“A frigid draft blew through an open window, imprisoned with cobwebs and thick bars. Goosebumps pricked her arms. A tapered light flickered in the corner of the room. A lone, thick candle sat perched on top of a stool. She peered around the eerie chamber searching for any signs of a blanket. Still shaken, she made her way to the seat splattered with gobs of melted wax and grabbed the only source of light. Taking short steps, using her other hand as a shield, protecting the flame from the increasing wind; she moved around her jail in search of a door.
By the Goddess!I’m stuck inside a dungeon! Now she knew how wild animals must feel trapped inside a cage. Like a brutal fist shoved in her face, the cold hand of reality struck her. She had to get out of here. Now.
She raced to the stool, seized it between her shaking fingers and carried it beneath the window to stand on. Her trembling hands grasped the thick, callous bars. Fighting back the surge of tears ready to burst, she took in a few deep breaths of fresh sea air. She tried concentrating on the moonlight reflecting off the ocean, far below.
The sun was already beginning to set. There would be a full moon tonight. The image of her mighty highlander filled her head. Bewitched from dark shadows of night fall, Duncan’s handsome face would soon change, revealing the beastly image. She realized, she’d desperately fallen in love with the beast as well as the human.”
The muscles in her chest tightened. Her heart fluttered while warm spasms of energy tingled up and down her limbs. Duncan was near. She felt him. He was headed straight for a trap. And she was the bait. She needed to escape and warn him before it was too late.
With nothing but miles of emptiness in sight, the roaring wind hurled splashing waves against the dismal cliff walls.”
I had fun writing this scene, especially after looking inside a Castle dungeon. Don’t worry – Keara escapes – with a wee it of help, of course . . . . you’ll need to read Mortal Magick to find out how she got there in the first place and what happens next . . .
Wow! What a gorgeous and fascinating post. I love it. I especially love that Irish saying about the path taking you. So true! Authors get caught up in their writing when they embark on a path. Your images are just wonderful, Patty, and your stories.
So pleased you stopped by, Beth and enjoyed the post! And bless your heart, thank you for your kind comments. ((Hugs))
Love your pictures of the castle! I can see where you get your writing inspiration from these wonderful old castles and settings. There is so much history. I can just imagine the people, the animals and daily life of the time period! Love it!
Hi Cathy! and thanks for stopping by 🙂 I’m delighted you enjoyed the photos. Yes, so much history and untold mysteries to make the imagination run wild 🙂 Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season!!!
Wish you and yours a Merry Christmas Patty!
I so enjoyed the tour of the castle but your “teasing” peek into Mortal Magick left me on the edge of my seat, taking me right back into the heart of the story as if I was reading for the first time!
May you have the merriest Christmas and a gloriously blessed New Year, my friend! ((((HUGS))))
Merry Christmas Maeve ((HUGS)) Bless your heart, thank you for your very kind words 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the post! I hope you’ll stop back soon for a special
Scottish “Hogmanay” post 🙂
Oh, my gosh, Patty. Not only did I enjoy your pictures and blog, I LOVED the excerpt!
This in particular just grabbed me!!
“By the Goddess!I’m stuck inside a dungeon! Now she knew how wild animals must feel trapped inside a cage. Like a brutal fist shoved in her face, the cold hand of reality struck her. She had to get out of here. Now.”
Mortal Magick is a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing this!
Good Morning Lane and Merry Christmas to you and your family ((Hugs))
thanks so much for stopping by my post and I’m thrilled you enjoyed the excerpt 🙂
So glad you enjoy reading my stories – can’t wait to get back on the 3rd book in the series,
“Dragon-Fae Magick” – there will definitely by dragons and castle scenes in this one 🙂
Interesting pictures! Merry Christmas to you and Michael and your Pets.
Merry Christmas Doris! So glad you stopped by and enjoyed the photos 🙂
Thanks for posting! ((hugs))
Beautiful photos and a gripping excerpt. I share your fascination with castles, although I haven’t really visited any in Ireland, just Scotland and Wales. Your series sounds thrilling.
Thanks for stopping by, Mary! Yes, I love visiting castles, makes my imagination run wild 🙂
I’ve seen a few castles in Scotland, but not Wales. Hoping you can visit a few in Ireland one day too.
Glad you enjoyed the excerpt and hope you’ll stop by again soon. Happy Holidays 🙂
Ok, it’s 8 pm EST here, and time to announce the winner 🙂
Everyone that left a comment, your name has been put in a box – shaking the box – having Wee Darby and Samson help me pull out one of the folded slips of paper – – – – and the winner is – – – – Doris Hoffman! Congratulations Doris! I’ll be in touch with you soon so you can get your free copy of Sea Wolf Magick 🙂
Congratulations, Doris! You will love Sea Wolf Magick. 🙂