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!)
I’ve switched to an excerpt from a brand new novella set in my version of ancient Egypt, working title Healer of the Nile, which is for a boxed set later this year.
Tadenhut, elder son of a noble house, has been gravely injured in a battle against Pharaoh’s enemies and brought home to die. Mehyta, a woman from the estate’s village who has skills as a healer, has been ordered to assist the physicians in his care. Lady Nebetta is the stepmother. Simut is the local doctor. We’re in Mehyta’s POV.
She stared at Tadenhut, gaunt, pale, lying on the bed equally oblivious to his father’s grief and the learned doctors’ chat. Lady Nebetta lowered her head, dabbing at her face carefully, so as to not mar the kohl and malachite perfectly outlining her large brown eyes. No actual tears fell – her son was next in line to inherit the estate when the current heir died.
Too bad there was no hope for Tadenhut. Now home, if he was aware of his surroundings at all, he’d probably release his grip on life and let his ka move on to the judging and the afterlife he deserved. Mehyta’d seen many a patient cling to life past all understanding, until some milestone had been passed, or some loved one arrived to say farewell.
A snapping of fingers under her nose made her startle. From Simut’s expression, frowning at her, she gathered he’d been trying to get her attention for several moments.
“I’m sorry, sir, I felt called to utter prayers for the ka.” She stretched the truth judiciously to blunt his annoyance.
I don’t have a cover or a blurb for this one yet. but there will be copious quantities of magic and a bit of romance, of course. Locked in his coma, Tadenhut isn’t as ready to give up his hold on life as everyone assumes, especially after meeting his lovely healer in the dreamspace. The novella took on a sort of Cinderella-by-the-Nile air in some ways as I wrote it…I’ll probably share a couple of excerpts from this and then move back to science fiction romance.
Interesting snippet. I look forwarded to more excerpts. 🙂
I haven’t read any of your Egyptian books. I’ll have to remedy that.
Sounds absolutely awesome! You come up with such wonderful storylines Victoria. I am looking forward to adding this to my list of “must-read-Victoria’s-story-list”
The Egyptian stories are my faves and this one will be a winner.
Fantastic scene, I could see them all so clearly, beautifully written.
What a detailed and emotional scene. Terrific work, Veronica!
I liked the scene, Veronica. The “kohl and malachite” outlining her eyes drew me in.
Oh, I love the idea of Cinderella-by-the-Nile and enjoyed how she responded to Simut’s annoyance. Another fab story I can’t wait to discover more of.
Don’t know what to say that hasn’t been said! Your writing is clear and succinct, yet colorful and emotional. I don’t know how you do it. 🙂
Love the hints of intrigue.
Lots of emotion and internal thought. Really really liked this snippet. Thanks for sharing!
I like that last glimpse of her spunk. Very nice introduction into this world. You’re so good at giving us everything we need to jump right in.
Wonderful depictions of the characters and their emotions. And apparently doctors haven’t changed much in the last several thousand years.
Nice work…this snippet effectively plunged me right into the customs of ancient Egypt–and a glimpse at some characterization as well.
She doesn’t seem an enthusiastic healer – very pragmatic.
It’s been made very clear to her that she’s only there to do the lowly duties so the local doctor doesn’t have to, and that they’ll be following the regime prescribed by Pharaoh’s physician. But no worries, Mehyta starts applying her own knowledge to the case soon enough!
Grief that leaves you looking perfect afterwards isn’t real grief. But I’m sure all she cares about is the appearance of her being dutiful.
Very interesting snippet.
Nice description of the characters. They both intrigued me.
I can see some are hoping for him to die more than grieved. I hope he’ll wake up soon.
My daughter is an archaeologist – this will be a fun read.
I’m intrigued. Love a little magic with my romance. 🙂
I love that quick excuse that she was praying.
Quite interesting from a perspective that this is not a genre I’d read or understand … so I’m looking forward to reading more.
Love this time period!! Your heroine has already won me over. Nice job.
Love the snippet and time period and am anxious to read more.
She seems very ambitious and much more powerful than she lets on.
I’m fascinated by the history of ancient Egypt. The deities are some of the most colorful. I also always enjoy a story with well developed female characters. This one shows lots of promise!
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Great snippet. Very strong in emotion. Definitely interested to see where this is leading. Love her stretched lie of the truth, too.
You have me wondering what will happen next!
Excellent scene… you really capture the feel of an ancient culture here.
I love this scene you created! You always imbue your work with such rich details.