A Peek Into the Future

I know, I know. I say this every time I post: I am working on Book Three of The Seodrassian Chronicles. For background, when I started writing this series, I sat down and basically wrote a rough draft of books one, two, three, and four. It just poured out of me like brain diarrhea (Gross, right?). Then the hard part of being a writer started: editing. After editing and finalizing the first two books, I sat down to the next book and said, "Um. Yeah. This doesn't make sense anymore." Soooo... I have had to do a LOT of rewriting, outlining, etc.

In the meantime, here's just a little teaser from what I have so far. DISCLAIMER: POTENTIAL SPOILERS and as this is a work in progress, it is subject to change before final release.

Teagan felt achy and when she woke on a soft mattress, ensconced in deliciously warm blankets. She stretched her stiff legs and arms beneath the covers before her eyes fluttered open. Panic gripped her as she took in the stone room around her. Stone walls, floor, ceiling—like a castle. A fire burned low in a stone fireplace on one wall. Pleasant sunshine streamed in from a tall, thin window. A vase of roses graced a small wooden table in the corner which held a porcelain pitcher and basin with water. Teagan sucked in a breath as she inspected the feather bed and soft blankets made from a material she didn’t recognize. Everything was rustic—practically medieval. How had she gotten here? Where was here?

She slid her legs from beneath the covers and looked at her black tights. She saw her black boots and gray jacket on an armchair in another corner. The outfit had almost been too warm for South Carolina in the spring, but it was her nicest, and she wanted to look professional as she tried to save Howard Maxwell’s life.

Howard. Memories of the prison parking lot assailed her. The strangers, the confrontation, the violet shield that had covered her and Howard. She vaguely then remembered trying to escape from an SUV and being taken down by the ridiculously good-looking guy. He hadn’t hurt her, but she was sore. The other woman had shot her with… something. What was that stuff?

A door she hadn’t noticed near the fireplace opened, and a young woman with sleek black hair and almond-shaped brown eyes entered the room with a tray. She placed it on the wooden table and smiled at Teagan. “You are awake. Welcome to Seodrass. I regret the queen could not be here to greet you. She stayed for a long time, but the king insisted she get some sleep. She has been ill.”

The woman walked to the side of the bed and held out a hand. “My name is Alannah. I am assigned to serve you until further notice.” Teagan stared at the woman’s dainty, tan hand. She wore a long, flowing blue dress that laced up the front and swept the floor. She looked Asian but wore what looked like European medieval garb and spoke with the same strange accent she’d heard from the man who had caught her in the field. The woman’s smile didn’t falter as she continued to hold her hand out, but she said, “The queen said I am to stand her like this until you shake my hand.”

Teagan swallowed hard and took the woman’s hand, surprised by the strength of her handshake. The woman clapped her other hand over Teagan’s with an open expression. “Thank you. She warned me it might be a while so I am glad you did not make me wait long.”

“Where am I?” Teagan asked, her voice rough with lack of use.

“This is the royal castle of Seodrass. You were brought here by the king and queen for your safety,” Alannah explained.

“For my safety?” She shook her head. “Where is Seodrass?”

“Our lands border several different kingdoms—Griogair, Vannett, Naeve, and Lyall. We are fortunate to have dealings with all the kingdoms since the royal family has returned. Trade has greatly improved.” She turned to the tray on the table. “We are especially happy for the coffee the castle keeps stocked for the queen.”

Teagan looked at the tray laden with plates of fruit, toast, and what appeared to be oatmeal. A steaming cup rested next to a glass goblet with what looked like apple juice. “I’ve never heard of any of those places, but Seodrass sounds familiar.”

“Coffee?” Alannah asked and held up the cup. “Cream? Sugar?”

The young woman waited for an answer, but Teagan simply stared. Why did the name Seodrass sound so familiar? “Seodrass, Seodrass,” she murmured. She sucked in a breath. “That video game. It’s called Seodrass.”

“What is a video game?”

Teagan saw no guile in Alannah’s eyes. Instead, she saw genuine confusion. “I have to get out of here,” Teagan said, her palms damp as she rose.

Alannah blocked her path to the large door on the other side of the room. “I’ve already sent for the rulers. They have asked you remain here until they can speak with you.”

“I’m a prisoner?”

“No, but you must remain here.”

“Sounds like I’m a prisoner.”

“But you are not a prisoner.”

“Then let me out.”

“No.”

Haha. I love these ladies. I think you'll love them, too. I apologize for the wait, but I hope you'll find it worth it in the end. Have a great weekend, everyone!