are
allowed to go and choose something to keep.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris’s eyes grew even wider.
“Anything?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Well, anything in the Treasury,” she
explained. “I got a beautiful necklace of sapphires that I wore at my wedding.
Your father got a pouch of gold with which he built our house and the new barn.
Your grandpa got a beautiful milk cow, and that was the beginning of this farm.
Now that Grandpa has died, though, we must repay what was taken back to the
Treasury. That is called a death tax.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“That was not Grandpa’s cow,”
argued little Idris. “That was <i>our</i>
cow!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His mother smiled gently. “The cow
that Grandpa received from the Treasury is long dead. Everything we have on
this farm is because of what Grandpa did with that one cow, and so we wanted to
give our very best cow back to the Treasury.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She looked at the horizon with a
thoughtful expression on her face, and there was a wistful tone to her voice
that Idris was too young to understand.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“My necklace will be returned to
the Treasury when I die, because we have nothing of equal value to give in
exchange. With something like livestock or the coins that your father received,
we just need to give the same type of thing back to the Treasury.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A fierce frown spread across
Idris’s small face. “Do you mean that my cow will not come back?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“No, my darling.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tears welled up in his brown eyes
and his voice rose with childish anger. “I love my cow! I want her back!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His mother enfolded him in her warm
embrace. “I am sorry, Idris. I know you love that cow, but it belongs to the
Treasury now. We must give back what we received, otherwise there would be
nothing left. If we did not give our very best, then we would be taking away
from the boys and girls who will be going to the Treasury this year.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris’s small shoulders shook with
his sobs, and he sniffed as he spoke. “When I get big, I am going to get my cow
back. I will get her from the Treasury.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She smiled down in understanding.
“We shall see.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">***</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The bright sun filtered through the
dusty window into Idris’s bedroom. He muttered sleepily and turned over on his
side, away from the light on his face.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Incoherent thoughts of confusion
drifted across his mind, and then he bolted upright in his bed.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If the sun was up, that meant he
was very late in beginning his chores.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why hadn’t his father called him?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris scrambled off of his cot and
pulled on his clothes. It took him a moment to realize that his best clothes
had been laid out instead of his usual work clothing, and he stared at the
carefully cleaned trousers in bewilderment.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A soft knock sounded at his door
and his mother stuck in her head.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Oh, you are already awake,” she
commented.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris began to stammer an apology.
“Mother, I did not mean to sleep in…”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Sleep in?” she repeated. “Idris,
dear, you are not doing chores today.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I am not…?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A wide smile spread across her
face. “Idris, have you forgotten what today is?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The last bits of sleep faded from
his brain and his thoughts cleared. He returned his mother’s smile sheepishly.
“It is my birthday.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She leaned forward and gave him a
quick kiss on the cheek. “Happy birthday, my darling.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris waited until his mother left
the room and then he hurried to finish getting ready. It was his fifteenth
birthday, and that meant that he would be travelling with his father to Marath,
the city of King Nikolas.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He brushed his long black hair and
twisted it up into a topknot, as was common with the farmers of the area. Then
he walked out of the bedroom and climbed down the ladder that led to the main
room of the house.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His mother was baking bread, and
two of his younger sisters were helping to knead the dough. Elain and Dafina
both looked up when he walked towards them and chorused, “Happy birthday,
Idris!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He grinned in return. “Thank you.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I saved you some breakfast,” his
mother said, pointing to a covered plate on a shelf.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Deri tried to eat it,” Dafina
added, eager to report on the wrongdoings of her twin brother. “He said he
needed it more since he was doing chores and you were not.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Yes, well, he ate plenty even
without it,” said their mother, not looking up from her task.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The fare was simple, as it always
was. It consisted of a bowl of hot cereal made from roughly cut grain, three
boiled eggs, and some bread topped with marmalade. Idris sat down at the table
and chatted with his mother and sisters while he ate.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Where is Adwen?” he asked.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His mother dusted the bread dough
with more flour and continued kneading. “She is out gathering eggs.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris was the eldest of seven
children, and Adwen was the youngest. She had always been rather pampered, and
pouted whenever she was given chores. Idris was glad that she was being given
more work to do, though. After all, she was seven years old, and when Idris was
that age he had been doing chores for half of his life.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As if on cue, Adwen flounced into
the kitchen looking sulky and carrying a basket full of eggs. Her long black
hair was plaited into two braids just like her older sisters, but her clothes
looked less worn and her hands didn’t bear the calluses of hard work.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Is this enough?” she demanded
plaintively.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their mother didn’t even glance at
the basket. “Did you get them all?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“How am I to know where they all
are?” whined Adwen.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“The henhouse is not big, dearest,”
said their mother patiently. “Just be sure to look everywhere.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adwen scowled. “Make Idris do it.
He is just sitting there.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Idris will be leaving shortly with
your father.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With a huff of displeasure, the
small girl stomped out of the house and back to the yard. The older children
exchanged smiles, but said nothing about it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“What do you think you will pick
from the Treasury?” asked Elain.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She was two years younger than
Idris, but already she was trying to decide what she would choose when her turn
came. She talked about it at length with anyone who was willing to listen.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris’s brow furrowed and he felt a
familiar weight in his chest. He had been giving it a lot of thought over the
last month, but he was no closer to a decision. “I am not sure,” he said
slowly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I am going to get a beautiful
necklace like Mother’s,” declared Dafina.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their mother shook her head. “Oh
no, darling. Do not waste the opportunity like that.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her children stared at her in
surprise.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“What do you mean?” asked Elain.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There was a moment of silence while
they waited for her to speak. When she did so, it sounded as though she was
choosing her words with care.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I was very vain when I was young.
I had often been told I was the most beautiful girl in Rest Stone Valley, and I
believed it to be true. I hated that my family was poor, though. I wanted
beautiful things like dresses and jewelry, and I wanted to go to fancy parties
and dances.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dafina’s expression became dreamy
and she nodded with enthusiasm.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their mother went on. “When it came
time for me to go to the Treasury, I knew I wanted to pick out something
beautiful to wear. That sapphire necklace was exactly what I had dreamed of
having, and I chose it without hesitation.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Elain was watching their mother’s
face and said shrewdly, “But you regret it.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I have only worn that necklace a
handful of times since it became mine,” she said in a practical tone. “It is
not something to wear while milking cows.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris and his sisters laughed at
their mother’s comment, but she went on seriously.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I could never sell it, because we
would never be able to earn back enough money to repay the Treasury. All I can
do is keep it safe until I die, and then it will go back from whence it came. I
could have chosen something that would have been a benefit for the rest of my
life, but instead I chose a few moments of vain glory.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She reached over and placed her
floury hand over her eldest son’s. “Do not make the same mistake that I did.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I will not,” he assured her.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Her smile became more lively as she
said to Dafina, “If you wish to have something beautiful to wear, you may
borrow my necklace. You do not need to get one of your own.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Can I wear it next week?” Dafina
asked eagerly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Elain snorted. “To the barn-raising
for Selyf? That does not seem the time to wear priceless jewels.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dafina looked crestfallen, and
their mother put her arm around her shoulders.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Not next week, but perhaps for
your first valley-wide dance.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The glow returned to the girl’s
eyes, and she resumed kneading bread dough with vigor.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Prydwen,” shouted a deep voice
from outside the house. “Prydwen, is that lazy boy up yet? It is time to go.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris grinned at his mother and
went to answer his father personally. He walked to the open door and began to
pull on his boots. “I am ready, Father.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris looked almost exactly as his
father had at the same age. He was tall and slender, with hardened muscles and
rough hands from working on a farm. His skin was the color of cinnamon, and
that was only partially due to the days spent in the sun. His father shared all
these traits, only maturity had given him a broader figure. Not a single grey
hair marred his father’s black topknot, and it would be easy to mistake the two
as brothers instead of father and son.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris took the pack that was handed
to him by his father and slung it over his back. Between the two of them, they
carried enough supplies to easily make the journey to Marath and home again.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris’s mother and sisters appeared
at the door to wave farewell, and Prydwen kissed her husband and son with tears
in her eyes.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Now, now,” scolded Idris’s father
gently. “There is no need for tears. We will be back in a few days.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">She nodded as she embraced her
firstborn. “I know, but I just cannot believe that my baby has grown up so
quickly.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris patted his mother awkwardly
on the shoulder, and looked to his father for some clue as to how to respond.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">His father simply smiled and shrugged.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Well, hurry along,” urged Prydwen,
as if they were dawdling. “You have a long way to go before dark.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There was another slight delay when
Adwen came running out of the henhouse.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Papa, take me with you!”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their father chuckled indulgently
and swept the child into his arms. “You know I cannot, poppet. Your mama needs
you here with her.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Only to sweep floors and gather
eggs,” Adwen answered darkly.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Such important tasks would never
be entrusted to me,” said their father with mock solemnity.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“I never get to do anything fun,”
wailed the girl.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Prydwen took Adwen from her father’s
arms and said, “You will have plenty of fun when you get older. Cadell, you
really must get going.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris’s father nodded and raised a
rough hand in farewell. Idris did the same and turned to follow his father down
the dusty dirt road.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The path led them past their
fields, where Osian, Deri, and Rolant were busy at work with their uncle and
cousins. Idris waved to his brothers, who paused from their labors to watch him
leaving the farm.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Safe journey, Cadell, Idris,”
called his uncle, Tegryn.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tegryn was married to Idris’s
father’s sister, and they ran the farm together. Tegryn had brought land to the
partnership and Cadell had brought livestock. Together they had one of the most
prosperous farms in Rest Stone Valley. Idris was proud to be a part of such a
family.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cadell clapped a hand on Idris’s
shoulder and looked at his son with pride in his eyes. “Are you ready for your
first adventure as a man?”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Idris tried to seem confident and
excited, but deep down he was wondering that very same thing.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">To read the next chapter, click <a href="http://calliekanno.blogspot.com/2016/08/fire-sower-preview-chapter-two.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span> </span></span></div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-9569771573332404102016-07-25T10:52:00.001-07:002016-07-25T10:52:56.026-07:00Fire Sower Cover Art<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you as excited as I am? The cover art for my upcoming book is finally finished! It's everything I hoped for and more. It was great working with Dustin Foran, and I would highly recommend him to anyone. His prices are great and his talent is vast. You can find his work at: <a href="http://cgbeat.com/dustbot3000">http://cgbeat.com/dustbot3000</a> and <a href="http://dustbot3000.tumblr.com/">http://dustbot3000.tumblr.com/</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And now, for the main event!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Drumroll, please...</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z2wyy7PF6jWGdLRuF759TQxkGLNujSOdjBoXgJH9EyBuEIzlEf6wan9ovk5HwIR-56yA8eXfR27oysMYntaWgzRI7fdUtbhjdg9eTFgGFyutLFNdRtGbYS16WvhS9aybfcUKKvflqBE/s1600/Fire+Sower+Color+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0z2wyy7PF6jWGdLRuF759TQxkGLNujSOdjBoXgJH9EyBuEIzlEf6wan9ovk5HwIR-56yA8eXfR27oysMYntaWgzRI7fdUtbhjdg9eTFgGFyutLFNdRtGbYS16WvhS9aybfcUKKvflqBE/s640/Fire+Sower+Color+Final.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-61663253444391711742016-05-16T12:33:00.000-07:002016-05-16T12:33:41.612-07:00Book Review: BURNING GLASS by Kathryn Purdie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDHkBPgnfuK1ruvdVaULt9s0pJkAKm_-KA2aOrnHv-rasOXaU6bfE0WW__1kMfI4g1Ssk9FjEpsEhidw78ZfciW4HDJMbOknr4m6PMjx4nPkc3U3LU_-DHvnfaMULS2ygRo-1cX-a2ig/s1600/BurningGlass_KathrynPurdie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDHkBPgnfuK1ruvdVaULt9s0pJkAKm_-KA2aOrnHv-rasOXaU6bfE0WW__1kMfI4g1Ssk9FjEpsEhidw78ZfciW4HDJMbOknr4m6PMjx4nPkc3U3LU_-DHvnfaMULS2ygRo-1cX-a2ig/s400/BurningGlass_KathrynPurdie.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Amazon link:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Burning-Glass-Kathryn-Purdie/dp/0062412361/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463424188&sr=8-1&keywords=burning+glass">http://www.amazon.com/Burning-Glass-Kathryn-Purdie/dp/0062412361/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463424188&sr=8-1&keywords=burning+glass</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Amazon description:</b></span></span><br />
<div id="iframeContent">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>Red Queen</em> meets <em>Shadow and Bone</em>
in a debut fantasy about a girl forced to use her gift for sensing—and
absorbing—other people’s feelings to protect the empire from assassins.
Steeped in intrigue and betrayal, <em>Burning Glass</em> captivates with heartrending romance, dangerous magic, and one girl’s quest for redemption. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In
Riaznin, it’s considered an honor for Auraseers like Sonya—girls with a
rare form of synesthesia—to serve as the emperor’s personal protector,
constantly scanning for feelings of malice and bloodlust in the court.
But Sonya would rather be free.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After the queen’s murder and a
tragic accident, Sonya is hauled off to the palace to guard a charming
yet volatile new ruler. But Sonya’s power is reckless and hard to
control. She’s often carried away by the intense passion of others.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And
when a growing rebellion forces Sonya to side with either the emperor
who trusts her or his mysterious brother, the crown prince, Sonya
realizes she may be the key to saving the empire—or its greatest threat.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My review:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 out of 5 stars--I really liked it and would definitely read it again</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not entirely sure what I expected as I began this book, but I really enjoyed it. It is exceptionally written, and it paints a vivid picture of Sonya's world. From a purely technical aspect, it is refreshing to read a book that is written with such skill and finesse. And the story itself was different than other stories I have read in the past.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sonya as a character is deeply sympathetic. Her constant exposure to emotion--both her own and that of others--make her more vulnerable than most characters. The fact that she is an Auraseer brings every emotion of every character to the forefront of the story, and it is almost draining to read at first. That sounds like a bad thing, but it isn't. Kathryn Purdie's ability to draw in a reader to the story and create empathy with the characters is extraordinary. I found myself feeling what Sonya felt, and there were times I had to set the book aside and settle my own emotions before continuing. As I progressed in the story, it became easier for me to process what I was reading, but it definitely caught me off guard at first.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The supporting characters are well-balanced, in that they are flawed but not overly so. Even the characters that are dislikeable have moments where you can really understand why they are acting the way that they are. The setting of the story is beautiful and raw, filled with the day-to-day details that I so enjoy in a book (such as foods and customs and quirks of culture). There are enough connections between our world and Sonya's world that it feels familiar, but nothing to make it feel out of place (such as modern slang in the dialogue, which is a pet peeve of mine). </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the things that I appreciated the most was Kathryn Purdie's ability to convey tense situations without dragging her story through the mud. I strongly believe that you can write a good story without the gratuitous or graphic use of sex or violence or language, and "Burning Glass" proves that point. There are parts in the story that are passionate and there are parts of the story that are dark and disturbing, but I never had the thought that something was unnecessary or in poor taste. For this reason, I feel that this book truly is YA fiction. I would have no problem recommending "Burning Glass" to the teenagers of my family, which is more than what I can say for a lot of books that call themselves YA.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All of this being said, I do have a critique. I felt the ending was rather abrupt and the resolutions a bit forced. I assumed that the conflicts of the book would be carried into the sequel, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Everything was wrapped up, so that the book could stand on its own if you didn't wish to read any more. And while I appreciate stand-alone books (even though I'm aware that this book is the first of a trilogy), it was still a bit jarring to come to the end.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All in all, I feel "Burning Glass" was an exceptional book and I look forward to more from Kathryn Purdie.</span></span></div>
Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-35936244195990474172016-01-28T10:10:00.002-08:002016-01-28T10:10:40.546-08:00Personal Announcement<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am pleased to announce the birth of my third child and second son! "Lewis" and "Eliza" are so excited to have a little brother, and my husband and I are so happy that he arrived safely.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As expected, this will slow down my writing a bit. I was hoping to have my new story done by this summer, but that probably won't happen. I'm still hoping to have it done this year, though. We will have to see how everything works out. I might be able to get some writing done during those late night feedings.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll try to keep you all updated on how the book is coming along. Be sure to check on my Facebook page as well for news on what I'm up to!</span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-62713320122347780612015-11-25T12:50:00.000-08:002015-11-25T12:50:05.581-08:00BLACK FRIDAY PROMOTION<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello again!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">'Tis the season for sales, yes? So I have set up a promotion where all three of my books will be available for free this Friday (November 27)! This is the first time I have had my last two books available for free, so don't miss out on the opportunity. And, please, help me to spread the word. Tell your friends and family to take a minute on Friday to download my trilogy. It's FREE! What do they have to lose?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!</span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-53340172421080712192015-09-28T11:03:00.000-07:002015-09-28T11:03:05.830-07:00Good News/Bad News<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello, my dear readers!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know you haven't heard from me in a while, but that is because I've been working on my latest project. I'm excited about where the story is going, and I'm having a lot of fun writing it. New projects are always fun because nothing is decided yet. You get to build your world from scratch, and it leaves so much open to possibility.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I do have some news to share with you, though. You may consider it good news or bad news, depending on how you look at it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am expecting my third baby! We are all very excited about this new addition to our family, and we have found out that it will be a brother for "Lewis" and "Eliza" to play with. The baby will be coming with the new year.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While this is happy news, there is some bad news that comes with it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A new baby means that there will be a delay in the release of my current project. I'm not sure how much of a delay, because I'm hoping to get as much done as possible before he is born. I was aiming for a summer release, but we will have to see how that goes. It may be fall or even winter before I can get it done.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'll keep you all updated as I go, and I hope that you'll be patient with me throughout the process. Thank you again for all of your support! I honestly couldn't do any of this without such wonderful readers.</span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-21226062686589740142015-08-25T15:18:00.000-07:002015-08-25T15:18:10.319-07:00Q&A With My Readers<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought it would be fun to do a little Q&A with my readers, and I asked that you send in any questions you might have. I hope that you enjoy reading over the answers I have for you!</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I loved writing from a very young age, and even before I could write I loved to tell stories that I had made up. My mom wrote a series of children's books, and I'm sure that was an influence on me as a child. It wasn't until I was in high school that I considered it as a profession, though. It was around that time that I came up with the idea for "The Threshold Child" and I began to work on my writing in earnest.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Did you always plan for "The Threshold Child" to be a trilogy?</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I always liked the idea of doing a trilogy with the story, but I wasn't sure that it would actually happen. After I finished writing "The Threshold Child" I went through the traditional method of trying to get it published (sending out letters and sample chapters to literary agents and publishing companies), with no success. I got discouraged and figured that it would never be worth the time to write any more of the series. It wasn't until I published with Amazon and got such a positive response that I decided to continue with the story.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What was the inspiration for the concepts in this book?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When I first began writing "The Threshold Child" it was primarily a story about a young woman who was trying to decide what she believed, which was something I was going through at the time. I worked on the book off and over over the course of nearly a decade, and it slowly evolved into what it is today.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Did it come from any religious aspects in your life?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> This probably isn't a surprise to those who have read my books, but I'm a very religious person. My beliefs color every aspect of my life, and so it is natural that it affects my writing as well. There have been comments on some of the book reviews that my writing is too preachy, but I'd rather write a story that I feel does some good to those who read it as opposed to pretending that my writing and my personal beliefs are separate from each other.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Is Adesina based on yourself? How much would you say you are like her?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I think that she started out a lot like me, but now we are both very different. The only things that remain from her original personality when I first began writing are her desire to find her place in the world and her longing for family. The former was definitely something I felt when I began writing, and the latter (fortunately) is something I've never had to suffer through.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What would you want your Blood Weapon to be? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Swords are always awesome, but I don't think I'm aggressive enough for a weapon like that. I think mine would probably be a bow.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Who is your favorite character from the series?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Ravi. First of all, I've always wanted a giant cat companion (which is why there is one in the books). Second, he is wise and calm and funny and understanding. Who wouldn't want someone like that around? Third, he sings. I love music.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How did you come up with the magic system for your books? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The original idea came from the fact that I wanted my magic users to draw their power from the world around them. So I started thinking of natural forces that could be manipulated to one's advantage. For example, the manipulation of light can create illusions and the alteration of gravity makes it so one can fly. As I wrote the magic became a bit more complex, but that's the basis of the system.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I like the idea of a <i>dava</i>. Do you believe in soul mates?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> In general, no. I believe that a successful relationship requires work and sacrifice and selfless concern for each other. With those things, almost any two people can be happy together (even if it's hard).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Is there anything you regret now that it's done?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> There are things in the story I would probably alter if I were writing them again, but I don't think I would go back now and do it. I can tell that my writing in "The Threshold Child" is not as skilled as my writing in "The Labyrinth of Destiny," but that is just what comes with experience. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>If your books were made into a movie, who would you want to play Adesina? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I often think about this when I'm watching movies or tv shows. It's a fun game that goes on in my head. My list of possibilities changes all the time, but my current favorite is Bonnie Wright. She's a good age for the role, and I think she'd do a good job. Past favorites have been Stephanie Leonidas, Kate McGrath, and Karen Gillan, but all of them are now too old for the part.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Why did you leave the ending as open as you did?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I like leaving the future of the story to the imagination of the readers. That's part of what I love about reading books. When the author tries too hard to control what goes on beyond the written story, I get a little grumpy. I want to decide what happens! So, I tried to extend that to my readers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What is your writing process?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I usually see a scene in my head, like something out of a movie. That tends to spark the idea for a book. From there I decide what came before the scene and what happens after. Once I get a fairly good idea of what the story is about, then I begin writing. Sometimes I do an outline, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I write in order, sometimes I skip ahead to write something that I find exciting. I tend to let my mood direct my process, which means that sometimes I don't get much written in a week's time. This is a problem when I'm on a deadline. Haha!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What are some of your favorite books?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> One of my very favorite books is "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynn Jones. It's so witty and creative and visual. I always recommend that book when people ask me for suggestions. I also love "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis, "Little Women" by Louisa Alcott, "Beauty" by Robin McKinley, and "The Little Prince" by Antione de Saint-Exupery. Those are just a few, but I'm trying to be restrained. Otherwise, I'd name several dozen other books that I love.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What do you have planned for your next project?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'm working on a story about a boy (soon to be a man) who is given a magical partisan. He then has to learn to use it and to become the warrior that he feels he needs to be. It's a fun project for me because it's different from what I've written before. The partisan is sentient, and rather stubborn and surly. I'm having a good time writing about the struggles of the boy as he tries to master the willful weapon. I hope to have it finished by next summer, but we'll see if my children cooperate.</span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-74612521284959885042015-07-28T07:46:00.002-07:002015-07-28T07:46:53.633-07:00Upcoming Q&A<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I will be doing a Q&A here on my blog within the next few weeks. If you have any questions that you'd like to ask me (about my books, about being a writer, whatever) then this is your chance to have them answered! Send me a private message on my Facebook page or email me (kanno.callie@gmail.com) and I will post the answers here on my blog.</span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-6925893001882131352015-07-10T12:32:00.002-07:002015-07-10T12:32:39.727-07:00Book Release<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today's the day, my friends!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My third book has been released on Amazon. It is the last book of the Threshold Trilogy, and I truly hope that it lives up to everyone's expectations. It has been such an amazing process writing it, and I've had the love and support of so many wonderful people. Thank you to my readers for your support and encouragement, and thank you to my friends and family for being patient with me through this project.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As always, I welcome feedback. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have or to send me your critiques.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is the link to "The Labyrinth of Destiny"</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Labyrinth-Destiny-Threshold-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B011B3J5J6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1436556722&sr=8-4&keywords=callie+kanno">http://www.amazon.com/Labyrinth-Destiny-Threshold-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B011B3J5J6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1436556722&sr=8-4&keywords=callie+kanno</a></span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-79014220995409020512015-07-03T10:18:00.001-07:002015-07-03T10:18:58.600-07:00Upcoming Promotion!<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, we are a week away from the release of "The Labyrinth of Destiny" and I am very excited! When I began writing "The Threshold Child" I didn't honestly believe that it would ever be published, let alone turned into a trilogy. I'm so grateful for the support that I've had from my readers. Your enthusiasm has kept me writing!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As part of the celebration for the book release, I've set up some promotions for my other books. Please help me spread the word to those who might like this series! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On Friday, July 10th (the same day as the release of "The Labyrinth of Destiny") the first book of the trilogy, "The Threshold Child," will be available to download for FREE! On that same day, the second book of the trilogy, "Legacy of the Blood," will be on sale for $0.99! So new readers can get the whole trilogy for $3.98. This promotion will be for Friday only, so please help me spread the word. I'd like to offer this discount to as many people as possible.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you all again and again for your support!</span></span>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827045993083543848.post-23855566346453426982015-06-29T15:48:00.000-07:002015-06-29T15:48:50.419-07:00Final Cover and Update<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, my friends, we are less than two weeks away from the release of my third book. I hope you are as excited as I am! My editor and I are working busily on getting everything ready for July 10th, and so far it seem that we'll be ready on time. (crossing fingers)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the meantime, my amazing cover artist has finished her work! Here is the final product, and I expect that you'll love it as much as I do.</span></span><br />
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<br />Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01388866918627394406noreply@blogger.com0