“The time has arrived for your final trial.” Dalcoran sat across from her, every detail of his grooming, attire, and manner precise, his features ageless despite his infirmity. “It’s an act which binds you to the guild, solidifies your power, and acknowledges the great burden you will bear as an influencer. Your oath to the heiress is absolute; you are sworn to do her bidding even when it rails against your personal wishes. It is the responsibility of the guild to see you prepared.”
“I understand.” Catling set her teacup on the low table between them. Nothing he said thus far shocked her, and yet, a chill coiled up her spine.
“What we ask of you, we ask of all initiates. We only ask it once in training, though your oaths may dictate future sacrifices in practice.”
“You may tell me, Dalcoran-Elan.” Catling threaded her fingers in her lap.
“You are to kill an innocent.” He met her eyes. “Not someone dying, sick, or aged. You must steal the future of someone at the height of life. The heiress may require it of you, and your binding oath will demand your obedience.”
She stared at him, an all-consuming emotion burning in her chest. Not horror but fury. “The heiress would never order the random execution of an innocent without purpose—as an exercise. Dalcoran-Elan, I refuse.”
“You cannot refuse, Catling.”
“I can refuse because that is exactly what I am doing.”
He sat in rigid silence and sipped his tea while hers grew cold on the table.
“I’m an aspirant,” she said, “and it’s within your rights to coerce me into compliance. Yet, I suspect the whole point of this trial is to test my willingness to stalk and kill with complete self-control.”
“I shall report your decision to the heiress,” he said, ignoring her statement.
“You may do so.” She rose to her feet and brushed the creases from her jacket. “You may also tell her that I will act as her assassin if the need arises, but I will refuse to murder without purpose.”
The knowing smile on Dalcoran’s face made her feel as though she were a child refusing to grow up. “You will learn in time, Catling, if your fiery principles are forged of steel or glass.”
**
A snippet from Oathbreakers’ Guild – Book II of The Rose Shield
Live Today.
PS. Tornado Boy is touching down for the weekend. I may be delayed in responding to comments, but I will catch up. ❤
Myths of the Mirror 
Excellent excerpt, Diana. It’s very tight writing–not a sentence wasted. The scene knows where it’s going and never falters along the way. 🙂
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Thanks, Cathleen. I love it when a good editor as yourself likes it! This is the very start of book 4, so no spoilers, and it doesn’t need any context. Thanks for stopping by to read. Have a great weekend. 😀
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Hello! Just found and followed your blog. I really enjoyed this piece; there’s a nice flow to it and I loved the irony of the characters discussing something as serious as murder over two cups of tea. The last line was brilliant: You will learn in time, Catling, if your fiery principles are forged of steel or glass.
In my own writing I love to leave scenes on notes like this. It would really spur me to keep reading.
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Thanks so much for reading and for the great comment, Kyle. I’m flattered! I’m running out to a book signing this morning, but will stop by your place this evening to see what you’re up to. Thanks again for stopping by and Happy Writing!
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Enjoy!
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Wow! Fabulous!
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Thanks so much, Lisa. I’ve almost got the last two books ready to go and can’t wait to have this series done. I’m glad you liked the snippet. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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I actually didn’t read this (I haven’t read book 1 yet) but I always love your writing so I know it’s fantastic.
Congrats on the second book being released! Very exciting! I have some catching up to do! ❤
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Again with these covers… Just clicked on this second one. *swoon*
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😀 I scored with the design firm and sent them a note about the compliments. Thanks so much!
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They’re rolling out, Sarah. Thanks so much for the wonderful cheers and for sharing my enthusiasm 🙂 Have a great week!
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Sounds like quite the quandary but I’m not sure if it’s Catling, Dalcoran, or even the heiress. I hope Catling is able to maintain her stance.
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Thanks for stopping by, Steph. Things take a bit of a twist here and there. It’s the job of writers to mess up their characters lives. Isn’t that awful? Ha ha. Have a great week!
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Yeah but I’m sure it’s fun. I know it’s fun reading it but sometimes it can also be a little painful depending on how far you writers go. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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I like when young people refuse to follow directions which go against their beliefs or values, Diana!! This Catling is fierce but has a humane spirit and knows right from wrong!
Side note: I have three munchkins here and wondering why I posted so much this week! xo way behind. . .
Sadly, my grown kids had a friend (Tim, think good thoughts) commit suicide so calling hours and travel involved.
My responsibility includes going to see “Boss Baby” with Skyler who is allowed home alone, with the three M’s later this afternoon. We made pancakes, painted and I made two lanyards. . . Upcoming post to schedule.
* ❤ My first books from your collection are on their way! 🙂
I didn't pay extra for immediate delivery
but can hardly wait to have them on Friday!!
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I’m so sorry to hear about the suicide, Robin. Those lonely deaths are so hard on family and friends. It’s wonderful of you to take all the munchkins so that your kids can go to the funeral. I have one munchkin this weekend and I’m exhausted. I’m also behind on blogging! Take care of yourself. Happy reading, my friend, and thank you for all the kindness! ❤
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Wow! Chilling but compelling, Diana. So well written!
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Thanks so much, Steven. I’m glad you enjoyed the snippet it as well as the writing. A couple more books to get out and I’ll be settling into a more relaxed summer. I can’t wait. 🙂
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I’ll bet. And then you’ll probably be thinking of new stories. I really hope you enjoy that break! 🙂
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Charles Clowe is a new character. Definitely a new story. ‘The tourist’ is all I’m going to post of it until it’s finished, hopefully by late summer. 🙂
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Yeah! If you need a beta reader… 🙂
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I’ll definitely keep that in mind. I’ve never used a beta reader before, no particular reason, but I certainly see its advantages. I’ll let you know as I get closer to a finished draft. 🙂
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Up to you, of course, my friend. I might find one typo. Ha ha. It gets you an early review too. 🙂
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Oh, probably more than one typo.:) I certainly value your opinion and writing ability. I’ll let you know as I get closer. I think it would be exciting.
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😀
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What an enticing excerpt! I’ve got to read the first book so I can get to this one 😀 Caitling’s defiance–love it! I hope she can resist the order. Man, I’ve got to get moving on my reading 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Diana!
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Thanks, Julie. I’m actually going to indulge in a bit of a writing slowdown for the summer to read and relax. I think I’ve missed the last five summers holed up inside at the computer. Ha ha. So glad you enjoyed the snippet! Happy Writing.
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That is one strong woman, Diana. I have confidence in her. Good snippet. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks for the visit, Suzanne. So glad you enjoyed it! Have a great week. ❤
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What a gripping excerpt, Diana! I love a strong girl protagonist. You are truly fabulous 😀
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Thanks for the great comment, Lana. So glad you enjoyed it. Catling has a tough time in this series, but she has a good heart. Have a great week!
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She sounds like a sterling character…have a good week also!
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You go girl! Congrats on the 2nd book release in this riveting series! And don’t get blown over by Tornado boy, lol. Enjoy! 🙂
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I’m exhausted. Ha ha. Didn’t get a chance to even turn on the computer! Thank for the cheers, Debby. I’ll be over to say hi soon!
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I have no doubt, lol, that you’re exhausted! You need a personal day off. Take it! 🙂 Maybe you could let Pinky work for you, LOL?
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Pinky is frazzled from two full days hiding from a 3-yr-old. He’s needing some TLC. 😀
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Oh my, even Pinky is worn out, says a lot. Lol. 🙂
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I do like an assassin with principles! 😀
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Ha ha ha. They’re the best kind, right? I kind of hope that anyone ordered to kill by their superiors has some principles. Sadly, that’s not always the case.
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Wonderful..I m sure it will be a great book..looking forward to own it.
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Thanks for stopping by and reading my little snippet. 🙂 If you get around to picking it up, I hope you enjoy it! Have a wonderful weekend.
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Bought your book! Can’t wait to go hide somewhere to read it! 💐 congratulations!
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Oh, Thanks so much. Yay! I’m glad I enticed you and hope you enjoy it. May it give you hours of pleasurable hiding! ❤
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It will, its your book! ⭐️
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Chilling! I can’t wait to read the book!
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I’m sending it to you! Thanks again for beta-reading the first, Alecia. When you get a chance to crack this one, I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
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Thank you so much! I’m sure I will enjoy it.
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No obligation to read, of course. Just wanted you to have it as a thank you. 🙂
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Can you send it to me, too?
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You are so lovely to ask, Andy. I had six beta readers who kindly read the unfinished book to offer suggestions, and as a thank you, I’m giving them a copy of the series. For all the hours they put in, it’s a pittance, but the least I can do. The books are very reasonably priced. The first is only $0.99! Less than a cup of coffee these days. 🙂
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My aging computer with a defunct battery bailed out on me while I was posting my comment here about an hour ago before I could take measures to remedy the situation. Let me see if I can give you the gist.
I am a poor reader who spaces out frequently over the pages of a novel and can even turn those pages several times before realizing that I have not comprehended a word I’m reading. I’m behind on all the blogs I follow as well as (maddeningly) on the material I need to read for my Writer’s Guild.
Your writing is sufficiently engaging to capture me from the start and somehow overpower this lifelong bane. I was again riveted. The picture you paint is vivid – I can *see* the two of them – I can *feel* the dynamics between them — and I want to read more.
Recalls the famous Milgram Experiment, no? The conflict between personal conscience and obedience to authority. Makes me curious how it’s all going to pan out — as I’m sure you intend. Great work – thank you once again.
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Thanks for the great comment, Andy. I occasionally “space” while reading too. Usually when I’m tired. And you’ve had your creative plate full, that’s for sure. I’m so glad my snippets hold your attention – a wonderful compliment. Have a great weekend and happy composing!
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Having gotten to read ahead a bit of others, I just want to tell others who may read this post and my comment here … you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!
Get this book. Period.
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I appreciate it, Erik. You’re so kind to share your enthusiasm. I will reblog your wonderful Influence post in April. I’m just spacing out all the book promotion to prevent a lot of eye-rolling 🙂 😀
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That post is all about you, not me. Use it however and whenever you feel is best. (And I totally get what you mean by the eye-rolling; no one would, but I know from experience exactly why you imagine they will.)
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Thanks 😀
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The gauntlet is thrown. This is going to be a wonderful story.
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Catling is gearing up for a little defiance! Thanks for stopping by to read. So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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It’s an interesting point. Unquestioning service is given because you trust the person giving the orders. What if that trust is undermined somehow? Do you refuse the task given to you, as Count Hasimir Fenring did in Dune, or obey but question (as in Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac), or…?
As always, I love the details in your writing.
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Thanks so much, Frank. Great questions. In an imperfect world there are lots of ordinary people who face the demands of obedience in defiance of morality. Some comply, some take a stand. Either way there are consequences. The “what if” questions that fuel stories. Have a great weekend 🙂
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I am 100% Catling. I have the patience of Job with nearly all people and circumstances in life, but I’ve never had the stomach for authority who demand unquestioned compliance or who abuse their role or office. I’ve defied more than my fair share of them, and been labeled everything from a nuisance to a “loose cannon” to a threat because of it. But I don’t compromise my principles for the sake of someone else’s. That’s one of the many reasons I ranked this series in my top five of a lifetime: I felt like I was living it.
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I did’t realize you were so non-compliant, Erik! Actually, I’m not surprised at all, you loose cannon, you. I imagine you are nice about it even when you are saying, “No.” 😀
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I’m nice the first time. Then … not so much. I don’t get louder; I get … how to put it … “darker.”
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What? I didn’t know you have a darker side?! I’m so intrigued. It’s hard to imagine. 😀
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You didn’t know me as well then, but recall this post, as well as reading this one (which I don’t know if you read, because we may not have been in each others’ circles quite yet).
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Will do. 🙂
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I recently mentioned on my own blog that I could tell right from the blurb this is a Superhero story, and those more often than not have an authoritarian thematic agenda. I really can’t wait to pick up these books!
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Thanks, Sean. I never thought of the series as a superhero story, but I’ll believe you! The second book definitely has the authoritarian system that Catling rebels against, at least for the first half of the book. I can’t wait until you read them too! Ha ha. I’ll be curious what you think. 🙂
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This sounds amazing! You are so disciplined in your writing. I’m still floundering on my third novel.
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Thanks, Marietta. I’m actually feeling a bit worn out by that discipline! I’m going to take the summer off from writing (mostly) and do some reading and outdoor living. Thanks so much for checking out the excerpt! Have a great weekend. 😀
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You too! 🙂
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Congrats for the second book in the series Diana. I am impressed by your dialogue writing, which flows like a stream! Have fun with your ‘Tornado Boy’ 🙂
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Thanks for the kind comment, Balroop. We are taking Tornado Boy fishing for his first time. Should be hysterical. Have a lovely weekend and Happy Writing!
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Consider pictures and a post. 😀
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I will try to remember my camera! That’s a good idea for a post when my brain isn’t working. 😀
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Great writing, the presentation is excellent, lot I learn from your writing. 💓 💓 💓
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Thanks so much for the visit, Bibhuti. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Keep up the writing and have a great weekend!
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Good luck battling the tornado! Show it who’s boss. 😉
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He’s the boss. We used to call him the Overlord. Now that he’s three, he’s transformed into Tornado Boy. Thanks for stoppy by. Have a great weekend. 🙂
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Oh, don’t completely shelf “the Overlord.” That one will be priceless when he’s a teen.
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A teen? You mean he’s going to grow up?
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However hard it may seem at present.
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Oh, THAT kind of Tornado! I thought the regular destructive kind. Ah well, know that should you fall valiantly in battle, we’ll sing songs of your deeds! 🙂
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Gripping tale and excellent writing, Diana! So many of your books I want to read…*sigh*
Hope the tornado is not so violent. Take care!
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Thanks for stopping by, Khaya. We’re excited for Tornado Boy’s visit. Grampy got him a fishing pole, so as long as it isn’t raining, we’ll be outside. Yes, those reading dreams can be a bit overwhelming. I can relate. Have a great weekend 🙂
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I can tell already that Catling is a strong character to be reckoned with. Great excerpt!
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She’s young in the first book, Kathryn, and not quite as in control of her destiny. That starts changing pretty early in this one. Thanks for stopping by to check out the excerpt. 🙂
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Great writing, as expected!
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Thanks so much, Bette. I’m get to take a deep breath as each one goes live. Just on time for spring planting. Have a lovely weekend and Happy Writing. 😀
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Kudos, Diana. Wishing you a lovely weekend too! 🙂
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Sounds great, D. I have to catch up, still have the 1st book laying “in wait” !!!
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Thanks for the cheers, Van. These are rolling off every couple weeks, and I’m looking forward to having the last one out. Then a nice breather! Have a great Friday and wonderful weekend. 😀
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Plan to set aside most of your calendar once you start, Van. Otherwise, you’ll be living in two worlds for a while.
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I did suspect that would happen, Erik, which is why I haven’t started this one yet. Thanks.
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Aw. Thanks, Erik. ❤
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Very nice. You build in a lot of political intrigue with this one scene. Liked it a lot.
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Thanks for stopping by, Russell. It’s so hard to pick a short scene that stands on its own. Glad you like it! Happy Writing 🙂
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No surprises when it comes to your writing quality D :). My daughter started reading The SG on Wednesday evening and was on chapter 7 before I knew it. This is next on her list (presuming she enjoys Cody et al) so she may have started it by now 🙂
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Thanks so much, Phil. I love it that you shared Sorcerer’s Garden with your daughter! I hope she gets a kick out of it. These four new ones need to be read in order, just an FYI. Thanks so much for stopping by! Have a great weekend. 🙂
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Sorry, D, I realised when I pressed ‘send’ I’d phrased it badly. I’d mentioned the series to her and she headed to Amazon to buy book one and I advised her to buy The SG while she was there. It seems you have a (nother) fan 🙂 Have a great weekend 🙂
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You didn’t phrase it badly at all! I love having readers however they find me. ❤
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Phil, The Sorcerer’s Garden was the first of Diana’s books I read. And it was fantastic, a truly unique idea development. With Diana’s current series, while the writing is equally excellent and the ideas nothing I’ve ever encountered (which I love), The Rose Shield series is quite different from The Sorcerer’s Garden; whereas The Sorcerer’s Garden “bleeds” between a modern setting and a fantasy realm, and slips the reader back and forth between the two with an almost psychedelic quality at times, The Rose Shield series is high fantasy in every regard.
One thing I can say for sure is that your daughter will love it and, like me, be mad when it’s over, because she’ll want her world and characters to continue on. And that’s exactly how you want to feel at the end of a good book or series!
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Thanks for the great comment, Erik. They are quite different. That’s a fun part of writing – the exploration and flights of fancy, trying new ideas when the muse strikes. 🙂
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Hi Erik, I’m not a big reader (and after a work related breakdown still struggle with concentration) and have never really been able to get into the fantasy genre much preferring detective based dramas. I read The SG because I really enjoyed reading Diana’s blog stories and the premise intrigued me. (And I needed to read more) My daughter loved all the Lord of the Rings yarns and is a little book worm and I suspected she’d enjoy Diana’s stories. So far that seems to be the case. She’s pestered me to read TLOTR and one day I will… Tolkien will have to wait his turn behind D though 🙂 Thank you and best wishes 🙂
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How frustrating to have had your focus inhibited like that. I did as well for a couple of years after a car accident. Keep at it, though. Our brains are pretty amazing pieces of technology.
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😀 ❤
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Oh wow! I’m gripped by this excerpt, Diana! I couldn’t help but cheer for Catling as she stands up to Dalcoran but wonder what will happen with time, will her resolve hold strong? The other day I was reading Gaiman talking about naming characters and how one of his had three names before he found the perfect fit of ‘Shadow’. I couldn’t help but think of the terrific names of your characters and how they inhabit their names. BTW I was wondering about your grandson as we haven’t heard about him for a while – have a brilliant time with Tornado Boy! 😀❤️
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I totally agree with Gaiman on names. I either know the name from day one, or I search and search. Dalcoran was always Dalcoran. Catling started as Ashling but that just didn’t feel right. Yes, Tornado Boy is going to wear me out, but he’s so excited, it’s a good worn out. 😀 Have a great weekend yourself. Hugs.
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I was telling Diana this recently, as well, Annika. Her stories themselves are so enthralling that it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that she’s also a master at the details — like choosing names that feel “fantasy” and yet that belong to the same world linguistically.
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Goodness, I’m starting to blush. Ha ha. 😀
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A good blush makes you feel alive, I’ve found. 😉
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NICE excerpt!
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Thanks so much for the comment, Felicia. The main character, Catling, is starting to feel her power. 😀 Have a great Friday!
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This reads really well Diana.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
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Thanks so much, David. It’s fun to roll these off finally. Just on time for spring. Massive Hugs!
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Oooh! Can’t wait! Love the picture of Catling too 🙂
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I tried to get close-ish on the photo, Nick. Part of the fun. I’m going to send all beta readers the book as a gift later today, so don’t purchase. 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by!
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Whoop! Thanks, Diana! 🙂
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