I’d left one suspicious camp for another, and now I knew their concerns to be well-founded.
Merek leaned over the injured soldier as I entered his tent, and only his glance acknowledged me as I crossed to the farthest bed.
Numbly, I settled on the wooden cot’s edge and slid the bracers onto my arms.
Outside, the air rang with the songs of sharpening swords and chainmail falling across broad shoulders. Horses stamped and snorted, feeling the mood as warriors prepared their rides for battle. One of those warriors was Etan, who believed I would fail.
I listened for the voice, for the whispers slithering through my anxious thoughts. But it was the musician’s words that answered in my memory.
“You’ll find another song. And kindness, I think. Somewhere else.”
I let out a steadying breath, gripping the edge of the bed. The stillness of the tent closed around me, shielding me in the quiet before the war.
My devotion would be my song, for the kindness of the Good King.
I could be what I chose.
I chose to be his.
TO BE CONTINUED.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I can’t relate to Eris in the ways that matter most to her, but I can relate to the need for a savior. I know how it feels to look my weaknesses in the eye and shrink. Knowing I am not enough. I can’t save myself.
And while my Savior is a mighty King, powerful and fierce, He came gently…humbly. His kindness leads me daily to repentance, and I cling to Him, relying fully on His grace.
Let it be said first and always. I am His.
As ever, and maybe increasingly so as my story list grows, I’m so grateful to be surrounded by a supportive family. My husband, Josh, who puts up with late night typing coming from my side of the bed. My children, who have been told time and again that mom needs some quiet minutes please. And my parents, with whom we also do business. Especially my mom, who has been patient and understanding as I finished this particular book. Thank you all! A strong support group makes all the difference!
Rewinding now, all the way back to the fall of 2018, when the idea of this story first developed. The second soul (after the hubs) to hear the fragmented pieces of a still skeletal plot was Lila Verbeten. For years now, my friend, you’ve been a constant encouragement and help as I talk out ideas. With this story especially, your advice made such a difference in the character development. Thank you for always being a sounding board!
And to Ellen McGinty. I’ve come to deeply cherish you as a friend and critique partner! Not only are you a wildly gifted writer and storyteller, bringing with you a wealth of talent and knowledge that I continually glean from, but your relentless faith and constant nature is so peace-giving. I know I can trust you to offer not only encouragement and constructive feedback, but prayers and spiritual support as well. You’re a gift!
In addition, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to Ari-Amber Messer, Betsy Peacock, Amber Guettler, Lindy Schenberger, Adrianne Lang, Tequila Cooper, Stacie McMahon Pate, Dorlita Russell, Jennifer Rodewald, and Lexie Cole for your wonderful feedback during the beta reading process. This has been some of the best feedback I’ve ever received from betas…a writer’s dream! The role you play is absolutely essential, and I couldn’t have done this without you!
Finally, to my readers. In the end, your experience is paramount to the survival of my books. And I’m so thankful you’ve taken the time to read these words I’ve typed. I hope to always improve and grow, offering you stories from my heart with a consistent standard of excellence, cleanliness and purpose. Thank you for taking a chance on me!
Blessings!
Laura Frances
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
www.laurafrancesauthor.com
Laura Frances grew up a shy thing, always daydreaming. Now residing in Midwest America as a wife, mother, homeschool teacher, and writer, Frances strives to convince others through the art of storytelling that they can do the things they think they can't.
Facebook: @lfranny
Instagram: @laurafrances_author
Songs in the Night: Book One Page 16