Teaser from A Queen's Command! | THE FELLOWSHIP
Jul 02, 2020 7:01 pm
Hello, good Fellowship!
Happy upcoming Independence Day to my fellow Americans! I hope you all get a short workweek like myself. I know I'm looking forward to it - last week was busy at the day job, and Ben grew very tired of me being at the computer all the time - so I ventured out for a Rocky Mountain sunset over the weekend!
As for writing, the books are continuing along! Considering the number of rewrites, Frozen Throne is taking a bit longer to edit than my recent books - but we'll get there! A Queen's Command is proceeding nicely as well - inching ever closer to the climax, and then it will speed along from there!
Now, this is still in draft, but I thought you might like a sneak peak of the prologue to A Queen's Command! Enjoy the Mute monk Cauticus' skeptical musings once again over Tal Harrenfel's varied achievements, this time in the elven queendom of Gladelyl:
I tread on treachery's heels.
Tal Harrenfel, hero of fraud and deception, has reemerged in spectacular fashion. Reappearing at the Coral Castle, he proceeded to make as much noise as he possibly could, drinking wine until he couldn't stand and making a fool of himself by "practicing" swordplay in moonlit courtyards.
Now, two short months after his arrival, he makes off with the King's own minstrels on an unexplained trip to Gladelyl.
And I travel with them.
To my immense honor, King Aldric himself requested that I join the retinue as his eyes and ears. "Watch, note, and write back to me," he did say, "and your abbot and gods will be well-pleased."
I did not question him, nor would I, even if I had not taken my vows. I do as my King commands, for Silence, Solemnity, and Serenity speak through him.
But even if I did not go on my King’s orders, I confess, I would be more than curious to see Tal Harrenfel in Gladelyl, for he has a strange history there. Harrenfel’s sword is said to be a gift from Queen Geminia for killing the demon Heyl when he first arrived in Elendol. Devil Killer, he's hailed — and Falcon Sunstring would have us believe he killed the devil by himself and with a single blow:
The demon saw him, riding at the fore
A human on a dun mare amid the elves' white stags
And Heyl laughed and said, Look! Here comes my Killer!
And Tal alone did the devil allow inside his circle of flames
But Tal did not slow, but brandished his blade high
Summoning the magic in his blood, he did strike the demon
And in a single blow, cleaved the horned head from its shoulders
All stared in silence, then one called forth —
Devil Killer! Devil Killer! There, the Slayer of Heyl!
Tal Harrenfel has saved all of Elendol!
And all around, the elves took up the call
And brought Tal before the Elf Queen for his just windfall…
Though I've confirmed Tal was indeed present in Elendol during the invasion, I've read no evidence that he struck the final hit, nor even dared face Yuldor's creature. And from all I've seen, the man has not shown himself to be the bravest of men.
Though the slaying of Heyl is the most remarkable of the stories, there are other whispers about Harrenfel in Gladelyl. Of a secret affair with one high among the Houses — an elven princess, if you will. And of the Silver Vines, the agents of the Cult of Yuldor, Harrenfel was said to have rooted them out of the city two decades before.
But now, traveling to Gladelyl itself, I will uncover this corner of the truth — of who Tal Harrenfel is, and what secrets he's buried beneath his legend's lies.
- Brother Causticus of the Order of Ataraxis
I hope that whet your appetite for what's to come!
Would You Help Me Reach My Goal?
I have a quick request of you all today - if you haven't already, could you please leave a review for A King's Bargain?
It's done much better than any of my other books have, and I have you all to thank for that! But I have an audacious goal: to become a full-time author by the end of the year. It makes me sweat even to say that if I'm honest, but with how Legend of Tal has done so far, it's actually conceivable for the first time...
And you can help me reach my goal! Every honest review helps build up the social proof for A King's Bargain and convinces other readers to check it out, and every new reader brings me one step closer to severing the tie with the day job.
And, of course, you'll get more books, faster from yours truly!
So if you have a few minutes to help me out and haven't done so already, please leave a review! It's greatly appreciated!
Monthly eBook Giveaway!
Now for the monthly giveaway, beginning with The Phantom Heist! And this month's winner is... Jennifer Willison! You'll be receiving an email from me shortly on how to claim your free copy!
Deals and Discounts
This week, I'm going to try something new for the deals and discounts. I recently heard that including too many links in your emails doesn't play well with every email provider, so to make sure you all can catch the broadcasts with as few issues as possible, I've included all the promos and author spotlights on a page on my website instead! Access all those through the button below.
One Final Note: If you'd like to be sure you receive all my emails, whitelist my address, authorjdlrosell@gmail.com, and mail@sendfoxmail.com. If you need instructions on how to whitelist an email address, check out this article for the most common email providers.
Happy reading!
Josiah
J.D.L. Rosell
LEGEND OF TAL
1: A King's Bargain
2: A Queen's Command
THE FAMINE CYCLE
1: City of Whispers
2: Realm of Ashes
Secret Seller (Prequel)
The Phantom Heist (Sidequel)
GODSLAYER RISING
1: Catalyst
2: Champion
3: Heretic
