 [1/2004 release Mirror Mirror by Brandy Carter] Soon after the death of her fiance, a programmer discovers evidence of murder and pursues a dangerous mystery attached to a computer game she co-created. Mystery/Murder/Espionage/Romance. This fast-paced tale carries real fleshed-out characters, a touch of wit, a pinch of passion, and the right degree of suspense-filled action. An excellent debute novel! Soon to be available at Amazon.com, Borders, and Barnes and Nobles.
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DO ONTO OTHERS
©_Ann Logan (wilma3)On the edge of town, my tavern offers the last refuge for traders heading northwards, Athens. Sometimes, warriors tell stories of the battles they survived. The talking warriors, I don't mind.
Today, a lone Amazon struts across my welcome mat. Her weapons sparkle with sharp edges. Several patrons leave. Left of the bar, a shadowy corner offers a cozy table overlooking a crescent stone fireplace. The Amazon ignores dirty steins and sits alone, slyly watching the doorway.
My youngest servant girl races to her table. A few moments later, she approaches me, shivering. "She wants an ale."
Tapping a keg, I lean forward to whisper, "Who is she?"
My servant girl refuses the goblet. "Don't send me back."
Normally, I enjoy meeting strangers. It is hard being a widow. Only paid employees act as companions. What have I to fear?
As I carry a filled stein to her table, hairs stiffen on my neck. But, fear is just a bandit. When my Theo died in illness, I did not yeild. I will not yeild. "Anything more?"
She is a beautiful ordeal. Her crisp taut cheeks display thirty years. Their bronze pallor hints of many rough miles baking under full sunlight. Her shimmering stare draws the brightest highlights from the warming flames dancing in a brick covey across from her. "Are you the owner?"
"The one who welcomes you."
Perhaps, this is the first time that her eyes reveal anything to anyone. Anguished, she turns from me. I quickly warm a stool beside her. First, she sips shyly for taste and then guzzles the pint for comfort.
I snap to my servant girl. "Bring us a bottle and two fresh goblets." I offer an empty palm. "My name is Dahlia, warrior. Since my husband has passed, I own this place. "
"I'm Xena." She spoke with a rich soothing tone that charmed my apprehensions. Taking my hand, she firmly shakes and releases me. "You have nothing to fear, Dahlia."
"What happened to you, Xena?" My mouth races without consequence. "Is your army near?"
A servant girl hurries a magnum of wine. Twisting off the thick cork, Xena fills our goblets. "The Horde." Her eyes darken into a sharp narrow glance and lurch into an easing stare over dancing flames, as if from her own soul roamed there. "We both have lost dearly in this life."
"My condolences, Xena."
"I've not come to ruin your hospitality."
I sit closer. "These ears listen well."
"On the road from Corinth, I lost a friend to carelessness. Gabrielle joined many a rough battle. She's not a warrior."
At first glance, I admire this woman's strength to harbor no tears. I shake from her lamenting tension, almost weeping for her. My customers mean nothing, staring and leaving. I reach out my hand to weed a rogue twig from her velvety raven hair. This woman soit a friend that night. I smile to her. "She's alive?"
Her voice delightfully hums. "Gabrielle adornes an innocent heart and tender caring ways. My vows to fight for goodness fed her favorite tales. She is the Queen of Bards, my light and cherished burden. At least, she was." The warrior grins and sighs. A blank gaze fixates on the flames dancing behind me.
"What happened?" I pour to the brim ignoring my regulars waving as they scatter for an early evening.
"The Horde mutilated everything in their wake, driving us straight into a tortured fortress. I joined the Athenian army as nothing less than their leader."
"A credit to your skill."
"Gabrielle rolled-up her sleeves, caring for the many wounded and dying. That is the core of my companion, a care that blossoms beyond moods. But, I became her nightmare. It was by my orders that she lost so many patients lending their hopes to her tired but loving eyes."
"An odd warrior, indeed."
"She says she doesn't know me." Xena finishes her goblet and pours more. "Though, I think she met the best of me for the first time in that one bloody battle. I lost the only victory war can't buy." She taps the handle of a large sword hanging on her back. "Perhaps, the Fates will grant me a warrior's peace."
"No." Thinking nothing for my safety, I grab her leathery forearm and shake her. "You are more than words for parchment! She walks with you as a loving choice. If fear is between your friendship, then you're another fool lending advantage to the Horde." I thought I would die.
She studies my stare. "How do you figure?"
"Is it wise, trying to see in darkness? What does Gabrielle have to say?"
Xena gazes back and forth across my eyes. "She says I scared her."
I release Xena's arm. "That was the heat of battle and what is that worth, Xena? I was happy married 23 years and shouted may times to the gods, ' Who is this bastard! ' He was my husband, a father of three, my mentor in business, and my anchor in most tragedies. Between all the festivals, we fought viciously. I barely remember the many times we parted. But, we repaired our commitments to each other and moved onward. It's the real power of loving someone, the dedication to keep together for those so few cherished joys."
"You are lucky."
"You don't belong here, Xena, moping and giving more power to that battleground's fear. If Gabrielle were here, she'd tell you the same thing! Who walked away from whom, she from you, you from her, or just you from yourself?"
In a brief handshake, the warrior left in an odd zeal. It was almost a month before she visited again on the outskirts of town. A talkative young redhead raced to keep up with Xena's long strides. They studied decorative trader tables and active food carts.
Watching them together, I learned that my words held weight that day. The following morning, a large deer-pouch of 20 dinars sat on my counter with a short note that read, "If ever you need a friend, I'll be there for you, too! Battle on! Xena." And she always has been!
[FRONT DOOR] © 1996 logan_a@hotmail.com