I’ve been writing books since 2013. Since then, I've learned a great deal about writing and storytelling! That’s why I’ve now reworked and republished all six of my books.
I just completed the final one, Merlin & Arthur: The Awakening. It can be ordered on any Amazon site worldwide. It is a fantasy/sci-fi thriller set in the present day!
If you decide you want a copy, as of today the new version is available in the U. S. If you live outside the U.S., I recommend waiting until 15 June to ensure you receive the latest version.
This also means that ALL of six of my books have now been revised and republished! I did not change the stories or characters but refined the books to make them better for my readers.
Prologue
Late 6th Century AD
She had taken the last of his secrets as her own and drained her aged lover, leaving him exhausted. He was stretched out in her arms, barely able to open his eyes any longer. His features were brutally drawn and haggard from the suffering she had caused, and his skin was the colour of tallow. There was no doubt he was slipping away. She held him close and spoke softly as she gave him wine mixed with herbal potions to ease his passing. Despite her acts of tenderness, terrible guilt emerged over what she had done. She assuaged herself with the truth that her love for him had not been false, and that even though his sight and magic had left him long ago, he still possessed considerable knowledge that needed to be shared. Yes, taking it had caused him great pain, but it had to be done before it, too, was lost.
It was becoming more and more difficult for him to breathe. He took what she thought was his last breath; she kissed him and clasped his hands in hers, uttering an enchantment. The crystals above her head flashed as she spoke, and hundreds of bats flew from the cave in a cloud of chaos. The familiar sounds and brilliant light brought him back once more. His eyes opened slightly, then closed again. He shuddered, and a quick, muffled gasp escaped his chest. She continued to hold him close and watch.
Time passed. He lay perfectly still. She bent over and listened for his heartbeat, but there was none. She held her hand in front of his nose and mouth but felt no breath. His eyes remained closed and still. He was gone. Yet the sorcery that she had laid upon him would never truly allow his soul to leave his body; he would never grow completely cold, and it would aid him in his transition if he were to ever awaken again. He had asked this of her, knowing that one day he could be called to serve and walk once more beside his king.
Before departing, she wrapped him in a shroud of light brown linen, leaving his face and long beard exposed. His hands were crossed against his chest, and she made certain that his body was comfortable, placing him on a soft blanket of thick, luxurious lamb’s wool. Throughout the cavern she then placed tall candles of fragrant beeswax. They would burn for a day or two and give his spirit comfort. Beside him, she left bread, cheese, and wine, which she partook of as their last meal together, leaving the remainder as a gift to the gods so that they might watch over and bless him.
She then stood and looked once more around the chamber of rock and dirt. Crystals glimmered from the golden candlelight, his books and a few other possessions scattered about the cavern. Her eyes came to rest on a ring that he wore on the small finger of his right hand. It was the king’s ring—one that he had been given long ago. The thought came to her that now the ring was rightfully hers, but he had served the king so long and so well that she could not take it from him.
There had to be something, though—something that she could bring with her to remember and keep him close. Then it came to her. She pulled her knife from its sheath and knelt down beside him. Grabbing his long white beard, she pulled it towards her and cut a lock of hair from it. It pleased her; she had always loved the look and feel of his beard. Gazing down at the thin strands in her hand, she immediately recalled the many times she had touched and run her fingers through them. She looped the fibers around one finger and placed them inside her pocket. They would never leave her side.
Returning to her feet, she turned and walked outside the entrance of the cave. She glanced back one last time and uttered the words that would seal him inside his tomb beneath the hill. The large slab of rock began to move. Up until that moment, her emotions, except for the strong guilt she felt, had remained numb and silent. Then it dawned on her that she would never see him again. Without warning, powerful feelings arose within her. They choked her, and she sobbed and cried out for him. Salty tears trailed down her cheeks, but the magic could not be undone. She could only stand and watch as her ancient lover disappeared behind the immovable, massive stone.
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