Teaser Tuesday (5)

Here's another little teaser from "The Protected Bloodlines."

Batu and Yuli sat in the food court watching a few Mat’hool interacting. They spoke in low, garbled voiced, barely intelligible. Batu sat back in his chair and watched them, he then turned and looked at Yuli. He had always grown up quite sheltered, he never traveled with the Shanti war parties or interacted with other races. The furthest he ever went was sailing to the other side of the great sea in search for wild wilder beast to breed into his herd and even still, he ran into other Shanti from other clans and tribes. But Yuli had grown up on a trading post, where he met a diverse amount of people and cultures from the far reaches of his galaxy and beyond. He even learned to pick up words from the different languages that his many customers spoke. The boys sat and tried to listen to the Mat’hool.

“Anything?” he asked Yuli.
Yuli shook his head, “Nothing. I got nothing. I don’t think I have ever met a changeling before until I got to Sumatra.”
“I wonder….” he said cocking his head, “nah, probably not.”
“What?” Yuli asked.
“Well, I wonder if they have children and what a young Mat’hool looks like.”
“I do not know, maybe just a smaller blob of goo?” Yuli guessed.
“I wonder if they would think I am being rude if I asked.”
“I think so,” a voice said nearby. The boys jumped. Startled, they looked around and behind them.
“No, over here,” another voice said.

This time, Batu’s chair turned into a thick fluid. Batu yelled as he started to sink into the chair. He struggled to get out be was stuck. Yuli jumped up and tried to pull him out but the table they sat at swallowed him whole.

Monday's Muse: I'm an emotional wreck!

Yes. This dang cold and sore throat has got me in a pretty emotional state, which is making it really hard to concentrate on writing! It didn't help that I've been listening to a couple of songs that really got me thinking about my mom, especially this last song I listened to. She passed away four years ago losing a battle against cancer. Well, it's probably a good thing I didn't go in to work today! Before a break down into another ball of tears, here are the songs: I'm Already There by Lonestar and "You Can Let Go Now, Daddy" by Crystal Shawanda. I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday and work week. Happy Writing!



This song really moves me, well, actually a few my characters who are having to come to grip that they have to now fly alone to a new home world leaving behind some family and friends behind on a dying planet Earth.



This is such an emotional song. I am grateful I still have my daddy though it did make me cry for my mom. Those were the last words she said to her mother on her death bed and it was the last words we said to her on hers (that and the kalamatan. It is a Muslim tradition that on the death bed of a Muslim to repeat with or for them the Kalamatan which are I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His messenger.) There must be something soothing in those words for a parent on the thresh hold of moving on, knowing that there children will be alright without them, leaving their children in God's trusting hands.

Giveaway Hop Winner!!!!

Yay!! The winner of the $25 Barnes & Noble gift card is...................

!!!!!!Kelsey O!!!

Congratulations Kelsey!

Happy Reading :D

Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Irving Karchmar: Master of the Jinn

Hi everyone! It is an honor and pleasure to introduce to you another wonderful author, Irving Karchmar, author of Master of the Jinn, a Sufi novel.

Without further ado, welcom Bro Irving! Can please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am the son of Holocaust survivors who came to America in 1948. I was actually born in newly built American Army Hospital of a DP Camp, a Displaced Persons Camp in Germany just after WWII. In fact, I use that as a scene in Master of the Jinn. I have also been a writer, editor and magazine publisher most of my working life, and dabble in poetry :) In 1992, I was initiated as a darvish of the Nimatullahi Sufi Order, and began writing Master of the Jinn six months later.

What inspired you to write Master of the Jinn?

I was participating in majlis, our twice weekly meeting, saying my zekr in a meditation circle, and the idea came to me without my thinking about it. Of course, I had read about King Solomon and his ring, which according to legend controlled the men and Jinn, birds and animals. But it was at that moment that I thought a modern day story of searching for the original ring of power, would make a good novel, especially from a Sufi point of view.

Please explain the term, Sufi?

A Sufi is dervish, or darvish in Persian, who practices a mysticism that we believe is the heart of Islam, and involves spiritual poverty, that is, not being attached to anything, loving-kindness, honesty, generosity, charity,etc, in other words, all the legendary qualities of the Prophet (SAW).  Rumi, Attar, Junayd, Hallaj and Bayazid were famous Sufis of the past, as were, ibn Arabi and Al-Ghazzali.

Can you give us a little description of your novel, Master of the Jinn? 

From the book’s back cover: Master of the Jinn is a tale set on the Path of the Heart, a mystical adventure wherein a modern-day Sufi master sends seven companions on a quest for the greatest treasure of the ancient world - King Solomon's ring. It is the very same seal ring of a hundred legends, given to King Solomon by God to command the Jinn, those terrifying demons of living fire.

By sea and across deserts, they are led by a strange faqir guide of many names. Through the mightiest of storms and into a lost city, the travelers come at last to the gateway of the Subtle Realm, the land of the Jinn.

But the quest has a strange effect on everyone chosen to go: visions enter their dreams, remembrances and tears fill their hearts, and mysteries abound; unearthly storms and unending night, the Gates of Heaven open at last, and invincible demons of smokeless fire.

It is a tale woven of ancient legends found in the Old Testament, the Talmud, and the Koran, and although it is set in the present, the search for the truth of the ring leads them into a circle of ageless destiny, where the companions discover not only the fate of the Jinn, but also the Path of Love and the infinite Mercy of God.

What are the main themes one will find in Master of the Jinn?

The main theme is taken from the loving kindness of the Sufi path, and I try to show what life is like in a khaniqah, a Sufi house. Another theme is the adab, or good manners and courtesy we show to each other and our guests, and the states and stations of love that are inculcated into the heart as one progresses on the path. Of course, the quest, and the mystery of the Jinn are a great part of the overarching theme, but underlying it all is the infinite mercy of God. Readers find many themes in the book, and upon rereading it, I have been told, find even more :)

Was it difficult researching the topic of your novel?

Yes, there is really not much material on the Jinn, though I researched it for a long time, and tried to incorporate the legends I found in various sources. There was more information on the archeological aspect of the tale, as well as Tuareg tribal life in the Sahara, The rest came from my fertile and overactive imagination :)

While you researched topics for Master of the Jinn, did you ever get into any type of situations, be it funny, embarrassing or even a misunderstanding?

Not while I researched topics, but since publishing Master of the Jinn, I do get inquiries every once in a while that might be considered a misunderstanding, like asking if I am the Master of the Jinn, or if I have King Solomon’s ring, or if I can contact the Jinn to help them with their love life. When I tell them the story came mostly from my imagination, they think I am just keeping the secret for myself.  Also, some orthodox Muslims consider all fiction just another word for writing lies, so I have had some comments like that also.

What was your favorite chapter to write? Why?

I think my favorite chapters were the first and the last, which I wrote right after getting the idea for the book. I knew immediately how it would begin and end, I have no idea how, except to say that it came fully formed into my head, as if sent from above.

Can you share with us your road to writing and publishing Master of the Jinn? 

Writing Master of the Jinn took 12 year in total. The first five years were devoted to writing the first draft, which is really misleading, since I wrote it on a word processor and rewrote each sentence about a hundred times. There were also long periods of time between chapters, when I had no idea what came next. Finally I had a first draft, then it took another few years of sending it out, having it rejected, re-editing it, sending it out again, etc, until technology caught up with my intention and I could publish it myself inexpensively.

Master of the Jinn has been translated into many languages; just how many languages has the novel been translated into so far?

Master of the Jinn has been translated into six languages so far, including Russian (Povelitel dzhinnov), Turkish (Cinlerin Efendisi), Indonesian (Sang Raja Jin, German (Meister der Jinn), Croatian (Gospodar demona) and Spanish (El Maestro de los Jinn).

It is also being translated into Malayalam, the language of the Kerala state of India, Urdu, Bengali, and Malay.

Who has been the most influential in your life and writing?

The most influential in my life would be my father and mother, my children and grandchildren, and the Master of the Sufi Order I belong to. All good work is for them and because of them. I try to follow the admonition to keep the thought of everything you love in everything you do, which I think came from the elves in Lord of the Rings, but is also a mystical proverb. As for my writing, Tolkien, Frank Herbert, who wrote the Dune series, Idris Shah’s Tales of the Dervishes and other works, and countless works of fantasy and sci-fi. What I really like in writing is a truly unique style that works in the story being told. I wrote Master of the Jinn in a modernized “adab” style, which is the flowery poetic style of the original Arabian Nights and much ancient Muslim literature.

Are you currently working on anything now? Will there be a sequel to Master of the Jinn?

InshAllah, there will be sequel to Master of the Jinn, entitled Tale of the Jinn, but it is a very slow process. I might never be allowed to finish it. Like all things in a Sufi’s life, it is up to Allah.

What is something you wish you had known about the publishing industry before you became a published author?

I wish I had fully realized the relentless commercialism of modern publishing. Of course I was sending a manuscript to literary agents and book publishers about engaging and heroic Muslim character just after 9/11, so my timing could have been better lol. But the paradigm is changing with self-publishing so readily available, and Ebooks growing by leaps and bounds. It is a new day in publishing, or at least the first light of dawn of a new day :)

What advice would you give for those who wish to self-publish?

I would tell anyone who wants to self-publish to try the difficult path first, that is, send the manuscripts to literary agents that you have researched and know they handle your kind of book. It is much easier to find a good agent and let them do the legwork. And if you do self-publish, build a good website, and use social media and/or a blog to promote your work. It is a long journey, and you have to believe in your book to take it on.

Thanks so much for taking time out of your schedule and sharing your journey with us! I look forward to your next book! :D For more information about his book, check out his website and his blog called Darvish. And now everyone, on to the book giveaway. Fill out the form below for a chance to win a copy of Irving Karchmar's novel, Master of the Jinn!

Tuesday Tunes: StarGaze - Hubble's View of The Universe

I have been using this video and a few others in this series for inspiration for my current Nano project :) Enjoy!

Warm Fuzzies: Weeks 3 Character Arc

It's week three of the Warm Fuzzies Blog Fest hosted by Juliana L Brandt. This week's challenge is about character arcs. Here is the challenge in her own words:

Take a moment to look at the trouble you get your MC into. How do you kick them while they’re down? Without revealing too many secrets about your WIP- take us through your MC’s arch. Visit as many blogs as you can and based on their exert/summary, come up with a title for their WIP. Your title can be funny or serious, whatever you’d like.

So here is one of my WIP. It's a children's picture story :)

Meet Meepo. He loves to play space ball, just like his older brother Ashee. His brother Ashee plays very well. Meepo does not. In fact, when he tried out for the school team, he played so bad the coach sent him away, “Why don’t you find another sport to play,” the coach barked. Meepo’s father and brother suggest he goes to a Space Ball Camp. Meepo hesitates. But once there, he finds that there are some kids who play better than him and some who are just as bad as him. Meepo met a few friends and many more bullies who teased him when he gave up. On a walk he comes across a famous ex-space ball player who makes a potion that will make Meepo a great player. The old player warns that the potion is dangerous and will only solve his problem temporarily. But Meepo only thinks about being a strong and fast player. He takes the potion and finds that his new ability is not what he expected or wants!

So, can you guess the name of this story? :D


This week's giveaway is a nice little book of inspirational quotes: Random Acts of Kindness - An Illustrated Celebration

Giveaway Hop!!!

Welcome to The November Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Co-hosted by Tristi Pinkston.

This hop runs from Tuesday, November 8th through Friday, November 11th.

200 blogs are each hosting a giveaway for something a reader, author or blogger would enjoy, so be sure to check them out!

Giveaway Closed!

Warm Fuzzies: Weeks one and two WINNERS! :D

Hi guys,

Sorry I'm getting a late start on this. BUT Here are the winners of the last two weeks of the Warm Fuzzies Blog Fest, a month long celebration of writers and writing.

Week One: You're A Writer?!? (best/worst/most unique response you've received)

     Winner:

          Susanna Leonard Hill

Week Two: Guess My WIP

This week there was a tie :D
  
     Winners are:
        
          Deana and Tasha Seegmiller


So ladies!!! Go ahead and pick from my bookshelf the book of your choice. :)

Teaser Tuesday (4)

Teaser Time!! So last week I did not post a teaser due to a blog hop I was a part of. So this week, I will post a longer tease to read through :) Enjoy!

*********************************************

Shayhu grabbed his communicator, “Engineering, you have forty minutes to get the thrusters back online

before we head straight into a ......”

Before he could complete his demand, the ship jerked violently throwing everyone to the floor. The ship 

came to a halt. Shayhu climbed back into his chair.

“What was that?” he said.

Shumee checked his console as he sat back down in his chair. 

“A tractor beam,” he said,” something has caught hold of us and pulling us out of the asteroid belt.”

“On screen,” Shayhu said.

Two large ships on both sides of the Hablas had tractor beams locked on them. Once safely outside the 

belt the ships unlocked their tractor beams. For a moment no one moved.

“What do you think,” Yuli asked looking back at Shayhu, “friend or foe.”

Static came over the ship’s communication.

“Hablas. You have one of our people on your ship. Lower your weapons and prepare to be boarded.”

Before Shayhu could stand up, six armed beings appeared before them on the bridge. Their pale faces looked like polished stone. The smallest being easily stood two heads above Batu. The Mat’hool guards pulled out their weapons to fire them, but their weapons did not work; they seemed jammed.

“Lower your weapons, Mat’hools. We are not here to harm the Sahabeeyeen or the Hablas crew. We merely wish to reclaim the daughter of our leader.”

“How do you know who we are?” Yuli asked.

The beings looked at him. “We have been watching each and everyone of you from the moment Shayhu entered our part of the universe. We have been waiting a long time for the coming of the seekers.”

“Seekers?” Yuli asked.

“Yes, the pious seekers who would join the protected bloodlines and gather the Sahabeeyeen from the four corners of the eastern universe.”

“We meant you no offense if we have taken someone who belongs to you. Please accept our apologies,” Shayhu said extending his arm.

“Your apologies are acceptable. Where is Nusa?” dismissing the gesture.

Everyone stopped and looked at the large wingless beings.

“Nusa is a Naqabashi, how does she belong to your people?” Shumee asked suspiciously.

Tuesday Tunes: Live Like You Were Dying

This song really touches my heart because it encourages people to really think about what living life really means. As someone who is religious I believe we are all living on borrowed time and that one day we will all return to our creator. I was raised to live my life in a way that was not just beneficial for me but for others as well. While I may work to pay my bills, enjoy the good things life has to offer but to also share my wealth, knowledge talents and time with others. I think the biggest thing I would do if I had a chance to do it all over again would definitely be to become a better friend, a better sibling, a better teacher and a daughter and a better believer.

What would you do with the last precious moments of your life?

Warm Fuzzies Blog Fest 2011 #2 Guess my WIP! :D

It’s Warm Fuzzy Time! This week it’s all about what inspires your WIPs? When I write, I like to listen to music. Most of the time it is music that has some sort of nature in the background. There have been a few songs with words that have moved my writing; usually the song was directly related to a certain scene. I rarely use art or photos for my novels, but they are vital for my flash fiction pieces. I also use them to help me out of writers block.

Here’s a list of some sound tracks I’m using for my current WIP.

Armenian Duduk: Tender Lullaby: Meditation Oasis

Levon Minassian: Songs from a world apart

Here are a few pics that kind of describe my WIP.

 So, can you guess my WIP? :D (No cheating!!!!)

What do you look to when you write? What inspires you? How else do you use your creativity? Music? Pictures? Art? 

Monday's Muse: Autumn Path

For some lovely inspiration this week I share with you all this wonderful pic I took this morning on my way to work. :) It's a fun path where walkers, runners, bikers and students get to and from the university as well as exercise. It was rather sparse and a slight drizzle wet the fallen leaves. I could not help but take the picture. :)

After work, I took a few minutes to log onto facebook and see what is going on in my friends' world :D One posted a lovely quote that I felt very moved by. I would like to share it with you all and hope it inspires good thoughts and destinies. :)

Sow a thought, and you reap an act;
Sow an act, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.
- Charles Reade

Book Review + Giveaway: Medusa by Clive Cussler

It has been a really hectic week both on and offline!! I participated in the adventure tale, Ahoy! Sea Serpent! Blog Hop hosted by Kerri Cuevas and this week started the Warm Fuzzies Blog Fest hosted by Juliana Brandt. This week also saw the final episodes of the Rule of Three Writing Challenge hosted by Damyanti Biswas, Stuart Nager, Lisa Vooght and J.C. Martin. With all the happenings of this past few weeks, I have not been able to do any interviews. However, I could not let this Friday pass with out some kind of book giveaway!! So, here is the most recent book I've read:

Medusa by Clive Cussler

This is my second book by Clive Cussler and so far I am loving his novels! 

Summary: 

From Goodreads: In the Micronesian Islands, a top secret, U.S. government- sponsored undersea lab conducting vital biomedical research on a rare jellyfish known as the Blue Medusa suddenly . . . disappears. At the same time, off Bermuda, a bathysphere is attacked by an underwater vehicle and left helpless a half mile below the surface, its passengers-including Zavala-left to die. Only Kurt Austin's heroic measures save them from a watery grave, but, suspecting a connection, Austin puts the NUMA(r) team on the case. He has no idea what he's just gotten them all into. A hideous series of medical experiments . . . an extraordinarily ambitious Chinese criminal organization . . . a secret new virus that threatens to set off a worldwide pandemic. Austin and Zavala have been in tight spots before, but this time it's not just their own skins they're trying to save-it's the lives of millions.

My review:

I really like the Medusa. Right from the beginning I was hooked. I don't know much oceanography but I do love anything that has to do with the ocean and sea mysteries. The story starts off a long time ago when an 1848 whaling expedition undergoes a mysterious experience on an Island when they have to dock their ship due to the ship's crew becoming deathly ill. Unable to explain their quick recovery and the fact not one of them every became sick after the incident remained a mystery. Fast forward to the present, an outcast Chinese doctor in a rural village is called back to work by the Chinese Government to work on a cure for new strain of SARS virus that is near to becoming even deadlier than the first outbreak. What she does not know is that someone is out to kill her and the scientist she is working with because they are close to creating a vaccine that will cure the outbreak. 

In the Bermuda, during a test drive of the bathysphere, Dr Max Kane and Joe Zavala are attacked and left to die in the blue waters. When Kurt Austin goes down to find and rescue them, he is also attacked by a strange metal creature. At the same time of this attack, Dr Kanes secret gov't lab working on a vaccine for the new strand of SARS is hijacked off of the ocean floor. When they find out that the creature is a submersible used by a Chinese Company and that the company has ties with the triads, things get really dangerous for Lee, Austin, Zavala and all of his NUMA friends as they try to solve an old mystery. Austin and his team have to find out who is behind the lab-jacking, who wants them dead and why.

I loved that there was very little romance involved, though there were some slight insinuations. The pace was fine, something was happening in every chapter. I give this book a 3.5 out 4.0 stars :) 

Warm Fuzzies Blog Fest 2011: You're A Writer????? O_o?

Yes. I am a writer. I may not be Stephen King or J.K Rowland but I am a writer and I love it. :D For the most part, most of the people who even know I write are my closest friends and family and a few of the parents at the day care where I work. I don't really like to tell folks outside the writing community simply because their is this sort of pressure to put something out there right away. 

For example: One friend who knows I write constantly asks about the novels I'm working on, "are they published, when will you publish it" and so on. Quite frankly, the story is not ready and it is really hard to explain that to them. But I have to say, I am surrounded by kind and supportive people. I usually get warm comments when I tell my close circle that I mostly write children's stories and short fiction. Most ask, "So when will I get to read it?" with a sly grin because they know how shy I am in real (non-cyber) life! :D 

So for me, it is more of the pressure of having to perform and produce an awesome book right now to prove I am a writer/author of children's stories than the "Huh, you are a writer, O_o?" response. 

So tell me friends, do you ever feel pressured to write and produce books or articles to prove you ARE a writer?

Gotta book giveaway this week for those who comment on this fuzzie post!!! :D Your choice from my book shelf!

Rule of Three Writing Challenge: Part Four...the finale

Hi folks. This has been a really fun challenge and fest! But all good things must come to an end. Here is the finale of my short story: The Awakening

Part one is here.

Part two is here.

Part three is here.

“Kanda medicine, it’ll combat the contagion.” His grandfather says wrapping Kahalee’s hands. “I’m sorry, Kahalee, I should have told you sooner.”

The front door chimes. Kahalee’s grandfather ascends the stairs to the shop.

“Yes, you should have. I would have never touched it.”

Kahalee hears a frantic conversation.

“She’s coming. I couldn’t stop her,” a woman says.

“She can’t see Kahalee this way; they’ll exile him to Assart,” his grandfather says pounding the counter. “I can cure him, I just need time.”

Kahalee struggles up the stairs. But his grandfather is alone.

“You shouldn’t be up here,” he says pushing Kahalee out of sight. But it’s too late; Xenatha walks in. The color drains from his face. She smiles sweetly at Kahalee, too sweet. The old man frowns. Kahalee smiles; relieved to see her again.

“Oh Kahalee,” she says, “I was so worried. What happened?”

A hint of pretence passes her lips but Kahalee doesn’t hear it. Xenatha reaches for his arm but Kahalee’s grandfather stops her. Xenatha scowls.

“Leave us,” she says, “I will speak to my fiancé alone.”

Kahalee gives a weak nod to his grandfather who then leaves, eyeing Xenatha.

Kahalee watches Xenatha pace back and forth. She’d taken the news of his illness far better than he’d expected. But something isn’t right. He can’t put his finger on it. She continues rambling about a way to “fix it.” The medicine finally kicks in. The tingling sensation ceases, his breathing eases and his head becomes clear.

“The Assart?” he says realizing her plan. “You want me to go back there again. Have you forgotten I nearly died in that forest?”

“You have to Kahalee, it’s my… our only hope of survival” she pleads. He searches her eyes for the woman he loved. He catches a glimpse of her and nods.

“Kahalee?” his grandfather calls out. Bena steps out from her hiding place with a grave expression. “He’s gone. Xenatha sent him to Assart.”

Kahalee finds the Taki mushrooms. His knife and satchel ready, he removes his bandages and gets to work. A dark form steps out from behind a tree that protects the oldest living Taki. Its roots nourish the others. More figures emerge from the darkness.

“Our payment has finally arrived,” a hoarse voice hisses.

Kahalee turns and faces Tobias.

“You!” he growls, “that treacherous female! Go and bring her,” Tobias yells to the nearest figure.

“No,” Kahalee demands, knowing whom Tobias is referring to.

They stop, looking at Tobias and Kahalee.

Tobias glares at him. In the eerie silence, Kahalee remembers; his origins, his father Faydal, the black box and the old man who spared him as a child.

 “You will protect her, brother? She sent you to your death.”

“You left her no choice.” Kahalee grips his knife. “There will be no awakening.”

He swipes his wrist, allowing the blood to fall onto the large Taki. Tobias knocks Kahalee down.

“What have you done?” Tobias shouts.

“The blood of the Taki may nourish our kind, but our blood destroys it and its curse on the humans who breathe its spores.”

The Taki begin to whither and die but one is spared, pulled up before Kahalee’s blood can kill it. Weak, Tobias orders the others back down into the earth. But he has one final act. He finds Xenatha in her garden gazing at her flawless skin while his withers away. He grabs and drags her away kicking and screaming.

In a forgotten cavern, far below Renaissance, population 333, they wait until the day the Taki flourish and the awakening releases them from the darkness.

The end ........ for now!

Word Count: 600

Prompt: the misfortune is resolved/accepted, the final event becomes another secret for generations to come, relationships are torn asunder/mend.

Ahoy! Sea Serpent!

If you are just joining the adventure, please start here. The Choose Your Own Adventure continues below.........

                 You follow your beloved.....

You watch the massive sea serpent dragging the ship down into the deep blue. Floating wreckage reminds you of the deadly fate you narrowly escaped. You watch in horror as the deadly serpent turns and heads your way with the ship in tow, it’s green eyes glowing angrily. You turn to your beloved still beckoning you to follow. Air going fast and the sea serpent swimming faster, you decide to follow your beloved and hope your mind is not playing tricks on you.

You push and kick with all your strength to keep up with the luminescent figure. You are so focused on the light ahead of you; you don’t realize the sea serpent has stopped chasing you. It swims along an invisible barrier not daring to cross it, but staring longingly after you. The water has become denser, murkier and greenish in color. The terrain has changed as well; sea foliage five miles deep wave in slow motion beneath you. Just beyond the rolling plains of grass you see the tip of an object. Your beloved circles over and around the object touching it gingerly then gracefully descends down circling it.  The light from your beloved illuminates it and as you follow, you realize is it not just an object. It is a massive pyramid at the bottom of the ocean floor.

Beautiful symbols adorn the pyramid but nothing like the heirogryaphs of ancient Egypt. They seem alien. As you descend, you forget about your oxygen levels. You touch the symbols. Each one lights up in colors of green, blue and purple for a second then darkens again. Icy fingers touch your hand then grab it. Your beloved drags you down the remaining few miles at lightening speed till you reach an enormous heavily armored door. Pointing to the door that looks like an over-sized security keypad, your beloved touches your tank then pushes you forward. “You want me to knock?” you ask raising your hand to the door. The door is covered with symbols you saw on your way down. You turn to look at your beloved for confirmation but the glowing figure is gone.

Alone at the bottom of the ocean, you have 10 minutes of air left and a huge locked door in front of you. What is inside? Will you find help? How do you get in? All these thoughts pass through your head. You bang on the door hoping to be heard. With each pound, portions of it begin to glow emitting hums and vibrations of various tones, pitches and frequencies. It is a lock indeed and you have to figure out how to decipher it before you run out of oxygen. You randomly touch the keys. Light and music fill the ocean floor. But the door does not open.  

Your oxygen button lights up. You panic. One minute left. As your brain fogs due to lack of oxygen, you remember your beloved touching various symbols on the pyramid while descending down the outer wall. You recognize those symbols on the keypad. You make one final attempt at breaking the code. Vision blurred, you replicate the order of symbols your beloved touched.

A jet of bubbles shoot out in front of you as the massive door pushes inward and up. Everything happens so fast that you are not prepared for what happens next. When the door opens, you are sucked into the pyramid in one crushing pull. The last of your air escapes. You black out just as your body slams against a hard surface. When you come to, you find you can breathe fairly easy. Yes! Oxygen! Your tank and breathing apparatus is gone; even your black diving suit has been removed. Despite your lack of clothing, you are remarkably comfortable. Everything is black but you can hear the slightest sound. You hear the low and graceful song of a passing whale, the clicking of a pod of dolphins dashing in and out of the sea foliage. Even the swaying foliage is music to your ears. You are alive. You are about to sit up when you hear a door swoosh open then close. You lie as still as you possible, not even daring to breathe.

At first, the voices are unintelligible. But after a while you begin to pick up syllables, then words and then sentences.

“What do you think this one wants?” a voice asks.

“The same as the others,” another voice replies with a growl.

“I don’t know, this one seems different,” the first voice says with softness and interest.

“Humans, they are all the same. Thieving murderers.” There was definitely malice and contempt in the second speaker’s voice.

“What do we do with this specimen?”

“Put it in the holding tanks with the others.”

The door swooshes open but only one of them leaves.

Moments later, a smooth almost metallic icy sensation strokes your bare arm singing softly. The voice sends vibrations across your body. Slowly your vision returns and you can see the creature gliding over you, a luminescent otherworldly creature glowing green, purple and blue. Its eyes peer mournfully into yours. Its knowing gaze sends chills down your spine. Holding tank? Others? You try to speak but can’t. The beautiful creature circles you with a dance like grace. The walls around you reflect its glowing body. It touches one of the walls and it becomes transparent and clear. Beyond the room, you see hundreds of tanks filled with glowing green liquid. Multiple tubes attached to the tanks carry the green liquid out while others feed a clear liquid into the tanks. Each tank holds a body. Some look alive but the rest look mostly dead.

The creature glides over to you singing and pointing to the tank room. It wants you to enter. But you have questions. Why do they want you? What are they doing down here? Who are they? Where are they from? Then you spot a figure in a tank not far from you. You recognize the human form. It is your beloved. The creature sees your reaction and is confused. This is your chance. To get information or free your beloved.

Do You: attack the lone creature and try to free your beloved?  

Do You: try to communicate with the creature and form an alliance? 

Go Back: still go 

Start Over: 

Picture Prompts: Freedom

Freedom. What an idea. The thought of it makes my heart skip a beat. But right now I'm shrouded in secrecy, headed to a life of eternal torment, servitude and blind obedience. Strong arms grip mine, ensuring I can't flee. But how beautiful is the night. The great lake of life reflects the universe like diamonds. It carries the scent of lavender and my freedom. I am forced onto the vessel that will take me beyond the horizon where the glow of Haitus emanates. I dare not look back at them, my father and brothers who have abandoned me to my fate. But did they have a choice? One life for over one thousand lives. Do I? Alone on the great lake with only the rising moon to watch over me, I must decide...Live enslaved or die free.

Calling New Authors and Book Lovers!!

Have you recently published a book? Do you know a first time author recently published? It's tough these days getting our stories and books out there. This hop/giveaway helps to support first time authors whether published traditionally or self-published in getting their books noticed and read by the reading community. Let's support one another! Find and support new authors and their debut publications!

For authors: Provide details/summary of your book, places where your book can be purchased, review(s) etc. Giveaway is not mandatory but is highly encouraged. J

For book lovers: If you have read a debut novel and loved it, help the author by sharing it with us. Write a substantial review and where the book can be found. A book giveaway is not mandatory but again, it is highly encouraged. Nothing draws a big crowd like a fun book giveaway! J

"One Million Men and Me" Giveaway Winner

And the winner of 

Drum roll please!!!!!!!!

Coleen Patrick!!

Congratulations!!!!

(Please contact me so that I may get your prize to you! )

Rule of Three Writing Challenge: Part Three

Here is the third installation of the #REN3 writing challenge. If you are just starting out or need a recap, go here to read chapters one and two. Enjoy!
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Xenatha looks at the small flaw on her face and neck in the mirror. She is alone now. Her noisy nursemaid is preoccupied with shopping and preparing cacti-berry juice. Xenatha has one hour and ten minutes to complete her task in privacy. She unties and removes her traveling bonnet. She wraps her long wavy hair in a tight bun. A clay bowl filled with a pale white paste sits on her vanity dresser. Next to it, a silk cloth contains white paper thin sheets of a rare mushroom, Taki. Kahalee, her suitor, risked his life searching for it in the Assart forest. Xenatha gets to work. She has to complete her task and dispose of everything before her maid returns or it’s the end of her political career and life. The small compartment under her bed makes the perfect hiding spot for her tools. She tucks them away and crawls out from under her bed when her nursemaid rushes in huffing.

She fumbles through an apology as she places the sweet juice on a small serving table. She approaches Xenatha but stops when the young aristocrat raises her hand. Xenatha does not want her too close just yet. Bena has a keen sense of smell. Bena looks at her. Xenatha can see curiosity and suspicion. Not good. Bena returns and fills a cup.

“Has Kahalee been by yet?” Bena asks nervously. A faint odor tickles her nose.

“No. It is too early, perhaps at noon. That would be more appropriate don’t you think?” she asks trying to discern where the conversation was going. “Why do you ask?”

Bena opens her mouth but thinks twice about revealing she’d visited Kahalee and his grandfather that morning.  She picks up the filled glass and turns to serve it.

“Leave it there, I will get it when I’m ready,” Xenatha says walking over to the open window. She thanks Bena then sends her away. Bena’s reaches the door then stops. She turns back slightly, eyebrows raised and nose twitching.

“Uh Oh,” Xenatha thinks, “that blasted dry wind from the Schiavona desert. She’ll meddle for sure.” Xenatha narrows her eyes and scowls. Bena leaves the room.

Xenatha exhales. A dark figure steps from behind her massive velvet curtains.

“I thought she’d never leave,” the hoarse voice cracks.

Xenatha jumps. She feels a hot sticky breath on the back of her neck.

“Tobias,” she says in disgust. “How dare you enter my private quarters,” she hisses regaining her composure.

“Your payment is late,” he growls, his lips curl revealing razor sharp teeth. “The Taki flourishes by the blood of man; if you do not send a payment soon, the awakening will be your great legacy to Renaissance.”

Xenatha snorts. “I don’t care about your awakening. If Renaissance falls below 333 residents, people will become suspicious. There hasn’t been a birth or death in the last few years.  Illnesses are rare since the arrival of the Kanda pharmacist.”

“Oh? Are they now?” he asks leaning into her neck, gazing at her face.

Xenatha shudders. Of course Tobias knows her secret, a skin disease that would make her a Renaissance outcast. 

A rock hits her window. Tobias vanishes behind the curtains. Kahalee climbs through the window. Labored breathing, sweat beading on his fevered face, his bandaged hands carry a package.

“What…?”

Kahalee interrupts Xenatha.

“I can’t stay. I’m…I’m cursed.” he whispers. He hands her the package and disappears out the window.

Xenatha clutches the package, more mushroom skin and paste. She bites her lip then grins. Cursed blood?

“You will have your payment by tomorrow, Tobias,” she announces.

***************

word count: 600

characters: Xenatha, Tobia, Kalahee (secondary character, Bena)

prompt: betrayal is in the air, the impending misfortune foreshadowed in the 1st prompt comes to pass, but one or more characters laugh at it, a long kept secret is revealed.