Countdown: 5 Weeks. We’re counting down to the release the first of the Byways books, which is my new children’s series. Each Thursday, I’ll bring out sketches, excerpts, and explanations of the adventure ahead. Today, I’ll give you a peek at the story’s setting, a land called Liberty. Continue reading PLACES: Liberty
After his arrival atop Morven, Tupper befriends statues throughout the stone galleries, but one of his first and best is a fire-bearer named Brand.
Tupper liked the way his master’s eyes were sparkling. Something good was going to happen. Quick to do as he was told, the boy approached the statue of a man dressed in strange armor; there was a sword at his side, and a helm upon his head. The soldier wasn’t like any person he’d ever seen before, for he had a large, hooked nose, and there were feathers where his hair should be.
“He’s my favorite,” Freydolf announced from his seat. “According to the notation on his heel, his name’s Brand.”
“Redstone needs fire.” Tupper looked hopefully at his master for further instruction.
“Aye, so turn up your lantern flame.”
Tupper did so, and the circle of its glow widened to include the red statue.
“Hang it from Brand’s hand so he can carry it for you.” Once Tupper had accomplished this step, Freydolf prompted, “Now, pull the pin at the top.”
Tupper located the slender rod, which was attached to the lantern’s handle by a fine chain. It came away smoothly, and the top part of the lantern opened like the petals of a flower. The exposed flame licked at the fire-bearer’s hand, and his long fingers immediately folded around the lantern’s handle as he lifted it higher.
The statue glanced first at Freydolf before peering down his impressive nose at Tupper. Then, Brand smiled and lifted his brows in silent inquiry, as if awaiting instructions. The expression was so real, Tupper reached out, wanting to see if he was truly made of stone. When he hesitated, the statue reached back, offering the palm of his free hand. To the boy’s surprise, Brand had curving talons on each finger, but the predatory feature worried him less and less. Placing his hand upon the cool red stone of the man’s palm, he said, “I’m Tupper.”
—excerpt from Meadowsweet, Chapter 13
Heart of a lion. The Grif people are the so-called dominant race on the Far Continent. Their territory encompasses the magical mountain that yields redstone, which calls for flame. Continue reading RACES: Grif
Suddenly, Freydolf realized they’d run up against a rather large cultural gap. With a measure of chagrin, he asked, “Haven’t you heard of the ocean?”
Tupper’s eyes narrowed in thought. “Old Gruff sometimes talks about a place with water as wide as the plains. Ewert figures he made it up, but Farley likes the idea, so he says it’s true.”
“The ocean’s real,” Freydolf assured, wishing he could show the lad.
—excerpt from Meadowsweet, Chapter 14
Four Continents. The world in which the Galleries of Stone trilogy takes place is divided into four known continents. Each populated by various races. Each boasting three magical mountains. Continue reading PLACES: Home Continent
When Tupper Meadowsweet is first hired by the gray mountain’s Keeper, the lad has little concept of the world beyond his village. He’s never heard of oceans, let alone other continents, so he’s just as frightened as the rest of the Flox in Hayward when Freydolf strides into town. If the rumors are to be believed, the mountain’s Keeper is a monster. And with his wild hair, claws, and fangs, the Pred certainly looks the part.
A sheep in wolf’s clothing. The two most prominent species in Meadowsweet are the Flox and the Pred. During early planning for Galleries of Stone, I decided to make Freydolf an outsider, a proverbial wolf among the sheep. His name means “peaceful wolf.” Continue reading RACES: Flox & Pred
C. J. Milbrandt 