New story – same rules.
This is pretty much first draft as it is written so far. When I went in and looked at the story to get the first chapter, I realized that I’ve written less than 50,000 words for it and there’s not a whole lot of “chapters.” I have it broken into chunks really. I know some of these run very long and some are short. I’ll try to get everything evened out, but that might not always be possible. I very nearly chickened out on this story because it is in such a sad state, but I figured what the heck. I might as well put it out there and see what happens.
Palladium. The word is pronounced PUH-LEY-DEE-UM. (Okay, phonics was the worst thing that ever happened to me in school. It never made sense to me and ever since then if I can’t break a word down like this, I’m hopeless. I hate pronouncing words that I don’t know and haven’t heard before because phonics just ruined me.)
Palladium is defined as anything that is believed to protect or offer safety; safeguard (as I learned thanks to dictionary.com’s word of the day). For now, that makes a good title.
I really wanted to have a cover reveal, but I didn’t have the time. In fact, I’m not certain this is even the final cover, but it will work for now. I had to rush it in order to get it done.
For those of you who have read at least through To Birth a Destiny, book 3 of the Sacred Knight series, or who followed through Onesong (now Tangled Magic and Walk the Path) when I put it out here on my blog about a year ago, you’ll be familiar with Lord Cirvel of Gohaldinest. Palladium comes before Steigan’s and Rivic’s story, This is basically the story of how Cirvel comes to Gohaldinest (well, more or less, but let’s not split hairs here when I don’t even know how the story will yet end). This takes place when Cirvel is a novihomidrak (new human born of the dragon) and a champion for the forces of good. (Yeah, I saw that grin — I know what you’re thinking: Cirvel, good? No possible way! This is what happens when readers love your villians — they want to know how they got that way. Cirvel, by tantalizing my artist-child along, is oh so willing to oblige).
This story is meant for new adult audiences. It is rather mature in nature, not that there’s anything really detrimental, but it certainly isn’t meant for readers under 17 as there is content of a sensual nature. If you are younger or prefer completely clean content, please go no further with this story.
Let’s begin, shall we?
Cover and layout copyright © 2019 by Morning Sky Studios
Cover design by Dawn Blair/Morning Sky Studios
Cover art copyright © Rodjulian | Dreamstime.com, ©
Xneo | Dreamstime.com, and © Gualtiero Boffi| Dreamstime.com
Palladium
Chapter 1
by Dawn Blair
Cirvel walked through the marketplace, listening as the swirl of music got closer to him. The cries of “Opa!” made him smile though he tried not to. It seemed as if the three small, golden teapots hanging from his belt enjoyed the rhythm too, banging against his hips as he walked.
