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.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.
4 comments:
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
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.
What a fantastic world this sounds! Looking forward to reading more.
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! :-)
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