Sneak-Peek-Sunday is slotting in between my April A-Z Challenge Blog Hops and that''s just perfect since I've been featuring my historical novel THE BELTANE CHOICE on recent Sundays. My April A-Z Challenge theme is set around Celtic/Roman Britain AD 71-84, all 26 posts set around almost the same era. The Beltane Choice takes place in AD 71 and my sequel (writing in progress) covers the years AD 71-84.
I'm picking up from the last excerpt and continuing my 6 paragraphs from The Beltane Choice. Nara, of the Selgovae, has been captured by Lorcan of the Brigantes- an enemy tribe. He's decided to take her back to his own hillfort which lies in Brigante coutnry, over the hig hills (Nowadays the Cheviot hills which border Scotland and England)
Her grumbling continued
when they left the forest fringe and headed for the flat river bed spread out
in front of them. Nara watched a thunderous expression flit across Lorcan’s
face, then as swiftly as a cloud would sometimes roll away to reveal the sun
his mouth curved up in a mockery of a smile.
“My princess wishes to go
at the pace of a snail? We will never get anywhere if you move like that.” He
pushed her on again with a rough prod, the sarcastic twinkle gone just as
quickly as it had come.
Could the man have guessed her true rank? While Nara wondered
how it could be possible her filly, Eachna, whinnied a welcome from the far
bank. Rowan, the
chestnut stallion, was tethered alongside but of Cearnach there was no sign.
Not on this bank nor, as far as Nara could see, on the other. No body. There
was nothing to display the truth of Lorcan’s statement. Was Cearnach really
dead?
“That horse is a bold
strong one.” He commented as he viewed the large stallion.
Nara read the new scowl
crossing his features; suspicion and distrust lurked there. His gaze narrowed
first on the horse, and then on her. When he forced her around to face him his
fingers tightened around her upper arm. Under his intense scrutiny she felt her
cheeks heat again, and it was a struggle to maintain her defiant expression.
What vexed the man?
I hope you enjoyed this little snippet! Please let me
know what you think.
Hop on over now to the other blogs participating in
Sneak-Peek-Sunday.
Buy The Beltane Choice from:
Hop on over now to the other blogs participating in
Sneak-Peek-Sunday.
Buy The Beltane Choice from:
Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/221383
Slainthe!
Great excerpt, Nancy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane!
DeleteWhat do I think? I think it makes me want to read on...
ReplyDeleteHi Vonnie! It's great to have you pop in and I'd love you to read on....
DeleteWeeeeeeeeeeeew, i'm hooked!! I want to read more!!! Great peek :)
ReplyDeleteHi there, Tera! I'd be delighted for you to read more of he before and of the after that excerpt. :-)
DeleteI think vexation will be a constant state for Lorcan. He has his hands full with Nara, for sure.
ReplyDeleteVexation os a lovely word, M.Q - I like it a lot! But as in all stories things change...
DeleteAnother great peek! Lorcan is a smart guy and doesn't trust her an inch. I wonder how long it will be till he figures out her secret??
ReplyDeleteWell the best wayto find out would be to.... No, I won't say it. Thanks for popping past, Delynn.
DeleteI am so hooked on this story. I love reading the snippets!!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so pleased, Karen. At present I'm reading somehting that queue jumpd on my TBR list called 'Soul Taker' and loving the 'take on the topic'!
DeleteLorcan does seem mightily vexed. He's obviously cued into the signs and knows something isn't quite right.
ReplyDeleteHello Shelley. Maybe a lot that's not quite right! :-) But Lorcan's a great guy and will work it out.
DeleteGreat choice. This excerpt leaves me wanting more. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Brenda, more to come in/from the book.
DeleteFantastic snippet, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteHello Sara, hope your day's been good and you've hopped to soem lovely reading.
Delete