Rising From Dust
by Martine Carlsson
Light from Aphelion #1
Publication Date: January 8, 2016
Genres: Historical, Fantasy
by Martine Carlsson
Light from Aphelion #1
Publication Date: January 8, 2016
Genres: Historical, Fantasy
PURCHASE: Amazon (#FREE with #KindleUnlimited)
PURCHASE: Amazon (#FREE with #KindleUnlimited)
Synopsis: FIGHT FOR JUSTICE. DIE FOR LOVE.
War
is raging in the kingdom of Trevalden. Up north in the Frozen
Mountains, the amnesic hermit Selen survives as the pariah in his
community. Drawn by a mysterious call, he travels to Trevalden and meets
Louis, an enigmatic archivist. Together, as Selen remembers his past,
they face the desolation of war with a group of misfits. For the sake of
the people, they fight back the king’s armies, prepared to meet
death…or a new dawn. As Selen and Louis understand that their feelings
for each other may be their undoing, they are torn between their
emotions and the greater good. But in the end, what is the greater good?
While
they try to find their place in an unknown world, they carry a secret
that will shatter the society and make them realize that the hardest
fights are not against dragons but within oneself.
Rising
from Dust is an epic journey where gritty fantasy and history cross
paths. A graphic story of loyalty, violence, magic, court plots, and
unwavering love where no one is what they seem.
Please note: This book contains graphic scenes and is an M/M story intended for adult readers.
EXCERPT
“Whatever
I am looking for, it’s hidden here,” Louis said and looked at the sign
of the Wounded Owl Inn. It was time he arrived. His heart inflamed his
lungs. His hands in his gloves were moist, and his vision had blurred a
few times.
The
place was built with white stone, and judging by the thickness of the
ivy that grew on the north wall, it had probably stood there for a
hundred years. The inn was big, with a long red tile roof and
half-timbered walls. Louis looked at the stained-glass windows of
different colors. Only rich taverns in cities could afford such luxury.
To be so impressive, this place was probably the only resting spot on
the main road for miles. He walked towards the porch. Like a moat around
a castle, the inn was circled by a stream, which also could have been
waste waters. A stone bridge connected the alley to the entrance gate.
A young lad in dusty outfits approached him. “Should I take care of your horse, my lord?”
“I’m
no lord, but yes, you can,” Louis answered. As he dismounted, his head
spun. He closed his eyes a few seconds. “How big is this place?”
“You
have the stables at your right, over there. On the left is the inn.
Though, I think the inn is full for the night. There is an inner garden
that you can reach from the west side of the main room. This gate is the
only entrance,” the lad explained.
So,
that door would be the only exit should he meet someone nasty inside
the inn. Louis was not reassured at all. “Thank you. That will be all.”
Louis gave the lad a coin, handed him his horse’s bridle, and headed to
the inn’s main door across the inner yard.
As
Louis pushed the door, the smell of tobacco and cabbage fried in grease
with onions welcomed him. He put a hand on his mouth. The tavern was
crowded with all kinds of folk, each more suspicious and shabby looking
than the other. The customers’ loud chatting covered the distant sound
of a bard’s lute. His eyes narrowed when he stared at the faces. Under
his cloak, Louis reached for the pommel of his sword. No eyes crossed
his. No one reacted to his presence. Still, it was here, somewhere.
The
heat in his chest was suffocating. He pushed his hood back. The
terrible smell made his stomach contract again. In search for some fresh
air, he noticed the open door on the other side, the one that led to
the inner garden. He took a few unsteady steps towards the doorframe and
leaned against it. The cold air of the evening felt wonderful on his
face. The garden was full of colorful flowers. This enchanting place was
a stark contrast to the main room of the tavern. Someone sat in the
alley.
The
pain in his heart stopped. The nausea left him. Could the something he
was after be a someone? Louis approached with his hand on his sword.
“Whoever you are, turn around and show yourself,” Louis commanded.
The
person in front of him rose slowly and turned, pushing his hood back.
The pain Louis had felt in his heart came back stronger than ever, but
it was another kind of pain this time. The man had long hair the color
of lilacs cascading down his back to his thighs. His face had the most
delicate features Louis had ever seen. But above all, it was the man’s
eyes that caught his attention. He had eyes of the purest green,
expressing the most infinite kindness. Louis was drawn out of his
amazement when the man opened his plump, curved mouth.
“My name is Selen. I’ve been waiting for you,” the man said with a smile and a hint of a blush.
ABOUT MARTINE CARLSSON
Martine
Carlsson lives in the middle of the Swedish forest. She is French,
educated librarian, and studied history at the University of Liege. She
takes her inspiration from the nature around her, from her roots in
Brittany, and from fascinating parts from the European history.
Therefore, it is not uncommon to read in her stories about forest
creatures meeting peculiar characters in a detailed, historical-based
background. She enjoys writing fantasy, especially a mix between harsh
realism and magical wonders. Rising from Dust is her first novel and the
first volume of the series Light from Aphelion.
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