Taking Vengeance by M.K.
Theodoratus
Historical Fantasy Novelette
Furious Half-Elven parents, Mariah and Ashton, seek vengeance
for brutal attack on their daughter by vicious Sea
Raiders.
In a tale older than time itself, Taking Vengeance tells a story
about the strength and conviction of a mother's love against those who would
harm her family. After witnessing centuries of fighting and chaos against her
people and her own bickering with Linden, the ruler of the Far Isles Half-Elven, Mariah has withdrawn
from politics to seek a peaceful life as a healer.
But Mariah's peace is short lived when Sea Raiders attack her
daughter's family, leaving her at death's door. The act of bigoted cruelty
plunges Mariah into despair. Her grief is sensed by Ashton, her partner who is
far away spying on their southern enemies, and he uses his elven magic to rush
to her side. The couple's rage boils over at the outrage. Ashton urges Mariah
to belt on her sword and seek vengeance against their daughter's attackers.
Mariah discovers the Sea Raiders wield a strange new magic that
threatens all they hold dear. But can she convince Linden that their country is in danger before it's too
late?
Taking Vengeance is a tale set in the world of the Far Isles
Half-Elven, who constantly fight among themselves even though they’re beset by
enemies on all sides.
*****
EXCERPT
The Half-Elven patients and their families cowered against the
walls, increasing Mariah's anger at the stupid clod who dared to growl at her.
Their audience rolled their eyes like nervous horses, fearing what the
combatants might do. They pulled what energy they could from the air to
strengthen their protective shields. Mariah's skin itched from the static
raised by their efforts. But she focused her attention on the ruler who had
once been one of her closest friends.
In a voice a third as loud as Linden's, Mariah said, “Calm down, you fool. You're
disturbing the patients.”
“Blast your patients. I'm warning you.” Linden’s face turned red. “Get your nose out of my business.”
“I was just consoling the girl.”
“My affairs don't concern you.”
“Elysianna deserves better than being dropped cold by a
coward.”
Linden's face grew redder. “By the Fates, I wish Ashton was
still here to put a leash around your neck.”
“Well, he isn't here.” Mariah controlled her sigh, hiding her
sorrow at her ring-mate's absence. “You sent him spying on our southern
enemies.”
Mariah took a deep breath, ready to yell back at
Linden's next comment.
The hall's head healer appeared in the doorway that lead to the
consulting rooms, her hands folded in front of her. A scowl darkened her face.
“Quiet, the two of you. Take your disagreement
elsewhere.”
Thick silence spread over the room.
“She rules here. Go drill your troops or something.” Mariah
whispered. “I came here to help not cause the patients discomfort.”
The force of Mariah's glare pushed Linden towards the door. He stomped away, looking as mulish
as he had when his father forced him to clean the byre as a boy. Mariah shooed
him on his way as if her hands were a broom.
Her face calm in spite of her thumping heart, Mariah turned.
“Who's next?”
No one moved until a small boy touched her hand. He looked up at
her sideways, ready to run. “My granny's tooths hurt.”
With a closed-lipped smile hiding her pointed front teeth,
Mariah clasped his hand. “Shall we stop them from
hurting?”
“That'd be nice, Lady. Then she can chew ham again. She does
enjoy a nice slice of ham.”
*****
About the
Author
Comics first hooked M. K. Theodoratus on fantasy. When she
discovered L. Frank Baum's first Oz books, the strong female characters drew
her into the possibilities of alternate worlds. Then, she stared writing in
grade school when a teacher assigned a short story lesson. The assignment was
incomplete at 25 pages, but she finished the book by the next summer. The
Children’s Librarian, the only other person who’s read it, thought it
well-done.
Theodoratus has enjoyed at least four writing careers, including
non-fiction. Now she writes fantasy ... mostly because it amuses her.
Theodoratus writes in the world of her grumpy Far Isles Half-Elven, often
featuring Mariah del Oesti or Renna of Ren Creek. She also explores other
magical worlds of ghosts, gargoyles, and Fae. Most of her newer stories are set
in Andor where demons prey on humans. You can read more about her fantasy at
http://www.mktheodoratus.com
*****
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