Sentinels Of Varnuse: When The Walls Come Tumbling Down #9

#9.

Javier turned from his brother and seemed to be listening to the room at large. Ingrid wondered if Javier’s new friend was here somewhere. Without knowing who it was she would have to keep her eyes open. Ingrid’s curiosity got the better of her as she watched the guards in the room. The only person not doing their duty was Talon. He couldn’t seem to take his eyes off Javier. He looked terrified that somehow Javier would realise he was there.

Ingrid tapped Quinlan on the shoulder letting him know that she was leaving the room for a moment. She indicted for Talon to follow her from the throne room as she passed. For a fierce warrior, he looked at this moment as if he wanted the floor to open up and swallow him whole.

“Are you the one who’s has been sitting with Javier every day?” Ingrid asked. She already knew the answer but she wanted him to confirm it for her.

“I am,” Talon spoke quietly, “I meant no offense. He just seemed lonely.”

“Why did you not talk to him? Why sit in silence?” She asked curiously.

“Because I realised he’s a Prince, and I am not.”

“Yet you kept him company anyway?”

“Yes.” Talon looked her in the eyes. 

     Ingrid got the feeling he was trying to determine if he’d done wrong. 

    “Javier is so beautiful. His skin is so pale and flawless. While my own appearance can and often does scare people.” He indicated the scar running down the whole left side of his face. 

    It started in his hairline and bisected his eye going down over his cheek to end just below his jaw line. Ingrid knew the wound had been a farewell gift from Talon’s mother, on the day she threw him out of the family home, cursing him to hell and back for if she ever saw him again. For a while the man’s life ran rampart with the gossips. Ingrid also knew Quinlan had been the one to order the man be taken on as a sentinel.

“It makes me curious as to why you would do that? What did you hope to gain from such a friendship?”

“Because, he cannot see me. My face and station in life doesn’t worry him. To the prince I’m just a normal person. For just a moment each day I can pretend to look as normal as everyone else.”

Ingrid stared at him thoughtfully. “I think I have a new job for you.” She said with a smile. “I’m promoting to chief bodyguard of Prince Javier. His life and wellbeing now rests in your hands.”

Talon inhaled sharply. “Do you think that wise? I’m already despised among our kind. Why the hell would you wish me to be with the Prince where everyone can see us together? Don’t you think that will make him an even bigger target once people realise who he is?”

“Then it will be your job to teach him to stay safe. Teach him to defend himself.  Javier is much stronger than you would think.” Ingrid explained hoping Talon would read between the lines of what she was ordering him to do.

“Why me?” Talon asked.

Ingrid like that the man stood up for himself even when he knew he shouldn’t be questioning the word of King Quinlan’s head bodyguard. While she stood staring at the man she watched as he fought not to lower his eyes.  Show no fear: that had been the motto for the sentinels since they were first created into being.

In the end she only said. “Javier likes you. He isn’t afraid of you.”

“Is that the only reason?”

“No. I chose you because you won’t treat him like he is broken. The prince doesn’t need a carer. Javier needs a friend. You’ll teach him how being strong is a product of both the physical and the mental. And I have chosen you for this task because I trust you will die to defend him.”

Placing a hand over his heart Talon bowed in her direction. “As you wish. Prince Javier is now mine to protect.” Without looking back Talon walked back into the throne room and took up his new position beside Prince Javier.

Ingrid smiled at the look of determination on the sentinels face. In that instant she knew he would do his job well.

**~*~**

Javier turned slightly and inhaled. A smile crossed his lips when he realised his silent friend was so close. His heart could finally begin to calm down from all the new things being thrown at him all at once. Taking a small step Javier relaxed even further when his friend didn’t move away. The man’s warmth was a comfort.

“Quinlan, Brayden,” Ingrid said as she rejoined them. “Talon Redfeather has been promoted to Prince Javier’s personal bodyguard. Javier, now would be the time to say something if you’re not satisfied with this arrangement.”

Javier felt his face blush. Even though he couldn’t see them; he felt the weight of everyone’s gaze upon him. “Am I now in danger? Do I need to be protected?”

“Yes,” Brayden said.

Javier stiffened when Brayden grabbed a hold of his forearm. Part of him was still amazed he was no longer alone in this life. He now had a little piece of his past he could cling to.

His brother’s voice sounded like it was filled with sorrow as he again spoke. “You look too much like me for there not to be any danger.” Brayden brought Javier’s hands up too his face. Javier shivered knowing his brother was giving him the opportunity to find out what he looked like.

“Someone has put a price upon my head. I’ve only just found you. I don’t want to lose you because you might be mistaken for me.” Brayden answered.

“Do you also have a person guarding you?” Javier yanked his hands away. He knew he sounded waspish, but he couldn’t help but feel he was being treated this way because of his blindness. “I’m not helpless. I’ve taken care of myself for the last ten years. Why now do I need to be guarded?”

Ingrid snorted loudly. Javier knew she would be the one to put him in his place she had done so for the past decade. “Javier, you’ve always been guarded. My family has guarded you from the day we pulled you out of the burning ruins of your parents transport. Do you honestly think we saved you just to watch you get killed?”

Javier dropped his unseeing gaze to the floor and trembled just a little. He knew they all thought he was broken. This only proves what he had been thinking was right. His body relaxed slightly as he felt a large hand gently touch the small of his back. With his silent friend there Javier knew he could be strong.

“Fine. I will consent to a guard.”

Em's Turn: For Gabrial Rantisi

4 songs for

My beautiful Ginger Ninja.

Enjoy, Gabby...

Em picked them out.

People she saw at Soundwave.

Galley Proof Done...

I've finally completed and returned the Galley Proof on The Lines of Marsden: Living in Shadows. The biggest mistake is I completely misspelled a character's name from book 1: Rules Are Meant To Be Broken to this one. Weirdly after re reading this book it makes me love Doyle & Michael so much more than I already did. They feature big time in book 3: You Make Me Die In Pieces. This series is my favourite to write at the moment. So hopefully I'll have book 3 subbed in a few months time. I want to see if I can get it released in January 2015.

In The Land Of Galley Proofing...

Today I'm going through more Galley on The Lines of Marsden: Living in Shadows. And for shits & giggles I sent my editor the original versions of the first 6 books and the start of the second line... so she can see how the story was going to be and where it was headed before I up and changed it all. I didn't get very much done yesterday because I got hit with a fricken unbelievably bad headache. I will be busy as for the next couple of days so I will talk to you all after the Galley is done.

Playing Catch-Up...

Rainbow Book Reviews

1) I just saw I got this awesome review so feel free to check it out if you want to.

2) As some of you know I've been out of action for nearly a month with fricken migraines--Not fun in any sense of the word... because I can't spend time sitting in front of the computer without the blinding-my head wants to explode-sort of way.

3) So instead, in moments of actually being to able think I've been working on The Lines of Marsden (all in long hand) so no back lit computer screen to annoy the shit out of me. 

4) I think  Sons Of Evenmore: Blood to Blood is either in proofing or have just been sent to formatting. To be honest I can't remember, but when I find out I will let you know.

5) I'm still working on the submissions for Rooster & Pig Publishing I hope to get them sent off in the next couple of weeks - the 3 chaps needed for submission are done. I'm just working on blurbs and synopsis.

6) I missed out on attending Soundwave because of my stupid headaches, but Em and her cousin had a blast... So jealous as I really wanted to see The Living End, Black Veil Brides, & Korn.

7) Decided I can't afford to go to GRL this year or to South Shields in England like I was planning to--Apparently the tax man would like my money more.

8) Hub's family has come and gone--nice visit. I haven't seen them in about two years the kids have grown up.

9) Just received Galley on The Lines of Marsden: Living in Shadows. So you all know what I'm working on at the moment.

10) I'm not sure what the hell's going on at Silver Publishing, but when I find out I'll  be able to give you an update on my works there.

Sentinels Of Varnuse: When The Walls Come Tumbling Down #8

#8.

Ingrid had left the guarding of the king and his consort to the warriors that were in attendance in the throne room. She quickly made her way through the halls until she came upon the one person she sought. “Javier, might I have a word with you?” Ingrid watched the young man place his book upon the table before he turned sightless eyes in her direction.

“Yes, Mistress Ingrid,” Javier said with a smile he always wore. His hand reaching out toward where he knew she would be standing. How he was so precise was an amazement to her.

Ingrid knew she was going to have to confide in Brayden and Quinlan that another of the Caldwell line was still alive. Ingrid’s own family had kept Javier a secret from the rest of the world for the past ten years. But if the seer was right, then not only could Brayden hold the shifting gene, maybe Javier did too. Or maybe, it was Javier who was born with the shifter gene and not Brayden at all. Quinlan was going to be pissed when he found out.

“Are you taking me to meet my brother now; I’ve been waiting a long time to be with him again.”

“Yes you have, little one.” Ingrid walked over and clasped his hand. “Come, we must prepare you for meeting with Brayden.”

“Do I look okay?” Javier ran his hands over the front of his shirt straightening out the wrinkles. “Do I match?”

“You look beautiful, my prince. Your brother will love you no matter what.” Ingrid was rewarded with a beautiful smile. It saddened Ingrid how for a young man who couldn’t see, Javier had the most stunning eyes Ingrid had ever seen. They were such a vibrant shade of blue. Made all the more striking because they were framed in dark lashes. They were also the spitting image of his brothers.

“Will he still want me knowing that I cannot see?” Uncertainty seemed to fill Javier’s words.

“You’re his blood kin, of course Brayden will want you. You will learn that for Brayden family is everything.”

“Then why hasn’t he sought me out before now? It has been ten years, Ingrid. Ten years, where he forgot about me completely. I lost our parents too that day. How could he just walk away and leave me? Am I so repulsive he no longer wishes to associate with me? Does he blame me for our parent’s deaths?”

Ingrid sighed heavily, “There were reasons why he couldn’t come to you, my prince. But you need to hear it from your brother.”

“I just...” he fidgeted nervously. “What if he thinks I’m broken now because I can’t see?”

“He won’t.” Ingrid smoothed a hand down over Javier’s back in comfort. “I promise Brayden will be excited to see you.”

“What if he doesn’t remember me? We were only children back then. I must have changed so much.”

Ingrid pulled Javier into her arms and hugged him gently. “I have no doubt your brother will know exactly who you are. You’re almost his mirror image.”

“Oh.” Javier’s lips formed a perfect ‘O’ in surprise.

“Come now, as you said you’ve waited long enough to be kept from Brayden any longer.”

“Will Quinlan be there?” Javier asked as he placed his hand in the crook of Ingrid’s arm.

“Yes. You remember he’s the king now. He and your brother have taken their vows this month past. I so wanted you to be in attendance, but father thought it unwise to reveal you existence. He never wanders far from Brayden’s side these days. They have been parted for too long.”

“Do you think one day I might find someone? Someone who will love me unconditionally.”

Ingrid patted his hand as they walked.  “Of course I do. Some young lady will catch your heart soon enough.”

“Man,” Javier corrected with a blush, “I would like to wed a man. I think.”

“You’re not sure?” Ingrid asked, this was the first she had heard of Javier’s preferences.

Javier’s blush deepened. “I think men smell better. There’s one who comes to my rooms and he smells so wonderful. He never speaks to me. He just sits there and holds my hand.”

Ingrid frowned and wondered just who was visiting the prince without permission. Who even knew Javier was here at the castle? “He doesn’t speak?”

Javier shook his head. “The first time I met him was out in the garden. Alexis had taken me out for a walk. The boys ran off playing. When she followed them he came and took my hand and led me to a bench. He just listened while I talked.” Javier smiled, “Every day since he has come to my rooms just to sit with me. Not always for a long time. He has never missed a day though.”

“Has he come today?”

“No, but he will. I’m sure of it.”

“Javier, this worries me. This man who comes to you and doesn’t talk. I think we need to find out who he is.”

“Do not be afraid,” Javier chuckled, “I know he’d never hurt me.”

“How do you know?” Ingrid asked.

“I just do.”

**~*~**

Brayden stared open mouthed at the person who walked into the room at Ingrid’s side. It took all of a moment for recognition to fall into place before he launched himself across the room.

“Javier! Javier! How are you here?” Tears streamed down Brayden’s face as he pulled his brother into his arms. He felt an instant bond, something he didn’t even know he’d been missing until this very moment.

Javier froze; unsure of what to do with the sobbing man in his arms. “It’s okay, brother, we’re together now.”

“How are you here alive? I thought…” his words trailed off as he hugged his brother tighter.

“My family has taken care of Javier for a very long time.” Ingrid answered for Javier. It also appeared to be the only explanation she was going to give.

“I’m blind.” Javier added. Brayden stood still as his brother’s hands came up to map the contours of his face. “I’ve missed you Bray.”

“I’ve missed you too.” Brayden cried hoarsely into his brother’s shoulder

“Where have you been? Why didn’t you come for me?” Javier demanded.

“Uncle Fane had me. I wasn’t allowed out of his estate. I would have found a way to be with you if I knew you were still alive.”

“You don’t think I’m broken. That I’m of no use because I’m blind?” Javier asked. His voice trembled.

“Never!” Brayden said in outrage. “You are of my blood. I will always want you at my side.”

Javier turned as a gasp sounded nearby. Taking a deep breath, he smiled, and turned. Somewhere in this room was his silent friend.

Em's Turn: Michael & Doyle Inspiration.

Four more inspirational songs.

That make me want to write.

The Lines of Marsden.

Michael & Doyle.

Enjoy! 

This song for me is just truly beautiful.

This has always been their song. 

Even before I did the rewrites.

This one is for Michael Marsden.

After Doyle loses his memory

Not only is this song a song for my boys.

 Paolo is also who I use as inspiration for Doyle Kerwin