Dena is another of the Ladies of Tullamore, a group of writers who created a series of paranormal stories taking place at Castle Tullamore, a place where anything might happen, and visitors never know who, or what, might be waiting for them to aid or thwart -- or
Dena's new book, Mystic's Touch, promises to be a wonderful read, involving two lovers held apart by a mysterious power.
Be sure to check below for Dena's giveaway.
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Copyrighted material. This is a preview only.
An Excerpt From: MYSTIC’S TOUCH
Copyright © DENA GARSON, 2013
All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.
By the Gods, why can no one hear me!
Ceros continued to yell until even the voice in his head began to sound hoarse. Still no one responded. There were people in the room. He could hear them moving about and whispering. Since he couldn’t turn his head, he couldn’t see anything except the same ceiling view he’d had since he’d awakened.
Could be worse. My eyes could have been closed.
He tried to move an arm, a leg, a finger. He tried to turn his head again, but nothing worked that he could tell. One of the physicians had told his mother earlier they were bewildered by what ailed him. They only know half of the puzzle. His body may not be responding to any of the pokes and prods as they tested his reactions, but he could feel everything, hear everything and see the few things that passed through his line of sight.
He simply had no control over his own limbs.
It was frustrating beyond belief to not be able to communicate. He tried to tell them he was alive and functional inside his shell of a body.
Thank the Gods his mother insisted they feed him what they could. So far it had been water and broth mixed with some kind of herbs. All spooned in small quantities as someone encouraged his throat muscles to work. Ceros knew his body would soon wither away if they didn’t find a cure for whatever was wrong.
With nothing else to do, Ceros replayed his memories of the morning and tried to discern what happened. He’d had no unknown food or drink since he and Gehiji left Shirghada. They’d packed their own rations before leaving and traveled alone.
Gehiji was no threat. He’d protected Ceros’ back more times than he cared to think about. And Ceros had done the same for Gehiji.
He remembered meeting Aleric and the council members at the oasis on the outskirts of Licosia. After that, his memory became clouded.
When he woke, his father’s old physician, Darius, was speaking with his mother. He couldn’t see her, but he was sure it was his mother who clung to his hand. Darius said he didn’t know what was wrong but promised to consult some colleagues and dig through his tomes to find an answer.
His mother came and went several times through the day, but her own physician had cautioned her against staying and exhausting herself when there was nothing she could do to help. Ceros hated being the cause of more grief for her. She had just lost her husband, the father of her children, her king. She was probably worried she would lose him too.
What if the throne were in jeopardy?
If it hadn’t already been chilled, his blood would have run cold at the thought.
His father’s death had been labeled a hunting accident. Even though he knew how many things could go wrong on a hunt, Ceros felt there was room for speculation.
Ceros had been away from the royal court and the related politics for years. There would be no reason for anyone to hold a grudge against him. If his present condition was the result of someone’s attempt to kill him, it would most likely be someone who felt he or she had a chance to gain power, or perhaps even rule over Licosia.
He ran through the list of people who would step up in power if he died or was deemed unfit to rule by the council. While he’d been away, he allowed himself to get caught up in the politics of Shirghada instead of Licosia. He didn’t readily remember all of the highest-ranking council members.
In his present condition, he couldn’t ask anyone. He couldn’t even make a list of the names he did know.
Damnation! If he got out of this predicament, he would remedy that problem as quickly as possible. He allowed himself a string of curses to relieve some of the tension he felt building up inside.
That’s a very creative use of more than a dozen curses. And all of them used in a single thought too.
Ceros was startled by the sound of a female voice inside his head. Oh Gods, I’ve finally gone mad. Now I’m hearing voices.
You haven’t gone any more mad than I, the voice attempted to reassure him.
That isn’t a comforting thought.
The voice laughed, the light sound dancing through his mind, soothing some of his frustrations.
Who are you? Ceros asked.
There was a pause before the voice answered.
I don’t think I will reveal that just yet.
Do you know who I am? Ceros asked, allowing his royal breeding to show in his voice.
I believe so.
You don’t know for sure?
I didn’t at first, no.
How long have you been listening to my thoughts?
I first heard them this morning, but mistook them for echoes from somewhere within the palace. When I realized no one else could hear you and sensed how frustrated you were, I began looking for the source.
How is it that you can speak to me? Inside my thoughts, that is.
The voice paused again. I cannot say.
Cannot? Or will not?
A little of both I suppose. If it makes you feel better, I don’t think I can hear all of your thoughts all the time.
What do you mean?
This is the first time I’ve heard anything. Today was, I mean.
That makes me feel somewhat better.
I suspect that your thoughts were projected due to your intense emotional outburst.
Ceros considered her theory. It made sense. Do you think that anyone else can hear my thoughts?
Again the voice paused. It’s doubtful.
Why you then?
The voice sighed, or so it seemed. Will you allow me to find the answer to that question before I tell you?
Do I have a choice?
The voice chuckled. Not really.
Then by all means, take your time. I’ll be here. Waiting patiently.
Now, now. No need to be petulant.
Me? Petulant?
Yes, you.
The voice laughed again, easing some of the tension that built up again. He was so relieved to have someone to talk to he couldn’t bear the thought of breaking the connection, no matter who it was.
How do I know you’re real, not a drug-induced illusion?
He felt the bed dip as someone sat next to him. That same someone grasped his foot over the linen sheet that covered him.
Can you feel that? she asked.
Feel what? He was hesitant to assume anything.
Me, touching your foot.
Yes.
Do your drug-induced illusions usually touch you? Physically, I mean.
It was Ceros’ turn to chuckle. No, not usually.
Well, then, I must really be here.
I guess so. Thank the Gods. Ceros knew he wasn’t really holding his breath, but it felt like it.
I heard that, you know.
You mean I have to censor all my thoughts now?
No. But if I’m somewhere nearby and you’re upset, you might want to.
You have to be near me to hear my thoughts?
I think so. It’s only a theory. One I’ll test here in a moment, since I need to leave before anyone returns.
Do you really have to go? He hated the panic that rose with the thought of her leaving and never returning.
People will wonder why I linger if I’m seen in your room.
When will you be back?
It’s almost time for the evening meal. I need to find someone who may be able to answer the question of why we can hear each other’s thoughts. I doubt I’ll be able to return until tomorrow. Perhaps while everyone is busy with the midday meal.
Can you do something for me?
If I can.
Will you get a message to my friend, Gehiji? Him and only him. Tell him that I am alive, inside this body and I will need his skills to find out who did this to me.
What reason would he have for believing me?
Ceros thought for a moment. She was right. Even if she could get a message to Gehiji, he would likely dismiss it as the fanciful wishing of a woman. Or worse, he could become suspicious of her intentions and try to keep her away.
Tell him that I will return the telos he gambled away if he is able to find out what and who was behind this.
A telos? Do I even want to know what that is?
If you deliver my message and I recover from this, whatever this is, I will tell you the story.
Very well. I will seek your friend out. But I won’t promise to tell him how I know.
Fair enough.
A sound from somewhere nearby sent the owner of the voice scurrying to her feet. I must go.
You will return. Ceros knew it was more an order than a question, but he didn’t care. He needed her to return. As much as he hated it, he needed her to keep him sane.
Yes. I will return as soon as I can. You should sleep. It’s the best thing you can do to heal the body.
Ceros snorted. Like I have anything else to do.
He heard a door open and close but didn’t hear anyone moving about the room. Something twisted in his chest knowing she had gone.
I will return. The voice whispered in his mind, easing the knot forming in his chest.
A moment later, he heard her asking, Do you still hear me?
It was faint and he wondered if it was due to proximity or barriers between them.
Yes, somewhat.
Interesting.
What is?
I’ll tell you tomorrow.
He chuckled and wondered what just happened.
