Dancing With Fate - North, to Castell Madog

Hello fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to my Weekend Warriors post. Sorry I wasn't around last week, but I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far.

Weekend Writing Warriors   

Eight Sentence Sunday

                                            Snippet Sunday Facebook  Group

Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above, there's something for all tastes.

BACKGROUND:

Having fulfilled the mission set by Apollo, Terpsichore the muse of dance is preparing to return to Olympus when she meets the mysterious Myrddin. He invites her to share a meal with him and invites her to journey with him for safety's sake, being unaware of her origins and immortal status.

SNIPPET:
"So tell me," Myrddin repeated at length, "is your home very far from here?"

She gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. "It won't take me long to get there, I'll leave at dawn tomorrow." She eyed him with a curious expression in her eyes. "Where are you journeying to, if I may ask, and have you come far?" 

"North, to Castell Madog, another day's ride from here. I have been travelling for five days and nights, my journey is nearly over."

She did not ask, but something about the way she looked at him compelled him to add, "I'm on a quest to rescue the Lady Gwendolyn, who has been abducted from her father's home by Madog."

"I see—there is a reward for her return?"

Myrddin pursed his lips, annoyed she should think his motives so shallow, but they hardly knew each other, why would she have any reason to believe otherwise?

"No, this is a matter beyond mere riches. She is my betrothed." 

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

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When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

#Sunday Snippets, #Weekend Warriors, 'Dancing With Fate' - She found it difficult to refuse when he looked at her like that...

Hello fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. 

Weekend Writing Warriors    Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:

Terpsichore, muse of dance, has just met Myrddin. He tries to persuade her to travel with him, unaware that she is a muse, and should be returning to Olympus. She is equally unaware that her brother, the god Apollo, has other plans for her. This is a little further than last week's snippet which you can read  HERE)

'Sal' the horse in this story, is based on my little buckskin mare Sal, who sadly went to the Rainbow Bridge a few years ago after being a loyal friend for many years. The picture was made for me by Masha Holl, a 'sister muse' from the anthology in which'Dancing With Fate' was originally published, 

SNIPPET (as usual, a little manipulation of punctuation to fit regulations.)

Terpsichore and Sal by Masha Holl

"Robbers will be less likely to attack at night if there are more than one of us. Used though I am to solitude, I'd welcome a little company." He smiled again, "I've two good trout baking in my fire pit, you're welcome to share."

She found it difficult to refuse when he looked at her like that. All at once, she had a deep desire to get to know him better.

"That sounds good," she said, "I am a little hungry."

"You have a horse?"

Before Terpsichore could answer, a soft whinny came from behind a clump of bushes.

A pretty, creamy-gold mare, with a black mane and tail and four black stockings trotted up to her. A white star graced her forehead as she tossed back her forelock and stood with one foreleg raised,  I am Sal.

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 


LAST CHANCE TO GET THE COMPLETE  NOVELLA FOR ONLY 99C!

From one minute past midnight Pacific time on July 1 until After 11:59pm Pacific time on July 31 DANCING WITH FATE will be on sale for 99c  so if you have been enjoying the snippets and would like to read the whole novella at the bargain price of 99c go to:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53249 You will see the full price but will be only be charged 99c at the checkout. (You do need to register but it's fairly painless and doesn't cost you anything!)  Please note, This offer isn't available at Amazon, or any other retailer, it's a Smashwords special promotion.

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

#Sunday Snippets, #Weekend Warriors, 'Dancing With Fate'Two travelling together are safer than one.'

Hello fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. 

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:

Terpsichore, muse of dance, is dancing naked near a waterfall in 5th century Wales, unaware that she is being observed by Myrddin. Swiftly and magically clothing herself in her Celtic garb  she admires the stranger.

(You can read last week's snippet HERE)

SNIPPET (as usual, a little manipulation of punctuation to fit regulations.)

Forgive me, lady, I had no wish to intrude, or to startle you."

"Worry not, stranger, you did not startle me, I am not frightened so easily."

"No, that much is apparent."

Was he laughing at her - his tone was polite, but his eyes held a sparkle that threatened to make her forget she was a goddess.

She pulled her brat closer around her, "what brings you here stranger, so far away from any township?"

He smiled, "I was about to ask the same of you, and my name's not 'Stranger', it's Myrddin, Myrddin Ab Morfryn."

"You may call me, Cora."

He raised a quizzical eyebrow, "and do you mind if I ask where you are travelling to—alone?"

"I am returning home—to my family."

"There are dangers for a young woman alone—is your home far - Perhaps we could ride together. Two travelling together are safer than one." 

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

From one minute past midnight Pacific time on July 1 until After 11:59pm Pacific time on July 31 DANCING WITH FATE will be on sale for ONLY 99c  so if you have been enjoying the snippets and would like to read the whole novella at the bargain price of 99c go to:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53249 You will see the full price but will be only be charged 99c at the checkout. (You do need to register but it's fairly painless and doesn't cost you anything!)  Please note, This offer isn't available at Amazon, or any other retailer, it's a Smashwords special promotion.

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation. http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

#Sunday Snippets, #Weekend Warriors, 'Dancing With Fate' -Terpsichore stared at the stranger

Hello fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. 

I apologise for not visiting as many of my fellow Weekend Warriors as I should have last week - somehow the time just got away from me and the week disappeared!  I'll try to do better this weekend.

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:
Terpsichore, muse of dance, is dancing near a waterfall in 5th century Wales, unaware that she is being observed. I've skipped a few paragraphs, and Terpichore finds Myrddin rather more interesting than most mortal men.(Read last week's snippet HERE)

SNIPPET (as usual, a little manipulation of punctuation to fit regulations.)

Very tall, and slender, he had strength about him, the man reminded her of a tree that would bend in a storm but not break. That was not all, his aura told her he was, indeed, no ordinary man. Never had she seen a mortal man so striking. He might not be as devastatingly handsome as some, perhaps, but beautiful none the less. His face was, oh, so pleasing to look upon, despite the unusual paleness of his skin. Not an unhealthy palor, but not tanned as one might expect, although it went well with his blond hair. There was unique character there, something that set him apart from his fellow men and went deeper than looks. She wanted to gaze at him forever.

She would have touched his mind with her own but at that moment, he spoke; the rich timbre of his voice sending shivers through her soul.

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 

 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

From one minute past midnight Pacific time on July 1 until After 11:59pm Pacific time on July 31 DANCING WITH FATE will be on sale for ONLY 99c  so if you have been enjoying the snippets and would like to read the whole novella at the bargain price of 99c go to:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53249 You will see the full price but will be only be charged 99c at the checkout. (You do need to register but it's fairly painless and doesn't cost you anything!)  Please note, This offer isn't available at Amazon, or any other retailer, it's a Smashwords special promotion.

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

#Sunday Snippets, #Weekend Warriors, 'Dancing With Fate' - '...Myrddin crept closer and a twig cracked underfoot.'

Hello fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. 

I apologise for not visiting as many of my fellow Weekend Warriors as I should have last week - somehow the time just got away from me and the week disappeared!  I'll try to do better this weekend.

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:
Terpsichore, muse of dance, is dancing near a waterfall in 5th century Wales, unaware that she is being observed. (Read last week's snippet HERE)

 (As usual, some creative editing of punctuation and slight variation from published version to comply with  8-10 sentence rule)

SNIPPET

Myrddin watched, enthralled, he'd never known anyone to dance as she did. The way she swivelled her hips had him mesmerized. Her voice was soft and clear, with a haunting quality, it reminded him of the musical bells of Maes Gwyddno, the civilization that now lay drowned beneath the sea. At times of danger, if one listened hard enough, one could hear the bells ringing from beneath the waves. Moreover, it may have been a trick of the light, but she seemed to radiate a soft glow, pure and shimmering. He shook his head in disbelief, he must be imagining it. He'd eaten nothing since dawn, this was surely a vision brought on by weakness from hunger.

Myrddin crept closer and a twig cracked underfoot. Before he could take cover, the beautiful dancer stood motionless. Her eyes, green as the depths of the ocean, looked directly into his. 

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 
 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

From one minute past midnight Pacific time on July 1 until After 11:59pm Pacific time on July 31 DANCING WITH FATE will be on sale for ONLY 99c  so if you have been enjoying the snippets and would like to read the whole novella at the bargain price of 99c go to:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53249 You will see the full price but will be only be charged 99c at the checkout. (You do need to register but it's fairly painless and doesn't cost you anything!)  Please note, This offer isn't available at Amazon, or any other retailer, it's a Smashwords special promotion.

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

#Sunday Snippets, #Weekend Warriors, 'Dancing With Fate' - Someone's watching...

Hello fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above and also below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:
Terpsichore, muse of dance, is dancing near a waterfall in 5th century Wales, unaware that she is being observed. (Read last week's snippet HERE)

 (As usual, some creative editing of punctuation and slight variation from published version to comply with 10 sentence rule)

SNIPPET

She was the loveliest woman Myrddin had ever seen. Spellbound, he watched her step from the falls, he should have turned away but he found it impossible not to watch her as she dried herself. When she started to dance, he was captivated by her grace and the eloquence of her movements. She seemed unconcerned about her nakedness. Not that she had anything to be ashamed of; such exquisite beauty should not be covered. Long, dark red-brown hair fell like a veil of silk to below her knees. Her skin was smooth and flawless; her breasts firm and high, full but not heavy, above a tiny waist.

Her rounded hips undulated sensuously in time to her singing, while her upper body remained perfectly still, apart from the expressive movements of her arms. Her legs were slim and very long and she moved on tiptoe, her small feet scarcely seeming to touch the ground. Between her fingers, she held a long piece of silky material, which she swirled around her, until it seemed almost like a living thing.

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 
 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

From one minute past midnight Pacific time on July 1 until After 11:59pm Pacific time on July 31 DANCING WITH FATE will be on sale for ONLY 99c  so if you have been enjoying the snippets and would like to read the whole novella at the bargain price of 99c go to:

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/53249 You will see the full price but will be charged 99c at the checkout. (You do need to register but it's fairly painless and doesn't cost you anything!)  Please note, This offer isn't available at Amazon, or any other retailer, it's a Smashwords special promotion.

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

#Sunday Snippets, #Weekend Warriors, 'Dancing With Fate' - Terpsichore dances ...

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above and also below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:
Terpsichore, muse of dance, has completed her mission in 5th Century Wales. (or so she thinks. She decides to bathe in a waterfall before she leaves.

 (As usual, some creative editing of punctuation and slight variation from published version to comply with 10 sentence rule)

SNIPPET

At last, she stepped out onto the grass that fringed the pool and looked skyward. How long had she been bathing -- Helios was already on his homeward journey, although his light still warmed the air and he had not yet painted the sky in its twilight hues.

Shaking her arms free of the silvery drops of water, the muse then squeezed the wetness from her long hair, of which she was inordinately proud. Of all her womanly attributes, she loved her hair the best. It was so fine and silky; it took hardly any time to dry. She spread her arms and let the warm air vanquish the last of the moisture from her skin. Oh, this land was fair, she raised her arm in salute to Helios, knowing he could see whatever his warmth touched.

Terpsichore twirled around on tiptoe, bending back her head and taking in the craggy mountaintops, the trees full-leafed and swaying slightly in the warm breeze. On an impulse, she began to dance, she conjured up a silky himation between her fingers and swirled it above her head as she moved to the accompaniment of her own voice. So involved was she in her dancing she failed to realize she was no longer alone.

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 
 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.

 http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

To Hades with her demented half brother!

Hi fellow  Snippeteers and readers.  Welcome to  my Weekend Warriors post. I'm continuing this week with another snippet from my fantasy novella, Dancing With Fate. Thank you to everyone who's been following my snippets so far. Don't forget to visit the other authors at the link above and also below this post, there's something for all tastes.

Last time:

Terpsichore, muse of dance, was given a new mission by Apollo, to restore joy and the love of dancing to the Celts of 5th Century Wales. Now she has completed her task and looks forward to returning  to Olympus, but then her annoying brother turns up, trying to get her to drink his wine. Eventually she persuades him to leave.

 (As usual, some creative editing of punctuation and slight variation from published version to comply with 10 sentence rule)

SNIPPET

He lurched unsteadily to his feet, causing one of his Maenads to loose her hold on him, and fall over, giggling. He grabbed her arm and moments later they all disappeared like mist in the heat of a summer's day.

To Hades with her demented half-brother. The more she thought about it, the more the allure of the water drew her to it, she should never have taken that wine—not even a sip, who knew what enchantment he'd put in it?

She shrugged,what was she thinking, she  was her own goddess, wasn't she? If she wanted to bathe, she would, she certainly didn't need any charmed wine to make her decisions for her. 

In an instant, her Celtic clothing melted away, she  laid her lyre against a friendly tree trunk and ran beneath the curtain of water cascading over the cliff face. She stood, waist deep in the shallows of the pool and let the water rush over her. The cold crystal clear liquid invigorated her, she felt the life force of the spring flow around and through her, the molecules that composed it, the tiny life forms unseen. This was her element and she rejoiced in it. 

BLURB

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost. But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way. 


 Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE. 

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Don't forget to visit the talented authors who are also taking part in 'Sunday Snippets'

Weekend Writing Warriors for Eight Sentence Sunday

Snippet Sunday Facebook Group

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never willl share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.

 http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join