Excerpt from Chapter One, when Jayden first spies Serenya as he steps into The Wasted Witch:
I stepped through the door. Soft piano music and the voice accompanying it—angelic, rich, soulful—stilled my footsteps. I finally made my way inside and slid onto a stool at the bar. The bartender, an aging human with a partly bald head and pot-belly, asked me what I wanted.
“Gingerroot tea, please.” I couldn’t take my eyes off the ebony-haired girl singing at the piano.
“That’s my daughter, Serenya. Lovely, isn’t she?” He retrieved a teapot behind him, added water, and set it on a small stove.
“She is.”
“Where is the one who holds the key? Where is the one who’s made for me?”
I’d heard the song she sang before, but the words had never resonated within me like this. I shifted in my seat. If I listened long enough, I feared her voice could unearth every secret I had. But, I had no intention of leaving now. I liked a good challenge.
“I’ve journeyed high, I’ve journeyed low, to heaven above and hell below.”
Slightly pointed ears indicated she was half-elven, but she didn’t resemble the proprietor at all. I studied her white skin, pale as the ivory piano keys she commanded so well. Lustrous, black hair fell in waves over her shoulders. Rose red lips wrapped around each word of the song. An irresistible light sparkled in her eyes. Pure joy. I knew that feeling all too well. Very few women had even come close to understanding my passion for music. A familiar longing settled over me like an invisible net.
The teakettle whistled. The bartender filled my cup. “Haven’t seen you before. Don’t get many wood-elves down here. What’s your name?”
“Jayden Ravenwing.”
“Douglas Barnaby. Welcome to the Wasted Witch. New in town or just passing through?”
“Just moved from Leogard.”
“Then, welcome to Summerwind, too. It’s just a spot in the road, but I think you’ll like it here.”
“Thanks.”
He nodded and walked away to serve other customers. The spicy aroma of fresh ginger met my nose as I sipped and listened. Maybe this would be a decent town to reside in after all.
Links:
Email: mystiparker@yahoo.com
Twitter: @MystiParker
A Ranger’s Tale: Melange Books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords
Serenya’s Song: Melange Books, Amazon, Barnes and Noble
5 comments:
Wow Mysti! I am going to have to break my piggy bank and get these novels. Your writing is beautiful, descriptive and carries the reader effortlessly.
That's a great compliment, TJ! Thanks so much!
great "tease" - in few words, I feel myself immersed in the atmosphere of Summerwind adn Wasted Witch
Thanks Judy! Grab an ale and have a seat! :)
Mysti's worlds are so easy to become immersed in. For her love of elves and fantasy is apparent in the wonderful images that your mind's eye conjures when reading her writing! Great tour Mysti! Love your work! Can't wait for the next installment!
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