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 authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)
While we’re waiting for my next two new books (one ancient Egypt – at the formatter – and one science fiction romance – at the editor), here’s another snippet from Magic of the Nile. At the command of Sobek the Crocodile God, Tyema has brought a special crocodile to Thebes and is about to show the beast to Pharaoh.
“…Sobek told me the keepers gave your beast the name ‘Pharaoh’.” He chuckled and there was a ripple of answering laughter from the courtiers in attendance. The guards maintained their stern mien and vigilant stance.
“We meant no disrespect, sir,” Tyema said, feeling butterflies in her stomach. What seemed amusing in Ta’sobeksef might be deadly insult here – so many ways to put a foot wrong in Thebes.
Nat-re-Akhte paced toward the crate and she followed, conscious of the entire group trailing behind her. “I’m sure there was no disrespect intended, although there can be only one ruler at a time in Egypt,” he said over his shoulder, “So long as your crocodile restricts his ambitions to the pond at the temple, the world can remain in harmony.” There was a definite twinkle in his eyes.
Suddenly she felt at ease, even though her companion was Pharaoh himself, and said, “I think we can safely assume the limited scope of my crocodile’s ambitions, sir.”
Note: Ghost of the Nile should be released by next Sunday so I’ll do an excerpt from it!
The story:
After a childhood spent scorned and ignored by her family because of her crippled foot, Tyema was magically healed then installed as the High Priestess of his temple by Sobek the Crocodile God. But Tyema is still haunted by her memories, scarred by the abuse she endured. Despite Sobek’s protection, as an adult she’s become a near recluse inside the temple grounds…
Until Captain Sahure arrives in her remote town, sent from Thebes on an urgent mission for Pharaoh, requiring High Priestess Tyema’s help. From that moment on, her quiet, safe life is upended in ways she never could have expected.
But after a whirlwind romance with Sahure, the two part as Pharaoh orders him to undertake another assignment on Egypt’s dangerous frontier, far from Tyema’s remote town.
Heart-broken, Tyema is ready to return to her life of loneliness, official duties and, now, regret. But the Crocodile God has other plans for his priestess: she must uncover the sorcerer who threatens Pharaoh’s life with black magic. Soon enough, Tyema finds herself thrown into the chaos of Pharoah’s court, neck deep in intrigue and danger. Just when she thinks she can’t take the pressures of a very public court life and her secret investigation for the Crocodile God any longer, Sahure re-enters the scene.
But is her former love there to help or to hinder? Can they resolve their differences and work together to find the dark sorcerer who threatens Pharaoh and Egypt?
Looking forward to the release of Ghost of the Nile.
Another interesting snippet.
Excellent tension Veronica. You can feel the scene hovering on the brink of disaster.
I’m suddenly thinking that the crocodile is going to have its own idea about the situation.
It makes me wonder why the crocodile was named Pharaoh.
Earlier in the book it’s established that he has the rare purple underbelly and has dominated the bask at home, even as a juvenile.
Terrific scene!
Haha. Loving the crocodile-banter. Still, I hope our girl is careful!
Whew! 🙂
That last line is perfect, Veronica, though I can’t help wondering what the ambitions of a crocodile might be (I tend to view them as reptilian cats).
Reptilian cats! Love it….
She survives another possible battle. What a woman. She treads lightly Fine snippet.
Very good prose Veronica. I’m glad you are sharing another Ancient Egyptian story. These stories make me think about that era in a whole new perspective.
can’t wait for the new release. Your covers are all so beautiful
Thanks! I was so fortunate that Carina Press asked Frauke of CrocoDesigns to do the first cover, which set the tone. Frauke has done all the other covers in the series but for one where she had a scheduling conflict. I love working with her!
I’m glad the Pharaoh didn’t take insult 😉 as always, great snippet, Veronica!
Good thing he’s got a sense of humor. Nicely captured moment–I think everyone’s experienced that time when an inside joke is shared, and suddenly seems less funny.
Such an interesting set up. Yes – many,many ways to do the wrong thing. Hope this scene continues next week.
A very wise and considerate leader, this Pharaoh… Of course, he has the ability ti not care much, doesn’t he? Very nice snippet.
Love it, the pharaoh and all!
Love this interaction. Glad he has a sense of humor. But wonder if the croc has designs on Tyema. Great snippet, Veronica. 🙂
The tension is great here, and I like the interaction between them.
Loved the banter and felt the tension. Like always an excellent snippet.
I’m not sure I trust the ambitions of a crocodile/ Great snippet.
Lots of heightened tension in this snippet. well done.
She seems good at walking the tightrope of decorum here. Well done! A purple bellied croc…well dang learn something new every day!
Fun snippet. I have visions of the crocodile having a harem in the pond and saying that as long as the human restricts his ambitions to the human realm the world can remain in harmony. (Or maybe I’m just really really tired.)
I love the dialogue between them, and the hints at potential tension.
Nice 8.
I don’t know… I can imagine that reptile ruling the country before too long. Love the whole feel of the scene.