Bonded: Book One of the ShadowLight Saga, an Epic Fantasy Adventure (36 page)
Read Bonded: Book One of the ShadowLight Saga, an Epic Fantasy Adventure Online
Authors: Mande Matthews
Hallad nodded his
understanding.
After Seretta’s warning
the songvari turned, gathering Rolf to her side. Rolf hoisted her into Idunn's
saddle and mounted behind her, clutching her about the waist. He kicked the
white into a gallop. They sped across the meadow, heading away from the wash of
predawn light rising opposite of their destination.
A glow of warmth settled
upon the rest of the travelers as the sun rose, casting a pink tint upon the
glistening gates of Glitner. Hallad gathered everyone’s weapons, stowing them
in his mantle and tying them to the cantle of Erik’s black.
They entered into
Glitner as the sun glided higher in the sky, sending beams of light down
through the clouds, casting curtains of pinkish-white to the ground below.
“The Guardian,” said
someone from the crowd, as they traveled the path to the Palace.
Glitner’s residents
piqued at the word, gathering to view the group heading toward the towers.
“The Svenna!” exclaimed
another, as they spotted Swan. She still wore the white robes, fluttering
behind her like the wings of her elegant namesake. As usual, she towered over
the bystanders, her outward appearance like a blade of iron—strong, sleek and
unbreakable, but her bunched nerves crackled underneath her skin as the
onlookers crowded into them.
After a wave of silence,
a cheer rose amongst the people of Glitner.
“Svenna! Svenna!
Svenna!”
The chant extended to
include “Guardian! Svenna!” as the twins, trailed by the drengmaers, Jorn, Erik
and Emma, Ase, Gisla and Andvarri made their way across the sleek stone of the
roadway.
Ravenna emerged at the
top of the road. The distinct mark of the raven on her cheek, her dark hair
shining with mahogany highlights against the starkness of her clothing and her
robed Norns close on her heels, gave her the air of royalty. At the sight of the
First Walker of the Norns, apprehension inundated Hallad as he sensed his
sister’s nerves jangle.
Suddenly, Swan's
bell-like tone burst into Hallad’s mind.
The sky is dark and the hills are white
As the storm-king speeds from the nordr to-night;
And this is the song the storm-king sings,
As over the world his cloak he flings:
"Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep;"
He rustles his wings and gruffly sings:
"Sleep, little one, sleep."
What is the song you
sing, sister?
asked Hallad.
A lullaby. Our mother
sang it to us when we were babes, and I would sing it over the seasons to calm
my nerves. I had nei idea you could hear me by the cove. None had ever heard me
before, except within the dream.
“Our bond is strong,”
said Hallad aloud.
Swan smiled, but her
muscles continued to tighten beneath her skin. Hallad could barely discern
between his own tension and hers, as if she was an extension of his body.
There is so much I
need to tell you brother—of my past, of our mother. And I worry for what is to
come.
Ravenna approached,
stopping a few paces away. The crowd continued their cheer as the First Walker
of the Norns curtsied before Hallad and Swan. The blackness of the raven
glistened like feathers in the early morning light.
There is time,
sister,
said Hallad.
We have our
time now.
Swan pressed against
Hallad’s side. He reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they
walked forward, side by side, and the song once again bloomed inside his head.
On yonder mountain-side a vine
Clings at the foot of a mother pine;
The tree bends over the trembling thing,
And only the vine can hear her sing:
"Sleep, sleep, little one, sleep;
What shall you fear when I am here?
Sleep, little one, sleep."
- - HERE ENDS BOOK ONE OF THE SHADOWLIGHT SAGA - -
Get a sneak peak! Author reveals secrets for Broken: Book
Two of the ShadowLight Saga.
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Matthews will send you an insider's email that details what's coming next for
Hallad, Swan, Emma and Erik!
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Norse Lullaby by Eugene Field (1850-1895)
Cover Images
Lower background: Alice Faux
All others are royalty free stock photography
Special thanks for all the people that have made this book
possible:
For my loving and supportive husband who has been there
through the tears and frustration, the joys and celebration, with an unshakable
belief that I possess talent, tenacity and intelligence…hey, someone has to
believe it! I know my early morning “silent time” borrowed moments from our relationship,
and I thank you for giving me the peace and space to pursue my dream.
For the sacred peace within that allows me to dream about
worlds, magic and characters, and for Kathia Donalds for sharing our Swans,
Turkish coffee, and holidays spent writing and forever learning the craft of
story-telling (not to mention consistent counseling!) It all began here.
For the ever-witty, clever and talented Ann Mauren, whose
comments made me think I possessed a story worth sharing. Her time, attention,
big (little) sister advice, and emails on my behalf are nothing short of
miraculous.
For my betas, who appeared from thin air (thanks to Summer
Daniels), diligently read the first draft of my ms, and encouraging me with
their generous praise: Joan Weiner,
Mary Endersbe,
Bonne
Elliott.
For my mom, who has given me her un-ending faith—who told me
when I was little I should be a writer. And for my dad, whose dependability,
and constancy, has been an ever-present stabilizer throughout my life despite
his passing—he shaped my character, showed me how to be responsible, and
believed in my ability without fail.
Thank you all. I am forever appreciative.
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