Teaser Tuesday!

Thank you for all your well wishes yesterday :). I feel sooooo much better today, and I think it was partially due to cool internet friends making me feel all warm and fuzzy.

Now, since I've been doing the crazy revising, I realize it's been a while since I did a proper Teaser Tuesday! Without further ado, here is a short bit from my work in progress, LEGACY OF THE EMPRESS.

Enjoy!
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The footprints led directly into the mouth of the cave. Brandok stood scratching his backside as he surveyed the cliff-face for any sign of life. He was certain the girl came this way. He would bet his life on it. Tracks in the ashes. Clear as day. The soil beneath his feet was charred as if a fire had scourged the land near the cliff. Lightning, maybe. Long ago. Brandok sniffed the air. Rain’s not far. He had to hurry.

He drew his knife from his belt as he entered, narrowing his eyes in the darkness. He groped for the back of the cave, but before he reached it he saw a faint glow coming from a tunnel. He grunted and raised his knife. Anyone could be waiting. Could be a trap, or could be a traveler seeking shelter. Could be a little girl… His lips curved into a smile. A gold tooth glinted coldly.

He moved further into the tunnel, the light growing with each step. He noticed the air becoming thick and warm around him as if he were walking into the lair of a dragon. His eye twitched at the idea. The old stories troubled him. He could almost hear the voice of his grandfather, harsh and wheezing; smell the tang of his breath as he beckoned him closer.

This is no time to think of the old stories, man. Those beasts are dead and gone along with the old Empire. Nothing remains now but bones and stories. Nevertheless, he was grateful for the darkness that hid him as he moved down the tunnel.

I’d rather face them dragons than Queen Leanore if I don’t find the girl. He ran a hand over his face, wiping the sweat away. He remembered the look in the captain’s eyes as he gave him his orders in the queen’s own hand. He looked drawn, haunted, as if he were seeing things behind the veil of the world even as he looked into the tracker’s eyes. He accidentally brushed the captain’s fingers as he took the parchment, and he watched the man jump as if stung as their flesh met. He left in a hurry from that place, eager to begin and end his mission.

I hope she struggles when I find her. He licked his lips. Hopefully the little poppet will be worth my while, as well as the queen’s.

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How are your works-in-progress going so far this week?

Any news or updates to share? :)