In celebration of my beautiful daughter Shayla’s wedding this last Sunday, July 15 to Kyle Koerber I am giving my novel e-book away for FREE at Smashwords.com. Here is the link https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54992 and here is the coupon code EC87Q. Make sure to use it at check out. It only lasts until August 21, 2012 so get you FREE copy while you can.
Send your friends by for a FREE copy as well!
Here is the Prologue, an excerpt from the novel:
Prologue
SIBLING RIVALRY
Revenge is sweetest
when it is cold and bitter
like ice-capped mountains.
The tree’s skin ripped downward in reddish-pink strips that he dropped absently to the forest floor. The towering evergreens blocked out much of the night sky above where he systematically stripped the bark from the nearest trunk. Breathing in the scented wood, he felt light-headed–intoxicated with madness.
A chilled breeze rustled his robe as he narrowed his eyes toward the clearing beyond where a bonfire crackled and popped. Nearby, black bears, red foxes, cranes and all manner of forest creatures gathered at the foot of a moss-covered throne. Embossed jade ravens-in-flight seemed to glide across the backrest of the king’s chair.
A twig snapped and he turned to see a raccoon dog, its eyes glittering in the moonlight, watching him. Of course it was. That’s what the insignificant did. They watched their betters. They looked up from their lowly places near the dirt, lower than the dirt, and peered out to see what it was like to matter.
Without a second thought, he raised one hand. He felt the tingle of energy and power as a barb flew from the tips of his index finger toward one shining, black eye. The fluffy canine fell instantly to the ground. Writhing in agony, its bushy tail thrashed against the ground.
Ice cold, his hand fell to his side. He could not tolerate nosey creatures. It did not matter what their reasons were for spying. They should learn to keep their wet noses out of his business. It really was that simple.
When he turned back to the festivities, he saw Sojobo, correction, “King” Sojobo walking toward him–hand held up in greeting, a smile on his face.
A shiver of pure hatred tracked down his spine. He would not stand around waiting for his brother to gloat. That was something he could never abide!
Leaves rustled beneath his feet as he spun away in the opposite direction. He strode toward and through the wall of trees that lead into the deepest part of the forest.
He was never fond of his younger brother. Nor had he ever cared for any of them, but the king’s crown was his right as the eldest brother. The tengu should never have taken it from him.
A moment later, he peeked over his shoulder to see Sojobo standing in the same place he had just moments before. Torchlight glowed from behind the newly crowned monarch, making it look as if the sun had fallen into the forest.
The hatred he felt before now burned through his mind. He spun away and sprinted, his body tense as his newly formed wings picked him up and he flew above the cryptomeria forest.
One day he would return. One day he would have his revenge when Sojobo least suspected it. In fact, they would all pay for what they had done this day. The only thing that made any of it bearable was his knowing that when it happened, it would be a slaughter beyond imagining. He would make sure of it.
Enjoy!
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