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    Taking Vengeance
    Taking Vengeance
    Taking Vengeance
    Ebook67 pages1 hour

    Taking Vengeance

    By M. K. Theodoratus

    ()

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    About this ebook

    The uneasy truce with the enemies surrounding the Far Isles Half-Elven is collapsing. An unprovoked attack, that kills her granddaughter and almost kills her daughter, is evidence enough for Mariah. But, will the fierce warrior and her ring-mate, Ashton, be able to convince Linden, Lord High Commander of the Marches, that their people are in danger?

    With attacks coming from the Trestemontans from over the eastern sea, hints of magic among the magic-hating Suthron Hounds, and Drummer Shamans using Spirit drums made from the skins of live human sacrifices, the Half-Elven warriors have reason to worry.

    Praise for Vengeance
    “A magical novel that takes you into the world of half-elves.”
    “A great mix of fantasy and humour.”
    “A well-written novel packed with vivid imagery, strong world-building, characters that resonate with the reader and a single thread of taking vengeance for the death of a loved one.”

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherM. K. Theodoratus
    Release dateMay 12, 2011
    ISBN9781936099153
    Taking Vengeance
    Author

    M. K. Theodoratus

    "Fantasy is a wonderful way to run away from the mundane,” sez me. Others say, "M.K. Theodoratus is a captivating storyteller who prefers the power of short stories. Theodoratus has been in love with fantasy since first discovering the Oz books as a child. She has never stopped delving into the fantasy worlds of other writers. She became inflicted with an addiction to story and writing after creating a Nancy Drew fan fiction novel for a school assignment. Her incomplete assignment turned into her first novel the summer after the sixth grade. Now, Theodoratus has created the worlds of Andor and Far Isles Half-Elven for readers to get lost in. Andor is populated with stalking demons, always hunting for unsuspecting humans to prey on and terrorize, and magic. The Far Isle Half-Elven is a society in upheaval as genetic drift of the hybrid human-elf population changes everything from relationships to politics. Check out her short stories about Andor and the Far Isles, some of them free. M.K. Theodoratus loves connecting with fans. Check out her author hub for news and snippets of upcoming work at http://www.mktheodoratus.com. You can read and comment on her blog, find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Google+.

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      Book preview

      Taking Vengeance - M. K. Theodoratus

      Taking Vengeance

      by

      M. K. Theodoratus

      © 2015, M. K. Theodoratus. All Rights Reserved.

      Smashwords Edition

      This work of fiction is a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or places is purely coincidental. A previous version of this book was published by Wolfsinger Press as Taking Vengeance.

      No part of this work may be reproduced or stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author except for the purpose of reviews or commentary.

      Taking Vengeance

      Once Upon a Spring Evening

      When All Was Quiet

      In the Marches of the Far Isles,

      1597

      Chapter l

      Linden, the Lord High Commander of the Marches, strode across the main healing hall of the southern district, where Lady Mariah was helping that day. Red anger rode him like a cloud.

      One of the healers had had a family emergency, and the lead healer had called Mariah to replace him. Lady Mariah now stood by the door leading into the private consulting rooms, feeling the heat of his anger. The veins bulged in Linden’s neck as his face reddened when he saw her standing by the interior door. Mariah unhooked her thumbs from her honor belt and crossed her arms over her chest, ready to withstand his tirade, though she did not know what had angered him this time.

      Halting in the middle of the room, Linden’s growled words boomed through the waiting room. Stop interfering in my business, woman.

      The ruler’s head lowered as if he were a bull readying for the change. The people, waiting to consult with the healers, shrank away though both combatants were unarmed except for their boot knives used mostly for eating.

      Mariah’s dark eyes blazed. Though she no longer wore her sword and seldom visited his ranger camp, Mariah still dressed in warrior's breeches, unlaced shirt, and knee-high boots, much as he did. Only her honor belt differed, displaying healer's insignia on its interlocking buckles, though the belt itself was embossed with as many death stars as his.

      Biting her lip, Mariah longed for Linden’s younger version. The angry, stocky man had swallowed the slim, hesitant youth, who had once shared her bed with his half-brother long years ago. Linden pushed forward until his large nose almost touched hers, bringing his sharp elven teeth close enough to bite. The heat of his anger brushed against her tan skin. Mariah tensed, ready to defend all in the room.

      The air in the public area crackled as elven shields snapped into place.

      The common Half-Elven patients and their families cowered against the walls. The audience’s eyes rolled like nervous horses, fearing what powers the combatants might unleash. Mariah's skin itched from the static raised as the watchers pulled what energy they could from the air to strengthen their protective shields. 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 old fool. You're disturbing the patients.

      Blast your patients, woman. I'm warning you. Linden’s face grew red. Leave Elysianna be. It’s none of your business.

      I was just consoling the girl.

      My personal affairs don't concern you.

      Elysianna deserves better than being dropped cold by a piss-ant coward.

      Linden's face grew redder, almost purple. By the Fates, I wish Ashton was still here to put a tight 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 lead healer appeared in the doorway that led 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. Not a breath could be heard.

      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 back a step. His mouth opened and closed. Whirling around, 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 chewing a nice slice of ham. Cut-up pieces don’t taste as good.

      The Half-Elven in the hall, who showed more human traits than elven, shifted, a few chuckling softly. Those who showed no amusement were too sick, ill from human complaints they lacked the elf skills to

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