tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74731859472217684602024-03-13T11:36:32.800-07:00The Wandering Mind of Lizzy P BellowsSnippets and Tid-Bits of Adventure, Magic and Fantasy...Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-19659903687024283262024-01-03T15:51:00.000-08:002024-01-03T16:33:04.181-08:00Hills and Valleys<h1 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0.25em 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0.25em 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9QwiQ5u7w_njvq1gH_PjVAWzHUXMYDgVVvgjEtb0-dWz_19rUjbuajEtxevPTj_WoH67aL6sDBUIxgszbeQYcEGYr-QhKCz9E8ylTc4_Ay7cGjdJpC8W1RlASvC0AEAoLtA2QmyUrICvJEXCj0F0xTeO9th7ePBQs3eT038YtgPsgaeULYd7dNicn4Y/s250/240460735_2019421121555687_7965553399547477337_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="250" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9QwiQ5u7w_njvq1gH_PjVAWzHUXMYDgVVvgjEtb0-dWz_19rUjbuajEtxevPTj_WoH67aL6sDBUIxgszbeQYcEGYr-QhKCz9E8ylTc4_Ay7cGjdJpC8W1RlASvC0AEAoLtA2QmyUrICvJEXCj0F0xTeO9th7ePBQs3eT038YtgPsgaeULYd7dNicn4Y/w400-h322/240460735_2019421121555687_7965553399547477337_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 1.6em;">2006...</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre;">late August, early, early morning… I groaned and rolled myself out of bed. My six-month-old son could be heard shifting in his crib through the baby monitor. He was finally starting to sleep through the night. I shuffled to his room wiping the sleep out of my eyes.</span></div></h1><h1 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0.25em 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0.25em 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ae2e9d9b-7fff-5b37-9c03-a7f5555013a5"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Good morning, little man!”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He looked at me with his adorable toothless smile while clutching the ear of his tattered Mickey Mouse plush. I scooped him out of his crib and grabbed a book of classic fairytales we bought when he was a week old.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Which story should we read this morning?” We snuggled on the couch with a ba-ba (bottle). “Well, it looks like we’ve read every story.” Just like every other morning, I thought about writing my own stories. I certainly had plenty of ideas, and have since childhood.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The little man took an extra-long nap that day and I parked myself in front of my computer screen. I just started typing; the story was spilling out through my fingers. It was therapeutic – like I was releasing my bottled-up imagination.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I finished the rough version of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Alexander Drake’s Extraordinary Pursuit</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and wanted nothing more than to keep writing. So, I continued on to part two. I also considered submitting to publishers with a “why not” attitude.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I knew nothing of the publishing world. After submitting to a handful of publishers and agents, I received a handful of rejections (mostly polite and generic). Hmm, I suppose I won’t be rubbing elbows with J.K. Rowling after all… oh well. Lesson number one for a newbie writer: humility. After that experience, I thought it best to continue writing simply because I really enjoy it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I joined Authonomy, an online community for writers which I found to be very supportive. I reluctantly put bits of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Realm of Azra’s Pith (</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Alexander Drake’s title at the time) up to be critiqued. Lesson number two for a newbie writer: you need thick skin – when I say thick, I mean tough and leathery – no sissies allowed!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Trudging through comments like “you couldn’t write a letter to your cat”, and “your title sucks”, I received some very helpful feedback and learned a lot about my writing. The </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">letter to your cat</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> statement is an exaggeration. I don’t think anyone would be that cruel, but I did change the title if that tells you anything.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2007, mid-June, late afternoon… I sat in my squeaky desk chair checking my email. Let’s see, “become a millionaire working from home” – spam, “meet singles in your area” – spam, “The Realm of Azra’s Pith Submission” … huh? I clicked on it expecting a late rejection letter – but it wasn’t. Someone actually wanted to publish my book!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After running around the house like a headless chicken I submitted my contract to Rain Publishing. The release date was set for October of 2008… a very long year and a half away. Lesson number three for a newbie writer: patience – because the process takes f.o.r.e.v.e.r.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For a few months I skipped around basking in the glow of my newfound title: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Published Author</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, giving myself mental high-fives … Yes! I’m a published author… yes!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2008, late March, mid-morning… I was spinning around in the same squeaky chair checking my email. The first subject line read “To all authors – very important please read”. As I read everything went a bit fuzzy. I did manage to finish half the email before my stomach started doing backflips. “Rain Publishing is closing…,” I suppose I needed a dose of lesson number one (humility). It certainly was humbling every time someone asked how my book was doing –</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> the book? It’s doing… okay, I guess.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After a month of wallowing around in self-pity, I climbed back on the old saddle and pulled my files up. I decided to start at square one with Alexander Drake, and pretty much rewrote the entire manuscript. I was happy with the updated version; so out it went. Yet again, I submitted to a handful of publishers and agents. You’d think I would have learned my lesson the first time.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With the rejections came some slightly more positive feedback from a polite and extremely patient submissions editor at Wild Child Publishing. Lesson number four for a newbie writer: proofread and proofread again. If you think your work is perfect… have someone who knows what they are doing proofread it for you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I took a month, bought some editing software, and allowed the authonomites (members of Authonomy) to rip it to shreds. Then, I resubmitted it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 16pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">2009, early October, early evening… YES!!! A publishing contract! This time I took a pass on the basking and the self-proclaimed title. Of course, I had to revert back to lesson number three (patience)… Alexander Drake did not get released until June of 2011.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 16pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, so many years (and a few books) later, many moons after my second publisher folded... I think I’m on lesson umpteen and a half of a not-so-newbie writer… write for the enjoyment of it and don’t sweat the rest. The happiness lies in the journey through those hills and valleys. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span></h1>Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-34111381652126136852022-05-14T17:06:00.001-07:002022-05-14T17:06:55.194-07:00Quest for Copia Returns to Wattpad<p> It has been many, many, many moons. I've decided to stop dwaddling (borrowed from another author because it was just too perfect not to use 💗) and start writing. As I go I am posting on Wattpad for the time being. You will find part 1 of <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/253528849-quest-for-copia-john-william-drake-book-2-the-girl" target="_blank">"Quest for Copia" here</a>.</p><p>If you so choose to have a peak, while reading, hurl rage tomatoes, or eat lots of cookies if needed (yum... chocolate chip 🍪). </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><img src="https://media4.giphy.com/media/bAlYQOugzX9sY/200.gif?cid=5a38a5a2gp8okmq5ngmlvot8z9p10l3joav6r09tcbbqbakx&rid=200.gif&ct=g" style="border: 0; height: 170px; width: 300px;" /><br /></p><div><br /><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-53642453379034264272021-06-04T14:34:00.003-07:002023-12-01T13:41:12.432-08:00A Video glimpse into Azra's Pith <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='531' height='442' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwBYKP7xT76O_NO-RhX3vkAH0PJpiIVtJgGO97d5y4l21L9d8cTT1j9jzxgh9VdlGW_CdgDhpPUgzUeGZS4zg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /> <p></p>Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-36802177438690284782020-05-08T13:22:00.000-07:002020-05-08T13:22:59.838-07:00Thank you, Azra's Pith Readers! $85 to St Jude Children's Research Hospital <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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" 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<strong>Dear Azra's Pith Readers,</strong></div>
<div style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif, "Open Sans"; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24.3px; padding: 0px;">
A portion of all print, audio and ebook royalties for Bandits of Basswood were donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.💖 From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading! </div>
<br /><div style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif, "Open Sans"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.3px; padding: 0px;">
E.P Bellows made a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. </div>
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Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — because all they should worry about is helping their child live.</div>
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This gift from E.P Bellows helps support the St. Jude mission.</div>
<div style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif, "Open Sans"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.3px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">
Donation Amount (USD)</div>
<div style="color: #4d4d4d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif, "Open Sans"; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.3px; padding: 0px;">
<strong>$85.00</strong></div>
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Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-8320470381978702422016-08-24T10:51:00.004-07:002016-08-31T20:38:38.193-07:00Audio Blip Clip from BANDITS OF BASSWOOD - The Wager <h3>
John William tries his luck against Old Hawkeye, a one-eyed possum. What's the worst that could happen? Click on the title below to hear a snippet!</h3>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><a href="https://www.audible.com/socialshare?id=32c3f9ea-304f-4195-8c83-83348e419da0&source_code=AFAORWS04241590G5" target="_blank">THE WAGER</a></u></span></i></h2>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-83546482787608711082016-08-06T15:36:00.000-07:002016-08-06T15:36:30.106-07:00Blip Clip: Drunken Whiskers (short audio snippet from BANDITS OF BASSWOOD)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCWmuMVsCYw/V6ZlexW_d9I/AAAAAAAAASo/g0iEn_tpZmgfHBCbA4RSIYCBfXGKSeq4gCLcB/s1600/square%2Bbandits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gCWmuMVsCYw/V6ZlexW_d9I/AAAAAAAAASo/g0iEn_tpZmgfHBCbA4RSIYCBfXGKSeq4gCLcB/s320/square%2Bbandits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"The princess has escaped!" Click on the title below to hear a short snippet from BANDITS OF BASSWOOD...<br />
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<i><b><u><a href="https://www.audible.com/socialshare?id=8fe8d9be-eb97-4369-b911-0f89ef1e8d38&source_code=AFAORWS04241590G5" target="_blank">Drunken Whiskers</a></u></b></i></h2>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-91323312554599848182016-08-02T14:46:00.003-07:002016-08-02T14:46:52.469-07:00CALL FOR REVIEWS!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWhM1dq1WWA/V6ELPAV3GAI/AAAAAAAAASQ/0YFuzK8uQd0BZWgfM3q_z_sowninPLaCgCLcB/s1600/12472483_10154443959403217_1366376681855061533_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWhM1dq1WWA/V6ELPAV3GAI/AAAAAAAAASQ/0YFuzK8uQd0BZWgfM3q_z_sowninPLaCgCLcB/s320/12472483_10154443959403217_1366376681855061533_n.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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Hey All!<br />
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I have a couple of audio and ebook editions of BANDITS OF BASSWOOD to hand out for review purposes.<br />
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<a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51F5amoJuvL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51F5amoJuvL.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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If you would like a copy in exchange for an honest review let me know in the comments or send me an email. Thanks!<br />
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<i>Elizabeth</i></h4>
<br />Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-68100920062358870842016-07-27T09:27:00.000-07:002016-07-27T09:27:08.238-07:00Blip Clip from BANDITS OF BASSWOOD - Captain Vic's SupperHey all!<div>
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John William and his new friend, Celeste are in the musty old cabin of a pirate ship... click the title below to have a listen!</div>
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<b><i><u><a href="https://www.audible.com/socialshare?id=f30a5eba-706a-4832-9207-2b1adc66f5ae&source_code=AFAORWS04241590G5" target="_blank">Captain Vic's Supper</a></u></i></b></h2>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-59029291594544761812016-07-23T12:48:00.002-07:002016-07-23T12:50:37.964-07:00Audio blip clips... JOHN WILLIAM MEETS CELESTE and CAPTURED BY BANDITS!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4qAoiYcnEs/V5PKBEYr0lI/AAAAAAAAAR4/uXN0rl5GBgMiQ4BTVvwlL145gWjTuULxgCLcB/s1600/square%2Bbandits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4qAoiYcnEs/V5PKBEYr0lI/AAAAAAAAAR4/uXN0rl5GBgMiQ4BTVvwlL145gWjTuULxgCLcB/s320/square%2Bbandits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hey All! I will be posting 30 second clips of my audio book, BANDITS OF BASSWOOD just to give you a nibble :) This is a great story for kids and the narrator really did an amazing job capturing all of the colorful characters in Azra's Pith - click on the titles below to have a listen!<br />
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<a href="https://www.audible.com/socialshare?id=41782c90-525c-4696-aaac-e2d1965daff5&source_code=AFAORWS04241590G5" target="_blank"><b><i>JOHN WILLIAM MEETS CELESTE </i></b></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.audible.com/socialshare?id=0c10d8c4-aa5c-4194-9ffc-a678c4a2f700&source_code=AFAORWS04241590G5" target="_blank"><b><i>CAPTURED BY BANDITS</i></b></a>Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-22687961284441579492016-07-02T14:17:00.002-07:002016-07-02T14:20:27.500-07:00Fireside Chat DRAFT *QUEST FOR COPIA snippet<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
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Once the wood was gathered,
everyone settled in. The pop and crackle of the fire was beautiful music to
John William’s ears. He sat back and put his feet to the flames. Stars spilled
into the night sky. “The realm is a magical place.” He let out a soothing sigh.
Not even Roman could ruin this moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I think it’s time
for some grub,” said Mundi, digging around in his backpack. He plopped a large
pot on the fire and poured a canister of stew to the top. Within minutes, the
stew bubbled over, filling the crisp evening air with a delicious aroma. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John William
pulled out his map tools and sketched the details of the day… right down to the
towering tree. Roman stretched his hands behind his head and propped his feet
up to the fire. “So, what kind of trouble are you guys up to?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“We are not up to
any trouble; just a quest,” Mundi declared. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Copia is hardly
just a quest,” Ferdinand said. He stood up and stretched his pudgy belly. “Which
reminds me; this is a serious matter; we need guidance. It’s a good thing we
are close to Julien’s cabin. I will be right back. Please don’t climb any trees
while I’m gone.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Copia? You guys
really are crazy!” Roman scoffed. “Doesn’t matter, you’ll never find it without
the medallion. Don’t you remember the scrolls, Celeste?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Celeste bit her
lip and fixed her gaze at her feet. Roman studied her suspicious posture. “You,
you don’t have the medallion… do you?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Maybe…,” Celeste
muttered and tightened her cloak. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Oh, <i>maybe</i>… well if you do, the shadow
jumpers can’t be far off,” said Roman. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John William choked
on a carrot, nearly spilling his stew all over his lap. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Roman shook his
head in a condescending manner. “You have no idea what you are dealing with –
so typical for an outsider.” He grinned maliciously. “If you do have the
medallion, maybe you should let John William hang on to it.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“No, I will hold
it.” Celeste replied in a skeptical tone. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“We are a couple
of strong lads and one female I would never scrap with,” said Mundi, giving
Celeste a nudge. “These shadow jumpers will stay away if they know what’s good
for them. They sound like forest foxes to me. Those little fur-balls can come
off as feisty; just throw some leftover stew bits their way. You will have them
eating out of your hands.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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John William put
his stew down; he’d suddenly lost his appetite. “Do you happen to know anything
else about shadow jumpers?” He already knew what they looked like – and what
they were capable of.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“No, I’ve never
actually seen one; I’m smart enough to leave the sacred past where it belongs –
in the past!” Roman seemed to be relishing the moment as John William squirmed
in his trousers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Fair enough,”
John William replied. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Roman, <i>I</i> found the medallion and <i>I</i> will hold on to it until we reach
copia. If it bothers you so much, please feel free to leave.” Celeste shot
Roman a cold stare. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Sorry, Celeste,
I’m just looking out for you.” Roman gave her his most pitiful expression. <o:p></o:p></div>
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She stiffened. “I
don’t need, or want you looking out for me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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John William broke
in to stop the familiar argument. “Well, this has been a fun bit of catching
up; but I’m ready to get some sleep.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Great idea; I’ve
got a little grub in my belly and now it’s for some shut eye.” Mundi rested his
head on his backpack and draped a coat over him like a blanket. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Goodnight.”
Celeste threw her hood over her head and curled up next to the fire. She looked
at Roman who was still watching her in a possessive manner. “Go to sleep,
Roman.” Under her breath, she added, “I’m not marrying you now or ever.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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John William
couldn’t help but smile as he slid down by his tool bag. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After a short
while, they were all curled up around the fire. Mundi snored like a lumberjack
while Celeste slept peacefully through all the creaks and groans of the forest.
John William kept one eye on Roman. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Don’t worry; I
will keep watch. Just go to sleep.” Roman sat with a smug posture in the
firelight. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“That’s what I’m
afraid of. I don’t trust you,” said John William. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Roman rolled his
eyes and got comfortable on the ground. “Fine, I will go to sleep and you stand
watch. Be careful… you don’t want those nasty shadow jumpers to grab you up.”
He laughed under his breath. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John William tried
desperately to stay awake. His head nodded from one shoulder to the other. It
was no use; his eyes were like lead bricks. Roman appeared fast asleep; so he
gave in. All was peaceful as the moon glided across the sky. The events of the
day caught up to him and he drifted into a slumber. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Much later, his
dreams turned dark. He tossed and turned, trying to warn Celeste about the
shadow hovering over her, reaching into her cloak. It seemed so real….<o:p></o:p></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-17248911167890597282016-06-27T12:32:00.002-07:002016-06-27T12:37:14.388-07:00The Raven Flies In *DRAFT* Quest for Copia Snippet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBEM7VJEl2g/V3F_WtFtHiI/AAAAAAAAARI/0tJjqkzkE_ksqgCYEF6JsbpAt-_a2kSGQCLcB/s1600/roman_pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBEM7VJEl2g/V3F_WtFtHiI/AAAAAAAAARI/0tJjqkzkE_ksqgCYEF6JsbpAt-_a2kSGQCLcB/s320/roman_pe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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“I found help!” John William heard
Celeste’s sweet voice and peered down at the forest floor. Three specks
lingered around the base of the tree; the smallest was green and the tension building
from his agitated state was felt all the way up the tree where John William sat
helplessly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“How in Azra’s name did you get up there, boy?
We have not even started our quest and you’re already in trouble!” Ferdinand
shrieked and paced around.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yes, sorry about
that. I’m not sure what came over me. I had no idea I was such a good climber.”
John William fidgeted. More branches broke around him. “Perhaps you can you
help me down?” His voice squeaked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Sure, you’re such
a <i>fantastic</i> climber; why is it that
you can’t manage your way down?” the hopper asked with his long-fingered hands
on his hips.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Hey, up there!
I’m Mundi, I have some rope; do you want me to toss it up to you?” A strapping
young man, around the same age as John William, stood next to Celeste. He had
an oversized backpack loaded with supplies draped over his shoulders. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yes, please!”
John William extended one arm, hoping to catch the rope. Mundi tucked his long
brown hair behind his ears and gave the rope a good spin before hurling it
upwards. John William dropped his arm in disappointment. The rope wrapped
itself around a branch halfway up the tree. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“It’s much taller
than it looks,” Mundi mumbled and scratched his head.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Celeste morphed
into her bird form and fluttered to the end of the rope. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“That rope is too
heavy, young lady! You’ll drop like a stone.” Ferdinand scowled, waiving his
gangly arms in the air.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Celeste pinched
the end of the rope with her beak and yanked it loose from the branch. The
weight of the rope caused her to bob and dip. She flapped her wings faster and
faster. Soon enough she was making a steady climb. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“That’s it,
Celeste! Almost…” John William reached down and grabbed her up just as her
wings tuckered out. “Don’t worry, I will help you down.” He placed her in his
coat and tied the rope around the tree trunk. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Here we come!”
John William gripped his hands around the rope and squirmed down, inch by inch.
Once he realized the trunk was strong enough to hold him, he slid down the rope
as if he were on a fireman’s pole. “Woo hoo!” He hit the forest floor with a <i>thud</i>. “That might just be the last tree
I ever climb!” He held out his hand to Mundi. “Thank you, Mundi.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Think nothing of
it!” Mundi gave him a firm handshake. “Where are you all headed? The hopper asked
for all this stuff!” He twisted his back around, revealing a fat, canvass
backpack. “Not sure where you are going to keep everything. The backpack stays
with me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Celeste popped out
of John William’s jacket, ruffling his red scarf, and transformed. “We are
going on a dangerous quest. Thank you for assisting us. I’m sure we will manage
just fine.” She started easing the backpack off his shoulders to unload the
supplies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Weren’t you a
bird just a second ago? That is some trick – you’ll have to teach me that one.
Did you say dangerous?” Mundi rambled out his questions and enthusiastically
heaved the backpack up. “Count me in!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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John William gave
Celeste a shrug. She let out a defeated sigh. “Okay, fine; you can come.
Please, don’t tell anyone!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mundi perked up.
“You got it! Mums the word! You need someone strong like me around.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yes, yes, the
more, the merrier; now lets get a move on! We are burning daylight,” said
Ferdinand in an agitated tone. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Mundi, it’s time
to pack up and go home!” A screechy, nagging holler frightened the birds away. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Sage, tell dad
I’m going on a quest! I’ll be home tomorrow!” Mundi shouted with his boisterous
voice. It echoed off every surrounding tree. John William and Celeste glared at
him with similar scowls. “Oops…,” Mundi cleared this throat. “Sage! It’s a
secret quest – so don’t tell anyone… got it?” Don’t worry – I’m sure my sister
won’t tell anyone.” Mundi gave them both a sly wink. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“The entire realm
will know before the day is over!” Celeste rolled her eyes and started walking
east. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I’m a big guy,
but she scares me.” Mundi snickered. “I was minding my own business, taking
these supplies to my family’s shop, when she ordered me to come save her, um…
friend.” He gave John William a playful nudge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Just friends.”
John William’s face burned as he glanced at Celeste. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They walked along
to the clang of Mundi’s backpack and more of his rambling. “My father’s name is
Mundi, my grandfather’s name is Mundi, my great grandfather’s name is Mundi,
and I’m pretty sure my great, great grandfather’s name is Mundi. Our family
runs a few shops in town. We sell anything. If you need it, we have it! One
day, the Mundis will run the whole darn town.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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John William and Celeste looked around
cautiously with every step. The forest carried a tune of strange sounds. Trees
creaked as they swayed about, and the creatures made their own unique squeaks
and chirps. John William had mixed feelings of comfort and concern. He took a
deep breath to squeeze the tension out of his chest. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“We should stop
soon,” said Ferdinand, watching the sun fade behind the trees. A raven flew
overhead and landed on a nearby branch. It watched them pass before flying to
another branch just ahead of them. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I think we’re
being followed,” Mundi whispered. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John William
frowned. “I was afraid of that.” He had a feeling he knew exactly who it was.
The raven fluttered down to join them. “Oh great,” he muttered with an eye
roll. Through the raven’s feathers sprouted a midnight black cloak on a young
man with hair and eyes to match. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Okay, now I know
my eyes aren’t right today. This is the second time I saw a bird turn into a
human, or a human turn to a bird!” Mundi shook his head.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Hi, Roman,” said
Celeste with a polite smile. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“You look beautiful, as always, Celeste.”
Roman brushed a clump of her hair off her shoulders and winked with an arrogant
grin. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John William eyed
the young Empyrean, not much older than Celeste, with unease. Compared to other
Empyreans, peaceful by nature, something was a little off with him. Besides, he
seemed to claim Celeste like she was some sort of trophy to be had. Celeste
mentioned to John William she was well aware of Roman’s intentions to marry her
and rule Verhonia. <o:p></o:p></div>
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He approached John William, looking him up and
down with a snarl. “I see you have made the unfortunate decision of returning
to the realm. I knew you weren’t all that smart.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I don’t know what
your problem is with me; but I’m sure Azra’s Pith is big enough for the both of
us.” John William stood tough with his chest out and arms folded. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“This is his home;
he lives in Verhonia at the palace, Roman. He was invited by King Paraclete,”
Celeste declared. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John William
blushed. “I was?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I thought you
knew that already.” Celeste nodded with a sweet smile.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Oh…? Your father
has taken a shine to him? How quaint,” Roman sneered. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“If you can’t be
cordial, then I shall have to ask you to leave,” said Celeste firmly. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I can be
friendly. What are we doing? Setting up camp? Lighting a fire? Please, allow me
to help.” Roman smirked mischievously and collected twigs for the fire. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“This should be a
delightful night.” John William knew the only motive for Roman to stay was to
throw trouble his way. Strange creatures with glowing, green eyes and sharp
claws already had him on edge. Having to worry about what Roman was up to only
made things worse. <o:p></o:p></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-13946838359826910432016-06-25T11:35:00.001-07:002016-06-27T09:11:21.414-07:00The Beast In The Shadows *DRAFT* Quest for Copia snippet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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“No!” Celeste
shrieked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Cold, clammy
fingers brushed John William’s neck. The beast wrapped his claws around John
William’s scarf and dragged him through
the dirt. John William let out a gagging cough as the grip tightened across his
throat. His face went from bright red to purple. Celeste lunged for the creature’s ankle and
gave it a good yank, giving John William just enough time to squirm out of his
scarf and run to the nearest tree. The creature was right on his heels. Hugging
the tree, he pulled himself up branch by branch to the very top. “Help!” he
shouted as the creature snarled and clawed at the medallion. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“I’m coming!” Celeste morphed in to a vibrant
red robin and fluttered up the tree. John William wrapped the medallion around
his wrist to secure it. He stomped the heel of his shoe at the creature’s face.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Screech!</i> Its eyes narrowed to an angry squint.
A low, menacing growl moved through its jagged teeth. It grabbed hold of the
medallion and yanked it about. John William mustered up every ounce of strength
for another stomp. This one hit it square in the nose. His shoe squished into
the beasts face splattering goo up his pant leg. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Hurry!” John
William strained. The leather strap holding the medallion tightened around his
wrist. “It’s not letting up!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Celeste little
wings fluttered faster. She finally reached them and flapped her wings in the
beast’s face. It remained undeterred, keeping its grip in the medallion. A
cloud blocking the sun drifted away, allowing rays of light to shine on the
treetops. Once a ray hit the creature, it let out a hiss and vanished. Celeste
perched on the branch next to John William. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Maybe we should
not mention this to Ferdinand.” With one arm hugging the treetop, he wiggled
around to locate the path of sturdy branches he’d used to get up the tree. <i>Crack</i>! The flimsy trunk buckled. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The more he moved,
the more it cracked. Branches under his legs broke off and fell to the forest
floor. “Okay, let me take a minute to think about this. I’m afraid I might be
stuck unless I fall and break every bone on the way down.” John William wrapped
his arms and legs around the tree’s tip as it swayed back and forth in the
breeze.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Celeste made her
way to the ground. “I’ll get help!” She shouted, adjusting her cloak after a
quick transformation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John William let
out a sigh. “I can’t wait to hear what the old hopper is going to say about
this.” He watched the medallion shimmer in the sunlight and thought about
Ferdinand’s warning. They weren’t the only ones interested in the lost city.<o:p></o:p></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-70857999309282230582016-06-14T13:56:00.002-07:002016-06-14T13:56:55.867-07:00The Vision (*DRAFT* snippet - QUEST FOR COPIA) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkdVbOcZXRk/V2BvcCCMhaI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ooXuvPmE8UQNTNMbq2pouQndkFSRCyuNQCLcB/s1600/fairy_pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vkdVbOcZXRk/V2BvcCCMhaI/AAAAAAAAAQY/ooXuvPmE8UQNTNMbq2pouQndkFSRCyuNQCLcB/s320/fairy_pe.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
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The twinkling swarmed John William’s thin frame as they propelled him through the passageway. He landed and tumbled a few times before hitting a pair of pair of worn, leather boots, hiding under a red cloak.</div>
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“Hello….” Stunned, John William gazed up at a vision of wild red hair, angelic skin, and vibrant green eyes. He blinked and smiled foolishly, trying his best not to blush. In their time apart, he’d almost forgotten how beautiful Celeste was.</div>
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She stood with her arms crossed and a forced frown as she stared down at her feet. “Do you know how long I have been waiting for you to return? Acting like a goof won’t get you out of trouble.” She scowled, blowing her curls out of her eyes.</div>
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John William stumbled to his feet and brushed off the remaining specks. “I’m sorry. I was away too long…. But I’m here now.” He gave her a sweet smile.</div>
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Celeste’s freckled face lit up. She wrapped her arms around him, covering his whole body with her red cloak.</div>
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“I am so happy to be here.” John William whispered in her ear.</div>
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“Are you ready for our quest?” Celeste asked cautiously.</div>
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“So, what of this quest you keep speaking about?” Ferdinand narrowed his eyes at the two of them.</div>
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“We can’t tell you unless you promise not to tell anyone about it – especially my father,” said Celeste.</div>
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“Nonsense; I can make no such promise, young lady. I am a loyal friend to King Paraclete. The ruler of Verhonia wouldn’t want me leaving his daughter unprotected. You have officially obligated me to join you on this quest for your own safety.”</div>
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“You’re coming with us? That’s fantastic!” John William cheered. “This will be the best adventure ever!”</div>
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“Yah, great…” Celeste smiled politely</div>
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“We’d better get to it. Where are we headed?” The old hopper stretched his limbs, preparing for a long stint of walking. Celeste let out a deep sigh and pulled a medallion out of her cloak.</div>
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“Copia…,” she muttered.</div>
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“Yes, to find my father.” John William gently slid the medallion back into Celeste’s cloak.”</div>
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“Where did you find that?” Ferdinand blurted with stunned, bulgy eyes.</div>
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“Right here in the forest.” Celeste shrugged her shoulders innocently.</div>
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“Young lady, do you know anything about Copia?”</div>
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“Yes, it’s in the scrolls I study.” She rubbed her hand along her chin. “Um, it was a sacred city and something destroyed it. I, I know there’s more to it than that; but now is not the time to explain the details.”</div>
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“The <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">something that destroyed Copia and its people</i>, is precisely the reason we should not be taking this quest! You are toying with a dark energy none of us fully understand. The consequences could be disastrous!”</div>
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“Copia has been in ruin since the time of Azra; I’m sure it is perfectly safe; but John William needs my help. His father is out there somewhere,” Celeste declared.</div>
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“Oh? Perfectly safe…? Here we go again. For all of our sakes, you’d better hope we don’t find it or that your meddling father has not stumbled upon it.” The hopper sneered with his long green finger waving at John William. “I have a feeling you two are in for a harsh lesson. I just hope there is no pain involved.”</div>
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John William took a deep breath and sifted through his bag as Celeste looked on with raised brows.</div>
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“What are you looking for?” She inched closer to him until her curly, red hair brushed against his shoulder.</div>
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John William blushed and gently brushed her hair away from her cheek. “Um, my uncle gave me a special stone. It’s supposed to help me find what I’m searching for.” In the deep corner of the satchel, his finger brushed along the folds of the soft leather pouch holding the stone. “Yes − here it is!” Butterflies stirred in his belly as he held the small pouch. “I’m not sure what to do. What if it doesn’t work?”</div>
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“Only one way to find out… come on, let’s have a look.” Celeste’s green eyes beamed.</div>
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“Here goes nothing….” John William shook the bag until the translucent blue stone wiggled into the palm of his hand.</div>
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Ferdinand hopped over, examining the stone with his bulgy eyes. “That’s a locator stone. Huh! It is a guardian’s tool. Don’t you know what that means?” He folded his gangly arms across his chest with a tight lipped, smug expression.</div>
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“Yes, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me anyways”. John William rolled his eyes.</div>
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“It means the stone will not work for you! Only guardians can harness its power… which brings me back to my previous point – Copia should be left alone. Especially by the likes of two youths with a nasty habit of finding trouble.”</div>
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“Well, my uncle told me give it a try; and that is exactly what I’m going to do.” John shifted his hand and watched the stone reflect off the sun’s rays.</div>
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“I completely agree, John William. What is the worst that could happen?” Celeste gave John William a nudge with her elbow.</div>
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“Don’t ever, ever ask that question young lady… especially not in my presence. I have no interest in experiencing the answer.” Ferdinand narrowed his eyes at John William. “Well, let’s get on with it – might as well put an end to this nonsense once and for all.”</div>
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“What am I supposed to do? How does it work?” John William rubbed the stone, hoping for some sort of flicker.</div>
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“Your uncle did not tell you?” asked Celeste.</div>
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John William nodded with a frown.</div>
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“That’s okay; we can figure this out. Maybe there’s a magic word?” She smiled and raised her brow.</div>
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John William plopped his backside on the forest floor and let out a defeated sigh. “I suppose I should have asked my uncle how it works. What could I be missing?”</div>
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“Oh, don’t be so hard on yourself, boy. I don’t believe there is anything you can do. I have only seen guardians possess the stone.” Ferdinand slid the strap to John William’s satchel up his shoulder. “We really should be moving along.”</div>
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John William gazed at the stone. His chest tightened as he imagined his father wandering alone. He squeezed the stone until his knuckles turned white. His eyes snapped shut and a vision of a jagged stone with detailed carvings rose from the locator stone.</div>
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“Amazing – John William, you’re doing it! It’s working!” Celeste gasped.</div>
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The image was crystal clear, markings of trees in Copious Forest divided by the long, thin line of the river. At the very corner was a flowing waterfall cascading into a pool with the head of a serpent protruding from the top. Dashes of red, blue and lights darted across the map. The lights slowed just enough to reveal their fairy winged silhouettes. A with a red glow surrounding her fluttered toward John William and Celeste. As she held her hands out a ball of fire formed and hovered. It grew larger and larger. John William’s fisted hand trembled as he gripped the stone. </div>
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The fairy giggled and hurled the fire ball towards John William. It singed the tip of his nose and vanished into a puff of smoke. “Ouch!” He lunged backwards, vigorously rubbing his nose. The Jagged stone burst into a vivid blue beam of light and shrunk back into the locator stone.</div>
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“That, that was fantastic!” Celeste helped John William to his feet. “I know those fairies; They are protecting the map. I’m sure of it!”</div>
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“Yes, I’d say you’re right about that… mischievous little creatures.” Ferdinand let out a deep sigh. “Are you sure you want to go through with this, John William. What if…? I mean, your father may not have made it to Copia.”</div>
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“I have to find him. I won’t give up – I won’t stop searching until I do.” John William secured the stone in his satchel.</div>
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“Alright then, the two of you win, yet again… I suppose we are headed to Windy Ridge.”</div>
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“This will be the most amazing quest I’ve ever been on!” Celeste cheered. “Just wait until you see the fairies.”</div>
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“We are off to discover!” John William raised his fist in the air. They both snickered excitedly.</div>
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“Yes, yes, this is all <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">so </i>exciting. I’m going to get some supplies. There is a vendor not too far from here. I will be back shortly. You two be ready.” Ferdinand grumbled and headed toward the river.</div>
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“Can I see it?” John William glanced at the medallion. She placed it in his hand with an excited smile.</div>
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“Extraordinary,” he whispered. It began to chime. As the chiming intensified, an eerie breeze blew through his curls. The bushes around them rattled. A low cackle came through the gaps in the trees.</div>
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“Did you hear that?” Celeste fanatically glanced around.</div>
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John William nodded and reached out to return the medallion. “Maybe we should put it away.” The forest was silent. “Here… take it.” He whispered.</div>
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The bushes burst open and leaves flew everywhere. A creature with wicked green eyes and pointy teeth leaped out of the shadows and threw John William to the ground with the medallion still clutched in his hand.</div>
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Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-707933140510204992016-05-07T19:48:00.001-07:002016-05-07T19:48:47.952-07:00Quest for Copia snippt *DRAFT* part 3 - Uncle Andrew and the Locator Stone<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZezMrKmcXA/Vy6o58Z0FhI/AAAAAAAAAQE/_IS8uvO-MRQmIAYzJmh3ClxeiyQgRmDhACLcB/s1600/locator%2Bstone_pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fZezMrKmcXA/Vy6o58Z0FhI/AAAAAAAAAQE/_IS8uvO-MRQmIAYzJmh3ClxeiyQgRmDhACLcB/s320/locator%2Bstone_pe.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“What a year it has been.” Twelve
year old John William thought to himself. He sat in his uncle’s cozy living room
with a dusty old book on his lap and his favorite fluffy dog, Sam sleeping at
his feet. It was an eventful year; he discovered Azra’s Pith, the most
wonderful place imaginable. He was captured by pirates,
resulting in a battle John William could never have conjured in his wildest
dreams. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
He missed the fresh smells of the lush trees in Copious forest and the stars splashed across the sky, reflecting off the river at night. He missed the magic that made every moment
extraordinary. More than anything, he longed to see his best friends, Celeste
and Ferdinand. All of the adventure in Azra’s pith made being at his uncle’s
house rather uneventful. After his father’s mysterious disappearance a year
ago, it was just the two of them, and Sam, Uncle Andrew’s fluffy sheep
dog. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William’s mother had passed
away from illness a couple years back. Loss and heartache were becoming unwelcome
friends in John William’s life. He was determined to find his father as long
has there was a sliver of hope that he was alive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
On occasion he would visit the
Drake estate up the road, the home he once shared with his mother and father. It was run down from neglect over the
last couple years. He still enjoyed perusing the old books in the grand
study. He also felt compelled to look after Shrewee, the old creature living in
a secret hatch carved in the ceiling. He never stayed too long as the memory of
his parents presence in the now empty home stung too much. The disappearance of his father ate away at
John William every minute of the day. He needed answers and knew exactly where
to find them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
He glanced through his reddish
brown curls at his uncle who was sitting directly across from him immersed in a
book. That awful tension returned to his chest. Taking a deep breath was not
clearing it out anymore. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Like a lead brick, it sat without
budging and would most likely remain until he got down to the bottom of things and
he had a hunch that he should start with his uncle’s arms. If what he discovered in Azra’s Pith was
correct, they carried something significant. He let out a subtle cough,
pretending to clear his throat. His uncle briefly glanced up from his book. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“So, do you know what I’ve noticed?
You never wear short sleeves. In all of my twelve years, I don’t recall ever
seeing your arms without sleeves.” John William glanced at his uncles long sleeves
securely buttoned at his wrist. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Is that a fact? Huh, well maybe it
is because I have no arms… just feeble wooden toothpicks under these sleeves.”
His Uncle Andrew replied with a chuckle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William was not interesting in
joking around. “Can I see?” he asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Pardon?” Uncle Andrew’s light
hearted smile faded. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Your arms… can I see them?” He
asked again in a serious tone. He was growing inpatient. Since returning from
Azra’s Pith John William learned quickly that his Uncle Andrew has an unhealthy
habit of brushing important matters under the rug. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“What is this about, John William?” Uncle
Andrew played with the buttons of his shirt cuffed at his wrist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I think you know what I am looking for.” John
William slammed his book shut and thumped it at his ankles causing Sam to
twitch and snort in his sleep. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Oh? Is that so?” Uncle Andrew
unbuttoned his cuff and pulled one sleeve up to expose his arm. “See…? Here it
is − my bare arm. Is this what you expected?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William sat back in his seat.
What he saw was not at all what he expected ─ claw marks and scars covered it
from fingertip to elbow. “Can, can I see the other one?” John William did not
usually carry a harsh tone with his uncle; but he could not help it. The
betrayal he suspected his uncle was guilty of was unforgivable in his eyes. “I
told you where I was when I returned. You have yet to say a word about it. Why
do you pretend Azra’s Pith does not exist?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Oh, we are speaking of this
again?” His uncle sighed and shook his head. “I’m pretty tired; I think I’ll
turn in for the night. We can discuss it tomorrow?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“No, no we can’t. Please, your
other arm… I need to see it.” John William stiffened his posture. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Okay, John William, you win.” His
uncle undid the button around his wrist, loosening his cuff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William scooted to the edge of
his seat and watched with anticipation as Uncle Andrew rolled his sleeve up his
arm, one perfectly creased fold at a time. Once the fold reached his elbow, his
uncle extended his exposed arm. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William gasped. “So it is
true; you are a guardian.” Marked permanently on his arm was an intricate pair
of feathered wings − the symbol of the guardian. John William leaped from his seat and clutched
his uncle’s arm. The same claw marks and scrapes covered the entire length both
arms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Uncle Andrew pulled his arm away
and covered it before any more details could be seen. “It was never my
intention to deceive you or your father. You must know that his happiness has
always been top priority for me. Any knowledge of this would have destroyed
him. He wanted more than anything to be a guardian, like our father. I thought
it was best if kept secret.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William’s anger faded to
empathy and curiosity. He returned to
his seat and sat back in a huff. “You’re right, Azra’s Pith is
everything to him.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I don’t know why our fates were
not different; and not a day goes by with out me wishing it was Chrissy who was
given the role instead of myself.” His uncle grabbed a picture of him and his
brother from the table next to his chair. The name Chrissy was a term of
endearment John William’s uncle had for his father, who’s actual name was
Christopher. They were always very close; all of the Drake boys shared a love
of adventure. John William looked up to his father and uncle with great
admiration. Of course, this year has shattered every certainty he held in his
world. Every step going forward was into the unknown.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I believe he is searching for
Copia,” said John William. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I don’t doubt that; he will have a
lot of trouble finding it without the rest of the map,” his uncle replied. “If
he still alive, that is....” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Well, that’s the thing, I’m pretty
sure he has the complete map. I found his tracing tools at the Ruins of
Stonewood.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“What? He always was a clever
fellow.” A broad smile stretched across Uncle Andrew’s face. “He left those
behind on purpose; I’m sure of it. He wants you to find him.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I need to find the other half of
the map… remember? That night in the study?”
John William raised his brow. The night before his father disappeared he
showed them the half of a map to Copia. “He has that map; I need to find the
stone it is carved in. It was broken off at the ruins.” John William pulled a
tattered sheet of paper with the outline of a portion of a map. “I found this
part of the stone at the Ruins and traced it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Yes, I do remember that. I had no
idea he had that map. Your grandfather must have slipped it in that book… crazy old
coot.” Uncle Andrew replied in a discouraged tone. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Why don’t you come with me? We can
find him together.” John William smiled. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
His uncle’s face hardened. “I can
never return. I barely escaped with my life the last time I was there.” He
rolled up his sleeve, revealing the scars on his arms. “I can not emphasize the
dangers enough. Copia holds tremendous energy ─ some good, some extremely evil.
It must never, ever be found.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“What are those scars on your arm?”
John William asked reluctantly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“The claws of hundreds of shadow
jumpers… vicious beasts that hide in the shadows. They hunted me relentlessly
when I had possession of the medallion.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“You mean the Copian Medallion?”
John William’s asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Yes, being the fool that I
am, I tried to take the medallion out of Azra’s Pith. I thought it would be
safer here. Once I traveled through passageway, the Medallion vanished.” He
rubbed his hands together and took a deep breath. “When I returned to look for
the medallion, it was gone. I still have no idea what happened to it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William Cringed. “Well… I
think I might know who has it now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Uncle Andrew jolted up in his seat.
“What do you mean, who? My hope is that no one has it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“My friend, Celeste may have found
it. Don’t worry, she is keeping it safe.” John William squirmed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Uncle Andrew’s usual warm, friendly
face turned stone cold. “She is in danger as long as she holds the medallion. This
matter is not to be trifled with. She
needs to hide the medallion somewhere it can never be found… by man, creature,
or magic.” He stood up and stepped over to a large painting of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Fern</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place>
hanging on the wall. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Um, is everything okay?” John
William watched with a puzzled expression as his uncle gripped the frame.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Speak of this to no one ─ not even
your father… especially not your father.” He swiftly pulled the painting from its
latch revealing a cabinet tucked into the wall. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William gasped. “How long has
that been there?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“As long as I can remember; your
great grandfather shared it with me after my first trip to Azra’s Pith,” said
Uncle Andrew. The cabinet let out a high pitch squeak as he swung it open. Inside
was a cluttered pile of rolled up papers, books and other objects in the
shadows John William could not make out. Just as he stood up to get a closer
look, Uncle Andrew snagged a group of rolled papers and hastily shut the door. “Some
things are better left unseen.” He muttered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William let out a disappointed
sigh. “Fair enough, I suppose. What are those?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I’m hoping there is another copy
of the map in this stack. If not, you might be out of luck.” Uncle Andrew
carefully peered through each role of paper without opening a single one.<o:p></o:p></div>
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John William fidgeted anxiously. He
wanted so badly to see what was on those papers. “Can’t I have a quick look?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Just as I suspected ─ your father
has the only copy.” His uncle muttered, ignoring John William’s request. He
stuffed them all back in the cabinet, and pulled a small leather sack out before securing the door shut. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“What is that?” John William asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Uncle Andrew tossed the sack over
to John William. “Go ahead, open it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William pulled the straps
along the top and loosened the slack. Inside was a deep blue stone, so clear he
could see his fingers through the stone. “Amazing…,” he stroked the smooth surface. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“It’s a locator stone.” Uncle Andrew’s eyes sparkled. “Your
grandfather gave that to me. He said it would only work for Guardians; but at
this point I think it’s your only hope. It certainly couldn’t hurt to try.” He took the
stone and examined it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“How do I use it?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“All you have to do is take it out
of the sack. As long as you are in Azra’s Pith,
it will show you the way. Hopefully your grandfather was wrong.” He handed
the stone back to John William. “Keep it safe; and when you’re ready, use it
well.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I will… I promise.” John William
secured the stone in the sack and extended his thin limbs to a good, long
stretch. “I’ve been seeing the sparks in Fern Forrest… no sign of Ferdinand
yet, though. I hope he returns soon.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“If you know Ferdinand like I do,
he arrives at the exact time his intends to, he’s never, ever late, and he does
not like to be kept waiting.” Uncle Andrew smiled. “Does this mean you will be
leaving me and Sam again?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William nodded. “I have to.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“I know; you better get some sleep.
I will help you prepare in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
John William shuffled to his room
and sat at the base of the window. The rays of the moon pierced the trees
giving <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Fern</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place> a magical glow. He pulled the
locator stone from the pouch and held it to the moonlight. “I know you are out
there, pop. I promise I will do what ever it takes to find you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
* * * *<o:p></o:p></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-59799098358143706222016-05-06T12:27:00.003-07:002016-05-06T12:29:36.049-07:00QUEST FOR COPIA (part 1) *draft snippet* The Girl in the Red Cloak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9v_0RX2CQVk/VyzvdPRR9BI/AAAAAAAAAPw/w_eoBUsui0ova9WS7FehMDV73lOjrArbwCLcB/s1600/cover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9v_0RX2CQVk/VyzvdPRR9BI/AAAAAAAAAPw/w_eoBUsui0ova9WS7FehMDV73lOjrArbwCLcB/s320/cover1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
On a bright,
beautiful afternoon a red robin fluttered through <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Copious</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
dodging the sunbeams as she made her way to the passageway. This was not an
ordinary bird; this was a young Empyrean Wizard by the name of Celeste. Of
course, Empyrean Wizards lived in an extraordinary place where fantastic
creatures and magic were a part of every day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
All Empyrean
Wizards have a bird form appropriately coordinated with their personality. This
particular Empyrean was fearless and kind. She also had a knack for finding
adventure and what ever trouble may accompany it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste perched on
her favorite boulder for watching the passageway… the magical opening for
people to enter Azra’s pith from the <i>other
side</i>, as she like to call it. Her vibrant red feathers transformed to
reveal wild hair the same shade of red as her feathers. “Today has to be the
day.” Her green eyes twinkled. She gazed in anticipation at the base of a large
tree. “Someone is going to leap through at any moment. I just know it; and I
will be the first to say hello.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
A prickly chill
traveled down her spine. She squeezed her arms across her chest and soothed her
goose bumps. “Something isn’t right
here.” Celeste glanced around, feeling an evil energy draped around her. An
angry groan rumbled through trees, breaking branches and sending twigs flying. “It’s
the Rive!” She gasped and scrambled behind the boulder. As the dark spell made its approach the moan
went from a groan to a vicious roar. A wind funnel in the shape of a pair of
long, wretched claws came into view. It plowed through trees and tossed dirt in
the air. Celeste’s cloak whipped around in a frenzy. She crouched behind the
boulder and gripped her hands around the base. Rocks and tree branches shot passed
her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
She felt her body lifting
off the ground. Inch by inch, her fingers slipped from the boulder. “Oh no!” Her
head throbbed from intense pressure as the wind consumed her. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Where is it? I
must find it.” The Rive whispered sharply, bringing a sting to Celeste’s ears. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Where is what?
What are you talking about?” She
shrieked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Where is it? I
must find it!” The Rive’s whisper was now at a rattling shrill. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste closed her
eyes and fisted her trembling hands. “I have to channel the élan. Come on
Celeste… concentrate. I can do this!” A warm, vibrant energy burst through her
cloak. The dark spell let out a hiss and instantly vanished, dropping Celeste
to the forest floor. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The wind removed
layers of dirt and debris from the forest floor. As she sat on the boulder,
something caught her eye. A slight glimmer shined through a clump of dirt. She scooped
up the clump and scraped the forest coating off it until all that remained was
a medallion with strange markings. It chimed and sparkled in her hands. Celeste
stuffed it in her cloak and cautiously looked around. An excited giggle slipped
out just before she morphed back into a robin and flew above the trees.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
A short distance
away in a dense part of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Copious</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place>, sat a quaint wood
cabin with a stream of smoke drifting out of the chimney. The cabin was as warm
and inviting as the jolly, old wizard living within its walls. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Will you just
look at this garden?” Julien’s extra large frame cast a shadow over his entire
garden just in front of his cabin. His brown hooded robe could pass for the
sail of a boat. “I don’t like to brag; but not everyone can make carrots such
as these.” He smiled at his dearest
friend, Ferdinand the hopper, exposing a broad gap in his front teeth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Well, I suppose,
if you say so. Speaking of delectable carrots… how’s that stew coming?”
Ferdinand rubbed his pudgy green belly with his long fingers as he lounged in
Julien’s porch chair; which was big enough to be a deck for the tiny hopper.
“Look at me; I’m practically melting away. I may very well starve sitting here
waiting for your stew to simmer.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Patience, all in
due time, old friend… and I’m quite sure you will be fine to skip a meal or
two.” The old wizard stroked his bushy, brown beard and raised his brow at
Ferdinand’s protruding gut. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Before Ferdinand
could respond a vicious shriek and cackle rumbled through the forest causing
the branches to tremble. The hopper leaped from his seat with startled bulgy
eyes. “What in Azra’s name was that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Julien’s jovial
expression turned heavy and the color left his cheeks. “It came from the
shadows… impossible.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“What ─ what are
you talking about? What is impossible?” Ferdinand fidgeted in the fold of
Julien’s robe. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Not to worry,
Ferdinand; I’m sure it was nothing more than the forest letting out a moan in
her old age. We all feel a creak in our joints from time to time.” Julien
scooped Ferdinand up with his large hand. “Come, a warm fire and a pot bubbling
over with stew awaits us inside.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The old wizard
glanced over his shoulder at the shadows through the trees with a concerned
crinkle in his brow. The last time he heard that shriek and cackle, vicious shadow
jumpers were on the move. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-14586557394748588172016-05-06T12:11:00.002-07:002016-05-06T12:28:40.018-07:00QUEST FOR COPIA (part 2) Snippet *DRAFT* - Elder Meg and the Copian scrolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PEIou7V1A8/VyzsQ0EYvMI/AAAAAAAAAPc/FbwGN5hInL8eGqM6-HzX2sBY_e_4PcQZQCLcB/s1600/copian%2Bscrolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0PEIou7V1A8/VyzsQ0EYvMI/AAAAAAAAAPc/FbwGN5hInL8eGqM6-HzX2sBY_e_4PcQZQCLcB/s400/copian%2Bscrolls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
One Year Later<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
“Celeste! Pay attention!” a pair of large
hands clapped together in front of the young fiery redhead’s face. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste sat up and
pushed her hair out of her eyes. “Sorry, Elder Meg.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Learning the
scrolls is necessary for all Empyreans. The Copian scrolls are the most important of
them all. This is no time to day dream.” Elder Meg raised her brow. “Those who
don’t learn their history are doomed to repeat it. I know you are only twelve years
young; but this will make complete sense when you are no longer a fledgling.” She
cleared her throat and continued. “Long ago, during the age of Azra, a majestic
city thrived deep in the heart of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Copious</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It was carved
into a hidden canyon of gold. The city served as home to Gavinkin, beings with
the powerful wings of a hawk and bodies of a man. Empyrean wizards also
frequented the golden canyon.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste rested her
chin in her hands and gazed at the clear blue sky. It was a perfect day for an
adventure; but all Empyreans had to learn the history of Azra’s Pith. Empyrea held thousands of years of the
realm’s history in ancient scrolls, all of which Celeste was expected to
memorized throughout her lifetime. She let out a sigh as Elder Meg carried on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Copia was abundant with anything one’s heart
might crave, which attracted all types to its gates. Only the persistent were
able to find it. The gold canyons hid in the thickest part of the forest behind
a steep rock wall and a flowing waterfall.”
Elder Meg placed her hands on the old wooden desk in front of Celeste.
“Young fledgling, can you tell me who Imperius the Great is?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Um… yes, yes,
he’s a cursed sorcerer,” she blurted. Celeste sat back in her seat with a proud
smile, feeling impressed with herself for knowing the answer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Very good,
Celeste; but there is more to the story. As a young man, Imperius was lost and
wandering the forest when he found the gates. He did not look at all like a
great anything. Filthy old rags barely hung on his scrawny frame of a body. He
dabbled with magic and performed in towns he visited to get by. It was not real
magic, but sleight of hand tricks used for entertaining and the occasional
pickpocket when he was really hungry. When he saw the golden city of <st1:place w:st="on">Copia</st1:place>, he was determined
to stay. ‘I will be full and rich for the rest of my days. I have found home,’
he declared.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste’s eyelids
grew heavy as Elder Meg droned on. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“The citizens of
Copia welcomed him with open wings as they did anyone who entered the golden
canyon. Imperius the Great had anything he desired… food, riches, but there was
something even more special about Copia. Imperius was able to perform real
magic with ease. He felt a strong energy force flowing through him. The power
was intoxicating and he wanted more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“He discovered the
source in a trusting friend, an Empyrean wizard who lived in the outskirts.
Empyrean wizards and Gavinkin harnessed the energy of the élan and used their
powers to keep a peaceful balance in the realm. As the days went on, Empyreans
and Gavinkin disappeared while Imperius became more powerful. One can only
imagine his methods.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Eyes closed,
Celeste did imagine. She pictured Imperius sneaking up to wrap his robe around
his victims and absorb them. Shuddering, she blinked awake. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Elder Meg nodded.
“Yes, Imperius the Great was quickly becoming a sorcerer and losing any
remaining human qualities. Dark creatures rose from his magic. The once great city
grew overrun with shadow jumpers. Giant black bird beasts known as murks flew
in and terrorized Copians. The citizens’ peaceful energy shifted to greed,
envy, and hatred. Fighting broke out in the city walls.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste felt
herself drifting off to sleep again. Everything Elder Meg said ran though her
head like a wild dream.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Xavier, an elder
Gavinkin and the keeper of Copia, appealed to Azra, the most sacred of all the
Empyreans. It was too late; a clash of power brought the city to ruins. Shadow
jumpers and murks consumed everything in their path.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Azra discovered
Imperius dwelling in a hole in the rock wall outside Copia. The sorcerer was
surrounded by the empty shells of Gavinkin and Empyreans. Imperius had drained
their energy and left them for dead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Ultimately, Imperius was no match for Azra. ‘Your
existence here ends now. You will live in darkness for eternity,’ Azra ordered.
‘Your only way out is to be consumed by the light of the élan.’ With that, the
butterfly curse was set, imprisoning imperious to eternal darkness. The dark
sorcerer was not seen or heard from and most likely died in that very cave.” Elder Meg cleared her throat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste gasped and
her eyes snapped open. “Sorry, Elder Meg. It won’t happen again.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I should hope not.”
Elder Meg replied with a stern glare. “Now, where was I? Oh, yes… the creatures
he created from dark magic remained in Copia. Azra pushed the canyons together,
sealing off the crumbled city. Shadow jumpers scurried out of the ruins. Xavier
fell to his knees. ‘Copia, our city, it’s gone forever.’”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Elder Meg’s
fingers tapped below her collarbone. “What do you think happened next,
Celeste?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste grinned.
“I know this one. The medallion!” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Yes.” Elder Meg
smiled and leaned forward, pretending she had something hidden in her hand.
“Azra handed the keeper a medallion. ‘This will unlock Copia. You must wait until the shadow jumpers are no
longer present. Whatever you do; keep it hidden.’<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“With a broken
wing from the fall of Copia, Xavier was forced to stay in the forest around the
canyon. He waited the remainder of his life to unlock the city. Shadow jumpers
stalked him relentlessly, trying to snatch the medallion. In his final days,
Xavier took a long journey. His destination was the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">High</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
The land was flat and nothing obstructed the sun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“In the middle of
a moonless night, the elderly keeper of Copia went to sleep and never woke up.
He did not make it to the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">High</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. The medallion lay
in the dirt of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Copious</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place>, buried by the
elements of time. A young man, not from the realm was exploring and came across
the medallion. His virtue and intentions proved pure. Azra appointed him the
role of the guardian in Azra’s pith. His role was to protect the medallion and the
lost city and keep them from being discovered. Since then, the role has been
passed down; in each generation a new guardian is selected.” Elder Meg paused
and squeezed Celeste’s shoulder. “My dear, it is our responsibility to protect
the realm. Xavier spent his life keeping the Medallion out of the claws of
Evil. We must do what we can to ensure that it remains that way and that Copia
stays lost forever. She knelt down and stared intensely at Celeste. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Have you noticed a
change in the élan?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste replied
with an un assuming shrug.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“It is ever so
slight; but it is present. It feels like the calm before the storm. We have
reason to believe the medallion has been found. All we can do is hope it is in
the right hands and that we locate it before the realm goes into chaos.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“What, what do you
mean by chaos?” Celeste scooted back
into her seat.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Don’t think for
an instant that those shadow jumpers will ignore the medallion. They are drawn
to it. If they get their claws on it, Copia and the evil locked inside will be
freed.” Elder meg brushed Celeste’s hair over her shoulders. “This was a very important lesson.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste swallowed
the lump in her throat, giving her Elder an acknowledging nod. “Okay, I
understand.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Good…,” Elder Meg
replied with a sweet grin. “That is all for today, dear. You are free to go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste stood up
and adjusted her red cloak. “So, the Medallion is still out there? Shouldn’t we
try to find it? You know, to keep it
safe.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Yes, but not you,
flegling. The Copian Medallion is said to have strange powers.” Elder Meg
packed up her things and affectionately pinched Celeste’s nose. “Who knows what
could happen if such power ended up in the hands of a curious young Empyrean who
seems to find trouble at the drop of a hat.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste smiled and
fidgeted nervously.. Butterflies stirred in her belly, thinking about her discovery
a while back after her encounter with the Rive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
She has managed to
keep her possession of the medallion a secret, only sharing her find with one
person. That person was John William; her friend from outside of the realm. He was
still away; but a day did not escape Celeste with out the thought of his
return. Each morning she woke up and wondered if that was the day he would
arrive. In spite of the dangers, she
intended to help him get to Copia and find his father. The Copian Medallion
would most certainly be a significant part of their quest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
* * * *<o:p></o:p></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-35139722734541363932016-04-27T13:06:00.004-07:002016-04-27T13:13:45.164-07:00The Door in the Ceiling <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nl8lkHZRerE/VyEaYrDukDI/AAAAAAAAAO8/q2PJJ9QNd7I9nrIqpdA8YP80mNqzSkVQgCLcB/s1600/reddoor_pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nl8lkHZRerE/VyEaYrDukDI/AAAAAAAAAO8/q2PJJ9QNd7I9nrIqpdA8YP80mNqzSkVQgCLcB/s320/reddoor_pe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">The room fell silent. John William
let out a yawn. “Well, I think I’ll head off to bed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Not quite, John William.” His father
glanced up at the mysterious hatch in the ceiling. </span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“You are the perfect size to fit
through that opening,” said his father with a raised brow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“What? Must we do that tonight?” John
William whined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“We must.” John William’s father
snagged the lantern from on top of the mantel. “That book contained the most valuable
information in this study. I have been dreaming of Copia since I was a boy.
Now, I have a map.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Half of a map,” John William
muttered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Maybe the other half is up there. We
need to find out whatever it is. Courage, my boy… you must show your courage
here. This is the best part of our lives! We are making an extraordinary
discovery in our own home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William huffed and dragged his
feet over to the ladder. “I don’t like climbing this old thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“You’ll be fine. I will be right
behind you with the lantern.” His father gave him a nudge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Fine…” John William clutched his
hands around the rails.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Relax, son.” He rubbed John
William’s white knuckled hands. “This is just another walk in the park. You can
do it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Okay, let’s get this over with.”
John William took one step, then another; then he closed his eyes and climbed
until his head hit the ceiling. He pounded the hatch with his fist repeatedly
with no results.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">His father climbed up behind him.
Thud! He gave the ceiling one good hit. John William ducked his head and the hatch
flew open. “Here, take the lantern.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William looked at his father’s
excited smile. He swallowed the lump in his throat and grabbed the lantern. A
chill hit his arm the instant it moved across the threshold. He used his elbows
to boost his body through before he could talk himself out of it. “It is tight
up here. My head hits the top; and the smell… it reminds me of Uncle Andrew’s
old tree fort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Yes, yes… but do you see anything?”
His father huffed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William moved the lantern around
every part of the opening. “Aside from some scratch marks in the wood, it is
completely empty – not a single trace of anything.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Maybe I should come up.” His father
took another step up the ladder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Those scratch marks – they are
from a rodent, right? Like a cute little mouse?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Yes, John William; don’t worry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William crawled deeper in.
Something in the wall caught his eye. He narrowed his eyes to a squint. “I, I
think I see something. No, it can’t be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“What is it?” His father blurted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Thump! “Did you hear that?” John
William gasped. He jolted the lantern around. “I’m not alone up here.” A dark
shadow darted across the wall, accompanied by more thumping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Look out! I’m coming down!” John
William stumbled through the hatch in a frantic fit, barely getting one arm
around the ladder to secure himself. The lantern hit the ground; glass
shattered everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Fire!” His father slid down the
ladder and covered the wreckage with his coat, followed by a vase full of water
and flowers, extinguishing the flames.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William perched at the top of
the ladder, watching his disappointed father catch his breath. “I’m sorry.” He
closed the hatch and stepped lightly down to the floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“It’s okay; I was never really fond
of that coat anyways.” He paused and smiled at John William. “You did well; I’m
proud of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William felt his dad’s
reassuring hand ruffling his curls. “Now can I go to bed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Of course, we have an early start
tomorrow… rest well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Thanks, you too.” John William
glanced up at the ceiling, and shuffled out of the study.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“John William… you are certain you
did not see anything?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">He paused before turning the corner.
“Yes. I just heard something. Maybe it was a rat?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Most likely; goodnight, son.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William waved and continued on.
He did see something; at least he thought he did. What he saw was so peculiar
it must have been his eyes playing tricks on him. It was a small red door with a
well-used brass knob set in the wall on the other end of the space where there was
enough shadow to keep it out of sight… but there was no way he was going back
up there tonight. His father would have to find out another time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Thanks for reading! You can find BANDITS OF BASSWOOD on <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/William-Bandits-Basswood-Williams-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00D66Q6AI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">AMAZON</a></i></b> and other retailers...</span></div>
<span class="topwords1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span></span>Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-62170999049748415812016-04-26T11:51:00.000-07:002016-04-26T12:00:18.262-07:00The Unnamed Guardian <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ar6_KQ3mDeo/Vx-isM65bjI/AAAAAAAAAOo/VbITZjzogeAPiExUucrHnSqV6N8v7pLFgCLcB/s1600/uncle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ar6_KQ3mDeo/Vx-isM65bjI/AAAAAAAAAOo/VbITZjzogeAPiExUucrHnSqV6N8v7pLFgCLcB/s320/uncle.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span class="topwords1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The sun dimmed to a subtle orange glow as it drifted below the tree line</span>, marking the
near end to another day in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Copious</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place>. That meant
trouble for the present guardian of Copia. He pulled his sweat-drenched cap off his head, exposing his dirt crusted reddish brown curls. The shadows cast
from the trees were like giants looming over him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">He glanced around and found comfort
in the birds chirping, indicating the area was safe. “Another journey is almost
complete, and this will be the best one yet.” The guardian reached into his
pocket and eased a medallion adorned with intricate carvings out by its leather
strap. “You will be safe with me for the rest of my years.” He rubbed his
fingers along the surface.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">The forest fell silent. “Who’s
there?” The guardian shoved his hat on his head. He peered into the shadows.
The surrounding trees trembled as an eerie breeze blew through. A bitter chill shot
up the guardian’s spine. <i>Snap! </i>Twigs
and other bits of forest crunched a short distance away. “Show yourself!” The surrounding
trees rumbled and the echo of vicious snarling closed in on him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">He raised his trembling hand to the
branch in front of him and shifted it over. As he peeked through the gap,
hundreds of squinty green, glowing eyes stared back. He tried to scream but no
words came out. His body froze as they slowly crept toward him. “Shadow jumpers!”
He glanced around for an escape. Before he could make another move, the beasts
pounced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">Razor-sharp claws and teeth engulfed
his body, pulling him to the ground. He wrestled and kicked as claws tore
through his clothes. The medallion was yanked from his grip; but the strap
tangled around his wrist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">A sliver of moonlight pierced the
trees and its reflection bounced off the medallion. The shadow jumpers hissed
and pulled away. Seizing his opportunity, he leaped to his feet. Claws ripped
at his back as he weaved through trees. He felt the medallion being grabbed and
pulled repeatedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">The guardian burst through a thicket
of branches into a small, sparse pocket where the moonlight shined through,
unobstructed by tall trees. The vicious beasts squealed, and with in seconds,
disappeared back into the shadows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">Breathless and battered, the guardian
collapsed to his knees. “Well, this is a fine mess.” He examined his torn,
blood-soaked shirt. The medallion still dangled from his wrist. “Some guardian
I’ve turned out to be.” He untangled the strap and slipped the medallion into
his pocket.</span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The trees in front of him rustled.
“Oh, not again…”</span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">A pudgy green creature with long,
gangly limbs and bulgy eyes stumbled into view. “There you are! What kept you?
How much time to you think I have to twiddle my fingers around waiting for
you?” The frog-like creature tapped his foot with fisted hands on his hips. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">“Oh, am I late? Sorry about that,
Ferdinand.” The guardian grunted and groaned as he struggled to his feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">“What happened?” Ferdinand’s eyes
bulged even more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">“Oh… this?” The guardian held out his
arm, revealing his wounds. Scratches and cuts covered the symbol on his arm,
making it unrecognizable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">Ferdinand inspected his arm. “Your guardian
symbol – I can’t even make out the feathered wings under all of your
blood. Clearly you tangled with something in a nasty disposition.” Ferdinand
narrowed his eyes to a suspicious squint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“I can’t get anything past you. Yep, that
bush I fell into was terribly angry with me. It chewed me up and spit me out…
so to speak.” The guardian slid his torn sleeve over his cuts. “I suppose my
guardian wings have been clipped. It is time to go home and nurse my wounds,
wouldn’t you say?” Telling Ferdinand about his encounter with the shadow
jumpers would only cause him to panic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">Ferdinand huffed. “Well, since you
are late and have kept me waiting, I’d say the hour has come and gone. Now
follow me; let’s get this over with.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">He followed Ferdinand to the thick
base of a beautiful tree dripping with emerald leaves. Specks of twinkling
light popped off the trunk until a portion of it dissolved into a hole large
enough to hop through. “This is it.” He shielded his eyes from the intense
light bursting through the trunk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">Ferdinand lunged into the hole and
disappeared. The guardian clutched the medallion sitting nice and tight in his
pocket. “If this works, Copia will be safe forever.” He took a deep breath and
backed up to get a running start. At full speed, he dove headfirst through the
hole. The light embraced him as he traveled through before shooting him out the
other side. He took a tumble into <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Fern</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place> and lay on his
back, staring at the night sky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1">“Until next time, my friend!”
Ferdinand shouted. The guardian gave him a hearty wave and watched him leap
back through the tree. In seconds, the trunk closed up and all that remained
were a few lingering specks of light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1"><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">“It is so good to be home.” A broad
smile spread across the guardian’s face. He rolled around on the forest floor,
absorbing the familiar smells. “Oops, I almost forgot…,” he chuckled and shoved
his hand into his pocket. “Oh no!” All that remained in his pocket was a bit of
dirt and a few tiny lint balls… but no medallion. “It’s gone – how could
it just… just disappear?”</span></span></div>
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<span class="topwords1"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He scoured the ground for hours with no luck. “What was I thinking…
trying to take something that sacred out of the realm? Azra’s Pith is doomed.” </span></div>
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<h4>
Thanks for reading! Just a little clue... the guardian's identity is a secret which is revealed later on in the book :) To find out what happens you can snag BANDITS OF BASSWOOD on <span style="color: orange;"><b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/William-Bandits-Basswood-Williams-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00D66Q6AI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Amazon</a> </i></b></span>(coming soon to other retailers). </h4>
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Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-48177090191618812342015-06-26T12:15:00.000-07:002015-06-26T12:18:24.440-07:00Ravens! - Snippet from ALEXANDER DRAKE'S EXTRAORDINARY PURSUIT <div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.960000038147px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">In the early hours of the morning, it was still dark in<br />the forest around his grandmother’s cottage. Twigs and<br />leaves crunched under his shuffling feet. The forest was<br />quiet, convincing Alexander that he was alone. He peered<br />into the darkness. The cold air brought color to his cheeks.<br />Suddenly, the branches just ahead of him rustled.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br />“Who’s there?”<br />A wicked cackle broke the silence.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Alexander’s eyes grew wide.<br />“Stop playing games! You’re not funny!” His chest<br />tightened like a fist.<br />The trees surrounding him rattled, and several sets of<br />beady yellow eyes pierced the darkness pointing directly at<br />him. One set of eyes narrowed, giving Alexander an evil<br />stare—<br />“Screech!”<br />Alexander darted through the trees, knocking a few of<br />the creatures out of the way. They flailed about, exposing<br />their raven-like silhouettes. Wings flapped inches from the<br />side of his face. He tried to run faster, kicking up the dirt<br />with his large feet. The ravens yanked at clumps of hair with<br />their curved beaks.<br />Specks of light appeared out of the air, quickly<br />surrounding him. There were billions of them tickling his<br />spine and bustling through his hair. The lights were playful<br />and buzzing with energy. Alexander was breathless. He<br />stopped running and allowed them to shield him from the<br />ravens.<br />His innocent investigation was quickly becoming a<br />strange and terrifying adventure….</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Find out what happens next! Alexander Drake is now 99 cents!</span></h4>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Drakes-Extraordinary-Pursuit-Azras-ebook/dp/B0054RFVTY/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Amazon</span></a></div>
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Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-33573415596012165552014-07-01T14:23:00.000-07:002014-07-01T14:41:26.726-07:00<strong>Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes both values at $229. Winner’s choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash!</strong>
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<script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script>Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-37609740337070004612014-06-25T12:39:00.000-07:002014-07-11T13:57:30.024-07:00The Hellion - A snippit From QUEST FOR COPIA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpLzD_qjpgw/U6slKROd-QI/AAAAAAAAAM0/B2wodsnPHxA/s1600/Hellion_pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpLzD_qjpgw/U6slKROd-QI/AAAAAAAAAM0/B2wodsnPHxA/s1600/Hellion_pe.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
Celeste tied her hair back and
examined the murky pool. Looking up, she saw John William fidget. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“You, you aren’t
actually going to swim in that… are you?” he asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“According to the
maps, there is a secret entrance under the falls. Since we don’t have time to
search for another way in, the water is our only option. So, that means we are
both swimming in that.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
John William
hesitated. “Well then, in the water we go.” He unwound his scarf and stuffed
his bag in his coat. “To keep the sludge away from my tools,” he explained. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“It’s really not so bad.” She cautiously waded
in to her knees and looked back. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Here goes
nothing….” John William cringed and walked in. His feet instantly sank in the
mud. “Not so bad – once you get past the stench and the slimy muck creeping up
your trousers.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“John William, I’m
surprised; I thought you were a real explorer.” Celeste shot him a feisty grin
and dipped under the water, drenching her hair. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
She came up in
time to see him wince. “Of course I am,” he said. “This is nothing. I have
dealt with far worse conditions! Now let’s get moving.” Pinching his nose, he
plunged into the pool. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste followed,
but it was too dark to see anything. The water slithered through her fingers as
she glided past her friend. She concentrated, and her hair glowed. It gave the
water a luminescent red hue, lighting the way to a cave in the distance. The
waterfall thundered over their heads as they swam underneath. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Celeste eagerly
pointed at the underwater cave. As she glanced over her shoulder, a large
shadow dashed by. John William’s eyes grew wide. They weren’t alone in the
water. They grabbed each other’s arms and paddled to the surface. The two of
them popped up on the other side of the waterfall next to a steep rock wall.
“There’s something in the water!” He gasped for air. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“What? What did
you see?” She had only sensed its evil.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“I’m not sure,
exactly – it was just a shadow.” He rubbed water out of his eyes. “That! That’s
what I saw!” He pointed at primitive pictures of a giant snake with the head of
a dragon carved into the rock. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“That’s the
Hellion; it lived in the underwater caves at the time of Azra. Maybe you saw
something else,” she said. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
John William froze.
“Something brushed my legs. Did you feel it?” Before she could answer, something
yanked him underwater. She ducked down in time to see him gaping at the massive
snake coiled around his legs. He swallowed water, fighting. But with each
squirm and kick, the grip became tighter. The Hellion’s fiery red eyes peered
through the murk. Stunned, she watched the Hellion squeeze the life out of her
friend’s body. <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">She hovered over them just beneath the surface,
feeling helpless. What could she do?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">***</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Celeste is a wonderful friend to have around in a sticky situation - she is a bright spirit and empyrean wizard. Find out what she does to save John William from the Hellion. </span>Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-78477444541468040282014-03-27T12:34:00.004-07:002014-03-28T13:54:20.307-07:00Walking the Plank<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjAuUHoDYCI/UzR9FEenPFI/AAAAAAAAAME/MKfnW_lQUn8/s1600/plank_pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjAuUHoDYCI/UzR9FEenPFI/AAAAAAAAAME/MKfnW_lQUn8/s1600/plank_pe.jpg" height="164" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="topwords1">“Stand up!” A bandit marched down the steps into the cabin.
“You two are coming with me.” He dragged both of them up to the top. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Just stay quiet. Let me handle
this,” Ferdinand whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William nodded. He was too
frightened to speak. The deck crawled with river pirates and bandits wearing
sour, drunken scowls on their faces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Toss them overboard! We have no use
for them, now!” The bandits cheered as they pushed John William and Ferdinand
onto a thick plank of wood sticking out over the side of the boat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Wait!” One of the river pirates
stepped forward with his chest out. “That boy is the princess’s friend. He
could be worth something, Victor,” he bellowed with an extra deep voice. He
certainly looked tough enough – with a chiseled face, broad frame, and big
muscles. Even his slicked back, pony-tailed hair looked strong to John William.
He began to feel a glimmer of hope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Nonsense! He is of no use to us.”
The stout, vicious looking badger pressed a blade into John William’s back.
“Move, boy!” He let out a malicious laugh and glared at Ferdinand. “I love to
cook hoppers. They make a tasty stew.” He moved the blade over to Ferdinand’s
plump belly and twisted his whiskers between his fingers. “Be careful. You
don’t want to fall into this blade; it would make a terrible mess.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"> John William inched forward, watching the
rushing water beneath him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“This is the princess’s betrothed!
They are to be married when they are old enough,” Ferdinand blurted. He squeezed
shut his eyes as if he expected to be boiled in a fat river pirate’s stew at
any moment. When nothing happened, he gave John William a nudge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William stared at the hopper
with his mouth gaped open. “Yes, yes, she is my, um…,” he stuttered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Ferdinand rolled his eyes. “Look at
him! He’s just a pup! I’ll bet he’s never even tickled a dame’s fancy.” The
deck erupted with laughter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“You see? He will fetch us a fine
price, almost as much as the princess herself!” insisted the river pirate. He
bumped Victor off to the side and pulled them off the plank. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“You better be right, or you’ll be
the one on this plank. You can be certain it will be my blade in your back,”
Victor sneered, exposing his jagged fangs. “Careful with that defiant tone of
yours – it has been a while since I have broken a man’s spirit! I’m about due
for a <i>river rat</i> body part – something
special… perhaps an insubordinate tongue for my collection.” Victor squeezed
the pirate’s jaw, leaving an imprint of his long, dirty claws. “I’m not
interested in feeding stowaways or ungrateful scrubs.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Well then, don’t feed them!” One of
the bandits shouted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Put them to work! They can have my
job!” A river pirate sat back with his feet up and played a festive melody on
his mandolin. The rest of the ship danced in celebration and sloshed their mugs
of rum together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“What a group of goofs,” Ferdinand
mumbled under his breath.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Find out how things turn out with the mean and nasty Captain Vic... <i>Bandits of Basswood</i> is free at Barnes and Noble and iTunes for a short time... and .99 cents. Pick one up today!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/john-william-and-the-bandits-of-basswood-elizabeth-parkinson-bellows/1115550587?ean=2940044587076" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/William-Bandits-Basswood-Williams-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00D66Q6AI/ref=la_B0054S35DM_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395946425&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-84732251822482832512014-03-23T15:06:00.000-07:002014-03-26T14:03:05.710-07:00Captured<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVhF4oiUhQc/Uy9aJvPz3NI/AAAAAAAAALs/2gMMzeW_qBE/s1600/captured_pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVhF4oiUhQc/Uy9aJvPz3NI/AAAAAAAAALs/2gMMzeW_qBE/s1600/captured_pe.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">The fowl plowed through tree branches
and bushes for miles. Finally, the misery ended and John William was pulled off
the saddle. Nighttime brought a drop in temperature and chill in the air,
numb</span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">ing his fingers. He heard water sloshing up against a shoreline and raspy
voices cursing at each other. “We must be back at the river.” He tilted his
head in an attempt to listen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“The river stretches for miles; we
could be anywhere,” said Celeste. “My dad is going to kill me.” Rough hands
shoved the two of them up a creaky, wooden ramp and then guided down a row of
narrow steps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">The odor of musty wood and stale rum
stung John William’s nose. The glare of a swinging lantern shined through his
blindfold. The cabin they were in started moving and a bandit came thundering
down the steps. “Okay, let’s get those blindfolds off.” The bandit ripped the
blindfolds, taking clumps of hair with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Ouch,” John William blurted. Straight
across from him, a sack teetered on a table with the words, <i>Captain Vic’s Supper</i> scribbled across
the front. The sack wiggled and twitched. “Did you see that?” John William
stared. The sack split down the middle, and a bulgy eyeball poked out, followed
by ten long fingers and a pair of lips tensed to an angry pucker. “Ferdinand?
Is that you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“You better believe it’s me! I have a
few choice words for you, young man!” The hopper vigorously waved his pointing
finger about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Boy – am I glad to see you,” John
William blurted, pretending not to hear the hopper’s agitation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Oh? I thought you were going to make
your own way,” Ferdinand sneered. “This is a fine mess you got us in! <i>Huh</i>! Unbelievable, you’re in Azra’s pith
for mere hours and you manage to get the princess captured by bandits. Not just
any bandits, I might add – the Basswood Bandits – the worst of the worst!”
Ferdinand paused to roll his eyes. “We’ll be down the river and out of sight
forever before anyone notices we’re gone.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Wait a minute,” John William
interrupted. “What are you doing here anyway? Were you following me?” He
narrowed his eyes at the hopper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Well, of course I was. Did you think
I was going to just set you free on the realm? Rules are rules; you must stand
before the king! I had a feeling something like this would happen. Young
whippersnapper thinks he knows it all!” Ferdinand shimmied out of the narrow hole
in the sack, working his mouth as if preparing to yell some more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Quiet,” Celeste shouted, startling
both of them in to silence. “Thank you.” She smiled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Ferdinand did not stay quiet for
long. “Celeste, your dad is going to banish me for this; I just know it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Oh, no he won’t. I will just tell
him the truth – that it was all my fault,” she said calmly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William sat quietly piecing
everything together in his mind. “So, the bandits were right… you’re a
princess?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Celeste nodded, frowning. “I can
certainly handle myself, though. I don’t need to be protected.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Fantastic, a fine impression I’ve
made on the king – and I haven’t even met him yet,” John William mumbled under
his breath. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Celeste stiffened her posture. “Here
is the plan; one of you needs to help me free myself from this tie before the
hatch opens again. I will take on my bird form and fly out of here. They won’t
even know what happened. Once I tell my dad, the guards will come to save you.”
Her tongue hovered over her upper lip as she strained to free her hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Ferdinand frowned. “That’s your plan,
is it? Marvelous! You are just going to flutter off in the dark of night? You
don’t even know how far away from Verhonia you are. Nonsense! You’re not doing
it!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Why can’t you turn to a bird with
your hands tied? Then you could free yourself and unfasten my ties.” John
William wiggled around on the bench.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“I could break a wing or something
worse. I’m not willing to risk it.” Celeste replied. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“A lot of good having your hands free
will do when you are locked in a cabin surrounded by bandits and river rats!”
Ferdinand huffed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">The boat jolted suddenly, throwing
the three of them off their seats. Celeste’s eyes lit up. She waved her hands
around. “I did it!” she shrieked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">The drunken slur of a bandit sounded
off from the other side of the hatch. “I don’t want any foolery in there!” The
hatch shifted and wiggled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Don’t worry,” Celeste whispered and
smiled at John William. Within seconds, she was a beautiful red robin flying
around the cabin. The hatch swung open and out she flew, nearly hitting the
bandit in the face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Oh, great,” Ferdinand grumbled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">The bandit swung his arm. “<i>What the</i> – how did a bird get in here?
Hey, you lazy lumps! Catch that bird; let’s boil it for dinner!” He laughed
belligerently, nearly falling into the cabin. John William and Ferdinand
exchanged nervous glances. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">The bandit poked his head in and
glanced around. “Hey! Where’s the girl?” He stumbled inside, knocking ship
tools and other small objects around with his tail. John William and Ferdinand
remained quiet.</span><br />
<span class="topwords1"> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The bandit stood over John William,
swaying with his hands on his hips. “Well, where is the princess, wart? Did you
help her escape?”</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William cleared his throat. “I,
I don’t know what you are talking about.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Is that so?” The bandit pulled a
knife from his belt with a taunting smile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“She escaped,” Ferdinand blurted. “We
tried to stop her, but she refused to listen. She went out the hatch and jumped
overboard.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Impossible.” The bandit rubbed his
fingers over his oily fur. “Wait a minute… who are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Um, I believe I am Captain Vic’s
supper.” The hopper stuck out his pudgy belly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“It’s true! I heard the splash,
myself,” John William gushed, trying to take the focus off Ferdinand. The
bandit examined their faces. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“<i>Plunk</i>
– it sounded just like that,” said Ferdinand with an anxious laugh. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Plunk?” The bandit replied with a
confused crinkle on his soggy, rum-soaked face. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Yes, yes, that’s right… <i>plunk</i>.” Ferdinand’s voice squeaked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">The bandit stormed out of the cabin.
“The princess escaped! Get up, you twits!” He ran around the boat, banging his
blade on an iron pot, making as much racket as one drunk bandit possibly could.
The other bandits stirred. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Ferdinand shook his head with terror
in his eyes. “We’re in for it now, boy….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-47715721960936567352014-03-22T12:35:00.000-07:002014-03-22T12:35:04.184-07:00Bandits!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHZSGnSrJIM/Uy3k44VA7EI/AAAAAAAAALM/-ASNYhc1o6Q/s1600/pirate+sword_pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHZSGnSrJIM/Uy3k44VA7EI/AAAAAAAAALM/-ASNYhc1o6Q/s1600/pirate+sword_pe.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William and the girl huddled
behind some trees and peaked into the town’s front gate. Inside were creatures
that looked like giant raccoons. Big, bushy tails stuck out of their colorful garments
as they strutted around the town, wielding blades. One of them peered through
the gates. John William sank into his coat. The bandit had fierce, beady eyes
with a thick, black stripe of fur across his face like a thief’s mask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"> “Bandits!” Celeste whispered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Are you kidding?” John William
asked, still feeling like he was in a wild dream. “What should we do?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“I’m not sure. Maybe we can try to
help.” She glanced at John William with raised eyebrows. “What do you think?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Gotcha!” A group of bandits rushed
in, tackling the two of them to the ground and laughing as if they were playing
a game. “Well, well, well, what do we have here?” the bandit shouted. “Look,
boys, we found ourselves a <i>genuine</i>
princess and a wart to go with her!” John William fought and squirmed, but the
bandit’s grip was too tight. “I’ll take this heavy bag for you, lad.” The
bandit yanked John William’s bag from his shoulder and then tied his hands
together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Give that back!” he shouted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Quiet, boy.” The bandit pressed his
foot on John William’s cheek, squishing his face into the ground while rummaging
through his bag. “Ooh, here is my score for the day.” He grabbed the compass
and slid it in his pocket. “Thank you kindly, wart!” The bandit shot him a
gentleman’s wink and tipped his hat, keeping his boot on John William’s face. His
heart sank. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Get your filthy hands off of me,”
Celeste shrieked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Screaming won’t do you any good, my
lady. I’m afraid you’re just too valuable for us to let go. It’s not every day
we get the pleasure of snagging a princess.” The bandits laughed boisterously
and celebrated their capture. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="topwords1">“Don’t worry, we won’t hurt ya any!” The Bandit grunted and
gathered them up. “You’ll fetch us a pretty price, precious.” He brushed his
jeweled ring-covered fingers through Celeste’s hair. “Throw them on the scamper
fowl!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William caught a glimpse of a
guinea fowl the size of a horse before he and Celeste were both blindfolded and
dropped on its back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">
<span class="topwords1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“<i>Ayah</i>!” The bandit slapped the scamper fowl’s backside. It let out a
squeal and darted off.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><span class="topwords1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><span class="topwords1"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">John William and Celeste are in some serious trouble. Find out what the bandits have planned for their new captives. Thanks for reading! </span></span></span></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7473185947221768460.post-27225063191997759132014-03-19T12:37:00.004-07:002014-03-19T12:37:43.193-07:00The Girl in the Red Cloak<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cROA1PVzyKg/UynwIQzDsmI/AAAAAAAAAK8/I6kfAcbt6YM/s1600/red+cloak_pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cROA1PVzyKg/UynwIQzDsmI/AAAAAAAAAK8/I6kfAcbt6YM/s1600/red+cloak_pe.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="topwords1">John William shot through the tree and hit the ground with
a tumble. “What is this place?” he groaned, feeling his head for lumps. A dense
forest of trees poked his thin frame and scratched his cheeks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Welcome to Azra’s Pith, boy. We are
standing in the heart of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Copious</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Forest</st1:placetype></st1:place> – one of the most magnificent
gems of the realm. You won’t find grander trees, richer soil, or purer river
water anywhere else… in my humble opinion,” the frog uttered in a smug tone.
“What is your name?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“John William.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“John William, my name is Ferdinand.
The first thing you should know is that I am a hopper. From this moment on, the
word <i>frog</i> will fall on deaf ears,”
Ferdinand declared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William rubbed the haze out of
his eyes. “This is all so unbelievable. I must be dreaming.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Well, believe it, John William. You
were chosen to enter the realm. That is why you found the key,” said Ferdinand.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Me, chosen… why?” John William
pulled sharp twigs and leaves from his hair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Not sure. I suppose that remains to
be seen. I must take you to see King Paraclete.” Ferdinand stretched his long
gangly limbs and let his pudgy belly jiggle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Um, no thanks; I want to do some
exploring first if you don’t mind.” John William crouched down to tie his laces
and prepared to do some hiking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“What – of all the – of course I
mind!” Ferdinand squeaked through tight lips. John William winced as the
agitated hopper’s bulgy eyes looked like they might pop off his head. “All
newcomers to the realm must sit before the king! You are no exception!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“The king will have to wait; I make
my own way from now on,” said John William. “It was nice to meet you,
Ferdinand. Thank you for getting me here.” He started walking in a random
direction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Ferdinand stood with his broad mouth
gaped open. “Oh, really! Fine – you won’t last a day. I guarantee it, young
man!” The hopper stormed off in a huff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William wandered through Copious
forest awhile in search of something amazing like ancient ruins… or, if he was
really lucky, something magical. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">His tongue stuck to the roof of his
mouth. Lathering even the tiniest drop of spit was impossible. With a hollow
growl, his stomach reminded him he had not eaten since the toast early that
morning. The sound of rushing water lured him down to the river. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">He plopped down on the river’s edge
and plunged his aching feet into the water. The strong current nearly carried
him off his seat. Cupping his hands, he gathered a fistful of fresh, cold water
to pour into his mouth. A chill traveled up his spine as the water spilled over
his tongue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">He sat back against a tree trunk and
took in his surroundings. The sunset revealed itself as an orange glow bursting
through the tree line, marking the end to a very long day. He filled his lungs
with crisp forest air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">A short distance away, a vibrant red
bird made a landing near the river. It dipped its feathers in the water. John
William froze, trying his best not to scare it away. The bird let out a little
chirp and morphed into a girl with a cloak the same vibrant red as her feathers
and long flowing hair to match. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William looked on in disbelief.
She cautiously looked around, then headed away from the river. He fumbled
around with his shoes without bothering to tie them and staggered after her.
“Wait!” he shouted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">She looked back with startled, bright
green eyes, then scurried off. John William chased after her. “Please, I won’t
hurt you! I’m lost – I don’t know where to go!” He propped his hands on his
knobby knees and gasped for air. Her gentle hand brushed his shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Are you okay?” she asked, shifting
her wild red hair out of her eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><span lang="FR">“Y-y-yes,
I’m okay; um… </span></span><span class="topwords1">I’m
new here.” He bumbled over his words. “What – I mean, what are you? Are you a
bird?” he asked. She giggled through her fingers. He felt a silly grin spread
across his face. “I’m John William.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“Celeste.” She smiled back. Distant
shouting and banging echoed off the trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“What is that?” John William
panicked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">“I’m not sure. It’s coming from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Still</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">River</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Town</st1:placetype></st1:place> – let’s go see!” Her
eyes sparkled with excitement. She grabbed his arm, and they both scurried
through the trees toward a small group of archaic wood buildings cluttered
together. The town hugged a turn in the river where large rocks obstructed the
current, making a tranquil pocket of water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">John William and the girl huddled
behind some trees and peaked into the town’s front gate. Inside were creatures
that looked like giant raccoons. Big, bushy tails stuck out of their colorful garments
as they strutted around the town, wielding blades. One of them peered through
the gates. John William sank into his coat. The bandit had fierce, beady eyes
with a thick, black stripe of fur across his face like a thief’s mask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"> “Bandits!” Celeste whispered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1">Find out what happens when John William and Celeste meet the bandits. Pick up <i>John William and the Bandits of Basswood </i>Today! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="topwords1"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/William-Bandits-Basswood-Williams-Adventure-ebook/dp/B00D66Q6AI/ref=la_B0054S35DM_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395254418&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/john-william-and-the-bandits-of-basswood-elizabeth-parkinson-bellows/1115550587?ean=2940044587076" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/john-williams-adventure-book/id663462910?mt=11" target="_blank">iTunes</a></div>
Lizzypbellowshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16978033816332087145noreply@blogger.com0