The ancient forest rose up ahead. It still held the night, still dwelt in the dark of winter. Wind sent low clouds fleeing over the trees, and a chill penetrated her heavy cloak. Sheft was in there, perhaps bleeding, shivering with ice reaction, with only his sheepskin jacket to keep him warm. He was wounded—oh Rulve, maybe blind!—in the realm of Wask. She couldn’t wait for her brother’s help or her father’s permission, couldn’t wait another entire day to meet the Rift-riders.
She took a deep and tremulous breath. With a whispered prayer to Rulve, she clicked to the pony and sent it splashing into the Meera River.
Today was her beloved’s birth-day, this very day. It was the sixth of Seed, and he was nineteen years old.
End of Book One
Questions for Discussion
1. Is Blood Seed a plot-driven book focused on events, or an unfolding story focused on character development? What do you think is the main theme?
2. How does Sheft change by the end of the book? What does he learn about himself?
3. Sheft is called three times to accept his vocation in life: by the old man in the green and white tent, by his mother Riah, and by the falconform Yarahe. Why do you think he refuses to listen at first? What finally convinces him?
4. Is there a deeper reason—other than his fear of the beetle-man—Sheft is so terrified of bleeding?
5. Do you think Sheft is totally committed to his calling as the book ends, or is it just the first step of his journey?
6. “A community,” Yarahe said, “must provide support and safety for its members, that they may find the true identity within.” How did this happen—or not happen—for Sheft?
7. There are several recurring symbolic elements in the book: like the dark circle, seeds, the beetle-man in his various forms, and the Toltyr Arulve. What meaning do they hold for you?
8. Tolkien, a linguist and a Catholic, coined the term “eucatastrophe,” a terrible event that is redeemed. It’s early in the series yet to see how it all works out for Sheft—and his twin brother—but can you detect ways that Blood Seed is a eucatastrophe?
9. Do you think Tarn is a one-dimensional character, or does he seem to be sincere in his beliefs? What about Parduka or Gwin?
10. The psychologist Carl Jung wrote about the shadow, the dark part of ourselves that we fear, are challenged by, or are ashamed of. But Jung maintained that, if rightly acknowledged, the shadow could reveal an inner light. What is Sheft’s shadow, and how does he deal with it?
Thank you for taking the time to read Blood Seed. If you enjoyed it, please let your friends know that and consider posting a short review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Word-of-mouth referrals are an author’s best friend and much appreciated!
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About the Author
With a background in pastoral ministry, Veronica Dale writes genre-bridging fiction that includes fantasy, romance, psychological intrigue, and spirituality. Her stories have received commendations from Writer’s Digest, Writers of the Future, Readers’ Favorite Book Review, Midwest Book Review, and the National League of American Pen Women. Much of her work has roots in the psychological concept of the Shadow, Tolkien’s belief that even the worst catastrophe can be redeemed, and the insights of traditional and modern-day theologians. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Vernie is a graduate of the Viable Paradise Science Fiction and Fantasy workshop, a Goodreads Author, and an established author with Detroit Working Writers.
Visit her on at her website at www.veronicadale.com.
Look for Dark Twin
Book Two of
the powerful new fantasy series Coin of Rulve
Teller: damaged, driven, destined
Liasit: dares to confront him with his true name
Snatched as an innocent boy into the Spider-king’s subterranean stronghold, Teller has no idea he is the emjadi, one of twin brothers called to walk the redeemer’s path. Mind-probes twist his memories of home and he grows up as the dark rebel, simmering with hatred for the extended family he thinks abandoned him and the lord’s acolytes who are ordered to corrupt him. A mysterious parchment hints of a chosen one with a name similar to his—and a connection to the twin brother he barely remembers. But when he discovers within himself the legendary power of fire, Teller must decide if he’s the savior the beautiful slave Liasit needs him to be, or the lord’s enforcer in a reign of bondage and addiction.
About the Coin of Rulve series
Coin is the four-book story of lost innocence and tender love, of wounded healers struggling to accept their own power for good, of twin brothers who embark on a dark journey toward a distant light. Like the works of Tolkien, Lois McMaster Bujold, and Connie Willis, Coin is based on the belief that the truly great stories have at their core a moral premise that is inseparable from the human psyche. It describes the painful journey of self-discovery, the spiritual quest that often feels more like a forced march.
“The story keeps getting better and better” … “a page-turner” … “wonderfully sympathetic characters and gifted prose” … “Wowza!”
Also by Veronica Dale
Night Cruiser: Short Stories about
Creepy, Amusing or Spiritual Encounters with the Shadow
If you’re intrigued by the thing that takes shape at the foot of your bed at night, if you enjoy a little sly humor, if you crave tales that offer hope, and if you like stories that say a lot in a short space, take a ride on the Night Cruiser! Five star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
“Recommended reading, especially while the nights are long and dark!” … “fun, inventive, and thought provoking.” … “‘Advent’ is an exceptional piece which is worth buying this collection for just to read it.” … “I was fascinated, disturbed and haunted by ‘Within Five Feet.’” … “flipped me from fantasy to horror to humor with a few skillful shakes.” … “More please!”
www.veronicadale.com
Blood Seed: Coin of Rulve Book One Page 29