Welcome to another Sunday
with Weekend Writing Warriors.
Meet writers in various genres and read 8-10 sentence snippets of their
stories.
This week, I’ll continue
the scene from Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 in my Secret Supers series. Gargoyle Hunt
is set in England and has scenes in some of my favorite places.
Blurb
Danger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when
she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious
thefts from the archives and shadowy figures on the ancient walls propel her
into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse
must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of
aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and
spurs events into a climax. Under pressure from his family to succeed, Toby is
trapped in a web of deceit. The two supers have less than two weeks to catch
the crooks and salvage his reputation.
Setting
for snippet:
Estelle (aka Super Starrella) is visiting West Kennet Long Barrow near Avebury
stone circle as part of her summer abroad at Oxenford University. The mound and
chambered tomb of the Long Barrow are popular with new age visitors. Estelle’s
winged horse, Rockette, is with her in her pigeon disguise. Italics indicate their telepathic
communications. When Estelle climbs on top of the mound, she sees two middle
aged women with four small dogs.
Note:
Farleons are aliens with superpowers who live in secret among us.
You
can read last week’s snippet here:
(Apologies for slightly irregular punctuation
to fit 8-10 sentences.)
If the mare could hear the dogs, Estelle
guessed they must be Farleon animals. She sat on the grass and the dogs lay
down and licked her bare legs, “Thanks, I’m visiting Oxenford for a summer
course.”
Nudging her companion with an elbow, the plump
woman said, “I’m Misty Tibbit and my partner is Dot Farthingale.”
“Estelle Wright; I’m from Atalanta in the
United States.”
The pigeon waddled closer.
“And who is the bird that isn’t?” Dot asked in
her astute fashion.
“Are you British Farleons?” Estelle breathed.
Misty nodded, “I am on my father’s side. Dot is
something else.” The dark haired woman blinked and stared across the fields into
the distance.
Gargoyle Hunt is 99c until Monday!
(FREE
with Kindle Unlimited)
You
can see some photos from my trip to Avebury and Kennet Long Barrow early in
July at https://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2017/07/avebury-and-associated-neolithic-sites.html
Super Starrella,
Book 1, is 99c
Starrella Falls,
Book 2, is 99c until 31st
As
always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
"...the bird that isn’t" -- I love that. And I wonder what kind of "something else" Dot is.
ReplyDeleteYes, a pigeon is much less conspicuous than a winged horse!
DeleteWell, their secret isn't so secret anymore. Though it doesn't feel like any trouble will come from this situation.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a secret when the animals can talk to each other.
DeleteDot's non-reaction to be 'outed' is quite ominous, without even saying a word.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had that impression. Her abilities will add extra twists to the plot.
DeleteI like the two old women. They seem a bit like wise old sages. But I'm coming into the story a bit blind, so maybe I'm reading them wrong. Still, Estelle doesn't seem alarmed by them. Intriguing world you've built!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Appearances can be deceptive, but Estelle knows Rockette does not find the dogs alarming.
DeleteI wonder what the something else is. Interesting snippet.
ReplyDeleteThe answer, or part of it, unravels slowly during the story.
DeleteVery fun snippet! Love the exchanges.
ReplyDeleteI don't quite understand how the pigeon fits in, but he steals the scene!
ReplyDeleteIn this series the flying horse Rockette can morph into a pigeon when she wishes to be inconspicuous.
DeleteLove all the subtext in the scene, as people know 'things' and have to speak in a somewhat veiled fashion. Well done snippet!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Well, Dot knows the pigeon is really something else, but she may not know what.
DeleteA bird that isn't. And Dot is something else? Intriguing.
ReplyDeleteI like to keep you guessing!
DeleteI absolutely love the idea of a winged horse that can morph into a pigeon! One thing I hope you don't mind me mentioning - as a Brit living not a million miles from Oxford, 'Oxenford' is a rather archaic way of saying it and most people just say'Oxford' (Although there is an Oxenford Cricket Club!) - but perhaps there is a reason for you using 'Oxenford'?
ReplyDeleteFor the same reason I used Atalanta in the first two books. My geography can be a little creative. I have lived in Oxford and Atlanta.
DeleteI loved the conversation between them. The bird that isn't. Great line.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I had fun writing this couple.
Delete"Something else" sounds a little ominous. Lots of interesting things going on in this snippet.
ReplyDeleteYes, mystery under mystery.
DeleteI love how you always use animals in your work!
ReplyDeleteNot always.
Delete