It's Snippet Sunday, a Weekend Writing Warriors' blog hop!
Things are moving along with my WIP, I'm happy to say, so I'll share another snippet from Archipellus: God of Samhain. A quick synopsis:
Things are moving along with my WIP, I'm happy to say, so I'll share another snippet from Archipellus: God of Samhain. A quick synopsis:
How can he hope to embrace love when his very touch brings death?
Archipellus thinks he alone is immune to the romantic power that has overtaken his sabbat brothers, for an incubus who drains partners during sex could never find happiness with a mortal woman. Then he meets Melissa, a woman willing to brave the danger of his erotic touch in hopes that his power might also cure her sister. When their passion tears a hole in the veil between worlds, Archipellus will embark on a quest to seal the breach and rescue the sister who was snatched and taken across the rift.
Last time, we met our hero as he entered the sacred sabbat chamber to the beat of heavy drums. Archipellus, the god of Samhain, is preparing to invoke his annual ritual...and those in the room seem ambivalent about his presence. We ended with: "His father, the great Herne himself, managed to meet the red, glowing eyes of his son without flinching, but Archipellus saw his Adam’s apple give a telltale bob.
Let's pick up from there as the officiant announces his arrival...
Last time, we met our hero as he entered the sacred sabbat chamber to the beat of heavy drums. Archipellus, the god of Samhain, is preparing to invoke his annual ritual...and those in the room seem ambivalent about his presence. We ended with: "His father, the great Herne himself, managed to meet the red, glowing eyes of his son without flinching, but Archipellus saw his Adam’s apple give a telltale bob.
Let's pick up from there as the officiant announces his arrival...
“The god of Samhain has heeded the call,” Counselor Veramus said, raising his hand to gesture at Archipellus. “Let him bring forth the sabbat and use his power to seal the veil before the realms collide in chaos.”
Archipellus moved to the center of the room, standing on the spot where the glowing ley lines crossed while he regarded the pedestal in front of him. On it lay the artifact he would use to gain access to the other realm—the sword of Apollyon, the weapon that once belonged to the angel of death. The silvery blade, honed and faceted to perfection, gleamed in the light of the crystalline pedestal.
“You stand at the crossroads,” Veramus went on, making grand gestures with his arms as if being counselor of the darkest sabbat did not draw enough attention to him. “Find she who suffers and make your passing.”
The drums fell silent, and Archipellus’s horns creaked as they lengthened in preparation for the ritual. He gripped the hilt of the sword with both hands and raised it in front of him, his glowing red eyes reflecting off the mirror-like blade. He lifted his head and called the invocation.
...What do you think?
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I'm J. Rose Allister, wife, working mom, and the author of over thirty books. Somewhere in between one and the next, I love hanging out here on my blog and over on Twitter. Give me a comment or follow-I love chatting with people!
Great lead up to the next scene, which I imagine is going to be very powerful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that!
DeleteVery dramatic, I like it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteNothing else touches this, Rose. Super good.
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you...now you've set the bar for me to try and beat next week!
DeleteYou've really captured the solemnity and significance of the moment!
ReplyDeleteThanks for that feedback!
DeleteUnfortunately, I fear this book is a tad late to the market. If Samhaim Publishing were still a force, this one would've been a natural for them!
ReplyDeleteNope, this whole series is solely an indie venture!
DeleteI have a feeling this ceremony is only the beginning. I don't think he'll escape the romantic power that has taken his brothers. Nice snippet! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful description of the setting and the ritual preparation. I get the feeling, though, that it's not going to just go as planned. Good snippet.
ReplyDeleteI love the line about the attention-grabbing. It's very important for people to notice you, even if the ritual isn't about you...
ReplyDeleteWonderful, visual details that set the stage perfectly for the next scene. Great snippet!
ReplyDelete~Joyce Scarbrough
Great description and rising excitement/anticipation. (Veramus seems to be a bit big for his britches, though -- self-important twat trying to upstage a god.)
ReplyDeleteI think I was totally caught up in the drama and import of the moment because you were describing it all so well...and then it ended! Excellent excerpt and I loved the way Veramus was overacting his role.
ReplyDeleteI'm completely in love with your premise! What a great idea for a story. And you reeled me in even more with this snippet!
ReplyDeleteHow can he hope to embrace love when his very touch brings death? ... what a great hook!
ReplyDeleteI am liking this God! And not just because he's God of Samhain and that's my favorite time of the year and I love all things dark. I really need to read this series of yours I think.
ReplyDelete