Fire Called
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo -- EXCERPT: The Appalachians are ancient—they existed millions of years ago, before the continents separated. They have stories aplenty to tell those who will listen to the pines sway in the wind, to the howls of the coyotes, and to the stories wildflowers tell when they bloom, each a different shape and color as the weather warms and cools in the spring. It takes practice, sure. And there are those with gifts, like Virginia—the youngest of seven daughters—who have a special affinity for those conversations. The sky was overcast, the air was thick with the scent of rain, and the birds chattered warnings about the impending storm on Ember’s first day in the field. Today’s goal was to survey the area to prepare for future outings. She had convinced Nicole she could handle the woods alone. And Nicole, ever trusting, had granted her the autonomy she craved. Ember reveled in the solitude of the mountains. She relished the freedom to explore at her own pace, unburdened by the presence of others. But then she heard a voice she didn’t recognize. “Emberly,” it said. She neither saw anyone nor was sure where it was coming from. It wouldn’t be the first time she’d heard her name called by someone—or something— she couldn’t see. It wouldn’t be the last either, especially with the amount of time she’d be in the woods after dark. She knew what the tales said about those who acknowledged such voices with words or action; it was best to ignore it. In the early daylight, it was less likely to succeed at harming her. It was also loud enough it was probably far away. Still, spirits gossiped, and she didn’t want a reputation for being gullible. It kept talking to her anyway. “Emberly Jane Whitmore, you have a debt to repay.” The “debt” mention gave her pause. It was unwise to talk to spirits you couldn’t identify, especially in the woods. Then again, it was unwise to promise yourself to the spirits, too. Ma had warned Ember about that a thousand times and about the consequences that befell those who promised themselves and attempted to evade payment. “What do you want me to do?” she asked, directing the question nowhere in particular just in case. “I’m supposed to be working.” “This is the work,” the voice said cryptically. “Again, what exactly are you asking me to do? Shed my blood on a rock?” “You will know when you know. But consider this your summons. When the time comes…” The spirit voice? Confusing as shit. And not at all helpful. “When the time comes, I what?” “Be ready to meet your betrothed.”
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1 Comment
Sue G.
7/28/2024 02:45:28 pm
Interesting excerpt! Sounds fun!
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