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!)
May be edited a bit from published version.
I’m switching to my new release KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE.
The excerpt, from the beginning of the book, when Kyden has gone to investigate an outcry in the gladiators’ assembly room and finds two women who say their presence is a mistake. I’ve skipped ahead a bit as Kyden confronts the other gladiators:
“I’ve told you, we’re the daughters of Senator Vasclavian and we’re not supposed to be here,” the older girl said, hands fisted and ready to strike out. “You’ll rue the day you touch my sister or me.”
Jadaxus winked at the other men and there were loud guffaws, although no one else ventured within arms’ reach of Kyden as he stood there glowering. “Sure you’re high born, sweet thing,” the other gladiator said to the woman in a mocking voice “Because noblewomen regularly slum it in the gladiatorial halls.” He reached for her and she slugged him in the jaw. Now the man was angry and yanked her roughly to him, attempting to plant a kiss on her lips.
With a sigh, Kyden extracted the girl from his grasp and grabbed the cowering younger one with his other hand. She screamed and attempted to twist away but he had an iron grip on her arm. The older one made no protest, apparently biding her time until she could figure out what he had in mind. “These two are mine. The rest of you men can share the women Big Lorena sent.”
Jadaxus fingered the knife at his belt while he appeared to debate continuing to argue. “You’re not fighting tomorrow, Kyden. You’re not entitled to one woman, let alone two.”
He shrugged. “So I’ll fight tomorrow.”
Kyden turned, keeping a tight grip on both girls, who he suspected actually were what the elder was claiming to be, and headed to his room. “Come with me if you want to remain unmolested,” he said in a low voice to the tall one as an outcry arose from the crowd. “I give you my word not to touch either of you without permission.”
VS: So should she trust him? Would you? I would LOL!
KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE by Veronica Scott
Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.
Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself. Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker. And discovers she’s his fated mate.
Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…Or can they?
KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?
Great scene! Lots of tension and character building in very few lines. The word “slugged” pulled me out of the scene for a moment. It felt out of place.
Well done! I could hear as well as see that scene in my head, including all the background noise. I don’t know if they should trust Kyden, but in that situation, they must trust someone.
I’d be quite frightened in that situation, even if Kyden’s offer of protection is sincere. This scene really comes alive with all the intense details.
Definitely an intense scene. If I was in her place, not sure I’d trust any of them. Great snippet
Vivid scene. High-born or not, it still begs the question of what the heck are they doing there?
Very intense! He has honor even though h’s been treated so badly.
Great scene, Veronica! Filled with tension, drama, and characterization. I think I’d trust him. His tone seems different than the others and, in the end, what choice do they have?
Oh yes! I like him a lot!
Oh my, intense snippet this week.