Joreh is the last of my trio of main characters. You’ve met Barus and Aster. Joreh is my reluctant protagonist. The poor guy is riddled with ambivalence. I make all my characters suffer, but Joreh is the least sure of his convictions, and he more than the other characters will be forced to make the difficult choices between justice, faith, and love.
Below is a little snippet from his first POV chapter. I hope you enjoy it.
***
Lanterns lit the watchtowers, and guards held up the gleaming gold haloes in the rising squall. The bonfire in the square hissed and thrashed like a demon in iron chains, and Joreh longed to stand before it and forget the girl. The caravan had departed, and the square lay empty as residents sheltered in their homes. The woodsmen headed for the tavern.
He glanced at Aster, impatient for instructions. She waited in the blowing snow for him or whatever would befall her next. Three stiff-backed soldiers approached from the barracks. At the same time, the inn’s door swung open and several brothers of the Red Order descended the steps, his father in the lead.
She stepped back, but surrounded by men from the outpost, she lacked anywhere to run. Joreh grabbed her arm. She shook in his grip, and any strength or confidence he’d witnessed during their short trek vanished. What little color rosied her cheeks drained from her face, and her eyes sought his, white-rimmed with panic. His father terrified her. How did she even know him?
“Well done, Joreh. I’d assumed we’d lost her. How fitting that you’re the one to deliver her to the Blessed One’s justice.” His father clapped him on the back and gestured to a soldier. “Secure her in a cage.”
Her gaze flitted to the dangling cages, and Joreh grimaced, wishing they could get this over with, quietly and honorably, without the displays of intimidation. If they locked her in a cage, she’d freeze to death before morning. He drew a knife from his wide sash and cut the bindings on her wrists, eager to follow the woodsmen into the tavern. “It’s too cold in the cages. Lock her up inside or chain her in the stable.”
She rubbed blood into her strangled hands and edged nearer to him as if he held the key to her salvation. He possessed no such thing. Nor did he want it.
His father looked down his nose at her. “She doesn’t require coddling. She’s dead. And if there’s any question, come morning, we’ll hang her.”
“She hasn’t been tried.” Joreh scraped a hand over his scowl. “You can’t execute her without the goddess’s judgment.”
His father raised an eyebrow. “Oh, my son, watch me. The Blessed One requires no trial for this one. She’s far from innocent. Her very existence is a testament to evil.” He grabbed the collar of her cloak and yanked her toward the fire. She cried out, writhing like a wild thing as she fumbled with the clasp.
Joreh staggered after them. Would his father throw her into the flames? That he even asked himself such a question dismayed him.
The cloak’s brooch popped. Aster dropped to the mud, and the vicar tossed the garment into the fire. He beckoned to the soldiers. “Take her to the cage.”
Joreh gritted his teeth as his father eyed him, daring him to utter a challenge. Two soldiers lowered a wooden cage. A blade prodded her to the cell, and she stumbled inside. She gripped the wooden bars as the rope drew taut through its pulley and lifted her prison, swaying and creaking, into the air. Snow fell through the bars unimpeded. Joreh stamped his frozen feet as the woman curled into the cage’s corner, too far from the fire to feel its warmth. Wrapped in his cloak, he trailed his father into the inn.
Myths of the Mirror 
Lots of drama in that scene, for sure! Great job, Diana!
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Thanks so much for stopping by to read, Sheri. I’m excited to get this book out. It’s been a while coming. Hope you’re doing well. Happy Writing!
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Good luck on completing and publishing this one, Diana! I’m still plugging along and enjoying work on Miss Liv. Happy Writing, to you too!
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😀
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You have a real gift for coming up with names. Those seem so perfect!
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Thanks, Betsy. I actually struggled with the names for this one, (not sure why), so I’m glad they worked! Glad you stopped by, as always. Have a wonderful week. 😀
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I suppose you struggling with the names just meant you were extra careful to choose the perfect ones. 🙂
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Ha! We’ll go with that. 😀
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🙂
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Terrific, Diana!
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Thanks, Jennie. I appreciate the visit. Have a wonderful weekend. ❤
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You’re welcome, Diana. Happy weekend!
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Poor Joreh I feel his ambivalence. I’d love to see him stand up to his dad in this story, and no doubt you will show his growth through story. Nice suspense to keep us guessing. Fantastic writing as always! ❤
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Thanks so much for the kind comment, Debby. He does have a nice character arc, but it’s going to be a struggle! This is the last snippet tease so I don’t give away too much. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hugs, my friend. ❤ ❤
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Nice post to leave us wanting more. Happy weekend my friend. ❤ xx
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You’ve wet (whet?) my imagination and my longing to grab your book in my hands. CAN’T WAIT!! (And really, shouldn’t it be ‘whet’?) 🙂
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Yes, whet – to sharpen. Ha ha. And I’m so glad you’re looking forward to the read. That makes me very happy, Pam. All smiles. It will be soon! Thanks for stopping by and for the great comment. Have a lovely evening and slide through Friday into the weekend. Hugs.
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Okay, Joreh needs to do something quickly.
🙂
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He’s really torn, Sandra. Necromancers are evil after all. Small steps. Thanks for the visit! I’m glad you enjoyed the snippet, and I loved your comment. Lol. Happy Writing!
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I’ve always loved your descriptive writing – you do have a marvelous way with adjectives and adverbs 😊. Another excellent excerpt. Joreh is the type of character that fascinates and intrigues me.
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Thanks for reading and for the comment, Tessa. I’m glad you enjoyed this. It was hard to find a good snippet for Joreh that didn’t need a lot of backstory. This is pretty early on. I’m going to put the poor guy through the wringer. Lol. Have a great day and Happy Reading.
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Poor Joreh! That only intrigues me more, though 😂
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😀
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What a rich world you’ve created, Diana. Thanks for this snippet. I can’t wait to read the entire thing. Hugs on the wing.
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This is the last snippet, Teagan. I don’t want to give away the story too much. Lol. Thanks so much for stopping by and for the kind comment. Hugs back atcha. Have a lovely day.
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Wow! Dad’s kind of a harsh guy.
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A bit of a zealot, Craig. But he has his reasons for his convictions too. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment. Have a great writing day!
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HI Diana, a most compelling piece. Humans do the most dreadful things to each other in the name of religious convictions. It makes me shudder.
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Thanks for dropping by to read, Robbie, and for the comment. Joreh’s going to have to examine his faith in this one. Not that he needs to give it up, but he will have to make a few tough choices about what he’s been taught and always taken for granted. I’m glad you enjoyed this. Have a wonderful slide into the weekend, and happy writing!
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Thank you, Diana, you too.
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Joreh sounds like an interesting character. It’s easy to root for the characters with strong convictions and principles, yet I think we get invested in those who don’t because we’re hoping they find their way and make the right choices.
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Great insight, Pete. There’s a lot of internal conflict for those characters and potential for growth. Almost all of Joreh’s strong convictions will be tested and he’s going to have to make choices that go against what he knew to be true. Poor guy. Lol. Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. I love your comments. ❤
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I see what you meant about things getting really bad for Aster. And I can imagine all kinds of tough choices for Joreh. Lots of conflict, both external and internal.
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Thanks for reading, Audrey. This world doesn’t look kindly on necromancers. And you’re right that Joreh is going to have to make some tough choices. He’s not very happy with me. 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed the snippet. Happy Writing!
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Ha, yes–Herbert West was a scientific necromancer, and look what happened to him! 😉
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Exactly!
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A terrific read, Diana, I’m really looking forward to the full story. Happy birthday to your mom!
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Thanks for the visit, Steven. I spent the morning with my mom, and now I’m almost caught up with the blog too. I’m glad you enjoyed this and would be tickled if you read the book when it comes out. Have a wonderful evening, and Happy Writing.
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You too. 🙂
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Hi Diana, Have a lovely time with your Mum. That is a great extract – I love reluctant protagonists. Toni x
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Thanks, Toni. I like reluctant protagonists too. We don’t give them a choice about messing up their lives. 🙂 I had a lovely morning with my mom, and I’m almost caught up! Have a wonderful end to your week. Happy Writing.
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Hating the father, but really wanting to learn more about Joreh. Happy birthday to your mom, Diana!
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Ha ha ha. Thanks, Teri. I’m glad Joreh intrigued you. I’m going to put him through a meat-grinder. Lol. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. Have a wonderful evening. ❤
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Oh now you’ve done it. 😉 Great scene, Diana. I want to slap that awful man! The father, not the son. lol
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Thanks, Andrea. Your comments always make me smile. Joreh’s going to have to take a look at his beliefs and faith, and that isn’t an easy thing to do. I’m so tickled that you enjoyed this. Yay! Happy Writing, my friend.
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-grin- He’s in for a hard time, but it’s good for him! And the story. 😀
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🙂
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A very compelling excerpt, the type that makes the reader yell at the bad guy. I’m talking about you, Jorah’s father! I hope your mother had a good birthday.
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lol – I was muttering ‘Bastard!’ as I read. 🙂
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Joreh’s father has a lot of bad feelings about necromancers that he can’t let go or forgive. This is a particularly disturbing scene, but not the only one. Bwa ha ha ha.
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-giggles- I think you’ve discovered your dark side Ms Peach. 😉
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I’ve definitely got a dark side in my imagination. I funnel all my frustration there. 🙂
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More power to your pen, or the digital equivalent thereof! Not only is it cathartic, it makes for very powerful reading too. 🙂
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😀
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My mom had got a giant bunch of flowers, Liz. We spent the morning together and had a fun time. I’m glad you enjoyed the snippet and meeting Joreh. He’s got some soul searching ahead of him. Poor guy. 😀 Have a lovely evening, my friend.
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I’m so glad you had a good morning with your mother!
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I did, Liz. Thanks.
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I can’t wait for this one, Diana. I’m falling in love with the characters already.
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What a sweet thing to say, Viv. Thank you. This is the last of my snippets until the launch… don’t want to give too much away. Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a lovely end to your week, my friend. ❤
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Super excerpt, Diana. Joreh seems so out of his element. More than a reluctance. Maybe an aversion. Well done.
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Thanks for the wonderful comment, John. Poor Joreh is going to have to rethink everything and it’s not going to be easy. We are so hard on our characters, aren’t we? Have a lovely afternoon, my friend. Happy Writing!
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Yes we are. Thanks, Diana
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Good snippet for this character. Don’t forget to remind me when I need to shout out the book, on extra loud!!
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I’ll check to make sure I sent you the info, Noelle. And if I didn’t, I will! Still a while away. I meant to post this next week but… here it is! Lol. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Have an awesome afternoon. ❤
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This sounds amazing Diana!
🤩✨🌟
I got your email, and I am using your review. I came here to get your blog’s url! x
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Thanks, Resa. I’m delighted that you’re going to use the review. It was another great read from Shey. And thanks for taking a peek at the snippet. Huge hugs. ❤
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xoxo
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I think ‘reluctant’ describes Joreh very well! It shines through in his voice and actions excellently. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Jaya. Yeah, he’s going to be tested at every step. Poor guy. Have a lovely balance to your week, my friend. Hugs.
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I can feel Joreh’s dilemma, Diana! Great excerpt. Happy birthday to your mom. Does it mean you’re home to celebrate your mom’s birthday! Enjoy your day with your parents. ❤
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I got home last night and really had meant to take the day to do parent things and get caught up a bit. But best laid plans…. We had a great morning and now I can catch up on the blog. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the post! Hugs, my friend.
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It’s so much easier to celebrate with your parents when the gathering restriction is lifted. I still remember you wrote Happy Birthday with the chalks on the sidewalk for your dad’s birthday. 🙂 ❤
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Yeah. Thank goodness those days are over. 🙂 That was fun and the best I could do, but it’s much nicer in person. ❤
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It’s nicer in person for sure. I’m glad you had a good time with your parents. ❤
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It’s a gripping excerpt, Diana! Happy birthday to your mom.:-)
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Thanks, Priscilla. Of all days to post by mistake. But it worked out fine. Glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Have a wonderful day. 🙂
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A gift for Mom…
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Ha ha. That’s great. Thanks, GP. We had a nice time this morning with lots of bright flowers. ❤
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Happy birthday to your mom. I enjoyed reading this pasage.
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Thanks so much, Molly. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the scene. And thanks for the birthday kindness. We had a wonderful morning together. Have a lovely afternoon. ❤
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When the broach popped – you had me !!
And happy bday to your mother
☀️💛
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Thanks, Yvette. I wonder if he would really have thrown her in or if he was just trying to terrify her. I really don’t know. Glad you enjoyed the scene. And thanks for the bday wishes! Hugs.
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He sounds like a rich character and I think he wasn’t really sure either – it was just all in the heat of the moment – 🥹
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That’s probably accurate. So insightful, Yvette. Isn’t it strange how that comes across. I think when we create complex characters they take a life of their own, beyond what the author knows about them.
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Well “you” do that and other authors – I’m not sure I have that developed skill – mostly a non fiction writer (did lots of flags fiction) and then lots of Apa formatted papers
So! When “seasoned fiction authors” do that kind of creating it can flow and flow
🌸🌸🌸
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❤ ❤ ❤
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Happy birthday to your mom! It’s a full blood moon tonight, I hope that brings good things for her this year.
The scene with the fire in chains captured my imagination and gives a visceral sense of the terror Aster must feel. Poor Joreh, he will have to go against his tribe, and his father, to do what’s right.
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Thanks, Jacquie. It was the wrong day to post by mistake! But all worked out well. Thanks for the birthday wish for my mom. And…You guessed it right. Poor Joreh. It’s hard to go against one’s faith. And I’m glad you liked the fire bit. Pretty scary for everyone. 🙂 Have a lovely afternoon, my friend. Hugs.
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Great excerpt, you have me hooked. Happy 88th
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…Birthday to your mom xo
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Yes. I figured that’s what you meant. Lol. ❤
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Thanks for the lovely comment, Denise. I was away for about 5 days, and of course, I got all discombobulated. We had a lovely morning with lots of flowers. 🙂 Have a wonderful afternoon. Hugs.
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Very nice and well done dear Diana. Your work is awesome
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Thanks so much for the lovely comment, Kamal. I’m glad you enjoyed the snippet! Have a lovely day, my friend.
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You are always welcome dear Diana. Lovely story. You too have a great day 😊😘
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Your characters stand out despite outstanding prose Diana. Have a wonderful day with your mom. Wishing her good health and happy birthday.
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Thanks for reading and for the very kind comment, Balroop. You left me with a smile. All is well. I had a lovely morning with my mom, and I’ll be on the blog for the rest of the day. Plus the sun is shining! Hugs.
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Great snippet choice and image for Joreh’s introduction. I know he’s going to struggle before all is said and done. You’ve hooked me, and I can’t wait to find out. Happy Birthday to your mom. Enjoy your day, Diana.
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I’m home now, Mary. Thanks so much for the birthday wish for my mom. And for the lovely comment about the snippet. Poor Joreh’s going to have his life turned upside down. 🙂 Have a wonderful day, my friend. ❤
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One of my characters just did too. Oh, my!
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Writers are so mean, aren’t we? Nothing like putting our characters through the wringer! Happy Writing!
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I felt the cold of winter as I read the excerpt. Poor Joreh. I have a feeling he’s going to be faced with some hard choices. On another subject…best to your parents.
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Thanks, Laurie. Yeah, poor Joreh is going to have to rethink everything he’s taken for granted as the truth. And thanks for the note about my parents. It wasn’t the best day to post. Lol. But I’ll be back. Hope your summer is going great. See you soon.
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Great tension in this excerpt, Diana. Well done. Prayers for you and your parents! xo
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Thanks, Jill. We’re hanging in there. Today’s my mom’s 88th birthday… not a day I meant to post on the blog!! Lol. Sigh. Just have to laugh and go with the flow. Thanks for the visit and kind comment, my friend. Hugs to you and yours too! ❤
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Love the development of tension, Diana. And the life-sapping cold in the background round is so insidious – especially when you think she’s escaped it… but hasn’t.
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Thanks, Steve, for the visit and comment. Most of this book takes place in the winter, a beautiful season to write about and a challenge for the characters. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful day!
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I like how you show Joreh’s amibivalence, his father’s power, and his own conscience and reasoning … struggling. Well done.
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Thanks, Anneli. It was hard to pick a scene for him, but this seemed to capture a lot of what he’s struggling with, and continues to struggle with. Have a wonderful day, my friend. Hugs.
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I know! There are so many good parts. But yes, this is a good selection to show his struggles. Some of them anyway.
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😀
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Excellent. “Joreh scraped a hand over his scowl.”–this is the type of writing I love in your books. Unexpected use of words. Take care of your family. We’ll all talk later!
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Thanks for dropping by, Jacqui. I have to run, unfortunately. I’ll be back though! I’m glad you enjoyed the snippet and appreciate the kind comment. See you soon!
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Wonderful share. Don’t worry re replying, you have enough doing. Just lovely to read your work. xx
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What I most appreciate about your writing, Diana, that you present difficult choices. You allow readers to follow the decision-making process that is occurring in your characters. It is as if we are making the decisions along with the character. Happy Birthday to your mom! I’m celebrating with you on my side of the border.
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Thanks, Rebecca. What a lovely insight. Joreh’s faith is going to be sorely tested in this book. One of the challenges with “good” characters, is how to create conflict. I’ve found that giving them lose-lose choices works well. Writers are so mean. Lol. Have a lovely afternoon, my friend. ❤ ❤
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Thanks, Shey. Of course, I’m going to reply! I’m home after spending the morning with mom. Thanks for reading and for the lovely comment, my friend. Hugs. ❤ ❤
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Hope you had a good day xxxxxxx
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❤
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Well done Diana. Again, you and your characters have hooked me when I don’t really want to be adding to my TBR pile. 😋
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Ha ha ha. Awww. You’re so good to me, Brad. You always make me smile. It was really hard to pick a scene for Joreh, so I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Have a lovely day, my friend. ❤
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Thanks Diana. I’m glad you’re smiling. 💕
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