New Guest Appearance

In-the-Harem Blog was kind enough to give me a Guest Appearance.  It is located at http://bernardfoong.typepad.com/in_the_harem/2015/06/mandrean-necromancer-by-rival-gates.html There is an excerpt there as well.  Check it out!

Guest Appearance

Travtasy Blog has been kind enough to do a feature on “Mandrean Revenge”  It has excerpts from the book.  You can check it out at http://bit.ly/1Lx68Il  Enjoy!

Sunday Excerpt, "Crucible"

“Linvin,” he called out as he moved up beside his leader. “Might I have a word with you?”

Linvin was trying to bite a nearly frozen piece of jerky. “Do I have a choice?” Linvin replied.

Rander looked back at the others who’d moved close enough to hear. He could see they supported his questioning of Linvin and proceeded. “Ever since we left the depot you have been a changed man. To be honest, you have been insensitive and even ill tempered. Surely you have noticed these things. My question to you is why have you changed?”

“My job is to get you all out of here alive, and that is what I am doing,” Linvin snapped at Rander. “If that means your breakfast is inconvenienced, that is your misfortune.”

“It is more than breakfast,” Rander said as he held his ground. “You run us ragged and resist any attempt to conceal our presence when you previously went to extremes to hide us. We travel the main road when there are adequate paths through the vineyards. As someone who is obnoxious, I can easily tell when someone else is behaving in that way. Stop treating us like children and tell us what you are thinking.”

Linvin held up his fist and brought the procession to a halt. He looked at the others and asked sternly, “Is this how you all feel?”

Anvar spoke. “Perhaps ‘obnoxious’ was a strong word to use but you must admit your behavior has been ill-mannered the last few days. There is something weighing on your mind, My Boy. It must be something most dire for you to drive us like you have done.”

Linvin pursed his lips and accepted the criticism far better from his uncle. “So be it,” he said at last. He dismounted and pulled Falconfeather from its scabbard. He stuck the end in the dirt beside the road. Pulling it along, he drew a straight line. The others stepped down and came over to watch as Linvin continued to make lines in the dirt.

When he finished, Linvin replaced his sword and pointed at the drawing. “That is the Sorrowful Sea,” he said as he pointed. “If we keep pace we should reach the northern shore at the midpoint of the lake by sunset. From there we must procure a boat and possibly a crew to sail to the southern shore.”

“We already know this,” Rander stated arrogantly.

“Do shut up and let me finish.” Linvin barked. Seeing Rander step back, Linvin returned to his presentation. “At the depot I saw the message the guards at the bridge mentioned. They were supposed to send a signal if we were found and then a larger force would move in to squeeze us between the fresh water sea and their armies. Our adversaries have correctly guessed our course. Though I have seen no flaming arrow, I must work under the assumption our position has been compromised. The enemy is closing for the kill and our only chance is to reach the lake first and escape before the noose is tightened around us.”

Saturday Excerpt, "Quest"

“In leaving Letheria, I saw little opportunity to the west or east, so I followed the mountains to their southern point.  From there, the Silver River divides the plains of the Mandreans to the east and Romadon to the west.  The river is fast flowing, particularly this time of year, and was far too treacherous to navigate.  Over the years, the river has cut a steep gorge through the land as it flows to the Sorrowful Sea.  To travel along its banks is impossible.  One must travel on one side or the other along the edge of the gorge.

“On the Mandrean sides, there were Legions encamped along the entire length of the ravine.  On the Romadonian side, there were only scattered watchtowers.  Not wanting to draw any great attention to myself, I chose to travel by way of Romadon.  Once I reached The Territory, I skirted the Western Forest in order to avoid the Demon Marshes and then headed east to see what fortune might bring.  I think you can pick up the story from there.”

Linvin’s ears came to attention at the names with which he was unfamiliar.  He produced the map he had taken from the goblins and laid it before Newminor.  “Can you show me those places on the map?” he asked. 

As it happened, Newminor was fond of maps and delighted in seeing the one at his feet.  “Say, this is a very detailed map.  Look over here, that is the tail end of the Silver River.”

Linvin pointed directly at the area labeled 'AVOID' and asked, “Are these the Demon Marshes to which you referred?”

Newminor looked and chuckled to himself.  “Avoid, how cute.  Well, I suppose that gets the point across, doesn’t it?  Those are indeed the Demon Marshes, and not even the bravest souls dare journey near.”

“What is it that scares you so?” Bander asked innocently.

Newminor smoothly spread his arms apart and corrected the elf.  “Hey! I am not scared of anything.”  He paused for a moment and looked at the map.  His eyes grew large as he stared at the region.  “I simply see no need to go looking for trouble, and entering that area invites trouble.”

Never one to pick up on subtleties, Bander continued his probe.  “Then what sort of trouble would one get into if they went there?”

Newminor looked at each member of Linvin’s company in disbelief.  “You know, when I said you folks were out here without a clue, I was just having fun at your expense, but you really know nothing about anything outside Sartan, do you?”  Before anyone could respond he continued, “Well, that speaks pretty poorly of your nation.  They think they are so powerful and mighty, yet their own people are ignorant of what lies beyond their borders.  How sad.  This probably isn’t even your map, is it?  Let me guess, you took it from the goblins and can’t interpret the symbols.  I can’t believe I even let such a pathetic bunch come to my aid.  In the future, I must be more choosey with my associates.”  He strode over to the fire and tasted the stew cooking.  Then he took a slice of jerky and lay down on his blanket.

Linvin showed controlled irritation.  “My good Newminor, your flagrant insults are indeed distracting, but you have once again spoken volumes without answering the question placed before you.  So please relent with the sarcasm and answer my cousin’s question.  To this point, you have been amusing, but the time has come for plain talk.  Tell us about the Demon Marshes or pack your bags and leave.”

Guest Post

Rose’s Reads Blog was kind enough to give me a guest post on their site today.  I decided to write about “The Pressure to Write Sex” in my industry.  I’m quite proud of the piece and it shines light on a growing issue in the writing industry.  You can read it at http://rosesreids.com/2015/06/24/guest-review-book-promotion-updates/  It starts about half way down the page.  Enjoy.

Belated Father's Day

I contemplated writing this blog since Sunday.  This is my first Father’s Day with no one to call.  The saddest part was when I picked up the phone to call my Dad and realized I had removed his name from the memory of the phone.  A lonely, sinking feeling set in.  Father’s Day calls were never long.  At most they lasted 6 minutes.  1 minute was spent exchanging pleasantries and the next five my father spent trying to get off the phone.  I often wondered if he knew he wasn’t paying for the call.  No matter.  It was never an exciting call but it was a routine and an obligation.  One of Dad’s famous quotes to me as a child helped soften the blow.  Mixing the bible with his own words he told me that it was my duty in life to leave my parents and go start my own family and home.  If I accomplished that then he would be a successful parent.  Well, I did as he instructed and have my own home and family now.  My children are getting older and one is even setting up his own home.  So now I’m the one who gets the phone calls and special day.  I take great pride in being a father and husband for that matter.  I look at how much thought went into the gifts I was given and I cannot help thinking of all the gifts I have agonized over throughout the years.  I have a wonderful family and would never want to change them.  Then I look at the phone.  I think of my father’s voice and a tear forms in my eye.  My daughter gets me a Diet Pepsi out of the refrigerator and hands it to me.  Dad didn’t drink as I find I don’t (conflicts with medication) now.  Dad was addicted to Diet Pepsi and as kids we would sneak some when he wasn’t looking.  Just like him I prefer the pop chilled rather than over ice.  My children know that and keep several cans cold for me as I have inherited my father’s love of that drink.  I sipped my pop and set the phone down.  There was no longer any call to make.  Maybe that’s alright.  Maybe Dad did his job and sent me on my way.  He gave me sound morals to guide me and a general direction in which to sail.  I have a lot to thank him for and I hope where he is now he knows it.  But I still miss making that phone call.  

New Excerpt

Linvin observed an old elf leaving the town pub down the

street. He had a slight limp, which he normally worked hard to

disguise. On that evening, he was in a hurry and noticeably

favored one leg.

“I say,” Linvin called out. “You were in the pub a little later

than usual, Elzer. Night is nearly upon us and not a lamp is lit in

the whole town. Your duties are in need of tending.”

“I know,” he answered while grabbing his special pole for the

task. “Drinks were two for one, and I forgot about the time.”

Linvin picked up his cup and sipped. The tea was cold. He had

not realized how much time had passed while he was on the

balcony. “Do not worry, Elzer. Time can go by rather quickly

when one is busy.”

Elzer stopped below Number 7. “Mr. Grithinshield, my kind sir,

the wife will tie me to the trunk if I’m late getting home. You

know how she disapproves of spirits. And I was wondering

if…you know…you could.” Elzer waved his hand in a circle.

Linvin broke out laughing at the sight of the pantomime. Elzer

appeared desperate. “You needn’t but do it this once, sir. I promise

I won’t never ask another thing from you so long as I live. But that

won’t be long if’n the missus finds out I’ve dipped my bill.”

Linvin composed himself and said while chuckling, “Well, I

could not allow a fellow gent to get in that kind of trouble. Hold

on.” He stepped away from the rail for a moment and returned

with the staff that the Red Sapphire called home. He held it aloft,

and it turned a fiery red. Pointing it at one of the lamps, he released

a bolt of magic that struck the wick. The red magic rapidly flew

from one light to the next until all of them were burning.

“You’re an angel,” Elzer cried. “I’ll have the wife bake you a

pie for this, sir. Your fav’rit is cherry-berry isn’t it?”

Linvin laughed and nodded. “Cherry-berry it is,” he answered.

Elzer nodded back and ran down the street.

Linvin turned his attention to the tea he was holding. His

eyebrows wrinkled as he concentrated. Soon his hand lit up with

red magic, and the cup was emerged in a red aura. After a few

moments, he relaxed his face allowing his hand and the steaming

cup to return to their normal colors.

He sipped and looked out over the rail. Dusk turned to night

before his eyes. Storm clouds took place overhead to obscure the

moonlight. The rainy season, it seemed, would pay another visit.

Illumination was left in the hands of the street lamps and lights

shining from houses and trees

Sunday Excerpt, "Crucible"

In the poorly lit cells of the prison, Anvar and the twins rested as Linvin sat against the wall opposite Miri and picked at the straw on the floor. For her part, Miri leaned against the far side of the same wall. She held her knees tightly to her chest and rested her head upon them.

“Do you know what I really miss seeing since I have been here?” she asked Linvin.

“There is only one thing?” Linvin answered with a laugh.

She chuckled before answering, “Alright Captain Sarcasm, you know what I mean. I miss seeing the sky. At home the sky just seemed to go forever. When there were clouds, they were always so high and distant. When the sun would set, brilliant hues of peach, yellow, red, silver and a host of other colors painted the sky like an ever-changing canvas. Every sunset was a spectacle to see. As much as I enjoyed watching them, I do not think I really appreciated their majesty until I no longer had the opportunity to view them.”

“I too have seen my share of gorgeous sunsets,” Linvin agreed. “One would think the sunrises would be as marvelous. Perhaps they were. For me, though, sunrise usually involved trepidation on my part. It often signaled the start of a march, or battle. More recently it meant the beginning of another day of a journey into the unknown.”

“That’s not a very positive way to see something so wonderful,” Miri noted.

“I suppose,” Linvin answered. “Many times it seems one’s perspective is colored by the end of the sword they see before them.”

Miri added to his thought, “Or perhaps it is colored by the fact that you see every day involving a sword?”

Linvin’s voice strengthened and he spoke with pride. “I did not choose the road I have traveled. Nor have I shirked the responsibilities given to me. Someone must hold the sword and fight so others can view sunsets. For a time I was ashamed of my past. Now I see it was simply part of my training for a greater purpose. I only hope I have the opportunity to finish my mandate.”

Miri felt guilty for her ignorant statement. She struggled to find the words to make the situation right once again. “I know we agreed not to divulge too much information in here,” she said. “Whatever your goal may be, I hope you attain it.”

Saturday Excerpt, "Quest"

“The one real change, was in the formation of the Legions.  The old Mandrean Legion had 5000 men.  At least 500 were heavy horse.  Another 500 or so were bowmen and the rest were infantry and militia.  Well, goblins and horses just do not mix, never have and never will.  So scratch the cavalry right there.  In fact, the only standing cavalry unit in the Empire anymore, is Lord Mandrean’s own personal Imperial Guard.  Though sizable, they are not part of the Legions.

“Next was the bow.  It’s an alien weapon to a goblin.  With short arms and poor manual dexterity, they could no more use a bow than grow taller.  So other than a few humans here and there, the bowmen were scrapped as well.  That left a great mass of goblin infantry with a few humans at the control.  One would think that would spell disaster for the Mandreans, but their new soldiers have been quite loyal to the Empire.  Such an army is well suited for keeping riotous subjects in check.”

“That is all fine,” Linvin noted, “but what would a Mandrean patrol be doing in the Territory?”

“When the treaty creating the Territory was signed,” Newminor began, “it provided that neither side held claim to the land and therefore, neither side could patrol the Territory.  However, goblins in plainclothes have been patrolling out here for years to keep an eye on Sartan.  Were they to be discovered by anyone from Sartan who actually cared, they could simply be written off as a wayward band of goblins.  That would explain why you made no mention of uniforms earlier.”

Anvar had silently listened to the conversation.  He spoke at last, “You mean to say we killed an entire Mandrean patrol?”

Newminor smiled sarcastically and answered, “If they are all dead I would have to say yes.  But don’t worry, so long as no one comes across the bodies, they won’t be missed for months.  Still, you might want to rid yourselves of their weapons and skins.  It’s sort of a dead giveaway.”

The news was sobering to the last.  Linvin again began to feel a bit concerned.  Were the bodies hidden well enough to avoid detection?  Would the Mandreans be after them now too?  What other dangers were out here that they didn’t know about? Upon consideration, he was feeling guarded but still mostly confident in their actions.

New Edit of "Crucible" Out

The new edit of “Sapphire Crucible” is out now.  If you have read “Quest for the Red Sapphire” and want to find out what happens next, “Crucible” and my new book “Mandrean Revenge” are out on Amazon and Barnes & Noble for you to purchase.  The story picks up steam the farther it goes.  The new book really involves the reader in Linvin’s thoughts as he is by himself more than ever before.  It makes a great Father’s Day gift.

BOOK 3 IS PUBLISHED!

At long last the 3^rd book in the Sapphire Chronicles has been published.  “Mandrean Revenge” takes place two years after the end of “The Sapphire Crucible.”  Things have not been going well for the Mandrean Empire.  With rebellion in the air, the current Lord Mandrean has a decision to make.  He can either go to great lengths to solve the many problems in the empire in order to calm his riotous subjects or he can place all the blame at Linvin Grithinshield’s feet for making the people lose faith.  Mandrean chooses the second and easier option of making Linvin his scapegoat.  In order to prove his dominance over Linvin and make the great half elf pay for his crimes, he must be lured back to the empire and defeated for all to see.  Knowing Linvin will not come of his own accord, Mandrean must force him to travel to certain death.  In order to give Linvin incentive, his Uncle Anvar is taken hostage and offered in exchange for Linvin’s arrival in the north.  Unwilling to sacrifice the elf that has been like a father to him, Linvin sets out for the empire.  He will find the trip wrought with danger…

This is a shorter book than my fans are used to but there are reasons for that.  It is a fun read.  There are some new twists on the story I don’t think you’ll suspect.  It was really exciting to write and I can’t wait to get some feedback.  Enjoy!

It is available at:

 Amazon: http://amzn.to/1L9c76S

Barnes & Noble : http://bit.ly/1QYOL2y

    

Sunday Excerpt, "Crucible"

Mandrean pounded the blunt end of the rod on the ground and called out, “Maxion. Has your Legion arrived yet or will you be joining that guard across the room?”

Maxion snapped to his feet and quickly bowed. “My Lord and Master, they arrived this morning and have already begun policing the city. Marshal Law has been implemented and there will be no further pillaging. Your Imperial Guard is free to follow you into the fray.”

“Be sure you and your soldiers do not fatten yourselves at the cost of my city,” Mandrean said. “Your life means little to me and the thought of ending it would not cause me the slightest regret.”

“As always.” Maxion said calmly. “My only desire is to serve you and the Empire. There will be no corruption under my watch.”

“That would be a first” Mandrean sneered. “Now leave my site and attend to your duties.” Maxion bowed and left the room with all possible speed.

“Donorus.” Mandrean yelled. “Where are you with your orders?”

Donorus called his pawns to the great map. “With the disruption to the Fifth Division, the Sixth has been sent to bolster the defense at the mouth of the Mystic River. They are double-timing their march and should link up before the end of the day. Even if he traveled all day and night, Grithinshield could not reach the river before my reinforcements.

“The Seventh and Eighth Divisions are moving into position as you instructed. It will take several days but I am confident they will create an impenetrable web to prevent any escape to the east.”

“Your search is moving too slowly.” barked Mandrean. “Take personal command of your forces and see that they leave no holes through which Grithinshield can escape.”

Donorus nodded and bowed in his armor. “By you leave,” he said as he turned and left the court.

Mandrean turned his gaze on Tecious. The old man did not wait for his name to be called. He knew his Master’s questions and answered preemptively. “Your quarry was last seen headed due south on the main highway out of Marinhalk. There was no sign of them at the nearest town and no road branched off between here and there. I must therefore conclude that they have gone off-road. The wet fall in the northern part of the province has left much of the grain crops in the fields. To a general like Grithinshield it would give ideal cover for an escape.”

“What of your men?” Mandrean demanded. “Are they searching for them as I ordered?”

“My Emperor, patrols have been dispatched to every chokepoint where they might travel. Their orders are to report but not engage our enemy. If they are indeed fleeing to the south, they will inevitably be spotted. What you do with them from there is your decision, My Emperor.” Tecious turned and hobbled beck to his seat.  

Then he placed his cane proudly in front of himself and rested both hands upon its handle.

Mandrean simply nodded and then looked to Gramlick. “Well, Old One?” he asked. “Are your forces on the move as I commanded?”

Gramlick showed great offense at the title and stared at his former pupil with an icy glare that even made the overly pompous Emperor quiver. After what felt like eternity, Gramlick stated plainly, “Either address me by my title or turn me to ashes. I am no dog deserving of a verbal lashing.”

Mandrean had become quite impressed with his new power and ever more arrogant. Even so he realized he’d crossed the line with the wrong person. He found himself in a position where he desperately needed to save face but had to make a concession. He could not apologize or back down. He needed another solution. With the eyes of the court fixed on the ruler, he found a compromise.

“I believe I misspoke,” Mandrean said casually. “I had meant to say ‘Old Friend’. It would seem minor pleasantries evaded me at this crucial juncture.”

Gramlick was all too aware of the situation and decided to give one last pass to his Emperor. “I should have figured it was an oversight, My Lord” he graciously commented. “Let me advise you of my efforts.

“As I had suspected, Linvin is fleeing south for the Sorrowful Sea. Should he be unable to cross, he will run into fierce opposition to the west. I have strengthened the garrisons along the Lake and have the equivalent of two full divisions methodically pressing eastward. They will be slow but unwavering. If Linvin stays in the Empire he will not be able to avoid my soldiers. Are my efforts satisfactory, My Emperor?”

Saturday Excerpt, "Quest"

“Some days back, we were camped in a small wood when we were attacked by a goodly number of goblins.  We think they were Cangons.  In defending ourselves, we slew them.  The bodies were buried and their remaining possessions hidden.  Perhaps you could enlighten us as to what they were doing so far from The Nations?”

Newminor looked away and began talking to himself as if in a soliloquy.  “Judging by the number of skins here, there must have been an entire patrol.  If they took the swords from the goblins, then the blades must have been superior to their own weapons.  So these simpletons wiped out an entire goblin patrol with inferior means?”

Newminor turned and regarded the party again.  “You mean to say that the four of you killed an entire goblin patrol?”

“Well actually,” Bander corrected, “it was mostly Linvin who done it.”

“Just you, Elf-Man?”

Linvin looked Newminor in the eyes and said, “There was no other choice.”

“No,” responded Newminor as he took in the enormity of the event, “I don’t suppose there was.”

“Have you any idea who they were?” Linvin asked.

Newminor came out of his daze and returned to his normal self.  “Is it not obvious to you?  Well, it must not be if you are asking the question.  They were a Mandrean Army patrol.”

“Mandreans,” Rander repeated.  “We just told you they were goblins.”

“When I said you were without a clue, I can see I was more correct than I thought,” Newminor chided.  “Okay, kids, here’s a short lesson to bring you up to speed.”

“After the War of the Unclaimed Territory, there was a huge age gap within the Mandrean Empire.  Most of the men of fighting age were dead.  That meant the Legions were decimated.  Without Legions, there would be no empire.  Lord Mandrean the Thirteenth was not going to let that happen.  He needed to replenish his forces quickly so as not to lose control of conquered lands and also to seek restitution for the war by capturing new ones.

“As I said earlier, between the Goblin Nations and the Mandrean Empire are the Endless Mountains.  The clan of goblins nearest to them is called the Cangons.  Among the clans, they are unique.  Their population is greater than that of all the other warring Goblin Nations combined.  However, their lands are nearly devoid of all natural resources: metal for armor and weapons, trees for building, and even quality farmland to feed them.  These are the chains which hold them back from conquest of the Nations.

“They are also the only people who know the strange and winding paths through the mountains.  As a result, they looted Mandrean villages near the border, constantly over the years. To keep Legions there for protection, was both costly and futile considering the area that needed to be guarded.

“Lord Mandrean had a plan.  He made a deal with the Cangons.  He would sell them food, weapons and what have you, in return for infantry goblins.”

“You mean slaves?” Rander interrupted.

“That’s hardly the term,” Newminor told him in disgust.  “Actually, it was a good deal all the way around.  For the Cangons, they were able to reduce their overpopulation and solve their food crisis at the same time.  The reduction of Cangon soldiers, however, still prevented them from conquering the nations.  For those bought by the Mandreans, their lifestyle in the Legions was far superior to anything in the Nations.

“As for the Mandreans, they no longer had to worry about raiders coming out of the mountains.  The Legions were now fully manned with fierce warriors who would fight to the death, without reservation, and they could continue with the business of the Empire.

My Writing Story

A good friend and author is compiling a blog piece about why people write and I gave my 2 cents worth.  Then I thought about it last night and realized I had much more to say so I thought I would share it with you.  I have had a lot of challenges in my life.  To say I’ve had more or less than someone else is not for me to judge.  From my perspective, however, there were a lot of hurdles to overcome.  It was difficult to cope with these problems especially as a teenager.  One gift I had been blessed with was the ability to tell and write stories.  The worse the situation became, the more I retreated into my mind and created my own fantasy tales.  Soon one of them began to grow and grow.  The short story became a long one and that became a novel.  It became so long that I had to separate it into 2 novels.  Here’s the place where I differ from so many different writers I talk to.  I never intended the novel to be published.  So why did I white it?  As I said, it took my mind off my problems as I worked on it.  When I would feel down I would read part of it and think, “This is something I created.  No one else could have done this the same way I did.”  Then I would feel really good about myself.  After probably a dozen rewrites and about 25 years my mother came to me.  She was my greatest supporter and used to sneak chapters of my book to her friends to read.  I didn’t realize it at the time but her cancer had returned and this would be the last time I would see her alive.  My mind starts to wonder what I would have said if I had known.  Anyway, she told me my work was great and that I had to promise her I would have it published so others could share in my storytelling.  I resisted at first.  Getting published is no easy thing.  But my mother was one hard woman to say no to.  I agreed and she was very happy.  We lost her soon after.  I knew I had a promise to keep and so I found an agent and set her to work finding me a publisher.  The whole process took 3 years but I now have 2 books published with a 3^rd on the way.  Now I look at the reviews on my books and even the negative ones usually have something good to say.  Then I think, “I’ve written something that touched someone else’s life.”  That’s pretty cool.  So if you ask why I write, the answer is twofold.  It started out as something I did totally for selfish reasons of feeling better about myself.  Then it evolved into something I do for others as well so I can influence them.  I am a member of an elite fraternity in which a single voice can talk to the masses.  Does it get cooler than that? 

 

 

Evil Medical Bills

Sometimes you can take two things and put them together to create something wonderful.  Take for instance peanut butter and jelly, bagels and cream cheese, Ben and Jerry, the dvr and television and of course the home computer and writers.  As we all know, however, if there is an upside to a coin, there must be a downside.  Yesterday I had one of those downsides where medical billing paired with my insurance company to make a royal mess.  I was sent a hospital bill yesterday from 2013!  My daughter had a procedure done of an exploratory nature in the hospital that year.  We received a huge bill.  It took until this last January for me to pay off.  I asked if I was done and the billing specialist said my bill was all paid off.  Well, apparently that was just the bill for the doctor.  The hospital had another enormous bill just sort of floating around that they had not submitted to my insurance.  It seems the hospital has one year from the date of service to submit the bill and they waited until the very last minute.  Why they did this, I don’t know.  Then my health insurance company tells me that even though I paid more than my out of pocket maximum for that year, it wasn’t sufficiently on my daughter so they aren’t paying the bill.  The good news they told me was that this bill put my family up to the out of pocket maximum for that year.  So if any other bills from 2013 are floating around, they will be paid 100%.  As I listened on the phone, it made me want to reach out and touch someone if you know what I mean.  I explained that I had been told back in 2013 that the family had reached the maximum already but the person on the other line said that was not true until this bill came in.  We discussed the matter at length but I had no leverage.  In the end I had to call back the hospital.  I asked if they could write off part of the bill because of how much I had paid and the amount of time that went by.  They knew they had me and were unwilling to budge.  In the end, the best I could do was set up 2 years of payments at a staggering clip.  Their only advice was, “If you were a little poorer we could help you out but you’re not so you have to pay in full.”  According to them, I’m rich.  It seems you have to be really rich or really poor in order to be sick in this country.  If you are in the middle, you get the shaft.  Let me be clear, I’m not arguing for socialized medicine.  I experienced that in Canada and it nearly killed my father 25 years ago while waiting months in intensive care for a bypass surgery.  I’m just saying that when you take the insurance company on one hand and the hospital on the other and put them together, the middle gets crushed.  Oh, and here’s an amusing anecdote.  Remember all that exploratory stuff the specialists recommended and I’m paying for?  Well they found nothing and our family doctor did a simple allergy test and figured it out for a $30 copay.  I think about that every time I make a payment.  

Sunday Excerpt, "Crucible"

With great anguish he dragged his leg forward and prepared to bow. Mandrean rushed forward and physically stopped the general. “That is not necessary, Old Friend,” Mandrean assured.

Gramlick displayed irritation at the comment. “I need not be patronized, My Lord. If the others must greet you then I must do so as well. Do you not remember anything I taught you about the value of maintaining discipline?” The general did not wait for a response. He bent his head as low as he could without losing his balance. Upon rising he firmly called “Pawns.”

Eight pawns numbering eleven through eighteen clustered nearly on top of one another at the eastern edge of the Silver River. They huddled at the very frontier of the Empire.

Mandrean showed intense concern for the health of Gramlick and discreetly allowed the general to lean against him for support. “The leg seems to be much worse since our last meeting. You should let my physicians tend to you.”

“Your offer is most kind My Lord. I took the liberty of consulting them earlier in the day on the matter of my leg. They were of one opinion about its condition and I was of another. At this point opinions will not change facts. My time is short. What I still have, as always, belongs to you my Pupil and Master.”

Mandrean appeared heartbroken by the revelation. “Perhaps if they were to remove the leg it would give you time?”

“Regardless of the measures taken,” Gramlick explained, “The result will be the same. What time I have left will be lived with the dignity I have strived to display my entire life. I shall leave on my own terms. Before I do, we have the matter of this latest invasion you have planned for Romadon.”

“Are the preparations complete?” Mandrean asked with excitement.

“In my mind,” Gramlick retorted, “They will never be complete. This plan is a logistical nightmare. It will not work.”

Mandrean’s temper began to rise but he restrained its wrath out of respect for his mentor. “Were you not the one who told me our previous invasions through the Romadon Gap were likely annihilated after being encircled and cut off from supplies? This is the only way to prevent that from happening again.”

“My Lord,” Gramlick argued as he pointed at the map. “Even with eight full divisions you are talking about a very thin front stretching from the Endless Mountains to the Great Western Forest. If I were defending against such an assault I would cluster my forces in areas where I could bring all my men to bear against weak links in the front. Then I would penetrate your lines and sweep around from behind. End game.”

“This time,” Mandrean corrected with excitement. “We have been storing provisions for this attack for over a year. Previously we had to stop our advance because the Gap was so vast supplies could not keep pace. This time the supplies will flow from the depots right behind the army. Those fools in Romadon will not have a chance to regroup. We will drive them before us straight through the Gap and into their heartland.”

“They are expecting an attack,” Gramlick noted. “It’s not like we could hide the buildup. Come spring they will be lying in wait for us.”

“All the more reason I have decided not to wait for spring,” said Mandrean. “I want the assault launched within a fortnight.”

Saturday Excerpt, "Quest"

Anvar stirred the fire and sipped his drink.  “The peculiar thing about destiny, Mr. Newminor, is that it has a will of its own.  We may be able to chart our own course, but the destination does not change.”

“I could not disagree more fervently,” Newminor retorted.  “I control my own future.  All I achieve must be on my own.  I make my own luck, my own destiny.”

“And our arrival at just the right time to save you,” Anvar commented.  “That was of your making as well, I suppose?”

“I did not need your help!” insisted Newminor.  “Your arrival only hastened their departure.  I would have found my own way out of the situation.”  Anvar nodded without looking at his guest.  It was clear that neither would sway the other’s point of view.  Anvar was content to let the matter rest.  Newminor, however, decided to go on the offensive.

“If you believe so strongly in fate and destiny, then do tell what brings three and a half elves into the middle of the Territory?”  The party was silent for a moment.  Then Newminor continued, “Well, tell me how close I am.  You’re a bunch of rich types from Sartan, who think roughing it means sleeping with only two blankets.  You are out, in one of the most dangerous areas in the world, seemingly without a clue, trying to fulfill some destiny.  You didn’t know what you were getting yourselves in for or else you wouldn’t all be bandaged like you were in a war.  Yet somehow, you carry Mandrean weapons and goblin water skins.  Who would like to clear this up for me?”

The elves were stunned at how accurate Newminor had been.  Until that moment, they hadn’t realized how lucky they were to make it so far.

“What was that last part?” Linvin asked.

“Look at the swords you carry,” Newminor remarked as he pointed.  “No elf would craft such a thick blade.  No dwarf would make one so long.  All the weapons are exactly the same, so they were not compiled from bandits.  Then consider the quality of the ore used and the alloy created.  Humans forged those blades for soldiers.  They are standard issue side arms in the Legions of the Mandrean Empire.

Newminor sighed and walked over to the party’s mules.  “These skins you have are used almost exclusively by goblins.  Notice the wide opening for the mouth.  When you try to drink from them, the water likely runs down your face because the opening is too large.  They were designed to cater to the larger mouths of goblins.  So tell me, oh children of destiny, how you came to possess these items?”

The Junk File

Email is an essential part of my daily life.  One of the first things I do in the morning is check my email.  That used to take about five minutes.  Now it takes at least a half an hour.  First we have important emails.  These are ones you want to get and are in fact looking for.  In my case they include messages from relatives, bills, receipts for bills paid, notes from my children’s teachers, the status of something I’ve ordered online or appointment reminders for things like the dentist or doctor.  These are welcome messages.  Then we have a huge gray area of messages you don’t necessarily want but they don’t bother you particularly either.  These include emails from web sites you frequent like Amazon, Facebook, and about 15 stores my wife is on the mailing list for.  These messages only bother me when I receive clusters of them and have to sort through them (See Cyber Monday).  The rest of the time I can look and delete pretty quickly.  Then there is simply what I define as junk.  To be fair, my wife may have signed up for some of this junk but it just seems to clog my inbox.  We get allergy alerts, breaking local news (which happened the day before), about a million Victoria’s Secret ads (they’re always giving away free stuff.  I can’t use anything from that store but man, are the free gifts cool.  Their marketing department is full of evil geniuses.  The sheer volume of ads is just too much, though.)  I get emails about student loan reform, local colleges, coupons for everything from restaurants to nail salons, department stores we go to once a year and ones we never go to, children’s play lands, tourism and realtors trying to convince me to sell my house.  This all gets pretty annoying.  The messages come all day long and no matter how many I block, more pop up in their place.  I think it’s because I’ve had the same email for a long time.  The problem with changing it is it’s the one all my relatives know me under.  To try to tell everyone a new one would be difficult.  It’s part of the reason we still have our home phone line.  Everyone knows that number.   If we went to our cell phones, a lot of friends and relatives we rarely talk to would be left out.  When I want more peace and sanity I go over to my Rival Gates email where the spam is considerably less.  Even there I still get a few odds emails and in particular my Junk file always seems to have a letter from someone writing in broken English about how they want to become intimate and exchange pictures with me.  If that wasn’t strange enough I get the old, “You’re Paypal account is incomplete and we need some information to update it.”  Do people still fall for that scam?  I see one trick after another in that junk file.  It’s enough to not make you want to check your email.     

Author of the Week

My friend and fellow author, D. M. Sears was kind enough to feature me on her web site.  I am Author of the week http://myrissaeden1.wix.com/ellethnyseries#!about1/cr4s and Book of the Week http://myrissaeden1.wix.com/ellethnyseries#!/cyo2 .  It is quite an honor.  She runs a first class web site.  Stop by and check them out when you have the chance.