The Rose Shield is my WIP targeted for release in March-ish.
You’ve met Raker, the man who hears voices in the fog
Catling, a six-year-old with a rose birthmark around her eye
Whitt, the boy battling crajeks in the swamp
Gannon, captive in the belly of the Wandering Swan
What of Vianne, an Influencer capable to manipulating love and fear, pain and pleasure, life and death with a mere thought? Is she a villain or hero?
Vianne
When Vianne returned to his cell, her face wore a frown of reluctance, green eyes heavy with regret. The weariness in her countenance added years. The ivory clothes, flawless skin, and silver in her cinnamon hair deceived the eye. Upon first glance, she appeared innocent, gentle and graceful, her voice touched with kindness. Yet, the set of her jaw told him he’d find no quarter with her. She planned to torture him.
The latch clicked as the guards locked her in, and she assumed her seat by his cot. “I’ve returned for the truth, Gannon, and I have little time. Tell me how you blocked Qeyon’s influence. He has assured me, beyond question, of your gui…power.”
“You were about to say ‘guilt.’” He caught her eyes as her back stiffened. “Do you execute the guilty?”
The woman sighed. “Only if your pigheadedness forces my hand.”
“Torture away,” he said, turning his face to the wall and shutting his mouth. Fear wormed into his consciousness, the muscles and sinews of his body contracting.
Rising from her chair, she strode to the door and knocked. Two guards entered, carrying a strip of cloth with a bulky knot in the middle. Gannon clenched his teeth as the guards descended on him. One held his head while the other tried to force the gag into his mouth. A sharp blast of pain ripped through his chest, and he gasped. The guard crammed the balled knot into his mouth. He cried out as they twisted his head and secured the cloth. Glaring at the woman, he shouted, his oaths muffled by the gag.
The guards rose and stood by the door. “Anything else, Vianne-Ava?”
“Ignore us,” she replied. They nodded and left.
Vianne strode to the foot of his cot, her voice soft. “Block me.”
He shook his head, steeling himself. Pain flared as an invisible vise closed on his chest. His hands wrenched against his restraints as he squeezed his eyes shut and bit on the gag. The agony expanded, thrusting spears of steel into his arms and legs. As quickly, she released him, and his breath shuddered from his lungs.
“It’s going to get worse, Gannon,” she said. “Block me.”
The pressure returned, the sensation mounting. He screamed into the gag, writhed against the pain of his cracking ribs, his heart exploding in his chest. Torment scoured his veins, shooting into his joints. “Aaah. Naah. Aaaah.” He heard his own muffled bawling.
“Block me!” Vianne demanded.
“Aaaah cahn’t. Aaaah,” he howled. His head pounded, nerves sparking, skin on fire. Needled daggers ground into this bones. “Naaah. Cahn’t.”
“Block me!” she shouted.
She flayed the skin from his body. His joints twisted, bones crushed. Fear exploded in his head, smashing into the fragile barriers of sanity, incinerating the shredded remains of any resistance. The woman’s commands barked, unintelligible. All he could do was scream.
Then the pain vanished.
He panted, shaking, the muscles in his body rigid. The memory of pain bathed him in sweat, quaking through him like a virulent fever. He gulped air, body heaving and trembling.
“You couldn’t block me,” she said, her voice bewildered.
He shook his head, eyes closed. The terrible fear subsided. “Sick,” he mumbled through the gag. He heard the rustle of her jacket and felt her fingers worry the knot behind his head. When it fell away, he vomited on his shoulder and hair. He dropped his head back and groaned, uncaring.
“You couldn’t block me,” she repeated. “No one could endure… It’s not you.”
Gannon shook his head. “No.”
“But you know who it is.” She grimaced at the miasma of smells permeating the small room. “Don’t make me do that again, Gannon. Don’t force me. You must realize I haven’t a choice.”
“Who’s your master?” he asked, turning to read her face.
“The realm.” She paced between the dim walls. “You must have an inkling of how this power might be wielded in the wrong hands. Or why else would you resist me.” She pivoted on her heel to face him. “Yet, in the right hands, it can cut through subversive agendas. It might prevent influence from being used to usurp authority, incite war, and harm the future of Ellegeance.”
“I thought the influencers’ oath was to the realm.”
“It is.” She paused to study him. “Yet, we are human beings and subject to temptation after all.”
“You could just let me go,” he whispered. “It’s over anyway.”
“Tell me who it is, and I swear to you that I’ll spare your life.”
“No, you won’t. I know too much.”
“I want the name.” She resumed her pacing and then halted. “It’s the girl, isn’t it? Qeyon said she was with you in the alley.”
When he didn’t answer, ripples of pain danced behind his eyes. His stomach knotted and fear engulfed him, whether his own or influenced, he couldn’t say and it scarcely mattered. She knew. “Yes.”
She sat beside him, green eyes eager. Her hand touched his wrist, and his body began to warm and relax. The lingering pain of his previous injuries eased, replaced with sensations of physical pleasure and relief. An awareness of gratitude for his torturer tickled his thoughts. It was subtle and would have been imperceptible if it hadn’t felt so illogical.
Vianne leaned toward him. “That little girl is in grave danger, Gannon. You understand, don’t you? Algar’s no fool, and from what Qeyon said, she made a spectacle of herself in the market. I can protect her, here in Ava-Grea. You must tell me who she is and where to find her before she and everyone she knows is dead.”
Due out in Marchish
Myths of the Mirror 
Ooh… I like her. Complex. ❤ So much here. I am loving these character intros!
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Last one, I’m pretty sure, Sarah. The book is getting ready to make its appearance. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting. Have a great week and Happy Writing!
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From this excerpt, it sounds like a winner, Diana. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks so much for the kind comment, Suzanne. An intense scene for a strong character. She was fun to write, of course. Have a wonderful day, my friend.
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I’m not a fan of torture. She’s on my naughty list!
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She doesn’t actually torture him, but give the sensation of torture. Same thing, huh? A complex character, Joanne. There are many times when she doubts herself. Thanks for reading, my friend 🙂
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Wow. Definitely sounds like she is a force to be reckoned with! Picked up tons of depth and layers with this excerpt. Brilliant writing as always, Diana. Blown away. 🙂
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Thanks, Kelly. Vianne is complicated, powerful and driven, but she questions herself too. An interesting character to write 🙂 Have a great weekend, my friend ❤
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Sure sounds interesting! Hope you have a great weekend as well! xo
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Intriguing excerpt! Looking forward to the release. 🙂
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Thanks, Khaya. A brutal scene, but a good look at the character. Thanks so much for the review too 🙂 Have a lovely weekend. ❤
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Phew! … that was a great, and enticing, excerpt. 🙂
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Ha! Oh good. It’s a little long, but it’s a good look at the character. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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The details in this are wonderful. You brought all the characters to life.
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Thanks for reading! Vianne walks a narrow path and on occasion questions the lengths she’s willing to go to achieve her goals. She’s a fun character to craft. Happy Writing!
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To you too☺
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Wowzie. I’m not sure if I like her. Well, actually, I DO like her, and I’m ashamed of myself! Why? Maybe you know why. She’s a powerful force. I hope it’s for good.
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Ha ha. Great comment. She’s a heroic villain or a villainous hero, always teetering on the edge. I hope readers continue to be unsure about her. Thanks for reading, Pam 🙂 Have a great weekend.
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Oh, she is a cunning one. A mistress of torture. I`m intrigued about her back history. Wonderful excerpt thank you.
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Thanks for reading, Adele. She is cunning and driven and dedicated, and she frequently crosses the line! A fun character to write. Glad you enjoy it. Have a great Friday and weekend 😀
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Hi, thank you hope you had a great weekend too. x
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Intense and gripping scene. Where does this book fall in your series? This definitely left me wanting more.
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These are all from the first book in the series. It’s the one that’s pretty much set to go. The others all need more work. I’m so glad you want more! It’s coming 🙂
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Cool 👍🏽👌🏽🙂
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Wow, Vianne’s quite the character! I wonder how much of you’s in her 😉
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Ha ha. Not much I hope. Getting into her head was an interesting experience. I’m still undecided whether she is a hero or villain. Perhaps her goals require her to be both. One of the things I love about writing. Happy writing, my friend.
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You too, my dear 🙂
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This is so wonderful. I like and dislike her at the same time.
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Great comment. Me too. She is driven and her goals are worthy of respect, but she definitely crosses the line…over and over again. Ha ha. Happy Writing, Lisa ❤
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I can’t wait. A four-book series–that’s just what I like. There’s never enough in one book. I’ll be looking to join your blog hop if you do that.
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Dianne, When I saw this post I purposely stashed it away for a time when I could fully read it and appreciate it. I have no idea at all of what to think of this character but her cruelty, even if she is working for good, marks her as a fallen soul. I look forward to the publication of this book. You are quite a wordsmith.
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I’m not at all surprised by your reaction, Bernadette. Vianne is driven and quite conflicted throughout the series, wavering between cruelty and heroism in pursuit of her goals. An interesting character to write and this is definitely one of her most intense scenes. Thanks for reading!
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I find it fascinating how a character is developed and then takes on a life of its own.
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Diana,my books arrived yesterday!!! Thank you so much for all the different thoughtful inscriptions. I cannot wait to delve into them, wooohooo! I am sure looking forward to your “Marchish” book too. xoxo
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Thanks, Kathryn. I know it’s probably silly to make the inscriptions all different, but I didn’t want to just copy them. 🙂 So, from the heart. Hope you enjoy!
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xoxoxo!
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Gripping and gruesome stuff, Diana! Looking forward to Marchish! 😁
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Thanks for reading, Ali. An intense scene but a good peek at this character. She’s driven. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Thanks! You too! 😊
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“Vianne” was changed by the spell check crew. Sorry, D! I hope you knew this. I thought her name was cool.
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I figured. My spell check sometimes completely changes words – like not even close! Ha ha.
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D~ I have had the weirdest words come from the evil mind of the computer on my cell phone, which isn’t really a spell check! This is almost like an oxymoron.
Hope your writing like crazy (writing furiously) is fruitful and fun. Like helping someone “come (back) to life!”
Have a great start to your week! 🙂
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Thanks, Robin. I can’t type on phones. My fingers are too big! And the way they guess words… too funny sometimes. Happy election day tomorrow. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that sanity will prevail. 🙂
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Oh my, Diana. I just had to skim and hope for Gannon’s survival. Dianne is quite powerful and dangerous. Is the answer to the question of his “blocking” her beatings and vise-like grasp within the story? Like a mind control ability?
Great, powerful and evocative descriptions, as always. I could not help but cringe!
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Thanks, Robin. Vianne doesn’t physically hurt him, but gives him the perception of hurt. All the answers are in the story. I’m working furiously on book 4, the end of the series. 🙂
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Oh, Diana, I felt mind control was possibly how she “tortured him” without physical pain! I was close to what you describe is happening, I hope. . . Anyway, it is always good to show women have strength! 🙂
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That has to be some of the most powerful and intense writing I have read in a long while. I’m in shock – and awe – Vianne and her contradiction so strongly portrayed, I feel I’ve gone through the wringer myself. This morning read an article about a newly cleaned torutre room discovered in a city liberated in Iraq and reading this I just had that image in my mind too. You’re onto a winner here, Diana.
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Thank you so much for the great comment. Vianne’s “influence” was a challenge in the book. She’s incredibly powerful but has strong boundaries that keep her in check… most of the time. I’m not a fan of torture under any circumstances, except with my poor characters. 😀
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Yay! Not very dignified but couldn’t help that – loved it 😀
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Thanks so much for the visit and undignified enthusiasm, Anais. I love it 🙂 This is a fun character who’s going to go through the wringer before the series is done!
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She seems to be a little hero and a little villain. Vianne is such an interesting and strong character. You had me on the edge of my seat. Loved it Diana!
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Thanks, Antonia. She is a strong woman, but also second guesses herself. Thanks so much for the visit. Happy November!
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A powerful excerpt! Vianne has is one heck of a strong woman!
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Thanks for reading, Christy. She teeters on the edge between hero and villain, a fun character to write. 🙂
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Holy Moly, now that’s a gripping scene. I’ll be truthful and tell you I can’t watch, or even hear about torturous things so it was difficult for me to read, and yet, I couldn’t help but read. 🙂
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I know how you feel, Debby. Vianne, to me, is interesting because she believes she’s doing the right thing. I’m glad I kept you through to the end! 🙂
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You sure know how to hook your readers. 🙂
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Thanks for the great compliment! It’s hard to know when we’re so familiar with the story.
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Now that much I can vouch for. 🙂
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That is a riveting scene for sure! She is a powerful woman, I wouldn’t want to mess with her, ha ha. Nice work, my friend 😀
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Thanks, Lana. She is powerful and determined. A fun character to write. Have a wonderful November and Happy Writing. 🙂
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“Due Marchish,”…..love it 🙂
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A four-book series, Bridget, and I have so much work to do on it! Plugging away. Thanks for visiting. One more week and we can take a breath. 🙂
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I had too laugh because I am slammed with work. A customer asked me yesterday when I will be able to make time and I answered “New Yearish” 🙂
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Like Januaryish. 🙂
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Yep but the year is still in question 🙂
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Reblogged this on O LADO ESCURO DA LUA.
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Thanks so much for the reblog. Glad you enjoyed the snippet 😀 Happy November.
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Ooh, super dark–and awesome!!
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Thanks, Grace. Vianne is a rather intense character. Glad you enjoyed the read, my friend. 🙂
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Such wonderful characters and amazing writing! Love this
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Thanks for the visit, Lynn. A little gruesome, but a good glimpse of the character. Have a wonderful November, my friend. 🙂
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I love it! You bring everyone to life Diana!
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That was Intense and thoroughly intrigues!
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Oh good. Ha ha. That the intent, right? It’s a long scene, but probably the best glimpse into who Vianne is. Thanks for the visit, Cynthia 😉
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it didn’t seem long when I was ripping through it 🙂
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Wow – this one looks right up my alley. Looking forward to it!
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Thanks, Allie. 😀 Vianne is one tough dedicated cookie. I’m waiting on covers and still have to finish the series. I better get writing! Happy November 🙂
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Stunning characters Diana.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Thanks, David. A bit intense of a scene, but hopefully it captures the imagination! Massive huges back to you, my friend. 🙂
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Riveting! I’m in agreement, Diana. March can’t get here fast enough.
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Aww. Thanks, Rob. This book is only weeks away from being ready. I’m just getting the rest of the series into shape and waiting on covers. Thanks for the visit! Happy November 🙂
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I like powerful females…this one is scary too! All the best Diana. Happy writing. 🙂
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I can’t imagine that torture appeals to your beautiful soul, Balroop, but I appreciate the visit. Vianne is a strong woman and quite dedicated to her cause. Have a wonderful week!
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Wow, powerful stuff. I’m looking forward to this, Diana. 🙂
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Thanks so much, Steven. This character was fun to write because she’s so driven and dedicated to her convictions. Glad you enjoyed it 😀
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It was fun to read. I have a sneaking suspicious, she’s a good character. Just a hunch. 🙂
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I will neither confirm not deny. It’s a fine line, my friend 🙂
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And that the truth. 😀
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Very good. I think you’ll have a good few people hoping March-ish comes along soon.
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Thanks Richard. It’s been fun throwing these out there. March-ish is right around the corner – It’s that time-flying thing again!
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Sure is.
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Wow! Great scene, D. The descriptions are so vivid I cringed for Gannon. Well done! I know what I’ll be reading next spring 🙂
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Thanks, Julie. Vianne was an interesting character to write. So glad you enjoyed the scene; it’s a little long for the blog, but I couldn’t take anything out and retain the full torturous effect. Happy writing!
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Wow. That was intense, D. I’ve been busy, still haven’t started Bone Walls…one book at a time ??? ☺☺☺
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No worries at all. I’m a terriby slow reader myself. I read at bedtime and I’m usually so tired it’s only a chapter or two. Not to mention the backlog of books! Thanks for checking out the WIP 😀
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Oooh, love where this is going.
Can’t wait!
Oh. I’m going to have to. Roll on March, let’s get Winter over and done with!
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Thanks for reading, Nick. The first two books in the series are just about done, the last two are in the works. Covers will be ready in early March. I have a lot of work to do between now and then! Yikes. 🙂
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Keep on keeping on! Looking forward to getting my hands on them.
And keep me in mind if you ever want to do any audiobooks! 😉
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I do have to go down the audio path, eventually. It’s foolish not to. So much to do, so little time.
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“And verily there was a man in olde England that doth have a very flexible voice and is quite keen.”
(This would be me, by the way).
😉
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You’re the top of my list!
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I bet it’s currently a very short list. Possibly less than 2.
🙂
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I’ve saved a couple posts about audio book production, auditioning voices, and contractual arrangement options, as well as what it would take to do it myself. (Not a great option since I sound like an eight year old girl). We should talk 🙂
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I can talk. I have a voice specially for that purpose. 😉
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Ha!
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