Friday Flash: Conversations Between Gods

 

For today's #fridayflash, Christine Rains' Zeus from 1304 - The Harbinger has stopped by to speak with Apenth from my Phoenix trilogy.

 

Conversations Between Gods

By Cherie Reich and Christine Rains

Apenth couldn't open his eyes wide enough to take in all of Olympus. The splendor rivaled the homes of the Amoran gods. Although he wore pants and a loose-fitting tunic, he felt very out of the times with everyone's more modern clothes. But Cherie sent him over to talk to Zeus, and he obliged her this once. After all, as a god and her muse had to be kind to his writer every so often. He entered the waiting room and saw a young goddess at the reception area. "I have an appointment with the Thunder God, miss."

Hebe's gaze raked over the visitor before she shrugged. "Welcome to Olympus. Follow me, please."

She led him through winding halls, each more opulent than the last. Not a direct route to the meeting room, and the young goddess didn't seem interested in making conversation along the way either. When they at least came to a set out double doors, Hebe flipped her long hair over her shoulder and opened the doors to a grand throne room. "Father, your eight o'clock appointment is here."

Zeus slipped his iPad into a pouch on the side of his throne. Smoothing out his suit jacket, he stood and stepped down from the dais. "Ah, Apenth, isn't it? Can't say you were what I was expecting when this appointment was made for me. I was hoping for some more feminine company. Don't you have some priestess you could have brought along?"

"My high priestess is a bit advanced in age, but my writer Cherie wanted to come. I foresaw what might happen, though, and decided to keep her safe from your consort's wrath. After all, mortals don't tend to do well in Olympus." Apenth chuckled and ran his fingers through his golden hair. He knew all about the wrath of consorts. His poor cursed mother reminded him often. "Speaking of mortals, that's why I'm here. I heard you found a true hero in this day and age. Sam Wright's tales have even reached Amorans' ears. However did you find him?"

"May I get you any nectar, ambrosia, or coffee?" Hebe offered in a monotone.

"No, sweetheart. You can go now." Zeus waved his daughter off, and she disappeared out the rear door. He turned his attention back to Apenth. "Mortals are highly amusing, though. Sometimes they surprise us. Too bad your writer didn't come. Mine, Christine, doesn't come to Olympus unescorted. Where is the trust, eh?" He spread his hands and shrugged his shoulders.

"Ah, Sam Wright. Yes. I've no doubt you've heard of him. He's an impressive man. A descendant of Jason of the Argonauts." The Thunder God added, puffing out a bit in the chest. "One of my oracles spouted off something and her assistant sent me a memo. I couldn't pass up the chance to obtain a real hero. You know how these things work, I'm sure."

"Mortals have their strange quirks." Apenth shrugged, figuring it was better not to answer where the mortals' trust in the gods--or certain gods--was. His interest piqued when he heard an oracle had told Zeus about Sam Wright. "Real heroes are very rare, especially descendants of heroes. You're lucky the assistant was listening to the oracle. Sometimes secondhand prophecies are more difficult to decipher."

"I hear you had some problems with a harpy, though. Were you surprised by her request for a favor?"

"The assistant has excellent dictation skills. I'm not worried about any misinterpretations." The Thunder God waved his hand before folding his arms with Apenth's last comment. Zeus was an older god, but he was still broad and muscled. "Perhaps a little surprised." He huffed. "Meira has always been faithful. I had no idea she wanted anything beyond serving me. Well, maybe like all women, she loves her shoes, but those are the little things that make females so endearing, wouldn't you agree?"

Apenth decided not to comment on misinterpretations. Even gods made errors when it came to Fate, or so his mother told him often. He chuckled at the mention of shoes and what made females so endearing. "My prophetess's eyes do light up when I send her new clothes. But she claims anything is better than her work ones."

He shrugged. "So, without giving away the ending, were you pleased with how the events turned out?"

"My night in the hot springs with the triplet nymphs was extremely satisfying." Zeus smirked, tilting his head as he relived some of those memories. He then glanced at his watch. "Oh, but I assume you meant the other situation. Well, I suppose it wasn't a total loss. There were a few details the hero forgot to cement, and they'll work to my advantage later." He motioned to the door. "It was nice to meet you, Apa. Apet. Honored guest. I do have another appointment I really need to get to."

"I'm sure everything will work to your advantage." Apenth chuckled at the night with the triplet nymphs. He remembered those days, even though he was still hung up with his first love, Amora. Hypogaia's realm separated them, though.

He started to correct him, but figured there was no reason to leave on unfriendly terms. Placing a closed fist over his heart, he bowed. "It was a pleasure. Thank you for speaking with me." 

"Yes, a pleasure. I'm sure you can find your way out." Zeus gave no bow in return, just a nod of the head. He turned to the rear door and then paused, stroking his beard. "Wait. There was something I was told to mention. Hm. Triplets. Hot springs. Book. Ah yes, The Harbinger. Marvelous story. You need to get yourself a copy. It features me, of course. People should have it for that reason alone." He grinned and exited the room, whistling and loosening his tie as walked out.

You heard Zeus. You need to get Christine's newest book!

Meira Harper loves both her jobs: talking about beautiful shoes and fetching souls for Zeus. But the Thunder God threatens the harpy's loyalty to her job when she receives the call to bring the soul of gorgeous Sam Wright. Meira pleads with her boss to let him live. Zeus agrees, but Sam must fight for his life. If Sam can win three challenges, he can keep his soul.

The gods never play fairly, though, so Meira needs to find ways to help Sam with the challenges. She cannot outwardly cross her master, but she refuses to let the man she loves lose his soul. They haven't even had a chance to start a life together.

Sam's soul is on the line. Meira's will be too if she's caught, but that's a risk she's willing to take.

  
To Purchase: Amazon / Smashwords / Nook / Kobo

The Marquis is now FREE on Smashwords and Kobo!

Christine Rains is a writer, blogger, and geek mom. She has four degrees which help nothing with motherhood, but make her a great Jeopardy player. When she's not writing or reading, she having adventures with her son or watching cheesy movies on Syfy Channel. She's a member of Untethered Realms and S.C.I.F.I. The 13th Floor series is her first self-published series. She has five novellas and eighteen short stories published.

Website / Blog

Fantasy Chat: Interview with Michael Offutt, author of SLIPSTREAM

 

Everyone, please welcome Michael Offutt to the blog today! He's here to tell us about his fantastic science fiction novel Slipstream.

Michael, tell us a little about yourself.  I work for the government. I read a lot of fiction.  I’m a slow writer.  It’s difficult for me to focus on things for very long because my attention is prone to wandering.  I’ll usually read four novels at a stretch because I get bored of one and move to another. Cycling through them keeps them fresh to me so that I can finish them.

In two sentences, describe your novel Slipstream.  Jordan Pendragon is a 17-year-old boy that undertakes a journey that not only unravels the mystery of his own birth, but one of the darkest secrets of the universe. It’s a story with hockey sticks, crystal spiders, and monsters from the Id.

Slipstream incorporates a lot of science in it. How much research did you do for this novel? I’m a science and math nerd. I read Hawking’s book called “The Grand Design” and had read a book called “Einstein’s Relativity and the Quantum Revolution”. I read those for pleasure, so I don’t count them as research, but they helped quite a bit to refresh my memory from college. I read a lot of science journals in-between bouts of fiction.

I love the mythology represented within Slipstream. Why did you decide to use Mesoamerican mythology? Jordan’s abilities are all dependent on him being able to see what’s going on. So absolute darkness is kind of his Achilles heel. This led me to research on the “Lords of Night” which are meso-American gods. The evil people in SLIPSTREAM are trying to bring the meso-American gods to life using a fusion of technology and flesh.  It’s pure madness, and a nod to Aztec mythology where they believed humans arose from the shattered bones of dead gods.

The humans of Avalon are living in a post-apocalyptic world.  Outside the realm of the book (but in my notes) there are people who claim their survival was foretold in Mayan pyramids and interpret the survivors as a stand-in for “the shattered bones of dead gods”. The trope of Life Green makes immortality a distinct possibility. So those in power have come to think of themselves as new gods instead of as humans (having far exceeded a normal life span) and they go about encouraging this belief.

Some even go so far as to claim that Avalon is in fact the underworld and that people who don’t see this, are hiding from the naked truth. I should also point out that Ian Gooding (the central bad guy) was born in the area of Guatemala. So he is of Mayan descent (again not in the book) and is also a minor archeologist (having found and translated the Popol Vuh). I know all of this isn’t in the book, but I cut some 60,000 words from the finished manuscript to come in at the highest acceptable word count. So yeah, Ian wants to become a god because he rightfully feels that he has been chosen to summon back into the world the nine Lords of Night because of something he read on the wall of an ancient Mayan city lost within the jungles of Guatemala (look up the lost city of Mirador sometime using Google).

I had to cut huge swaths of text from my book. No one was going to publish a 180,000 word monstrosity. Background not essential to understanding the plot got cut.

How did you go about creating the two different worlds (ours and Avalon)? My long story is allegorical. You are picking up on that in just this book but it becomes even more clear in the sequel. It’s completely intentional and yes, has to do with Arthurian stuff.

What are you working on now? Is there a release date yet for book two in the series? (Yes, I want to read book two now.) There is no release date. I’ve got half of the book to rewrite based on feedback from betas. I have no idea how long that will be. I’m slow…like a snail…when it comes to writing.

If you could recommend one book, what book would that be and why? Neuromancer by William Gibson. I love that book and it won the Hugo, the Nebula, and the Philip K. Dick award all in the same year. It is what drove me to write SLIPSTREAM.

Thanks Cherie for the interview. You ask tough questions.

You're welcome! I loved the book and do look forward to book two.

Isn't it pretty? And very perfect for Michael's SLIPSTREAM!

I have a contest for the release of my book.  I will pick one random person who comments on this post to win a $5 Amazon Gift Card and a SLIPSTREAM jeweled spider (the same person wins both prizes). The jeweled spider really sparkles in the sunlight. I hope whoever wins it really likes it. Also, please make sure that your email is linked to your signature in some way. And yes, the crystal spiders play an important role in my book.

Rules:

1)      Mark my book “To Read” on Goodreads.

2)      Comment on this post.

3)      Tweet this post if you have twitter. You don’t have to sign-up for twitter. It’s the “honor” system.

That’s it. I will choose a winner on Saturday, May 19^th.  And thank you, Cherie, for having me on your fine blog.

http://www.amazon.com/Slipstream-ebook/dp/B007R5DN8W/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1333585536&sr=1-1-catcorr

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1109954378?ean=9781554049493

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13003318-slipstream

#fridayflash "A Partridge in a Pear Tree"

*Today's #fridayflash involves an older flash piece previously posted on this blog. Yes, I'm taking the month off and giving you my Twelve Days of Christmas posts from last December (recently edited, of course).*

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Daedalus stood on the balcony and peered down into the garden. A faint, floral scent of the blooming pear trees drifted up to him. His nose wrinkled, and he sneezed. Damn flowers! Through the branches, he spotted his nephew Perdix sitting with his two sons, Icarus and Iapyx. He snatched pieces of their conversation upon the wind.

“What does it do, Perdix?” Icarus reclined against the large, ornamental boulder.

“I call it a compass. When you hold it, it points toward north. With this device, sailors will be able to sail on cloudy days and nights.” Perdix displayed his newest invention to his cousins.

“I’m sure father would’ve thought of something like that,” Iapyx said.

But Daedalus hadn’t, and he knew it. Perdix was a shooting star, and he burned brighter with each invention. The pupil had surpassed his master, and the king was beginning to realize his nephew’s usefulness. If he wasn’t careful, Perdix would steal his position from underneath him, and he couldn’t let that happen.

A jealous rage consumed him like a fire in the hearth. It was bad enough that Perdix discovered a way to cut down trees quickly. With this compass, all would be lost.

“Boys!” He called down to them, and all three looked up. “Icarus and Iapyx, you need to work on your studies.”

“We already done them,” Icarus said, not budging from his position.

“Your geometry work as well?” He knew how much his sons hated mathematics.

“No.” Iapyx stood. “Come along, brother, let’s finish our work.”

Perdix moved to follow them.

“Perdix, I need to speak with you.” Daedalus’s voice was as sharp as flint.

“Yes, sir.” The young man waved to his cousins and disappeared into the house.

Soon Daedalus heard his nephew’s footsteps upon the wooden stairs. When the bright-eyed young man entered, he embraced him. “My brother would’ve been proud of you.”

Perdix’s opened mouth changed into a beaming grin. “I miss my father, but you have become my new father, uncle. I gained two brothers, as well, when you brought me here.”

“Come,” Daedalus said, motioning for his nephew to follow him. He strode out onto the balcony. “Show me your new invention.”

“It will change everything, sir.” He handed over the small compass. It spun slowly around and pointed north.

He studied Perdix’s new device. “It’s rather ingenious. I will present it to the king during afternoon court.”

The boy glanced away, dragging his foot along the stones. “I was hoping I could go with you to present it. I have so many more ideas and inventions that the king will be interested in.”

Envy wrapped around Daedalus’s heart. He saw his family losing their home and becoming beggars upon the Athenian streets. Everything he’d worked for would be for naught because this lad was more intelligent. He’d win the king’s affections easily. “I don’t believe I can allow that, nephew.”

“Why not, sir? I’ve worked hard.” Perdix met his gaze.

“But I’ve worked harder.” The fire raged inside Daedalus. From the moment he noticed the boy’s talents, he knew he had to keep a close watch on him. Now, he would ruin everything. Once again, he breathed in the scent of pears and sneezed.

“If you are allergic to the trees, uncle, I can fix it. I know of this—”

Daedalus struck out like a viper and shoved against Perdix’s chest.

The boy lost his balance. He hit the balcony’s railing, and his arms flailed about like a fish on land. “Uncle, help!”

He grabbed his nephew’s legs and lifted. The slight movement unsettled Perdix, and he tumbled over the edge. Daedalus waited for the thump that never occurred. What happened?

His fingers clasped the railing as he leaned over. There was no sign of his nephew, no broken body. Perdix had disappeared.

Below, a pear tree branch shook without the wind’s aid. Seconds later, a partridge plopped out from it and landed upon the ground. Ruffling its feathers, it pecked at the earth.

#fridayflash "Consequences"

*The plot bunnies struck last week. So I hope this small flash piece will keep them quiet for a while until I can focus on the trilogy idea they gave me. By the way, this takes place 3000 years in the future from the Phoenix trilogy I wrote.*

Consequences

Her wrinkled hand clutched my arm. The fingers and grip were much stronger than I would've thought. Blue eyes shined clear and alarming in the moonlight. I placed my hand upon hers. It reminded me of parchment and ancient times.

"Mother, release me. I have to do this."

"No, I won't let you do this again, Apenth, my son. You know what will happen, if you do." Her nails dug into my flesh.

I closed my eyes and air entered my lungs. Images of the darkened city ripped into my heart. Smoke swirled around my other sight. I knew what would happen. Both outcomes. I gently pried her fingers from me.

"I'm sorry, mother." I turned my back on her.

"The gods will curse you. Please, they've already harmed us enough. I-I can't . . ."

I knew she would lower herself on her aged knees. She would beg me to stop, to stay. I couldn't. Without a backward glance, I disappeared from her side.

*

The shadows enveloped me. A woman's soft cries lured me to the farthest corner. Her dark hair draped over the swaddled baby. She was the one I saw in my visions, or rather the child was. The mother stilled as I entered into her grief. It pressed around me and a man's tears joined it. Like a palpable enemy, the sadness shoved me away.

Time was too short.

Invisible to these parents, I knelt before her. Wet blood seeped into my knees. My eyes briefly closed. I drew back the ragged towel used as a newborn's blanket. My fingers brushed against damp dark hair. Smooth, cool flesh met my touch as I placed my hand over her heart.

"Live," I commanded.

A gasp, a thump, and a wail rose from the infant. I spread my healing touch over the woman.

They would both live.

It was done.

*

Arms snatched hold of me. Night covered my eyes. I couldn't see. A roar built into my ears. I didn't think it would happen so quickly. I thought I screamed, but I couldn't hear my own voice. My body twisted in their cruel embrace.

Mother was right.

I was falling. The gods hit me with blindness, muteness, deafness.

The ground rose to embrace me.

My eyes opened to fabric and blond hair.

I could see.

"Oh, my sweet baby boy," the woman murmured, scooping me into her arms.

I could hear.

A cry erupted from my throat. Tears distorted my vision and slid down my cheeks.

I could speak.

"Mommy thought she lost you." She pressed me harder against her.

I peered at my tiny hands in awe. My head ached as the realization seized me by the throat. I couldn't breathe. The gods truly had cursed me.

I was human.

No more than a small child.

What had I done?