by V B Gilbert
“You don’t know what you’re asking. In order to make a new pact, we need a new Báirseach. We, the council, will not allow that to happen.” Elder Thyme raises a hand when I move to argue.
“Stick to your dragons, Sage. We’ll deal with the invaders and the pact.”
“You need me.” Angry now, I speak over the end of her words. “I will take care of my dragons. No one, will take them from me.” Just as with the bindings, the words come without thought, without me able to stem their flow.
“What do you mean your dragons?” Elder Thyme looks at me suspiciously.
Raising a hand behind me, I wiggle my fingers. Come, I call to the dragons I can sense nearby. Addressing the council again, I state passionately, “They are all my dragons.” Edan, Casey, and Mori land on my outstretched arm, while thud after thud resounds as Liam, Flynn, Onyx, the black dragons, and many others begin to land behind me.
Dimly I’m aware of the few villagers exclaiming as they arrive. The council stares at the dragons then switch their focus to me.
“Sage?” I don’t know who speaks. But I give the words the Goddess compels me to speak.
“I am Báirseach.”
Acknowledgments
Thank you for reading. This book would not have been possible without the encouragement and support of my family. My boys were occasionally called on for research, and they stepped up. My love, my husband, for listening to me talk about plots, characters, and magic . . . just as a sounding board until I figured it out myself.
Mercedes, my friend, my muse . . . you really kept me going. Checking in daily. Giving me sneak peeks of your own work. I can never thank you enough.
To my alphas, you kept me going with your love of my story and Onyx — the best dragon ever. You guys definitely gave me awesome ideas when I would get stuck. Rachel, Sue, Christina, Sarah Ann, and Sarah M., you rock! I appreciate every comment and feedback you offered.
To my betas, Sandi, and Kelly — thank you for all your hard work and checking the final product. I know it was a quick turn around, but you guys did it. This book would not have been done in time without you.
Thank you Jo for the beautiful cover, CA for the original artwork, and Michelle for the wonderful editing job.
And last but not least, to the entire Indie author community. So many words of wisdom, advice, and encouragement shared.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
About The Author
VB Gilbert is a Texas native, a wife, mom, and lover of books and coffee.
Reading has always kept her sane. Being able to disappear into a story has long been a stress reliever for her. When she is not writing or reading, she is attending school functions, watching Marvel movies, and geeking out on Buffy, Firefly, Doctor Who, and, of course, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
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Other books by VB Gilbert
Thrive Series
Reds of Summer
Blues of Winter
Hunters of Spring ~ Winter 2019
Women of Bohemia
Savannah Smiles ~ TBD