Book Excerpt
In the centre of the ornament was a
tiny pinprick of red. It was the smallest of flaws, but she frowned. Perhaps it
was a trick of the light? She leaned in for a closer look, but the glass had
risen and was hovering a double handspan over her palm.
She blinked, sitting back against the
wall, her head as far away from the floating ornament as possible. It bobbed in
the air for a moment and then moved toward her, the pinprick of red growing
larger until the entire piece of glass was glowing with it.
Tabia rose to her feet and took a few
steps away. The glass followed her every step for several seconds, until Tanatu
cried out loudly. Tabia only looked away for a moment and the ornament fell out
of the air and shattered on the ground. The light seemed to leach out and disappear
into the dirt.
"What in the name of Zuleso was
that?" Tanatu demanded, staring at her, his eyes so wide they showed as
much white as iris.
Tabia didn’t think the situation was bad
enough to invoke Iljosk’s god, even though she was trembling with fright.
"I didn't think the trader would miss it, he had so many things—"
"Ay, you should have taken some
food."
Tabia agreed. "I didn’t know it
did that or I would have." She poked a sliver of glass with her toe. For a
fraction of a second, it winked at her with red light and then went out. She
stepped away from it.
"Let's go to the river for a
swim," she suggested. It was a hot day and she needed to cool off after
her fright. Tanatu probably would as well.
He didn’t agree.
"I have to go home." Tanatu
took a few steps back, his eyes goggling more than usual. "My mother’s
expecting me, you know how it is."
No. I have no mother. Tabia’s had died soon after giving
birth to her. "Tanatu, since when did your mother expect you home before
dinner time?" Tabia tried to laugh, her hands resting on her hips, but the
look he gave her stole her mirth.
"Uh, since… right now."
Tanatu shrugged. "That flying glass was scary, all right."
"Tanatu, I didn’t do it, it was just a…
a… I don’t know."
"You said a sorcerer made
it."
"You don’t believe that, do you?
It was just a story so someone would buy it."
"I don’t know, Tabia, glass
doesn’t float by itself."
"Well no, but…"
"I have to go," Tanatu said
apologetically. "I don’t think I should talk to you any more. Just in
case."
"Tanatu, you coward!" Tabia
called after his back as he ran off. "Fine, I don’t care!" she
yelled.
About the Book
Title: Crimson Fire
Author: Mirren Hogan
Genre: Fantasy
Magic was the last thing on Tabia’s mind
— until she discovered she could use it. When her father hands her over
to the princess of a neighbouring country to pay his debts, she may
have the chance to learn how to control her new abilities.
But her new mistress’ enemies have plans
of their own. Caught up in a web of divided loyalties, coercion and
betrayal, Tabia can trust no one.
Can Tabia find a way to regain her freedom and return home — or will the struggle cost her the ultimate price?
Author Bio
Mirren Hogan lives in NSW Australia with
her husband, two daughters, dog, cat, rabbits and countless birds. She
has a Bachelor of Arts (English/ history), a Graduate Diploma of Arts
(writing) and a couple of degrees in education. She writes fantasy,
urban fantasy, paranormal fiction.She has several books due for release
with The Dragon’s Rocketship publishing within the next year, including a
trilogy co-authored by Erin Yoshikawa. She’s also had several short
stories published and has co-edited two charity anthologies; for breast
cancer research and Plan Australia.
Twitter: @MirrenHogan
Buy on Amazon.
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