In
a time when a pledge means everything, a Highland warrior seeks justice. But he
must put his quest for vengeance aside when a lovely lass asks for his help.
Colin MacKinnon promises to protect Julianna and escort her to her friend’s
home in Scotland. As her secrets unravel, Colin comes to care for her. There’s
only one thing standing in his way—her companion, a man who aspires to be a
wizard. Colin must perform a bit of magic of his own or possibly risk losing
her.
Julianna
Bentley cannot reveal who she really is, lest it cause danger for all. Guarding
her secrets and hiding in the Highlands is the only way to assure her safety.
When a handsome laird offers his help, she takes him up on his offer. She must
choose between them—the arrogant laird or the misguided wizard. But Julianna
doesn’t believe in magic and her choice might change her life’s path forever.
Prologue Excerpt from Warrior's Pledge Copyright @ 2019 Kara Griffin
Dover Castle, Royal Residence
August 1200
A loud clap of thunder awoke Julianna. Her eyes flew open in
time to see light flicker inside the bedchamber. Monsters.
Being in the castle was fearsome enough without having a
raging storm to make the shadows in the corners even scarier. Another flash
came and caused her to pull the covers over her head. She pressed herself
against the wall beside the large bed and hoped to hide from the horrible
sounds. Brightness illuminated the chamber, but what scared her was the sound
of the monsters’ growls. Thunder came every few seconds. She looked across the
chamber to her protector, Bleeth, who slept beneath a cocoon of covers.
In a panicked whisper, she called, “Bleeth, are you awake?”
He didn’t budge and kept his eyes closed. With as much
courage as she could muster, she decided she would nudge him, but she changed
her mind when a monster shook the walls with his wrath.
She jumped when Bleeth’s voice called out. “Julianna, ‘tis
but a storm. Go back to sleep.”
“I’m scared. I want Mama.” Julianna hoped he’d get her. She
didn’t want to find Mama herself. Mama would hold and soothe her, only she would
make her feel safe.
Thunder rumbled again. Heavy rain pelted the window casement
and made sounds like the angels in heaven clapped. At least that’s what Mama
always said it resembled. Bleeth was no help, and Julianna decided if she
wanted Mama, she’d have to get her herself. The floor trembled when her feet
touched the stone. The rumble scared her into stillness. Another flash came. She
stared through the window casement into the night. Monsters.
Mist hung betwixt the trees and the eerie sight fueled her imagination.
A steam-misted cloud formed into a serpent, its wide mouth would swallow her
whole. With wide eyes, she decided to be brave.
“Bleeth, I’m going to Mama. There are monsters afoot.”
“Go back to sleep, Julianna, you’re safe.” Bleeth leaned up
from his pallet and reached for her hand. “I can send you to your mama.” He waved
his hands in the air. “Be still.”
“Nay.” If there was one thing that frightened her more than
monsters, it was Bleeth’s attempt at magic. Julianna ran to the door but took a
quick glance at her bed. For a second, she almost changed her mind. She could
hide beneath the covers and be safe, couldn’t she? Instead, she slunk through
the door with determined steps.
“Come back here.” She heard Bleeth ramble. “She never
listens.”
Having arrived the day before, Julianna wasn’t familiar with
the castle. Down a long narrow corridor, the door to her mother’s rooms seemed
far. She worried she wouldn’t reach the door before the monsters got her. Her
little feet patted across the cold cobbles. Golden-framed portraits glared from
the walls above. Their eyes seemed to follow her and propelled her to run
faster. She reached the door and held the ornamental knob. To her relief, the
massive door opened. She was safe now that Mama would hold her.
“Mama,” she whispered and crossed the solar to the archway
which led to the bedchamber.
Something was wrong. Mama sobbed and held her cheek.
“I cannot believe you would make a cuckold of me. I should never
have married you. Who is he, one of the king’s knights?” her father’s voice
harsh.
Julianna couldn’t see him from where she stood. He sounded
angry, but he always spoke harshly. She stole into a darkened recess beside the
archway and watched in stunned silence. Cold tears trickled her cheeks when her
father’s hands clutched Mama’s neck. Mama gasped for breath and struggled.
“Mama,” she wailed. “Cease hurting Mama.”
Her father’s angry face turned toward her. Julianna had to
help Mama, but she didn’t know how to stop his attack. She flung herself at him
and the back of her father’s hand knocked her away. Her head struck the cobbled
floor. Tears flowed and the blurred vision of her father’s face waved before
her. Monster. Blackness took hold and
the monster receded into its depths.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006YDPX36
Loved this book. Warrior's Pledge was well written and I had trouble putting my kindle down, I couldn't wait to read on and see what happened through the book.
No comments:
Post a Comment