Ara
by B.R. Eddy
Release
Date: Fall 2014
339
pages
Summary
from Goodreads
Ara Vertrees is an advisor to the King
in Jimalia, a thriving island nation in the middle of a vast ocean. Her macaws
are trained to fly home to the palace to repeat confidential information. When
their messages become more and more troubling, she finds herself in the middle
of a crisis she never expected. Ara's story is full of adventure, friendship,
mystery, love and loss. Join Ara and her companions as they fight pirates,
uncover deception, find love and fight for Jimalia.
Excerpt
Archer placed both hands firmly on the desk, “We
will need to act quickly. I must confront him.”
Ara nodded, “Aye, he must be taken by surprise, we
can’t allow him any time to prepare.” She looked directly into Archer’s eyes,
“You must sharpen your swordsman’s skills. He will not cede to you peacefully.
It will come to swords.”
Archer snuffed, “My swordsmanship is exemplary.”
Captain Upshaw faced him aggressively, “You mustn’t
underestimate him. He is many years your senior and served the navy when he was
your age.”
Archer laughed, “He’s a fat old man! I have a clear
advantage over him, my victory is sure.”
He was startled by the distinct ring of a sword
being drawn from its sheath. All jumped in the small space, Ara’s sword sang
over the table, her face was mad with rage, “Outside now!”
Ara was furious. The damn fool! She chased him out
into the officers’ lobby where he fumbled at his sword hilt. Although she was
speaking to Archer, all fled the chartroom to escape her swinging sword. She
chased Archer out onto the deck where his humiliation would be seen by all, as
it would come to pass if he didn’t put his arrogant ways behind him. Except this bout would not end in his death.
Archer finally freed his sword from its sheath and
faced her, but before he could find his footing she sliced his shirt with a
controlled swing under his defenses, “He will rend you to ribbons! He has
served in battle and is familiar with fighting to kill. If you honestly think
your fancy little fencing training by instructors who were too afraid to offend
a Cannon gives you a ‘clear advantage’ then you’re a dead man walking!” She
struck his blade down hard, rage fueling her. The hilt of her own sword rung
from the strike so hard that it hurt her hand. She sliced at him again, this
time at his shoulder, this time finding skin. “My own young apprentice could
oust you, and I am just a court lady!”
The men around them hooted and hollered, excited by
the confrontation. Shells were being collected left and right for betting. They
were all around them, up in the shrouds and on the aft- and forecastles,
stomping their feet and chanting something Ara couldn’t distinguish. She was
entirely focused on Archer.
Archer roared and charged her sloppily. She snuffed
in distaste as she stepped aside calmly, leaving one foot planted for him to
trip over, which he did. He yelped as his face cracked against the deck loudly.
His sword slid away from him, he groaned as he
flipped over to his back, grasping his head. Ara stood over him, pressing the
tip of her blade to his throat, “You’re dead.”
The men cheered and hollered. Archer’s face burned
red.
“Now…” She sheathed her sword and took a breath,
“You must sharpen your swordsman’s skills.”
He sat up and hung his head for a moment, but then
retrieved his sword and found his feet, “Aye, councilor.”
About the Author
My name is Brit and I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. My work with animals brought macaws into my life. They frightened me, moved me, hurt me, loved me and made me grow. I hope that my novel will help people understand these birds better! They are breathtaking and intelligent, but do not make good pets for most families. They require a lot of space and attention, can be very destructive and can easily outlive you. They can be incredible companions to the right people. Please keep all these things in mind when considering a macaw as a pet!"
My name is Brit and I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California. My work with animals brought macaws into my life. They frightened me, moved me, hurt me, loved me and made me grow. I hope that my novel will help people understand these birds better! They are breathtaking and intelligent, but do not make good pets for most families. They require a lot of space and attention, can be very destructive and can easily outlive you. They can be incredible companions to the right people. Please keep all these things in mind when considering a macaw as a pet!"
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