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Saturday, May 12, 2012

Sweet Saturday Sample: Magic of the Lovers' Jadestones--the one who holds my soul


My Sweet Saturday Sample is a morsel from my latest release, an epic fantasy romance, Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One. This is the first of a 5-part series.
 
Available at Amazon for only 99 cents.



Lyra and her small group of guides have crossed the dangerous Sea of Cogadh, teaming with sea monsters. Upon arriving at the far shore, one of those monsters claims Noba, the tiny pseudodragon who is a wizard's familiar to Sire Cullen Drake. Cullen dives into the water to save his aide. In order to save the pair, the Tortoise Guardian and his assistant, Mimio, give Lyra her first chance to use her own magic, channeling powers through one of a mated pair of lovers' jadestones.

Lyra wrung her hands and nodded. She blinked back tears, trying to be brave in front of the Guardian.

“We have brought you a gift and power which will aid you on your journey,” he said in a shaky voice, extending his wrinkled, gray neck. His shell was at least four feet in diameter. Its thick plates emitted a hint of sheen, worn drab through the ages. His silver-gray aura spread far and lay in wisps, like that of the Unicorn.

“Magic will not help me now,” she said in a flat tone and resumed her study of the sea.

“May I hold your hand, Lyra?” Mimio asked. “I would like to assess your ability to know best how to teach you to use our gift.”

Lyra obliged without uttering a word or moving her eyes from the water.

Mimio lightly traced between her fingers and along the lines of her palm. “You possess amazing power for a Scribe at this stage in the journey.” She looked to the Tortoise. “My lord, please give me your opinion.”

She held Lyra’s hand steady for him. He stepped closer and rubbed the dry scales on the side of his face over her skin. As he did, a tingling sensation coursed along her body. Then he looked up at her. “None, other than Elisabeth, possessed this degree of power. I cannot say with certainty what level you will acquire when your quest is completed, but it is my guess yours will surpass hers. You are remarkable and will do great things for Dragonspeir. I, too, have bestowed you with some of my power.”

Lyra withdrew her hand. “Thank you for your kindness, but I don’t care about how great my power is. I want those two lives saved.”

“Your concern shows admirable character.” He leaned his neck toward Mimio. “Present her with my gift.”

The sorceress reached into her skirt pocket and withdrew another gem—a brooch with a pale green translucent set. She held it out in her palm. “This pin bears a jade gemstone, the ancient symbol of love. I felt by your touch what’s in your heart.” Her hand brushed Lyra’s as the gem passed. “Now, let’s hope Sire Drake owns its mate. Wrap your fingers tightly around the brooch, walk to the waterline, and kneel with your legs and that hand in the surf.”

Lyra sent her a questioning glance. “Wouldn’t that only call the sea dragon?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll follow close behind, and no dragon will attack with the Tortoise near.”

Hope flooded her heart. She raced out to meet the tide, accompanied by her friends. “Now what do I do?” she asked when seated in the water.

Mimio directed Lyra to recite a verse and focus on her feelings for Cullen.

Her body trembled, not knowing what to expect, but she closed her eyes to concentrate. “My heart calls to the one who holds my soul. Come to me.”


Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One

Lyra McCauley is a writer and loves fantasy novels, but until she opens a selection from bookstore owner Cullen Drake, she has no idea he’s a wizard character who lives a double life inside that volume…or the story’s magic will compel her from the edge of depression to adventure, danger, and love.

His gift to Lyra, the Book of Dragonspeir, was actually her copy, misplaced years ago. Lost in her pain following divorce and death, she fails to recognize him as her childhood playmate from the fantasyland. Friendship builds anew. Attraction sparks. But Lyra doubts whether a wizard is capable of love. She’s torn—should she protect her fragile heart or risk new love? 

Opening the book’s cover, she confronts a quest: save Dragonspeir from destruction by the Black Dragon before he utilizes power of August’s red moon to expand his strength and overthrow the opposing Imperial Dragon. Lyra accepts the challenge, fearing Cullen will perish if evil wins. Along with magical animal guides, Cullen helps her through many perils, but ultimately Lyra must use her own power…and time is running out.

I'm looking forward to seeing what sweets some of my fellow authors on this hop will serve. Be sure to check them out on the main blog page for Sweet Saturday Samples.
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Marsha A. Moore is a writer of fantasy romance. The magic of art and nature spark life into her writing. The first of her epic fantasy romance series, ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGENDS, is now available--SEEKING A SCRIBE. She has also authored the Ciel's Legacy series, fantasy romance with fast action mermaid/pirate storylines: TEARS ON A TRANQUIL LAKE and TORTUGA TREASURE.  For a FREE ebook download, read her historic fantasy, LE CIRQUE DE MAGIE, available at Amazon and Smashwords.

4 comments:

Laurel-Rain Snow said...

This is my first foray into Sweet Saturday Samples...what lovely treats await us!

Thanks for sharing your snippet, which has piqued my interest in the rest of the story.

Here's MY SWEET SATURDAY SAMPLE

Sandra Nachlinger said...

Interesting, unusual characters. I'm always fascinated by the unique worlds fantasy authors create. How do you do that? I'm looking forward to reading more about Lyra's quest.

J. Gunnar Grey said...

What a fantastic world this sounds! Looking forward to reading more.

Marsha A. Moore said...

Thanks for your interest, Laurel-Rain!

Sandy and Gunnar, it's been a wonderful journey creating this world. This is a 5-part series, so I spend a lot of time there! :-)