by Bone, K. L.
“I am so sorry to leave you this way, my Lady. Promise me, swear to me, that you will be strong.”
“I promise, Edward. And when you come back, I will be waiting.”
He drew her into a tight embrace, clutching her close for what seemed a long time, then finally forced himself to draw back and rise from the bed. He dressed quickly and gathered the few things he was taking with him into a small bag. A change of clothes, a warm blanket to fight off the cold night air and a few scattered items already in the bag. He then removed his silver blade from its place upon the wall encased in a long, black sheath. He tied the sword around his waist with a thick, black belt which blended into his dark attire before pulling a long woolen cloak over his shoulders. When it was securely in place, he turned back towards Mara who had risen to stand beside the large bed.
He tried to speak, but his voice arose tangled and strained. “Mara, I…”
She walked towards him and grasped his hands in her own. “You have to go.” She spoke the words which eluded him.
“Yes.”
She fought heroically against threatening tears, refusing to make his departure any harder than it already was. Instead she leaned down and kissed his hand. “May the Gods protect you, my Lord, and see your swift return.” He reached forward and touched the side of her face. She closed her eyes tightly to prevent her tears from falling, but was unable to control the tremor which slid up her spine. “I love you, Edward.”
He leaned forward and kissed her then, molding his lips to hers. “Forgive me.”
“Gladly,” she answered as he pulled her close and buried his face into the strands of her long dark hair. “I love you,” she said again, “but you must go now, Captain. You must go.”
He pulled back and stared down into her violet eyes one last time as though trying to memorize their depths, then he forced himself to turn towards the door. “I will come back,” he said as he reached the large stone door. “I will always come for you, Mara. Always.”
The door closed behind him with a loud clap of stone, leaving Mara standing alone in the dimly lit room. She stood frozen in place for a long time before she found the strength to walk back toward the bed. She felt numb as she crawled between the fur blankets. She closed her eyes but neither tears nor dreams would come. She pulled her arms tightly around her body, clutching her sides as she curled into a fetal position, knowing that her world would never be the same.
Acknowledgement & Thanks
I would like to offer a special thanks to a few people who both assisted and supported me throughout the creation of this novel.
I would like to thank Scott of the Vancouver Taekwondo Academy for his assistance in my research; both through an extensive interview and allowing me to observe several of his classes. Second, to the instructors and students at East West Martial Arts of West Vancouver for also allowing me to observe their courses and for making themselves available to answer questions.
I would also like to thank my long time writing mentors, Kate and Mike, for instilling within me a passion for writing and reminding me of that passion when it was needed most. Also, to my writing partner, Jonny, for all the hours spent discussing the finer points of writing in that little coffee shop. Also a thanks to the Watling Street Writers group of St. Albans, who helped shape the direction of the beginning of this novel, offering both support and critique along the way.
A big thank you to Sarah C. for assisting me with some promotional graphics which turned out nothing short of amazing and for a ton of much appreciated advice this journey towards publication!
Also to my promotional team, and specifically Kim and Karen, who have walked me through the media and promotional process from the beginning of this story.
To my family for their never-ending love and support. This never would have been completed without them.
Finally, to my amazing cover designer, Skyla, who takes the jumbled pictures in my head and consistently turns them into the beautiful covers you see upon the books. Your work is nothing short of marvelous.
About the Author:
K.L. Bone has a Masters degree in Modern Literary Cultures. She is American, but is currently living in Ireland working towards her PhD with a focus in vampire and children’s literature. She wrote her first short story at the age of 15 and grew up with an equally great love of both classical literature and speculative fiction. She has spent the last few years as a bit of a world traveler, living in California, London and now Dublin in pursuit of her vampire studies.
Follow her at: www.klbone.com
On Twitter: @kl_bone
Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/k.l.bonebooks
Other Works by K.L. Bone
The Indoctrination – Now available
Rise of the Temple Gods: Heir to Kale – Now available
Rise of the Temple Gods: Heir to Koloso – Coming soon!