by

Kari’s Reckoning

She abandoned the view and walked, arm outstretched, slender fingertips leaving invisible ribbons where they glided across the smooth surface.

The unseamed gray of the floor, the cool walls, and flat ceiling held no memories of those who’d trod the halls before. They demanded no care, no cleaning, no mending, or maintenance. How long would the alien cities last unchanged, impervious to the passage of time? Another three hundred years? A millennium? Lives came and went, washing from the tiers’ petals like rainwater to the porous, wet world below. Was her life within these walls any more important, other than being hers?

Perhaps, only a world of wrinkles and grooves could capture the fragmented stories of wounded souls, hold them tight in the ashes and rubble. One required pitted stone and cracked wood, ragged bark and churned soil to heal a heart’s broken flesh. Her lover and daughter lived in that foreign world.

Her skin matched these walls, smooth and serene. Yet, the emptiness of her expression, the monotony of her smile hid a secret fire within her that would one day flare and burst forth in a conflagration of pent up desperation.

***

The final book of the Rose Shield Tetralogy is live.

Thanks to all for your kind comments and support along the way.

Start at the beginning with Catling’s Bane, Book 1 – Global Link

158 thoughts on “Kari’s Reckoning”

  1. Iris@poetsmith says:
    May 24, 2017 at 9:46 pm

    Lovely writing, really enjoyed reading! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Joanne Sisco says:
    May 1, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    Diana, you have such a talent with stringing words together. I love the line “only a world of wrinkles and grooves could capture the fragmented stories of wounded souls”. You’ve captured emotional texture in this wonderful line.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. heylookawriterfellow says:
    May 1, 2017 at 11:20 am

    Dang, D. Wallace, you’re good. (But I feel like I am always saying this.)

    Liked by 1 person

  4. roughwighting says:
    May 1, 2017 at 7:48 am

    Amazing detail as always, and a moody setting with foreshadowing. You teach us all how to create tense tight writing.

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      May 1, 2017 at 12:15 pm

      Well, I wouldn’t say I’m teaching anyone anything, but I’m glad you liked it! 🙂 This is near the start of book 4, and I like setting the mood to get everyone acclimated again in case it’s been awhile. Thank for the lovely comment, Pam. Have great week! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  5. thegeckoonline says:
    May 1, 2017 at 6:02 am

    I will definitely try and read this book, I’ve only read one of your posts yet I already know that you are a fantastic writer 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Lynz Real Cooking says:
    April 30, 2017 at 6:14 pm

    I love it all but the last paragraph really touches me!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Richard Ankers says:
    April 30, 2017 at 11:29 am

    Reblogged this on Richard M. Ankers and commented:
    Another glimpse into the brilliance of D. Wallace Peach.
    Enjoy
    Richard

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Kate McClelland says:
    April 30, 2017 at 7:58 am

    Reblogged this on Kate McClelland.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. A.S. Akkalon says:
    April 29, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    Congratulations! Your writing, as always, is gorgeous.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Marje @ Kyrosmagica says:
    April 29, 2017 at 10:16 am

    Wow, well done. Wishing you all the best with your latest release. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 29, 2017 at 10:29 am

      Thanks so much for stopping by, Marje. It’s nice to have this done and out there. Of course, phase two (marketing) will do on for a while, but that’s all part of this business. Have a lovely weekend and Happy Writing!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. reocochran says:
    April 29, 2017 at 9:38 am

    The magical world, Kari’s way of trailing her fingers and leaving no marks. . . they make me picture how her grandmother (?) had to deal with her own birthmark which impacted her personal fierceness. . .
    I am fond of your descriptive passages, showing beauty and insight into the world you created. They are “illuminating passages,” Diana!
    Wishing you much joy and best wishes on the final launch. ~ Robin

    Liked by 1 person

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 29, 2017 at 9:53 am

      Thanks, Robin, for the wonderful comment as always. It feels good to that these all out and to be looking forward to something new. In the meantime, some gardening and reading just for the pleasure of it. Have a great day. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      • reocochran says:
        April 29, 2017 at 11:18 am

        I think every day is a great one but an feeling hopeful of a date tonight. So, am spending time relaxing with blogging. Trying to not reach out to grown children since not available for grandies’ sleepover’s. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        • D. Wallace Peach says:
          April 29, 2017 at 11:51 am

          I bet your kids love having you around. They get a night off. Not tonight! Have fun on your date. ❤

          Liked by 1 person

          • reocochran says:
            April 29, 2017 at 12:34 pm

            I was able to have last night off, also. My youngest daughter and I ate in a really nice area of Columbus called Upper Arlington. She thought she had found a co-worker in her real estate company that I could hang out with while the guy I like is also busy with his kids. My old friend Anna, moved away and she loved all the flea markets, art, music and other summer venues. . . She moved in with a good guy she met on a matchmaking website. Just far away not to be able to join me anymore. This woman has no children nor interest in exploring. Felicia was right, she is my age. . . just less likely to choose same places to go. 🙂 Almost finished for today blogging Phew!!

            Liked by 1 person

  12. Sarah Brentyn says:
    April 29, 2017 at 9:36 am

    They’re here! They’re all out. Wow. Congratulations! Looking forward to this series. 🌹🛡

    Liked by 1 person

  13. penneyvanderbilt says:
    April 29, 2017 at 9:26 am

    Reblogged this on Crazy Pasta Child.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. L. T. Garvin, Author says:
    April 29, 2017 at 7:53 am

    You paint such extraordinary worlds, Diana. I also love your book covers. I know you must be so joyful to have all this hard work behind you. A glorious accomplishment!

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 29, 2017 at 9:36 am

      It’s a relief, Lana. And for once, I have nothing in the works – just in time for spring 🙂 While I’m gardening, I’ll let new ideas stew. Have a great weekend, my friend and thanks for stopping by!

      Liked by 2 people

  15. Julie Holmes, author says:
    April 29, 2017 at 4:47 am

    My TBR list is turning into an unwieldy tower 😀 Sounds fantastic, D. Have a great weekend!

    Liked by 3 people

  16. Bernadette says:
    April 29, 2017 at 4:47 am

    Diana, I would wish you luck but you don’t need it. The books are filled with words that lead to enchanting stories. Once a person picks up the first book they will want to read the entire series.

    Liked by 3 people

  17. Teagan Geneviene says:
    April 29, 2017 at 4:13 am

    Oh Diana, what a wonderful snippet. Love it. And that image is absolutely gorgeous, and perfect for the story. Mega hugs.

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 29, 2017 at 7:07 am

      Thanks, Teagan. I’m so glad you liked it. I’ve been creating the images myself on MS Word using pixabay images. It’s been kind of fun. Now I have a bunch of images to create a trailer if I can figure that out. 😀 Mega hugs back at you!

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Ali Isaac says:
    April 29, 2017 at 2:10 am

    You got me hooked… that sounds fantastic! Sigh… the TBR is turning into a mountain! Thank goodness its virtual, otherwise I think we’d all be in danger of being crushed… Death by Literature! 😁

    Liked by 2 people

  19. patriciaruthsusan says:
    April 29, 2017 at 1:25 am

    Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
    D. Wallace Peach’s latest book.

    Liked by 1 person

  20. patriciaruthsusan says:
    April 29, 2017 at 1:23 am

    Lovely with captivating metaphors as always, Diana. All the best for the new book. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 2 people

  21. Annika Perry says:
    April 29, 2017 at 1:13 am

    Diana, this is a formidable accomplishment – congratulations on all your four books released in this series! 😀A fantastic feat!😀 This writing extract is as powerful and descriptive as all the snippets you’ve shared for us – a wonderfully haunted feeling with such intense desolation but then the fire within her. Brilliant.😀

    Liked by 2 people

  22. ankandas says:
    April 29, 2017 at 12:39 am

    Beautiful words… congratulations…👏👏👏👏

    Liked by 2 people

  23. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    April 29, 2017 at 12:15 am

    Congratulations Diana.. an amazing feat getting the four books out so swiftly and love the covers. Enjoy your weekend.. Sally

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 29, 2017 at 6:33 am

      Thanks for stopping by, Sally. These were 2 years in the making, but I held the first ones back so the series would sustain its momentum. So far so good. Have a great weekend too. Hugs.

      Liked by 2 people

      • Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
        April 29, 2017 at 7:40 am

        Pleasure Diana and have scheduled in the cafe update for Monday.. xx

        Liked by 1 person

      • Erik says:
        April 29, 2017 at 10:12 am

        Great decision. I’m still mad at Patrick Rothfuss (The Kingkiller Chronicles) for releasing two books in a series and then making us wait years here for to continue the story!

        Liked by 1 person

        • D. Wallace Peach says:
          April 29, 2017 at 10:24 am

          Me too, Erik. After Rothfuss, I decided I’m not going to start a series until it’s all written. At this point, I’d have to read the first books all over again. Rothfuss is the reason I wanted to release my books together – no waiting and forgetting. JRR Martin is another one. I heard that he isn’t going to bother finishing the Game of Thrones series! The gall! Lol.

          Liked by 1 person

          • Erik says:
            April 29, 2017 at 10:31 am

            If you’re writing to make money, and then you get in on a huge franchised opportunity like the televised series (along with all those royalty payments) … I suppose you lose your original impetus for writing. (And it’s possible that more money was involved in the network potentially having bought out rights to continue the story in a way they believe offers the most future potential for viewership as well.)

            Liked by 1 person

            • D. Wallace Peach says:
              April 29, 2017 at 10:48 am

              Oh, okay, good point (she says grudgingly). Ha ha. Apparently, he knew that when he signed over the rights for the series to HBO, he knew that they’d go in another direction. I guess I would do the same if it really came down to it. 🙂

              Liked by 1 person

  24. bpsenapati says:
    April 28, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    Congregation on the final book of the Rose shield Diana, I loved the passage and your style of writing.

    Liked by 2 people

  25. Erika Beebe says:
    April 28, 2017 at 5:15 pm

    Congratulations Diana! I am so happy for you 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  26. Steven Baird says:
    April 28, 2017 at 5:10 pm

    Gloriously descriptive writing, Diana. And congratulations! You did it! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  27. Sean P Carlin says:
    April 28, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    Congrats on having the entire series out now, Diana — must feel great to have your baby all grown up and out in the world! I’d love to read an essay (or a series of them) from you on the creative process as it pertains to this project: where you got the idea, how long it took to write, etc.

    I’m still only on Book I because I am a slow reader, but I’m kind of savoring that I have three more adventures ahead of me yet!

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 28, 2017 at 6:54 pm

      Thanks for the kind comment, Sean, and for cheering me on through this project. The baby has been kicked out of the house and is making her way in the world. 😀

      I’ll have to think about detailing my process. I’ve thought about it, but then I start thinking about how writers each have to find what works for them and my way is simply what works for me. For example, I edit as I go, which many “experts” say not to do. I’ve blogged about outlining and character development. I have a world-building post in draft, but it’s looonnnng, so I haven’t posted it. Honestly, I have no idea where I get my ideas. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      • Erik says:
        April 29, 2017 at 10:18 am

        I’m an edit-as-I-goer as well, Diana.

        And just because a baby is kicked out of the house doesn’t mean there’s nothing left for mama to do in supporting it (but you know this).

        Liked by 2 people

      • Sean P Carlin says:
        April 29, 2017 at 11:05 am

        I personally enjoying learning about other writers’ processes not so much for how-to tips (not anymore, anyway, as I’ve got a system of my own that works well for me), but really more for the pure pleasure of “shoptalk.” It’s simply interesting to learn how others approach the discipline — to learn how they took an idea, developed it, and turned it into a fully realized work of art.

        That said, some artists speak more comfortably about their process than others; for some, talking about it diminishes its mystical power. So, I get that, too. For instance, some of my favorite directors, like Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan, won’t do DVD audio commentaries for fear of demystifying the film’s magic; yet others, like John Carpenter and Rob Reiner, do brilliant commentaries that only enhance my appreciation for a particular film. To each his own.

        Liked by 2 people

        • D. Wallace Peach says:
          April 29, 2017 at 12:02 pm

          I love talking shop too, Sean. But sometimes I don’t really know how I do things, if that makes sense; they just happen. It does feel like magic. When I wrote my first book I thought it was being channeled. Ha ha. I had no idea where it was coming from. Later, I learned that this is a natural feeling that many writers experience. I’m used to it now, and it doesn’t shock me like it used to, but it still feels like I’m tapping into an alternate reality. Whole stories pop into my head sometimes – from start to finish! The only thing I do differently now is outline. It keeps me and all those alternate-reality storytellers on track. 😀

          Liked by 2 people

          • Sean P Carlin says:
            April 29, 2017 at 12:57 pm

            I know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s magic when you get seized with an idea that you know — you feel — is special; it must be told. That happened to me on Escape from Rikers Island, and it certainly happened for the story that will be my next novel, which is a new take on an old folktale — something so obvious it should’ve been done by now! When I first came up with the idea a few years ago, I pitched it around to colleagues on the Hollywood circuit, and everyone was like, “Oh, my God — you’ve got to write that.” That only got me more excited to do it. This was when I was still screenwriting — before I’d decided to pursue being a novelist — and I’d decided almost from the get-go that I was going to do this one as a novel, not a spec screenplay. The only reason I didn’t write it prior to doing EFRI is because I figured there was going to be enough of a learning curve going from scripts to novels, and this is a more complex story, so I decided to cut my teeth on something more narratively straightforward before moving on to my “magnum opus.” But I am excited to get to it; it’s like a big action-figure playset I can’t wait to open!

            Liked by 2 people

          • Erik says:
            May 1, 2017 at 6:07 am

            People write notes and outlines even when giving speeches or presentations about events they themselves have lived through; it’s about staying focused, not cramping the story.

            Liked by 2 people

    • Erik says:
      April 29, 2017 at 10:16 am

      The perpetual dilemma: wanting to read quickly to find out what happens next — and wishing you had read more slowly, mad when it’s over.

      Liked by 2 people

  28. Jacqui Murray says:
    April 28, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    You are a master wordsmith. “The skin matched the walls”–of course you’ve given a visceral description of that. Lovely.

    Liked by 3 people

  29. cathleentownsend says:
    April 28, 2017 at 2:05 pm

    Another fine excerpt, Diana. I particularly enjoyed your use of descriptive language in this one. You spent some time on it, but it never crossed the line into excess ornamentation. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 28, 2017 at 6:24 pm

      Thanks, Cathleen. I said on the other comment that it was book 4, but oops, this one is book 4. I’m delirious from working outside in the sun. Ha ha. Thanks so much for the kind comment. 🙂 Happy Writing!

      Liked by 2 people

  30. Mike says:
    April 28, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    A moving excerpt, and a dynamic, eye-catching cover. I’m envious!

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 28, 2017 at 6:10 pm

      Thanks so much, Mike. I found the cover designer on line, loved their work, and gave very little direction so I wouldn’t stifle the creativity. I really lucked out. 😀 Have a great weekend and Happy Writing.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. dgkaye says:
    April 28, 2017 at 12:04 pm

    Oh congrats Diana! What a wonderful way to begin May. All your babies are born! So now we can talk about featuring you over at my blog as one of my Friday author interviews? 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  32. balroop2013 says:
    April 28, 2017 at 11:44 am

    Congratulations Diana! You must be a proud of your achievements…the emotion sinks in when it is all done for the time being 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 28, 2017 at 11:50 am

      Thanks, Balroop. There is a little sunshine today so the timing is perfect to enjoy the end of this journey (except for the rest of the journey – lol). Have a great weekend yourself and Happy Writing!

      Liked by 2 people

  33. sherijkennedyriverside says:
    April 28, 2017 at 11:38 am

    Woot! So exciting…Congrats! I’m working my way through with my slow reading self, but I expect to arrive at this final book eventually. I’m already captivated in Book I. Enjoy the weekend and the glow of the final book release! – Sheri

    Liked by 2 people

  34. Bette A. Stevens says:
    April 28, 2017 at 10:53 am

    An awesome excerpt… Congrats and Best Wishes on the release of Book 4! xo

    Liked by 2 people

  35. Mary J. McCoy-Dressel says:
    April 28, 2017 at 9:00 am

    I love the excerpt. How long do you search for the perfect image for your posts? You always find the perfect match. HUGE congratulations on another book release, Diana. The covers look tremendous together.

    Liked by 2 people

  36. Russell J. Fellows says:
    April 28, 2017 at 8:48 am

    Love it, and congrats!

    Liked by 2 people

  37. anotherfoodieblogger says:
    April 28, 2017 at 8:22 am

    Huge congrats on the final wrap-up! I see some warm weather coming our way, yay! One more night of freezing here and then hopefully we are out of the woods for awhile, as my seedlings are begging me to take them outside!

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 28, 2017 at 8:43 am

      There are bits of blue sky today, Kathryn. Finally! I might yank out blackberry vines this afternoon if the weather hold. Yep – time for those cold weather seedlings to get in the ground. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Planting!

      Liked by 2 people

  38. robbiesinspiration says:
    April 28, 2017 at 8:13 am

    Congratulations Diana. That is lovely news. I enjoyed the passage very much.

    Liked by 2 people

  39. Marietta Rodgers says:
    April 28, 2017 at 7:07 am

    You are supposed to be at the beach somewhere sipping margaritas. You are so diligent. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  40. Dorinda Duclos says:
    April 28, 2017 at 6:36 am

    Congratulations! Can you now breathe or do you have another book lurking nearby? 😉

    Liked by 2 people

  41. Almost Iowa says:
    April 28, 2017 at 6:25 am

    Beautiful writing.

    Liked by 3 people

  42. Jennifer Kelland Perry says:
    April 28, 2017 at 5:56 am

    Your covers are gorgeous!

    Liked by 3 people

  43. nonsmokingladybug says:
    April 28, 2017 at 5:50 am

    Congratulation on the final book of the Rose Shield Tetralogy.
    The cover is very intregiung.

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      April 28, 2017 at 7:38 am

      Thanks, Bridget. It feels good to have this one done and out there. Now, on to something new 🙂 Thanks for the compliment on the cover. The designer did such a nice job for me. I’ll pass it on. Have a great weekend!

      Like

  44. philosophermouseofthehedge says:
    April 28, 2017 at 5:45 am

    Such skill with words. Easy to get lost and willing wander into their images. Enjoyed these (and YEA!)

    Liked by 2 people

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