The Solitary Road Blog welcomes Morgan Braith Of In Dreams... The Unavoidable Road RT@shannonihayes #WriterWednesday

The Solitary Road Blog welcomes Morgan Braith

      I'd like to welcome Morgan Braith today to the Solitary Road Blog. Morgan comes to us from my second novel  In Dreams... The Unavoidable Road. and the soon to be released In Dreams... The Savage Road, Morgan thank you for taking the time to chat with me.

Not a problem, you know I am my favorite subject. *Flashes his perfect pearly white smile, the dimples on either end killing me.* He laughs out right now.

      Why are you laughing?

For the same reason you're blushing. *taps the side of his head.* Mind reader... Remember?

      Oh yeah, huh. How does that work out for you? 

Pretty well usually. Although as of late my wires have been somewhat crossed.

      Yeah sorry about that, but I had to give you limitations. You know conflict, It hasn't been all that bad has it?  

Nothing I can't handle.  But that's not what you were going to ask before. I swear you were planning on a copy paste job, to make it faster.

     Morgan, I've asked you not to do that. I hate it when you get in my head like that. You always point out the shit I don't say.

(A large grin flashes across his chiseled features and I almost forget I was mad.) He doesn't respond, or apologize.

     Ahem, Tell me how you see yourself, for those who haven't read my work yet. 

Me? Oh I'm Perfect. 

     Morgan...

(Flicks his fingers at me agitatedly.) Fine, but you know how I look usually depends on who's doing the looking. Typically I'm 6'4 with broad shoulders, a thin waist and massively strong legs. My hair today at least, is long and black as coal. My eyes are basically turquoise, with little flecks of lapis lazuli. Straight white teeth. Oh and I've got a perfect tan everywhere.

       So now that we have the mental picture, what about your personality.

   He's an ass! (Amara calls out before tossing a ball at the back of his head.)

Not funny! *tosses ball back almost breaking a lamp.*

     Easy you two. I swear I can't have nice things! Amara let him have his interview.

  Like he let me have mine... Right or do we forget how fast he inserted himself there? 

Prickly pear tush I'll get the gag...

    Promises... Promises.. *She flings her hair back over her shoulder crosses her legs quietly.*

Thank you. Sheesh, you two act like an old married couple. *I snicker.* 

Don't say that! She'll get ideas. You want to know what I think of her, fact is she's temperamental, ethnocentric, and really loud. She difficult, but that's makes her interesting. I like interesting. I like the Squab too when he's not trying to climb up my leg.

     Squab?

Her Raven, Jeremy. There are times he's useful. Good at throwing a distraction. I threaten to eat him regularly but I'm sure he'd be rather stringy. *Laughs*

     So I have a head shot of you, where was this from?

You took it in your back yard... 

     I did didn't I? You really are a pain in the ass. Tell me about the sword. 

I have three of them, a large and medium single blade and a smaller double. The handles are wrapped in my clan colors. Black and Blue, like my eyes. And then there is a silver chording that pulls it together and hides the compartment for my disc blades. 

     I understand that those blades have a prayer on them identical to that of Amara's swords. What's that about?

No idea. Seems my language ended up on the Isle she comes from and got bastardized. Other than that theory I've not a clue.

     

      So you spent the first quarter leg of The Unavoidable Road pretty much stalking Amara, wanna defend that reasoning? Because you are not well liked by all on the page. 

Really... That's too bad. I'm a good friend to have. Oh well can't please them all. I  an be very charming if I want to be. But I figure since I can hear all your thoughts you should probably get a good sense of the rest of mine. I act according to how I am reacted to. If someone... Particularly a very colorful and loud dreaming, stubborn person, *Looks at Amara, who sticks out her tongue at him* can't get the hint that I wanted to help and not for gain, then that's on her. My reasons were pretty clear, I won't defend them. As for stalking, I can't help that everyone knows me and we were going in the same direction. 

     I understand you don't dream. What's that about?

*Laughs* You tell me. But seriously for so long as I can remember, and my memory is long, I've never dreamed of my own thoughts. I've always caught the dreams of those around me. Usually they have to be near to me but sometimes people dream loudly. It's those people who intrigue me most. Thy are the ones I want to get to know usually.

      Like Amara?

*Snickers rubbing the bridge of his nose* That was... Well she dreams Really Loud! Like a fog horn in my head, Couldn't have ignored her if I tried.

      Not that you tried very hard.

No... No I didn't.

     Care to tell us why not? 

I could but what would be the fun in that? People will just have to read the books for themselves. 

*He winks before standing up, grabbing Amara up tossing her over his shoulder.* Now if you'll excuse us, we have another adventure to start.

Quite Right. Thanks Morgan.

Well that's it for todays interview, from The In Dreams.. Trilogy. Do keep your eyes open as The Savage Road hits shelves right around Christmas! 

Happy Reading!!

S.I. Hayes

The In Dreams... Series, The Roads Trilogy, is the accumulation of almost eight years of writing. Begun in 2006 after a D&D campaign

ended S.I.Hayes took the world and created the Unavoidable Road. It took five years as 

Shannon spent many months at a time in an undiagnosed Bi-Polar fog. 

In 2010, she finally found the help she needed and she has been writing feverishly ever since

The first book wast over 130,000 words, so she decided that it needed to be smaller if only tonot scare readers away form an unknown book that was so thick. 

Thus the first trilogy was born. 

In between she became the CoAuthor to Awakenings: The Wrath Saga, a Paranormal Drama likened to Big Brother Meets The Real World, of the Preternatural, Several blogs and her own website. S.I.Hayes.com.

Links:

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The 131 Preview Review 

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#IDTHESOLITARYROAD New Ch Excerpt... Teaser

      ..... She sat at the edge of the Tree pool watching as brilliant purple flowers floated on the still water when Elder came to sit by her side.

      

      He watched as she hardly glanced at him and only seemed to be concerned with the stillness around.

      

     “What has turned you so cold?” He asked finally.

      

      “What do you call those flowers on the water?” She seemed to ignore his question just as easily as she avoided talking about home.

      

       “They are called Padma. They flow swiftly down the river here and deposit in the pool, they are said to bring good fortune... But Amara, I have been trying to speak with you, on behalf of the others for many days now. And for many days, you have simply changed the subject. We are not ones to pry, but we do prefer to know more about where one comes from when they come to us. Surely, you can understand, we do not leave this place. So we crave knowledge of those we house beneath our canopy.”

Chapter One Except... Fully Edited Proof

In Dreams... The Solitary Road Ch. Excerpt 

The World of In Dreams...

Chapter Nine

In this latest chapter The Pride Group finally reaches it's destination in the Braithorian Mountains, and Amara finds that civilization is more than a point of view... 

CHAPTER NINE

                Amara stayed away from Graw after that night, staying with Khane for the rest of their journey, who did not question the move. Occasionally she spotted Graw up ahead as he pulled his share in the cart, and when they made camp she purposely avoided him, keeping with Bas a’ Rhinn, and with the unyielding push of the Shaman, it took little time before Amara was able to conjure up fire. So long as she had something, likened to kindling. When she did, the fires burned hotter and longer than any made by flint and steel, as such she was tasked with conjuring the Bonfires at night.

Chapter Eight

This chapter pushes Amara's lines of perception, her time with the Raepuwa, notably Graw is quickly changing her thoughts and actions. And the heat is building, but will it ever be satiated? 

CHAPTER 8

        While the Raepuwa cleaned themselves and each other with licks and paws, Amara did not warm up to the idea, even as Graw offered.

        “A bath, Graw, like with warm water and a tub.” She winced gently pushing his head away from her face, even as he tried to lick the blood of the animal from her brow.

        He pulled back, a determined look on his face as he stood upright, looking left then right. “One. Wait here.” His gestures demanded as he set off toward the cart that held his tent and wares. He picked up the large barrel that held the tent and rods when in transit, dumping the contents on the ground before bounding back to Amara, putting it down in front of her.

         “And what is that?”

        “A Tub?”

        Her face was a half turned smile. “Uh huh, and where-“

        Graw grabbed her by the arm dragging her and the barrel down to where the bonfire was being started. She watched as he took the piles of cleared snow and scooped it up filling the barrel. It made sense to her; the barrels were once used for wine. So melted snow would be of no problem. Once the barrel was full, Graw left it where it stood. Taking Amara back to aid him in building their tent, of which she mostly watched, although healed, the exertion of skinning the Woolenbeasts left her tender. Just as he was finishing up, and getting ready to move his things inside Khane appeared with Enwa, turning Amara’s attention.

****

        “Come with us?” Khane asked as Enwa kept his gaze to the ground.

         Amara got up from the blanket, following the pair back to Khane’s tent. Of the Pride group, Khane and Graw were the ones who regularly engaged her. The Shaman Bas a’ Rhinn, having made it clear he wanted no part of her. Inside Khane’s tent, Amara was nervously surprised to find him, smoking a pipe, awaiting her arrival. Khane and Enwa dropped their hands to the ground, their heads low and hindquarters high, Enwa’s tail curling downward and to the right. This was the Raepuwa way of bowing. Amara bowed her head, bending as much from the middle as she was able.

         A low double snort came from Bas a’ Rhinn, she had often heard this from Graw, and knew it to be their equivalent to a laugh. She looked up, as he took in the smoke, his nostrils flaring.

        “Have you learned enough, they tell me you have proved useful to us?” Bas a’ Rhinn asked, ending his gestures bidding the other two rise.

         “As useful as I can be.” Amara answered calmly, glancing to Khane and Enwa, who appeared to smile.

        “You could be of greater use; we did after all save you, as Enwa here has reminded us.”

        Khane pushed Enwa into a subservient sit. “Do you think this youth speaks out of place?” Khane asked. “He nearly cost us our celebrations tonight, what Amara, do you think should be done to such an insolent whelp?”

       Unease crept over Amara, as she looked at them puzzled. “Why ask me? He is not speaking an untruth, only pointing out the obvious debt that I owe.”

       “Are you not a leader where you come from?” Bas a’ Rhinn questioned. “Is that on your thighs flesh not the mark of a High Priestess?”

       Her chest tightened, her breath halted, as she searched for an answer. It was true that she bore the glyph of the High Priestess, but she was not yet possessor of the title.

      “We have not told the others of the Pride, do not worry for your safety, but we must know if it is true that a summoner has come from the Lost Isle.” Bas a’ Rhinn leaned toward her, using the end of his pipe to lift her skirt enough to see the tattoo.

       Amara jerked backward. “I am from De’ Corlen, but am far from its leader or summoner. I do not know what you want from me, in regards to each, but I assure you there is little I can do in either respect.”

      “But they aim to keep you wounded.” Khane stopped her, we tried to take the object from your arm, but it would not come, it has a mind of its own, as though the insect still lives.” From inside her cloak she pulled the jar that held the Queen Hymenopteria, still encased in the Trialade. “This is how we knew from where you came. These only live on the lost Isle.”

       Amara hesitated briefly, seeing the Queen again, causing her to think of horrors she wanted to forget. “I am thankful for your aid and allowing me to remain with you, but as you know I am quite alone. Now, if there is something I can do to return your kindness as I am, I will try, but I do not speak for the isle, and am only a Priestess by tutor.”

       “Do you not have an opinion on how Enwa should be dealt with? Have you no knowledge on the subject?”

       “If it were left to me, I would consider that no one was hurt by his words or his actions. From what I witnessed, it was his precocious action, which helped to divide the herd, and he, like Graw, made a killing blow. Perhaps, what he did could prove to be a useful tactic in future hunts.”

        Enwa lifted his gaze, his pale green eyes picking up the low fading rays of the sun that entered the tent beside him. Amara smiled small then looked back to Bas a’ Rhinn, who scratched his graying chin before responding.

        “Perhaps, you are correct. You did after all have an excellent vantage point, you’re honest, and merciful opinion satisfies my curiosity. You may have your weapons back.”

        Enwa moved behind Bas a’ Rhinn, and as he did so the Shaman ran a hand down his back gently, an act of acceptance and consolement. When Enwa turned back to face them he held Amara’s sword and dagger as well as a short bow and a bundle of arrows.

        Amara let out a gasp, her hands to her mouth. “I thought I’d lost them to the snow.”

       The three Raepuwa laughed. “The young one found them, because they, like you pulsed.” Khane assured her. “He is touched by the magic, like his father.”

        A stature of pride filled Bas a’ Rhinn, and Amara understood, this was his son, he was putting the fate of his own child in her hands to satisfy as he put it a curiosity. She wondered what would have happened had she made a cruel decision. Enwa handed the weapons to her, along with a bundle of clothes tied up.     

        When Amara took the bundles, he leaned in close to her, rubbing the side of his face against hers. His lip curled upward, leaving a small amount of saliva on her cheek.

       Her first instinct was to wipe it away, but Graw taught her that this touch was one of appreciation and affection; if she wiped it off in front of him, it would have been most offensive. She gathered the items into her left unaffected arm, before lightly stroking Enwa’s arm in a platonic “Thank you.”

       Enwa received the message; her return was to put the space of friends between them. Bas a’ Rhinn nodded to Khane who took Enwa away with a soft gliding of her tail, leaving Amara alone with the smoking Shaman.

       Bas a’ Rhinn checked her wounds, her back was more than well off now, but there was little he could do for her arm, except keep it wrapped up, so it would not continue to infect and weaken her. He believed that it was the reason she had such trouble with conjuring her magics, but also believed she could overcome it and gain at least some control.

        As to what transpired between her and Enwa, he assured her that the whelp would not try for her affections again. That her return was understood as a kind rejection. When they were back in their territory, in a few days he would help her to master her magic as much as he could, but for now, she should clean up before the festivities in whatever way she intended.

****

       Returning to the bonfire, Amara found that a curtain had been put up around it to afford her some privacy, and rocks arranged to let her step up and into the makeshift tub. She did not take long, although she would have liked to stay in the soothing water, the notion that there were so many around her keeping her anxious. It took only a few moments outside the barrel for the bonfire heat to air-dry her body as she took out the clothes. The key to her chastity belt falling out of the bundle. The useful item sending her back into the water.

****

         The clothes were a little large, but everything had ties, so she was able to keep it secure. Someone had fashioned a leather bodice and britches, which with their wide legs covered the tops of her boots. As she made her way back to Graw’s tent, it occurred to her that with a needle and thread she could easily make better use of the fabrics, especially if she were given the time. Her mind was so wrapped up in patterns and thoughts of colorful cloths that she did not realize that she had walked in on Graw while he was cleaning up from the days events.

         His back was to her and although he had no doubt heard her approach, he made no motion to acknowledge her as she rambled on about how she could help with the ill fitting clothes many of them wore. Tired of talking to his back, she stepped in front of him, and he rolled his eyes upward, as he licked down the length of his powerfully built thigh.

        “Oh! I'm s-s-orry!” Amara stammered, stepping away, turning a full flush, of all of him she spied, she realized in his total nakedness, that while much of him seemed feline, he was built like any human male, which quickly helped her to make the connection as to why they did in fact wear pants.

         Graw touched her leg and she turned her head slightly, the embarrassment radiated off of her and her temperature rose.

        “What’s there to be sorry for? You had your bath, so I was having mine.” He stood up, hunched slightly by the low point in the tent ceiling; he moved so as to right himself.

       “Yes, obviously, I'm sorry for not letting you have the time to finish... Privacy to finish.” She looked away again, but Graw turned her toward him, she kept her eyes high.

        He let out a snort. “Are all your women so ashamed of the uncovered form? We've adapted so you need not avert your eyes.” He grabbed her face, making her look at him.

       His black and white markings covered him entirely, but the fur that was covered most often by clothing was finer than that which was on his head, arms, and paws. The muscles of his chest and abdomen were the same as a man, but far better defined, and he had three sets of nipples that traveled down his length to... Nothing. Amara was at once confused, she knew what she had seen, but as she looked at him now, all that sat between his legs was barely haired skin. Her mouth hung open ever so slightly in question.

       “We are built like you and not, for necessity, but unless we are moved there is the protection of our form. We dress as men if only to add another barrier, while we journey.” He stepped toward her, as her eyes followed his speech. “We are more than capable of coupling when it suits us; it is why so many of our children can speak. We are feline, but also human.” He let out a low purr and Amara trembled.

         Her body and mind were in conflict, her heart thumped hard against her chest, she could hear the blood as it rushed through her ears. His breath was warm, and his grasp on her shoulders firm, as he rubbed his face against her as Enwa had.

        “Graw...Please, I can’t.” She pushed him away, her face visibly troubled, as she headed for the exit. “Everything I touch burns.”

Chapter Seven

This uncommonly short chapter builds upon the character development of Chapter Six, and we get a sense of who and what the Northern Ridge Pride is, what they are doing in the region as they prepare for a hunt. Amara is made aware of the Western Ridge Pride, a source of a drawn out feud, and finds herself of some greater use.

In Dreams The Solitary Road A Serial Novella By S. I. Hayes

Copyright 2013 Shannon I. Hayes

CHAPTER SEVEN

  

           With the ice sufficiently broken the questions were traded, it was explained to Amara that they called themselves Raepuwa, which roughly translated to Stripes and Spots, being the over all characteristic of many of the Pride group’s bodies of fur. Their colors ranged from Graw’s black and white stripe to tawny auburns and pale blondes. For the most part the males were not capable of speech, but the occasional throw back did occur. When it did, those males often ventured far beyond the scope of the rest of the Pride. The Pride group Amara traveled with was only a small part of the whole; they were thirteen in all, including Graw. The group had been traveling back on a supply run, gathering wood and stone for building and herbs for their specialty wines. Something Amara quickly came to appreciate. The wines were sweet and spicy, combined with cinnamon and allspice, bayberry, chokeberry and many other herbs. Each distinct, smooth and very potent, which came in rather handy, as it dulled Amara’s senses during her healing process. 

Chapter Six

Pain, survival, and scars. The introduction of characters who will carry the story with decriptions that I can see, but was hard pressed to decribe. Does it show that I may have stumbled or does the ferocity of the decriptions come across?

In Dreams The Solitary Road A Serial Novella By S. I. Hayes

Copyright 2013 Shannon I. Hayes

CHAPTER SIX

  

       The warmth was peculiar, Amara eyes strained in the low light around her; she found she was in a large tent made of well-tanned hide, outside, were the outlines of two tall figures. She scrunched her nose at the pungent muskiness of the animal furs on which she lay face down. There was a burning in her throat, and her body was wrecked by pain. She tried to call out, but no sound came. Again, she tried to lift her body, but fell back into the deep furs. This action forcing a hard yelp from her. The figures outside stopped moving, listening as it were, and finally Amara managed a weak almost inaudible “Hello?”

Chapter Five

When it rains it pours, or in this case snows, creeps and whispers. This was my attempt at filling the scenes with quiet terror, did I succeed?

In Dreams The Solitary Road A Serial Novella By S.I. Hayes

Copyright 2013 Shannon I Hayes

CHAPTER FIVE

  

      There it was again, that sound, a low and ominous... ‘Was it...Breathing?’ All around her in the closing dusk, in the tightness of the passage through the cliff there seemed to be something with Amara. She could not see it, but was sure something followed her. There was nothing more in front of her that she would not be able to see, but the twisting of the passage left overhangs and crevices that surely a most indigenous creature could use for its home. She tried not to think on it; rather she did make moves of more than the smallest of increments. Keeping herself flush with the flattest parts of the cliffs walls, she dared not look over its edge. Heights and Amara did not get along so well, she preferred to know that the ground was closely under her. It was not the fall, but the fear of surviving the splat that frightened her the most.

Chapter Four

Here we see that indeed Amara has people in her life who try to put her first, but she martyrs herself feeling deserving of the Queens Sting. Is her reasoning sound or should she have taken advantage of the offers given?

In Dreams The Solitary Road A Serial Novella By S.I. Hayes

Copyright: 2013 Shannon I Hayes 

CHAPTER 4

      “Wake up! Damn it Amara, it’s a nightmare!”

     Amara’s body flailed in Maggie’s hands, as she was shaken awake. Still screaming, Amara tore herself out of her friends grip and shot up to her feet.

     “Where?” She looked out of a port window realizing that they were in the air, and that Maggie had the wheel of the flyer tied to keep their course. “What happened?” She doubled over, a sharp itching pain filling her right arm. Lifting her long white sleeve, she could see the outline of the Queens stinger in her arm; the insertion point was red and swollen.

     “You were having a nightmare, not that I blame you.” Maggie pulled her light blonde hair back into a ponytail. “Listen, I'm really sorry, that accident...”

      “It wasn't an accident.”

Chapter Three

This chapter was meant to be a tension builder, setting the pace for some of the more intense scenes, does it live up to its role or fall flat? Inquiring minds want to know...

In Dreams The Solitary Road  A Novella By S.I. Hayes 

Copyright 2013 Shannon I. Hayes

Chapter Three

     It has happened again. A hive unhinged, the crowd attacked. Choking black clouds hang in the air like fruit not yet ready for the harvest. It has been two days since the incident, which devastated the Isle, and changed Amara's life forever.

Chapter Two

In this second chapter the villains are more clearly defined, in Beatrice and Rosaline and the spark of hope in Amara is made brighter by her lover, do you see her gaining strength with her actions ore does she appear to fall into the traps laid before her? Comments strongly urged.

In Dreams The Solitary Road  A Novella By S.I. Hayes 

Copyright 2013 Shannon I. Hayes

Chapter Two

   After the appeasement, many thought that Amara would have, should have, fallen into despair, but in so few years she had been loved enough to fill her heart with hope. While her mother and those elders collectively referred to as The Five, ran the Isle making sure that the men did not interfere in their politics, keeping them around as figureheads, and not allowing them any say traditionally, Amara found that it was the men who treated her the most kindly. This included Rosaline’s new husband. Jeremiah had only been dead four months, when Rosaline left the Isle, returning after six months with David. He was only seventeen, to Rosaline’s thirty-six but the man appeared to be smitten by the woman who was carrying his child.

Chapter One

Below you will find the First Chapter of my novella, my purpose other than to hopefully entertain is to also engage. Engage with others as to the readability, flow and building of the chapters. Does this openings feel like too much too soon? Is the picture painted with the delicacy of a chainsaw? All comments are encouraged.

In Dreams The Solitary Road  A Novella By S.I. Hayes

Copyright 2013 Shannon I. Hayes

Chapter One

   Some are born to happiness, others to sorrow. Some are affected by circumstance, while others rise above it. Yet out of the darkest beginnings a flame can begin, which can burn far brighter than any sun.