In The Last Vhalgenn, it's imperative that Raik carries the newborn prince beneath the Gates of Life. But it must happen prior to being seen by his father, or, according to the superstitious queen, it will "offend the faery." She fears that the king seeing the baby might cause the death of the child. On her deathbed, the queen begs Raik to complete the ritual with the child.
The sun was straight overhead and despite the cool air of the foothills, my head felt baked. Time and again, I had to remove my hat and wipe my brow. When we reached an overlook, I fanned myself with the brim. Rising in the stirrups to look down, I followed the river's path.
A groan escaped before I could stop it.
"What's wrong?" Estria craned her neck to see.
"They made better time than I expected."
She squinted toward the river, a hand shielding her eyes. "From back 'ere, I can't see a bloody thing."
The small figures on horses, far below, followed the river. The horseman in front carried an emerald banner with streamers. The cream-colored horse in the center of the procession sported gold-trimmed black leather and bright emerald ribbons woven into its pale mane. Orix was never one for hiding who and what he was.
"Raik!" Estria backhanded my arm to gain attention. "If you don't tell me 'oo it is down there, I'll..."
"The king. He's come to stop us."
Book Hooks is a weekly cooperative blog hop hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog.
The queen has set Raik on a perilous trek, I fear! Can they make it before the king stops them? Well done.
Thank you so much, Jana!
Ack! You can’t stop there!!!! What happens???
Oh, you mean that was a good hook? lol My job is done here. 😉
Wonderful excerpt. Such vivid descriptions bring it to life. I especially loved the ending with the approach the king. Such a tense moment!
I appreciate that, Maggie. Thank you!