Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…A fun way to sample new books and find new writers!
We’re onto a new story of mine, a WIP that still needs a lot of work. Mark, an ex-Special Forces soldier in the Sectors, has been hired by the Outlier Empress to rescue a kidnap victim who’s been taken to the border planet Freemarket, where anything goes and the authorities are usually hands off. Kind of like Las Vegas…he’s broken into the house of Barent Kliin, the kidnapper, persuaded Alessandra to go with him and fled in a stolen car, pursued by the bad guys and the planetary police. They collided with a cargo hauler…Mark knocked the driver out and assisted Alessandra from their wrecked vehicle, after which the couple flee into the crowded marketplace but are now trapped…until a strange little being showed up, offering to help…having no choice, Mark and Sandy flee with the creature and fall into a tent. The owner of the tent is an extremely mysterious being, who just prevented him from shooting at their pursuers.
Sandy tugged at his arm, drawing him way from the threshold, “I think we need to listen to her – maybe she can help. She’s protecting us, which ought to be worth something.”
Their hostess laughed and the sound was like a birdsong, changing from second to second, “I’m Lajollae, Keeper of the Globes of Khanamur.”
“Which doesn’t mean anything to me,” he said, holstering his blaster.
She extended her arms, hands cupped in front of her, at waist height. An iridescent bubble five inches in diameter materialized in the blink of an eye, resting on her palms. A second sphere fought to come into existence, extruding from the first with a pop, and floating a few inches apart. Golden specks teemed in the new bubble as it hung over the original.
Note from me: I’m presenting this scene pretty much intact so over the next weeks you’ll find out what the bubbles are for, what Lajollae means by “traveling”….and what choice Mark and Sandy make. Hopefully that’s ok!
Excellent snippet Veronica, thank you for sharing. I am hooked, and can’t wait to find out what Lajollae is capable of.
So. Much. Awesome!
I love stories that start one way and turn out to be about something completely different! This is great, Veronica. 😀
Ha, this is great! I agree, I like stories that twist too. During last week I thought about the story and wondered what might happen next, so you’re succeeding in keeping my interest. But I expect nothing less from you!
Thanks, Marcia, I take that as a high compliment!
Now, that sort of demonstration might make him want to cooperate.
Women are smart. He’s ready to blast everything in sight and she calms him down. Even in outer space, folks so I’m not going there. Marvelous eight. Ah the bubbles. It’s magic just like your writing, Veronica.
I love the description in this scene, Veronica. Your stuff is always a treat to read, and this is some of your best WWW stuff yet!
Another compelling snippet, Veronica. I’m looking forward to the release of this book~
Another excellent scene. I love how you catch us up in the beginning. Its like watching a movie and then hitting pause until next week 🙂
Intriguing stuff! Hopefully the globes are helpful.Can’t wait to find out what they’re all about.
Whew – glad Sandy pulled him back. The globes sound intriguing.
Tweeted.
Great magic! How do you think of this stuff?
Mostly the writing just flows….hence why I’m always so superstitious about examining my process or my Muse in interviews LOL. Thanks, Cara!
Technology indistinguishable from Magic?
Way cool snippet! The bubbles are fantastic. Can’t wait to find out what they’re for. The travelling, maybe?
Oooh I’m intrigued! So many questions that need answers! I can’t wait to read more, Veronica!
Fabulous description. I can’t wait to find out what the bubbles are for and what big decision Mark and Sandy have to make. Hurry up and finish:).
Now that would give anyone pause. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Oooh, intriguing bit of magic. And I wonder what those globes do??? 🙂 Nicely done, Veronica! 🙂
As always, I’m mesmerized by your world-building magic. Lovely visual. I’m glad you’re going to keep going with this story!
I appreciate all the comments (I’m late getting going to visit everyone today but about to start) – very encouraging. The responses are helping me ponder the revisions needed to some of the later parts of the plot. I might get this one out in 2015 after all! But GHOST OF THE NILE is next, since it’s in edits now. HUGS!
I don’t know, perhaps I’m paranoid, but just because someone protects you doesn’t mean they’re trustworthy.
Love it! I wouldn’t trust her, but she puts on a good show!:)
You hooked me again. I can’t wait to find out what she can do.
Cool! I want some magic bubbles in my house. They’d make great conversation pieces. 😉
I do so love a good twist! Can’t wait for more. 🙂
I can understand why someone would be “taken in” by the glowing globes, I am naturally suspicious though and hope they are still a bit wary. Great writing.
I love your snippets!!!! Can’t wait for more!
Intriguing, I think she is trying to help, or maybe I’m wrong… Very intriguing. Great eight!
Travel globes hopefully filled with gold flecked liquor…yeah that’s the way I want to travel 😉 Great 8, V!
Wow! That is fantastic, Veronica. You have painted a beautiful, mystical and mysterious scene. Eager to read more. Will love to see it play out!
I love the visual in the last paragraph!