In anticipation of my upcoming novel release here's a short sample of my fiction. It's the beginning of my unusual werewolf short story 'Silver' which appeared in the anthology Transtories edited by the late Colin Harvey. He was a dream to work with and a great writer as well. Hope you like it.
***
New.
Alethea heaped extra charcoal into the brazier, then stoked the smouldering bricks before ensuring her test vehicle’s guy ropes were secure. Lock City’s off-shore autumn winds slapped her long auburn hair against her face. Gripped by the wind, her newly designed balloon rocked and jerked, possessed perhaps with a preternatural desire to escape.
For a moment she wondered whether this was a reflection of her own needs.
“You do realise,” Tobias said, “that your new husband won’t tolerate this kind of dabbling.”
For a moment she hated her friend for reminding her.
Her father’s assurances that Councilman Ogilvy Rossman, although many years older, would make a fine match, failed to quell her unrest; Ogilvy was respected, wealthy, still handsome and firm of body… and yet the match felt mundane. Her father assured…
Tobias sat beyond the fire, skinny frame silhouetted against the moonlit white isthmus beyond Lock City’s gate.
To be fair, Tobias only echoed a truth that burdened her with remorse. She remembered the last argument she’d had with her mother…
“Arranged marriages are nothing unusual, especially for people of our status. And it will make for a good mix o’blood. Many a girl would wish for what you’ve got.”
“But mother I have so much to do. There’s a world out there that I want to experience.”
Her mother’s sharp gaze held her still, “Duty comes before self. And the colony is all that matters. You will do your duty. Is that understood?”
“But -”
“These follies of yours are nothing but trivialities borne of restlessness. Marriage will cure you of your interests.”
“Perhaps I don’t want to be cured of my interests.”
Alethea immediately regretted her statement. The slap came fast and stung. Her mother added, “You will do your part. Sacrifice is part of our lives here.”
***
If you like the sample above you can read the rest in the anthology, Transtories. The link is in the side bar.
My novel, Unbound Brothers, will be out soon in mobi and epub versions.
Don't be shy, leave a comment. Hopefully soon I'll have this blog running with more content.
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