Ursus Borealis: Book One
Page 20
“Obviously, we have not yet had time to analyze it, but we are working as fast as we can. However, the astonishing thing aside from the attack was how the pair were rescued. A mysterious man who looks like an Anurashi, appeared with the two of them in the kitchen right in front of Isaac.
“Selena called the man Zigan, and after he satisfied himself that she was unharmed, he informed us he had been successfully eliminating scouts sent by the Anurashin for the past several weeks, keeping them away from Selena and from reporting back to the princes. Before he vanished in a mist, he warned us that the Anurashin would be ramping up their attacks.”
“Thank you, Ross.” By this time, I was pinching the bridge of my nose. “Let me speak with Selena.” When she came on the line, I made my voice calm and asked her, “Are you all right?”
“I am absolutely okay. Ryan handled the situation superbly, and Zigan came in time to get us out of danger. I am mad because whoever it was that dared come on to your property interrupted our good time.” She was trying to distract me, and she succeeded just a little.
Closing my eyes, I gave myself a moment to breathe with her, feel her, calming us both, then said, “We are leaving now and will be home in less than two hours. We have discovered quite a bit today. Then you can tell me all about Zigan.”
Her soothing voice said resignedly, “Yes, it’s time to talk about him, Andras.”
Turning to James who had come from the lab being alerted to our news, I said, “Thank you for the use of your lab and your hospitality today, James. Please put all your results in a report and send it to me as soon as possible. I’m afraid we have to leave.”
He nodded in understanding and said, “Of course.”
Gervais nodded as well and said, “I’ll be staying here for a while working with James and will stay in touch.”
On the road, the three of us were quiet for a time, then I felt the anger Sam was trying to contain. I said, “We had no way of knowing Sam. It appears this mysterious Zigan was on top of things to the point of eliminating the threat before they were even detectable by us.”
Even as I said the words to calm my friend, my hands squeezed the steering wheel hard enough that Colin had to bring it to my attention before I ripped it from the column. How many times was Selena threatened and I did not even know it?
Sam said as he ran his hand through his hair, a rare gesture for him, “I knew they had to be watching us. I should have found them first.”
We tried the twins and Isaac several times, but no one answered. Suddenly, I gripped the wheel, nearly bending it again, “Selena!” The guys looked at me in alarm and Colin said, “What is it, Andras?”
“The compound is under attack.”
Acknowledgements
I could not have gone on this journey without the support of the best husband and friend a girl could have.
When Jeff Hayden married me thirty years ago, he could not have foreseen that he would have to read my romance writing, a genre that he avoids like the plague, endlessly aiding me in working through plot points and potential looming holes, and spending many Saturdays over breakfast brainstorming ideas. But he was dedicated to helping me be the best writer I could be for my first time out of the gate.
His expertise in knives and weaponry was invaluable, and that is more important than gooey romance dialog any day. Thank you, Sweetheart.
Thank you also to a generous friend, Dee Beardsley, who was the first to read my books and offer her wealth of expertise in writing and editing. It turned my whole experience around, and moved me in the right direction.
And much appreciation goes to Susan Burdick, long time neighbor and friend who cheerfully took on the task of reading my books, having no idea what she might be getting into. Thank you, Susan.
Much thanks to my Mom, Terry Meyer; my sister, Jodi Lewellyn; my niece, Arianna Gilbert; and my nephew, Garrick Lewellyn. Each of them patiently listened to my crazy idea about writing a book, all my confusing excitement when I made it past a hurdle, and read stuff that they probably didn't think their daughter, sister auntie, should be writing, and being ever so encouraging about it all.
I think I tortured a few of my long-suffering workmates while I gushed about my stories over the coffee pot in the breakroom as well. You know who you are. Thanks a bunch!
About The Author
D. L. Lewellyn
Trying something completely new every decade has been my secret to enjoying life. This decade, it is writing, which is something I have always dreamed about doing, and it has proven to be the right time, and the best fun ever in my creative endeavors.
But the enjoyment would not be possible without the unflagging support of my husband of thirty years. We are a couple of dedicated homebodies, living on two acres at the foot of a beautiful mountain in the Sierra Nevadas, and every day is an adventure just because we start each day together.
The white ship
As I worked through the timeline of the marked maidens and the magi of the Order of Hala, I landed on the year 1120 A.D. and was delighted to find the fascinating, but tragic story of the White Ship to incorporate into Cynthia's prophetic mission.
My prologue described the event as it is chronicled, and I encourage you to read up on it to see how only that one thoughtless decision made by the right person at the wrong time, can change history.
Darci
bydllewellyn@gmail.com