Weebly!

It's official. GG's Book Page is moving to Weebly starting whenever I feel like it. Weebly may be missing a few features in comparison to Blogger, but it's layout and template options are much better. So, the new blog. There's not much there yet, I'm afraid, but I'm still working on organizing everything and moving over a few pages and posts.

A Wonderful Winter This Way Comes

Okay, this isn’t really a summary, but it still relates to books - sort of. A really crazy long time ago, I posted a not-that-great summary of the new version of the classic tale of Cinderella: Marissa Meyer’s Cinder. I might’ve included Scarlet and Cress, also, but I definitely didn’t talk about Winter, the last and final ending of The Lunar Chronicles. Why?

BECAUSE WINTER IS COMING IN 2015!

Quite recently, in fact, I was running with my four best friends and remembered this very important fact. Being me, I ran around screaming “Winter is coming!” as loud as I coould without realizing I’d made a Game of Thrones reference at the same time. It still rocked, though. But I’m just really really really really really excited about this, I can’t even think. Byes.

MY PLAN

I’m supposed to be writing an essay for my English class, but I had this really great idea a couple minutes ago. Life is tough, duh. It’s the challenge that makes stuff interesting. But the thing is, so many people just get down and out about, well, everything. And they express it, too. I’ll admit, writing is a gazillion times better when there’s emotion behind the words, and speeches are more worthwhile when you can hear the feeling in the speaker’s voice. Food tastes better when you have fond memories of it, and games are better when played with people you love.

My point? Emotion makes all the difference. But back to my original statement: life is tough. Mostly people feel negative emotion, whether they bother expressing it or not, it’s there. And since that’s the emotion we as humans so often feel, it shows up in places we pour our souls out freely, like in music, and art, and literature.

But my idea. I believe that if we just cut the crap with all this sadness and misery and just make the choice to brighten up everything we do, it’ll be the opposite of spreading all those awful negative emotions we all know far too well. And yeah, I know, it sounds a bit stupid. I mean, making a choice to be positive? Easier said than done, obviously. But I really, really think that if some people start just being totally and completely positive and happy and kind, it’ll act like a type of cure, maybe. And the cure could just, sort of, destroy as much sadness as we can.

I’ve made a diagram to better illustrate this concept. (I’ve brought some slides with which to better illustrate…)

BBF: Ashley R. Carlson

NOTE: My original post for this author was being a demented lollipop so I redid it.

The Charismatics

Fantasy | Young Adult

An arranged marriage. A corrupt government known only as Legalia. A forbidden spiritual realm. Duchess Ambrosia Killaher was just seventeen years old when exiled to Shinery—a city of snow and darkness—to marry a man who despised her, finding her only solace in an invisible companion named Roan.

Now, as the poor starve in the streets below and rebellious acts become a frequent occurrence, Shinery holds its yearly celebration to commemorate Legalia’s rule. But when Ambrose catches a government official using a strange device on a servant, she is thrust into a secret world of the supernatural—one she never knew existed. With the help of a handsome stranger, Ambrose begins to learn of the past Legalia has covered up, and the terrible things they have in store for the future.

Releases December 13, 2014:

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Fun Fact about The Charismatics:

The Charismatics is very dear to me--it is my debut novel, something written over the last three months during a very transitional period in my life. As I wrap up completion with it, I realize that I subconsciously infused numerous elements of my favorite books and movies into the book, including magical creatures (Ella Enchanted), a strong heroine (Ever After), steampunk and spiritual elements, and a talking animal friend (The Golden Compass), and a surprise ending (The Harry Potter series).

The Charismatics is very much its own storyline, but I think it's pretty exciting to realize that all of the favorites stories that shaped my love for reading and writing found their way into my novel, on their own.

Author Bio:

-Ashley is a fantasy author, freelance editor, editorial intern for Midnight Publishing, and editorial contributor for Arizona Foothills Magazine.

-Ashley is currently working on a steampunk fantasy novel series and plans to release Book One in Fall 2014.

-Ashley grew up and currently lives in Scottsdale, Arizona (or the "bowels of Hell" as she affectionately refers to it during the summer months). She dreams of the greenery and water of the Pacific Northwest and plans to move there some day.

-Ashley is the proud mother of three animals-a neurotic German shepherd that follows Ashley everywhere she goes, a serene mutt from Mexico, and a cat that gives new meaning to the word "bitchy."

-Ashley enjoys Yelping for local restaurants, fostering kittens from nearby shelters, and watching the Real Housewives of...anywhere.

-Find Ashley on Twitter (@AshleyRCarlson1), Google+, or check out Ashley's blog at www.ashleyrcarlson.com for updates on her book, thoughts on writing, and thoughts on life! (And she doesn't mean Tinder, or online dating, or dating in general...no. None of that.)

Connect:

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Giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/79b5e7572/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

BBF: Andi O'Connor

Silevethiel (The Vaelinel Trilogy #1)

Fantasy | Young Adult

Following her father’s murder, Princess Irewen Donríel is betrayed and left for dead in the forests of Mistwood. Rescued by the elf prince, Laegon Elendell, Irewen awakes an exile with no home, no country, and no people. But as the horrific memories of murder and betrayal return, she realizes the nightmare is only beginning.

The world of Vaelinel is failing—its fate bound to her in ways no one fully understands. A mysterious elven prophecy may provide her with some answers, but continuously hunted and fighting for her life, Irewen quickly learns that unearthing the truth will be more difficult than she ever imagined. Can she accept Laegon’s love and the friendship of the Wood Elves, or will she stand alone against the terrifying evil now threatening to destroy the entire world?

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Fun Fact about Silevethiel (The Vaelinel Trilogy #1):

A few people have commented that they don't understand why Silevethiel is the title of the book and focus of the cover when she isn't the main character. It's true, she isn't, but that makes her no less important. She's mysterious. We don't actually meet her until about half-way through the book, but she's an essential figure in the lives of the Elves as well as the main character. So much depends on her. Without her, the fate of Irewen, the Elves, and the world of Vaelinel would be much different.

Author Bio:

Andi O'Connor is the award winning author of the fantasy series The Dragonath Chronicles, The Vaelinel Trilogy, and The Legacy of Ilvania. Andi's first YA novel,Silevethiel, was named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2013. Her short story Redemption, is a Kindle Book Review, 2014 Kindle Book Awards Semifinalist. Andi is a member of the National Writers Association and the Boston Chapter of the Women's National Book Association. She currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, son, and four dogs.

Connect:

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BBF: Samantha LaFantasie

Made to Forget (Nepherium Novella Series - Part One)

Science Fiction | New Adult

There’s something that lies within my memory. Hidden in the dark. Something that can kill me and those that I love. But I was in an accident, covered in mystery and deception. And my memory…was lost. There are those who want me to remember. I don’t trust them. And those I do trust…are fighting for me to forget.

Elsabetha Ellery wants to get her memory back, even if it kills her.

After waking up in a hospital with no memory, Elsabetha quickly learns those who claim to be her friend are anything but. And those who are her true friends keep themselves unseen.

Stuck with piecing together her broken memories alone, Elsa struggles with having faith in those she trusts and heeding the warnings of the dangers in recovering her memory. Ignoring them, she faces heavy consequences. Ones she doesn’t see until it’s too late, and a life is lost.

Buy Links:

Only $.99!

Amazon | Other Formats

Author Bio:

A Kansas native, Samantha LaFantasie spends her free time with her spouse and three kids. Writing has always been a passion of hers, forgoing all other desires to devote to this one obsession, even though she often finds herself arguing with her characters through much of the process. She's primarily a fantasy writer but often feels pulled to genres such as sci-fi, romance, and others.

Samantha became a bestselling author with the Pandora Boxed Set (which includes Made to Forget: Nepherium Novella series--Part One) on both Amazon and USA Today.

Samantha loves to take time to enjoy other activities such as photography and playing her favorite game of all time, Guild Wars 2.

Connect:

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BBF: Jade Kerrion

Miriya

Science Fiction | New Adult

Destinies collide...

Thirty years into the First Genetic Revolution, society’s tolerance for human derivatives is wearing thin. Clones and in vitros are regarded with suspicion, and mutants with resentment. Yet in spite of the hostile environment, some alpha telepaths—like Miriya Templeton—have thrived.

Her luck is running out.

Destiny has set her life on a collision course with Danyael Sabre, the alpha empath who can kill with a touch. Whether he becomes friend or foe, whether he and she live or die, will depend on the choices she makes. On her decisions hang the outcomes of the Second Genetic Revolution. Miriya, however, does not believe in destiny, nor want any part of the revolution. It is up to the enforcer, Jake Hansen, to convince her otherwise, and he is running out of time.

Miriya is a FREE prelude novella to the Double Helix series which has won 8 awards to date. It also includes a link for a FREE download of Perfection Unleashed. You have nothing to lose by checking it out, so I hope you'll grab your copy today.

Buy Links:

FREE!

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Author Bio:

JADE KERRION is the author of the Double Helix series, which has won a total of eight science fiction awards, including the Gold Medal in Readers Favorites 2013. Her Guild Wars fan fiction was accused of keeping her readers up at night, distracting them from work, housework, homework, and (far worse), from actually playing Guild Wars. And then she wondered why just screw up the time management skills of gamers? Why not aspire to screw everyone else up too? So here she is, writing science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance novels that aspire to keep you from doing anything else useful with your time.

Connect:

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An interview with the author:

When did you start writing?

I started writing in high school. My largest writing endeavor prior to getting published was fan fiction for the MMORPG Guild Wars. I started writing to publish in 2010. My debut novel, Perfection Unleashed, won 6 literary awards and launched the Double Helix series.

What inspires your writing?

My characters inspire me. They all have stories, and they're clamoring to be told. My favorite is the assassin, Zara Itani. She's part-Lebanese, part-Venezuelan, and can wreak more havoc with love than most people can with hate. She's the heroine (and I use that term with much hesitation) in the Double Helix series.

What is the best part about being a writer?

What I enjoy best is seeing the characters and the worlds come to life through words. It's an incredible feeling receiving feedback and reviews where people say how much they loved the characters that I loved and nurtured.

Tell us something cool about you or your book! Be sure to include the book titles.

I'm branching out into contemporary romance, so if you enjoy romance, please do sign up for my New Release newsletter at http://eepurl.com/A1_xL and you'll receive information on publishing news, giveaways, contests, and events.

See the BBF page of my blog for more info on giveaways, or read my other Blogger Book Fair posts.

YAY GIVEAWAYS!!!

Some giveaways *and such*:

Official BBF Giveaways

$50 Amazon Gift Card

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$30 Amazon Gift Card

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$20 Amazon Gift Card

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BBF: D.H. Aire

Dare 2 Believe

Fantasy/Science Fiction | Young Adult

Tomorrow the world as we know it is about to come to an end... and it's all my fault. If I'd never written the story, it might have been different. But now humanity's only hope will depend on those who think they are going to a new exclusive theme park and resort for the world's young rich and famous... and their fans. But the park is more than it appears, and its going to take a bunch of movie and television stars, a pop singer, and the kids who Dare2Believe to save us all. Oh, did I mention a devastating plague is beginning to ravage the world - and the laws of science are apparently about to take a holiday? For good or ill, my story of a distant world where magic defeated science is about to change our, uh, character forever. Dare2Believe... it's our only hope against the rising evil that schemes to destroy us.

Read on Wattpad

About the author:

D.H. Aire has walked the ramparts of the Old City of Jerusalem and through an escape tunnel out of a Crusader fortress that Richard the Lionheart once called home. He’s toured archeological sites from diverse cultures that were hundreds, if not thousands of years old… experiences that have found expression in his writing of his Highmage’s Plight Series.

D.H. Aire’s is the author of two novels: Highmage’s Plight and its sequel Human Mage. A number of his short stories appear in Separate Worlds first anthology, Flights of Fantasy, Vol. 1 (available on Smashwords.com and BarnesandNoble.com). His story, Crossroads of Sin, appears in the anthology RealLies (2013).

Highmage’s Plight, upon which Dare2Believe is based, is published by Malachite Quills Publishing. Link to my ebook to read sample chapters at: http://amzn.to/ynvrFH. Also available in print on Amazon.

The author is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and currently resides in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

Connect:

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Fanfiction is a wonderful thing

About three-ish years ago this time of year I was seriously introduced to the wonders of fanfiction and the internet community for the first time. I'll admit, it's kind of a lot to take in all at once. There's the fanfics, of course, the forums, the blogs, and the YouTubers. Then there's the social networking, which is minor. A bunch of people are convinced that there's a ton of cyber-bullying going on online (and there is), but the truth is that for every nasty thing someone says on the internet, there's someone who cares so much, people who have been bullied, or hurt, and who are just there for you. The entire fanfiction/blogging community is just so amazing, and there are so many awesome people out there that are here for anyone that needs a little extra help. You are all just so beautiful and amazing. I'm not really sure where I'd be without you.

Since I'm in the middle of a book series, I can't very well write a decent summary that would be much different than any of my others. Instead, I will go out on a limb (pardon the cliche expression) and write about fear. But first, an excerpt from something I wrote over the summer:

"Despair. That's almost exactly what it is. Real dreams. Fear itself. There is no visible end to the fear. It's the place where even the strongest souls find a chill seeping into their bones; their imagination becoming a teller of nightmares. It's the place where those stories transcend reality, becoming real and true nightmares. It's waking in the dead of night in a cold sweat because of a nightmare someone else in the world is living. And knowing it's real. Being so freaking terrified of what could lurk in the dark and the monsters it holds isn't just for children. The unseen enemies. The fear...the paranoia..."

So. Fear. Pretty awful stuffs, I know. That's the closest I've come to describing it. I get closer each time. I wish I could get it perfectly. Sorry, hopefully I'll have a decent summary coming up, bye.

UGGGGG I'VE FINISHED THE IMMORTALS AND NOW I'M SAD

It seems to me that I wouldn't feel this way if one of my friends *cough cough Isabella cough cough* hadn't felt it necessary to exclaim at every available moment how fantastic these are. However, that said, it was ultimately my decision to read them. So I did. Even though I started with the wrong quartet. Oh well. So I read these and loved them and basically there's this awesome girl, Daine, who has this fantastic gift known as wild magic. The only problem is, wild magic is incredibly rare. So nobody really has any idea what it's all about. Also, spoiler alert, her father is Weiryn, the hunter god of the mountain people. So she's part god too. But that's not even the best part. As with all of Tamora Pierce's female protagonists, she starts out a humble nobody in the eyes of the world. She's actually looked down upon a bit because in the first book she has no idea who her father is. And then, bang. Suddenly everything sort of flips and there's dragons and ships and enemies all over the place, and the only person who can possibly save the day is Daine. Even though Tammy's fantastic at characterization, she really should be a bit more careful about who has what ability. While wild magic is awesome and totally a great ability for a young heroine-to-be, adding other abilities (such as Daine's skill in archery) makes her seem almost unrealistic. The more human a character, the better. Even so, Daine does have a number of weaknesses and faults, such as her lack of knowledge about magic and other areas of study. HOWEVER, Daine's teacher Numair is more than happy to help her with all of this. He's also overly protective, and easy to crush on. Even though he's a fictional character, of course...BUT THEN NUMAINE HAPPENS AND THE WHOLE WORLD ENDS. That may be an exaggeration. But sometime while they're saving Tortall once again, Daine and Numair realize that, despite their fourteen year age gap and the fact that he's known for fooling around with court ladies, they're both madly in love with each other. The point is, Daine is an amazing character and congratulations to Tamora Pierce. She is boss. This was really long, but I promised a summary and here it is. You're welcome.

Look for these at your local library! 

Guys guys guys so I went to the library today and got a new card (my old card had a ginormous crack in it) but I left it in my mom's car. Soo...

But I did get books! Yay books! And the cover art on one of these books looks suspiciously like one of my best friends...

This is a problem. Good bye, and hopefully I'll find some book worth summarizing sometime soon. As soon as I can get off Tumblr.

Tourette's Explanation

So I know that loads of people think that Tourette's is funny, kind of like mental retardation, but just like mental retardation, IT'S NOT. TS isn't something to make fun of, since people with it are still people. Just people with TS. Also, a few facts:

• Tourette's is known for it's characterizing tics. Tics are INVOLUNTARY movements, sounds, etc.
• There are different types of tics, like motor (movements), vocal (sounds), mental (thoughts), and sensory. They're the hardest to explain, because you have to feel a certain way. Like, you have to have a certain pressure or texture or sensation. 
• People with Tourette's, despite what most people think, do have some control over their tics. But, like an itch, they build and build. Even the most disciplined and experienced people can't hold out for too long.
• Since Tourette's is sort of a mental disorder, doctors don't know all that much about it. Which makes it pretty untreatable.
• Mental tics are, hands-down, the absolute worst part about Tourette's syndrome. Not being able to control your own head is this worst thing I can think of. It's like a minor form of insanity. And it's miserable.

Most people (maybe even you) don't realize all this stuff about Tourette's and other disorders and diseases and just plain people. I have Tourette's syndrome. It's all good. Sure, I get weird looks. But people, let's all face it, are dumb. And inconsiderate, and rude, and simply cruel at times. So just think before you speak. Don't judge. At least make an effort to be nice to people. That's all. Sayonara peoples, and I'm sorry if that was different. I'm in a not-so-great mood today.

Tamora Pierce

I admit it. She is one of the absolute best fantasy storytellers I have ever read the work of. But that would be Isabella's falut. Tamora Pierce is the storyteller of such quartets as The Song of the Lioness, The Immortals, and Protector of the Small, among others. I definitely recommend them to everyone who enjoys reading. I am also aware that the books are not overly popular,  but the few people that have read them love them. Just to point that out.

Firstly, I AM SO SORRY. I've been incredibly busy with the typical end-of-the-school-year stuff, and then there's the summer (and the extreme summer chores). Needless to say, I've been putting off my blog for waaaaay longer than I should have. How can you all ever forgive me? The good news is, over all that time off from blogging, I've had plenty of time to read, read, and read. Loads of books. And just to show I haven't been just wasting my time, check out my Goodreads page here. Those things take FOREVER to put together, so I hope you're happy. I'll try to post some more summaries soon. Danke, Gracie Good

Cress by Marissa Meyer

Book Title: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer


This book was exactly what I expected: amazing. But that doesn’t actually explain why. Firstly, this book was fantastic because it had a wonderful plot. Violent Lunars on future spaceships invading Earth if their evil queen doesn’t wed the emperor does not sound that good. And the fact that the queen will then kill the emperor, use his land as a launchpad for more Lunars, and basically claim the earth as her own isn’t much better. Luckily, Cinder’s band of criminals, fugitives, misfits, and androids is here to save the day! After rescuing Cress from a satellite (based on Rapunzel), Cinder must find a way to save the world from some evil threat. My favorite part of this book, however, is that Marissa Meyer constantly drops amazing, earth-shattering, jaw-dropping secrets at least four times in each one of her books (Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and the coming soon Winter). Like SPOILER ALERT! the fact that Dr. Erland, one of the Lunar fugitives who helps Cinder, is really Cress’s father. There are so many mysteries that you can’t really guess until they come out completely, making this one of my favorite books ever.

Eona: By Alison Goodman

This is the incredible sequel to Eon, definitely one of my top five books ever. Eona begins where many books end (to quote one of the many positive comments about this book) which is in the absolute center of a crisis. The kingdom has been claimed by High Lord Sethon, the deceased emperor’s evil brother and the new emperor’s uncle, who will stop at nothing to kill Emperor Kygo and claim the throne. But Lady Eona, the ascendant Mirror Dragoneye, supports his majesty. Eona, however, has a dangerous secret: she cannot control her power. The forces of the ten bereft dragons left without a Dragoneye always attack her and her Mirror Dragon, leaving her defenseless in the energy world. Again wrapped in her own web of lies, Eona must find another way to untangle herself, the emperor, and his small army of followers. And Alison Goodman also had to throw in an intricate love triangle, a traitorous ancestress, and, of course, the most unforgettable battle scenes I’ve ever read. That really does mean ever, these are the very best.

Support Grace Good in the 2014 Spring Grove MS Mini-THON event

Support me! I will be participating in the Spring Grove Mini-THON on April 5, 2014.My personal fundraising goal is $200. I would appreciate any support that you give me for this worthwhile cause, and all donations are 100% tax deductible. Donating online is safe and easy! To make an online donation, please click on the "Support Me" link below or search for my name at http://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com and click "support this participant". Thank you for considering this request for your support. For the Kids, Gracie. Support me!

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Some of my fave books

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How frozen should have ended

(G.G. I'm sorry I know this is dedicated to books but I needed to put this somewhere.... don't hurt me!)
Hans: Anna your alive!
Anna: *punches Hans in the face*
*The boat besides them catches fire*
Hans: *descends into sky* Oh you shouldn't have done that Anna of Arendelle!
Anna: What?
Hans: Darling did you really think your fiance would betray you like that?
Anna: What?
Hans: I am the leader of weaselton! And your big sister there isn't the only witch in town!
Olaf: Well you!
Sven: *growls*
Old Hans: Now I have you where I need you!
Regular non bad Hans: wait no! * jumps up and gets hit by fire and is engulfed in flames*
Anna: Hans!
Hans: I... always... loved you....Anna * is turned to flames*
Elsa: That's it! You ruined! *throws ice at the dude from weaselton*





*who wants to describe the big fight scene for me?*
M.H.

Finally: The Epic Drualt-By Grace Good

The Epic Poem: Drualt

Originally by Gail Carson Levine from The Two Princesses of Bamarre

Completed and compiled by Grace Good

Out of a land laid waste

To a land untamed,

Monster-ridden,

The lad Drualt led
A ruined, ragtag band.

In his arms, tenderly,

He carried Bruce,

The child king,

First ruler of Bamarre.

Drualt fought alongside King Bruce,

And they went into battle

Against the monsters of the land.

King Bruce, armor shining,

Led the left flank, shouting,

‘Hide monsters, hide

From our might.’

Drualt, armor bloody,

Led the left flank, shouting,

‘Come, monsters, come

And meet our might.’

King Bruce frowned,

His mouth set grim, and

A dread light was in

His eyes. His soldiers too

Were grim, and battled

As a farmer plows

A stony field, with a will,

But no delight.

Drualt laughed, and

A glad light was in

His eyes. His soldiers

Laughed too, and fought

As a lad or maid begins a dance,

With a will and much delight.

Bruce and his warriors

Sang out-

Drualt and his warriors

Rang out-

‘Now carve my sword.

Now bite, my arrows.

Now die, my enemy.

Victory for Bamarre!’

When our hero was still

But a lad,

He made a visit to

The court of evil King Eldred,

Ruler of Tyor.

During the banquet, his host

Served the wine himself, causing

Drualt to laugh

And insist that he need not

Trouble himself,

A servant would do fine.

The servant returned with

A newly filled goblet,

Exactly alike to the king’s-

But with no poison.

Furious, Eldred inquired

Who Drualt was to tell

Him how to run his house.

Immediately after Drualt’s

Brisk reply, he was thrown

Into the dark, dank dungeon below

The castle.

The dungeon walls were stone,

Hard as a ogre’s head.

The floor was dirt,

Soft as milady’s powder.

Drualt burrowed,

His belt buckle for a shovel,

Singing all the while,

‘Dig or die, dig or die.

Lucky am I to own

A plucky silver buckle.’

Drualt the laugher,

Laughed and sang,

‘Lucky plucky buckle,

Plucky lucky buckle.’

And, laughing more,

‘Buckle plucky lucky.’

Laughing loud, he sang

Till his tongue

Turned topsy-turvy

And he could sing no more

For laughing.

Drualt, the laugher,

Laughed at the sun

On his shield,

The moon in his silver sword,

The drum in his heart.

Laughed at his someday death

Glimpsed from afar.

Drualt, the laugher,

Laughed at laughing.

He burrowed out into the

Glorious light of day,

And was snatched up by Yune.

The dragon carried him to her lair,

And he challenged her

Out on the scorching desert.

Fiery breath,

Snapping teeth, volcanic spittle;

Soft underbelly

Ringed by living spikes,

Poison-tipped.

Patient and relentless

As the desert sand,

Dealing hot death

In bitter morsels-

The dragon Yune.

No scales, no whipping tail,

Only a shining face,

Beacon in battle.

Only a man, the laugher,

Tall among men,

The warrior Drualt.

Yune’s hoard-

Knights’ bones,

Gnawed white;

Maidens’ bones,

Charred black;

Ruby brooch;

Tiara of diamonds;

My lady’s golden slipper-

Yune’s hoard,

Tall as a tower.

Drualt’s army-

Defiance, Drualt’s steed.

Gore-gouger, Drualt’s dagger.

Blood-biter, Drualt’s sword.

Drualt’s own sturdy legs,

Mainstay and Helpmeet;

Drualt’s own mighty arms,

Defender and Thruster.

Drualt’s army,

Sinew and steel.

The challenger dared Yune

To step into the light outside

Her lair.

She taunted him, and complied,

Saying he could not hope

To vanquish her.

Yune exhaled a cloud

Of vapors hot and thick,

Bitter as bile.

The cloud engulfed

Drualt’s army.

Within the cloud,

Defiance stumbled,

Choking.

Hooves beat the smoke.

Drualt, the laugher,

Heard Yune’s laugh.

He raised Blood-biter, and,

glowing white, the sword carved

A tunnel, a sun shaft

To pure air

And, unseen,

To Yune.

Within the moldering,

Noxious hoard,

Drualt’s living hand

Found the sword

Of long-dead hero

Arkule. Yune’s claws

Raked her festering pile

And almost plucked out Drualt’s

Keen right eye.

A claw found instead

Drualt’s scorched shoulder.

The dragon screeched her triumph:

‘You’re mine now. Mine!

Mine to burn, mine to crisp,

Mine to kill.’

She lifted Drualt.

And on that upward journey

To his doom,

Drualt thrust Gore-gouger

Into Yune’s soft flesh

And plunged Arkule’s long

And ancient sword

Into Yune’s stony heart.

Drualt took Freya’s warm hand,

Her strong hand,

Her sword hand,

And pressed it to his lips,

Pressed it to his heart.

‘Come with me,’ he said.

‘Come with me to battle,

My love. Tarry at my side.

Stay with me

When battle is done.

Tarry at my side.

Laugh with me,

And walk with me

The long, long way.

Tarry with me,

My love, at my side.’

And they were married

The following spring,

Drualt and Freya, and

She went forth with him

Into battle.

Bamarre’s ruler and citizens

Had once fought alongside them,

But they were soon left alone.

The heroes camped outside

Of Surmic, a small village in the

Eskern Mountains.

Drualt returned from

His hunt to find Freya

Calling for help, surrounded

By a dozen gryphons.

Not one villager had come

To her aid, though they’d camped

Close outside the village.

Two gryphons lay dead,

Entrails spilling

On the riverbank.

Two gryphons staggered,

And reeled, wings savaged.

Drualt laughed. His sweetheart

Was a doughty warrior.

Eight gryphons still

Set upon Freya, feasting

On her living flesh.

Freya, down upon

Her dimpled knees,

Fought on, but

Her life’s blood poured

Into the roiling river.

Drualt’s laughter died, and

Nevermore did Drualt laugh

Or smile in Bamarre.

Though gryphons bit and clawed

And set upon him, too,

Drualt reached his sweetheart

And knelt and tried

To staunch the rush

Of her heart’s red blood.

A monster pecked

At Freya’s dead lips.

Drualt arose in fury and

Slew it with one sweep

Of his angry sword.

The champion quickly

Dispatched the other gryphons.

When the monsters were

Defeated, the gate of Surmic

Swung open,

And the timid villagers

Stepped out.

‘Come you now?’ roared the hero.

‘Come you now, when all need

Is past? Come you now,

When my love is dead?’

Frightened, the villagers

Drew back and whispered

Among themselves, their voices

Dry as salt.

Drualt held Freya in his

Mighty arms, and turned

To leave the place.

An ancient woman hurried

After him, and asked

If he would return to their aid

In times of need.

Drualt told the crone,

‘Bamarre will see no more of me

Until the timid

Go forth with the strong.

But while her heroes

Still fight alone,

Bamarre will see no more of me.’

Drualt went then

Into the mountains,

Carrying Freya,

Bold spirit, lost love.

And he was no more

Seen in Bamarre.

Now when specter haunts,

Or dragon flames,

Or ogre attacks,

Or gryphon descends,

Bamarre fights alone.

Drualt, the laugher,

Tall among men,

Is gone.

But the tale has not

Run out-not yet!

So be brave, Bamarre!

Go forth, Bamarre,

The timid with the strong.

Let not your heroes

Fight alone.

Then one day,

In the spring of the year

When monsters are hunting,

A hero will come,

A laugher,

Tall among men.

Drualt, hero of Bamarre,

Will return.

So rise up, Bamarre!

Be brave, Bamarre!

Be worthy, Bamarre,

Of your hero’s return.

Step follows step,

Hope follows courage.

Set your face toward danger,

Set your heart on victory.

Victory for Bamarre!