Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

Well, the shortest month is off to a banger start. I had a full slate of projects and managed to get through two before their deadlines. The other two aren't due until midweek, and I have two more starting this week. I'm so excited to have a full calendar!

Had a semi-solid week of viewing. Made it most of the way through my current round of shows and I'm hoping to continue the same this week. We'll see if the workload allows for it.

Started off with a My Life Is Murder behind the scenes interview with Lucy Lawless. Ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Should be ready to start season three this week.

Finished up the two-part Agatha Raisin. Somewhat disappointed with how the storyline played out with James and Agatha. But also really enjoyed the mystery. I love the reveals from Sarah's past and Bill and Toni better stay together or I'm going to lose my mind.

Caught the second half of Silent Witness and I'm rather happy my fear did not come to light and the grad student didn't drug Nikki's drink. I also love that she basically said, yeah, no thanks to him. I would not mind if Nikki and Jack took their shot. We'll see how that goes.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. I really don't remember any of this one, so it was nice to have no expectations going in. Actually enjoyed the mystery unfold.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. Very fun watching Sherlock interact with Joan's family and the way her mom kind of planted the seed for Joan to stick around and work with Sherlock.

Caught another episode of The Batman. I remember watching this the first time around, but I guess I was thinking Batgirl didn't show up until season three. So wrong on that count.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. Again, these were two vignettes that I didn't remember, so it was nice to have new to me stuff to watch.

I'm enjoying the second season of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. Episode two had some good reveals and I'm kind of excited to see where things go in the next one.

Caught another episode of Peak Practice. I'm really, really not interested in the whole Andrew and Kate saga. The ex-husband is a total dick and Andrew is a blockhead if he can't figure out Richard is behind everything. Will be skipping the next episode and moving on to Will's return.

Didn't have time for my Battlestar Galactica rewatch this week and I skipped VIP because I wanted to get Peak Practice in. I'll try to pick up with those if time allows.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, a prequel setup for the Insula Ara ~ Sanctuary Island universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

Insula Ara is a mystical island offering sanctuary to those in need, but when she reveals herself for the first time, Cedric Edward Teasdale, former crewman of a privateer, almost blows his chance for refuge … and a reunion with his lost love.

And a sneaky peek…

A warm hand smoothed the side of Ceet's face, and he turned over in his sleep. "Dammit, Emaline, ye haunt me even in my dreams."

Feminine laughter filled his ears. "Well, Cedric, you deserve no less. Leavin' me the ye did. But I'm not ahauntin' you, ye daft man. I'm sitting right beside you." A sharp pinch on his bicep followed the statement.

Ceet bolted upright and scrambled to the edge of the bed. "Emaline? What? How?" He blinked and shook his head. "This can't be possible." Or could it…

He reached under the pillow and retrieved the compass. Did you bring my love back to me? The device grew warm under his palm.

Ceet threw the covers back and slid to the edge of the bed. "Emaline Gruder, I've missed ye, I have." His hands cupped her face. "And I love you." His vision grew misty, and his head dropped.

Emaline threw her arms around him. "And I you, Cedric." She eased back. "And if I understand how this is supposed to work, we'll have all the time we ever wanted to be together." She hugged him close again.

Ceet wrapped his arms around her. "Ah, Emaline. I surely hope so. I surely do." He shifted his position and patted the bed then tugged Emaline down beside him. "This island, Sanctuary is her name, is wonderous and full of marvels you've never imagined." His gaze went to the rafters of the room. "She can create buildings, like this here abode. And she made a barn and provided animals for my use." He met Emaline's gaze. "But you have to be certain about what you want, my love. Once yer committed, you can't leave. At least that's how it works for me." And he didn't regret his choice … except for the loneliness.

Which seemed to be resolved.

Emaline placed her head on Ceet's shoulder. "My darling, Cedric. Why would I want to leave? I've wanted to spend my life with you for as long as I can remember. When I got ill and you didn't return, my heart broke." Her voice grew thick and heavy. "And then I was somewhere in between. Dead but not. Wavering but tethered because I didn't get a farewell from you." She clasped his hand. "Now I'm here and we can have a life together…" Her head angled so she could meet his gaze. "But it's a little different for me. When someone else needs the island, I'll have to go away. But I'll always return to you. Always." She straightened and glanced around the room. "And to my new sanctuary … Insula Ara."

Ceet hauled her close. "Then it's time to start our life together…" His mouth claimed hers and everything in his world turned bright and brilliant.

This one is almost complete and I'm excited to get it out there and maybe spark some interest in the Insula Ara universe.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

I did get my vaccine this past Tuesday and only had mild side effects, for which I'm very grateful. I'm glad it's out of the way and look forward to everyone else getting theirs and finding a new normal.

Had another slower work week and caught up on more writing. It's nice to focus for longer periods when I'm able to. Had a few distractions involving family member health issues but both of those were expected.

Television ended up being fairly decent this week. I finished a new arc of Classic Who and it might be the last one with Sarah Jane Smith. I'm not sure but should find out this week.

Caught an episode of Peak Practice. Jack and Amanda finally got married and had some drama prior to the wedding.

Caught the last two episodes of No Offence's first season and, wow, what a great ending. A little twisty and turny but very satisfying. Also caught the deleted scenes and a behind the scenes meeting of the cast and creator. Worth the watch.

Watched a couple episodes of The Muppet Show. Again, I had some great memories of watching as a kid. I'm enjoying diving back into the show.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers but haven't made it very far yet. Looks like a good episode so far.

Caught another episode of Silent Witness. Almost at the end of season nine. This looks like another good two-parter.

Did a binge marathon of Hawaii Five-0 and watched a good portion of season nine. I'll have to revisit because I missed some key points, but it's a decent season so far.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, an introductory bonus read for the Insula Ara universe.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Insula Ara is a mystical island offering sanctuary to those in need, but when she reveals herself for the first time, Cedric Edward Teasdale, former crewman of a privateer, almost blows his chance for refuge … and a reunion with his lost love.

And a sneaky peek…

Ceet rose and strolled down the path to the shoreline. He looked out at the inlet and said a sad farewell to his former mates. They were a good crew and he'd miss them.

A quiet hush fell, all around him, and Ceet shifted his eyes around slowly. An eerie feeling trickled down his spine and he jumped when a loud crack reverberated and a deafening roar burst through the skies. Thunder boomed and lightning danced all around him. Even the trees seemed to scream their fury.

Ceet threw up his arms, fists punching toward the sky. "Now just you calm down! I ain't a going anywhere." He shouted, raising his voice as loud as he could. "We had a deal and I aim to keep my end. Now, stop this nonsense!"

He flung his arms down and the noise ceased. Peace and quiet returned.

"Just like a woman, it is."

Ceet ambled over to the encampment area and built up a fire. Nightfall would come on soon. He'd have to start thinking about building permanent shelter right away.

His eyes scanned the coastline then he turned and looked at the dense foliage behind him. Dusk settled around the island, he wouldn't make much headway tonight. He gathered up the foodstuffs left behind and set about making dinner.

After eating, he secured his camp—more out of habit than concern for safety. He strung a hammock and started to climb onto it when a winking glint caught his eye. Over by a small outcropping of rocks there looked to be something bobbing up and down in the water.

He'd check it in the morning. The day had been long and his body and mind needed rest. Ceet crossed his ankles and lay back in the canvas bed. His eyes closed and he waited for sleep to claim him.

The nocturnal rest eluded him. Even with his eyes shut the blinking was noticeable. It reflected off the large leaves of the trees above him.

With a heavy sigh, Ceet rolled out of the hammock, lit a lantern, and made his way toward the group of rocks. Might as well discover whatever the island wanted him to find. And Ceet knew it was Sanctuary that made the flashing brighter when he tried to sleep.

Getting closer, he realized he'd have to wade into the surf to actually retrieve the object. "You jest couldn't let me get me rest, could ye?" The water was still on the warm side when he went in.

It was also up to his chest by the time he got to the spot. Lantern held high, he checked for creatures before sticking his hand inside the group of rocks. Feeling around he found what the island had for him and pulled the object out to get a better look.

A compass.

Ceet harrumphed. "I've got one of these. I don't need another one, do I?" The device grew warm in his hand. Ceet turned it over and tried to find the source of the heat.

This is a fun origin story to write. Ceet is a great character and very adaptable, which is important to the other books.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Manifest Legend

Welcome to November! We're almost finished with 2017 and I'm honestly looking forward to a new year. It's been a rough ten months so far.

Excellent television viewing this week. The Flash had a great episode. It's always fun to see Cisco on the hot seat. Really enjoyed his storyline. Also interested in seeing where things go with Joe and becoming a father again.

Legends of Tomorrow didn't have a terrible episode. The homage to ET maybe went a little overboard but still fun.

Riverdale was sort of on the fence for me… until I got a wild hair theory about who the black hood is and now I have to stay tuned to see if I'm right. I'm honestly fairly disappointed with the addition of Hiram to the fold. He made a better villain working from the shadows.

Arrow continues to amaze me. I love the way roles continue to be mixed up and everything is fluid. That keeps me glued to the screen.

Got caught up on Gotham and watched this week's episode. I won't be disappointed to see the end of Professor Pyg but at least the plot is moving forward and I'm down with that.

Having fun watching holiday movies on the Hallmark channels. There's usually something on one of them that catches my interest.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Manifest Legend, the opening world builder for Insula Ara.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Insula Ara is a mystical island offering sanctuary to those in need, but when she reveals herself for the first time, Cedric Edward Teasdale, former crewman of a privateer, almost blows his chance for refuge… and a reunion with his lost love.

And a sneaky peek…

A tendril of guilt wrapped around Ceet. He hadn't been exactly truthful with his captain. But it was for the man's own good.

The island would protect them, but one of them had to stay behind. If Avery knew that, he'd insist on being the one. The cause needed good men like James Avery. Men who made the impossible happen.

Ceet thought men like himself, those who didn't quite have what it took to lead others, were expendable. And it wasn't as if he'd cease to exist or anything. On the contrary, he'd live a very, very long time.

The island had picked him and he'd stand by that choice.

Lost in his musings, the arrival of able seaman Foxworthy—carrying a box of munitions—startled Ceet into readiness. He scanned the horizon. The enemy had finally sailed within range.

"Foxworthy, keep those boxes coming for an hour half, then get yerself on a longboat and hightail it out." Ceet primed the cannon and lit the fuse.

"Aye."

The young man kept the ammunition coming while Cedric did his work. First the cannon on the east, then the one to the south. He held off the small fleet of ships intent on blockading the harbor inlet.

"Ceet, I've loaded all I can. I'm off for the Reprieve."

Ceet raised a hand but didn't spare Foxworthy a glance. Instead, he fired off another booming round at the closest vessel to the east. To his delight, the mast splintered and snapped, rendering the ship lost. It would give Captain Avery the hole he'd need to make it out to sea.

"Thank ye, Sanctuary. Thank ye." He spoke directly to the island, his refuge, by its given name. "Now gimme one more." Ceet turned the cannon and lined up his shot. "Right about there." Lighting the fuse, he stepped back and moved to haul the second cannon over to his position.

He kept a steady volley of fodder flying from the battlement as the Reprieve got up enough speed to slip past the last ship in her way. Ceet loaded both weapons and put flame to the wick. He took cover and felt the ground shudder under his feet from the force of the blast.

Peering out, the gutted hull of a flaming ship marked the end of the threat. The island grew peaceful once more.

Ceet knew what truly happened.

Sanctuary destroyed the final ship. The two rounds from the canons couldn't do the devastating damage he now witnessed.

He sank to his knees and gave thanks. "It's done, Sanctuary. And I thank you for it."

The wind kicked up, tree leaves swaying in the playful breeze. Ceet listened and nodded his head. A very good day indeed.

Ceet rose and strolled down the path to the shoreline. He looked out at the inlet and said a sad farewell to his former mates. They were a good crew and he'd miss them.

A quiet hush fell, all around him, and Ceet shifted his eyes around slowly. An eerie feeling trickled down his spine and he jumped when a loud crack reverberated and a deafening roar burst through the skies. Thunder boomed and lightning danced all around him. Even the trees seemed to scream their fury.

Ceet threw up his arms, fists punching toward the sky. "Now just you calm down! I ain't a going anywhere." He shouted, raising his voice as loud as he could. "We had a deal and I aim to keep my end. Now, stop this nonsense!"

He flung his arms down and the noise ceased. Peace and quiet returned.

"Just like a woman, it is."

I'm so excited about this free read. It's fun to write Ceet back in the day.

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye