Saturday, April 3, 2021
Welcome back, my chuckaboos! I apologize in advance — I am still scarce around the blogosphere while I prepare the next installment of my Amazon serial. Dead of Winter: Journey 4, The Old Road will be ready soon.
I literally left Émeraude hanging last time, so let’s step short before somebody tries to batty fang me over this predicament.
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 69 — Sense
Most of my senses were deprived. My goggles were so spattered by the sooty air that I could barely see. With my feet swinging in midair, I couldn’t touch the safety of terra firma. The only thing I could hear was my pounding heart.
One of the straps holding the mask onto my head slipped. My hold on it gained an additional purpose. I had been trying to keep it from strangling me. Suddenly, I was hanging onto it for dear life.
The mask was loose enough that I feared I would fall out of it. That also let some of the polluted air into what had previously been a protected space. My eyes watered and my lungs stung.
I tried to catch the metal ladder with my foot. However, all I managed to do was to kick it farther away. The ladder was beyond my grasp, and the strap of the mask choked me. I began to feel faint from the lack of oxygen to my lungs. I whimpered as spots danced before my eyes.
Abruptly I moved upward.
A moment later I was plopped onto the floor. Between the spots I saw and the dirt on my goggles, I was half blind. However, it felt like I was inside… somewhere.
The noise I made while trying to suck air into my lungs sounded terrible to my ears. To my surprise, I could breathe the air inside the room.
I struggled out of the mask, panting for breath. Then, recalling the nasty air, I stopped myself. Tentatively, I sniffed. The air seemed clean enough.
A soft ap-pat sound reached my ears. To my astonishment a small clockwork creature inched up my sleeve. It was a mechanical worm. Bright blue apatite eyes glittered at me. Tiny goggles were pushed back on its head.
“A bookworm?” I whispered.
“Ap-pat. Shhh!” it softly hissed.
Then the bookworm tucked itself into the pleats of my leg-of-mutton sleeve. It added a final shush before hiding.
A clang of metal startled me. Propelled by a mechanism, the ladder clanked up into view. A dark figure was bent closing a hatch in the floor across the room.
As he straightened to his full height, I gasped.
For the tiniest moment I thought the man was Jaspe.
My sharp intake of breath was a mistake. My throat was raw and I began to cough. Perhaps the air wasn’t so clean after all.
“Welcome, my dear. I’ve waited long to greet you in person,” the man stated.
“Where am I? What kind of place is this?”
“Welcome aboard the Geostrophic Pearl,” he said with a bow and a flourish.
“The what Pearl?” I choked out the question, although the word pearl put the sensation of an icy knife in the pit of my stomach.
“The geostrophic flow is a theoretical wind that results from an exact balance between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force,” he added when I stared mutely.
“Huh?” I grunted perplexed.
He was worse at explaining things than Victor. I wondered if he was an inventor also.
I put my hand to my neck. An angry welt stretched across it where the mask strap had dug into my skin. I didn’t think I could hold up my end of a conversation.
Again, I was struck by the man’s resemblance to Jaspe. He was as tall as the Dealer, and had the same lean dancer’s build. He also seemed to be as strong, based on the way he pulled me up and inside the… whatever kind of place it was. He even had a trace of a Creole accent.
However, his complexion was pallid gray, and his face was different from Jaspe’s. So was his choice in clothing. The man wore a tuxedo with tails and a top hat. However, all were in deep forest green, with pale green stripes. The pin in his cravat and the stone of his ring similarly held green striped stones. I knew who he must be.
“Malachite…” I croaked out the name.
“At your service, cher. My… you are almost as lovely as the original.”
“Whuh?” I growled, still unable to speak clearly.
“The original Pearl, of course.”
“Portrait?” I managed to rasp.
“Indeed,” he replied.
His voice, and in the way his eyes rested on my face gave me a shiver of fear.
Somewhere in the distance, I heard a deep, very large sounding growl.
***
End Chapter 69
***
Ummm… did I do it again?
Dead of Winter
If you haven’t already joined the journey, you’re just in time to curl up with a nice-sized bite of reading. All three together are under 200 pages — you can catch up before the fourth installment is published.
Journey 3, the Fever Field
Kindle: elinks.me/B08XTNZ9M8
Paperback: relinks.me/B08XXY3JXF
Journey 2, Penllyn
Kindle: relinks.me/B08VMNSF97
Paperback: relinks.me/B08VLMR2KD
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dead-of-winter-journey-2-penllyn
Journey 1, Forlorn Peak
Kindle: relinks.me/B08RBBVRGX
Paperback: relinks.me/B08R7RH4F5
Thanks for visiting. I’d love to hear from you in a comment, but like I say, this is my sanctuary — so keep it friendly. Remember — this is not a forum for critique.
This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2016 and 2021 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
All rights reserved.
No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.
All images are either the property of the author or provided by free sources, unless stated otherwise.
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Teagan's Books 
What can I say? Love it…love it!! You never cease to amaze me with your gift of writing!! I apologize for late arrival again…..my wife had knee replacement surgery a couple of weeks ago and I have had my hands full playing Physical Therapy guy and nurse maid. Turnabout is fair play as she did the same for me with my two knees over the last two years. This is her 2nd one and she’s doing great!! Old age???? 🙂
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Hi Kirt. Firstly, I’m happy to hear that your wife is on the mend. From the time (years ago) that I fractured my ankle, I understand how difficult that kind of painful mobility (or the lack thereof) is. I remember your knee surgeries too. You both hang in there. Hugs winging your way.
Secondly, there’s no such thing as late here. It’s always a delight to see you. I’m happy you enjoyed this chapter, my chuckaboo!
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I am a bit late but as always you have me riveted and on the edge of my seat. Your imagination knows no bounds. Cant wait for the next installment.
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Thanks so much Suzanne. It’s always great to see you. I always say, there’s no such thing as late here. Although I’m the one who is going to be late. I’m so far behind on the April installment of Dead of Winter, that I won’t be doing a new Delta Pearl this weekend. Thanks for reading and commenting my chuckaboo!
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intresting😊
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Welcome, Raj. I’m happy you thought so. This serial began about a year and a half ago, so I realize it’s difficult to understand, coming in at that point. I’m actually (gradually) wrapping it up. Thanks so much for visiting. Hugs on the wing!
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Yes, you did it again my sly, cliffhanger-teasing friend!
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Bwahahahaha! I’m glad you enjoyed it, Teri. Stay happy and sassy, my chuckaboo!
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You did do it again! Growling is more scary that feet swinging mid air. Can’t wait!!
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Ahhh… Jill that’s great feedback. It’s a good reminder that there are so many different fear triggers. More about that growl to come. But then… is it similar to something we’ve heard before? 😉 Thanks for reading and commenting my chuckaboo!
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Teagan, thank you for this exciting episode. I see from a comment you say you have a mean streak. Well don;t get mad at me. I haven’t done a thing.
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Haha. I’d never be mad at you, David. I confine my meanness to the repeated cliffhangers. Thanks for reading and commenting, my chuckaboo!
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What has Em got herself into now and just who is the origional Pearl. I don’t like that growl at all
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Spread Laughter Today
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Ah we shall see. Have a great week, my chuckaboo!
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👍
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Finally we find out what’s up in that sooty cloud! What an interesting character. And what is that growling noise??? A fun episode, Teagan. Good luck on getting journey 4 out. Have a wonderful week.
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Ah… that growl sounds a little familiar, Diana. Maybe we’ll learn more about that next time. Although I don’t know, because I haven’t even made notes for the next chapter! (Hysterical laugh). I’m woefully behind on everything. Thanks for reading and commenting, my chuckaboo!
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Lol. Don’t worry about being behind. That’s why I’m taking a break – just to get a little breathing room and reduce some of the stress. But of course, I had to see what was happening on the riverboat. 🙂
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Ah! The clockwork bookworm hid in Émeraude’s clothing.
I wonder if all the clockworks will hide themselves in her. Maybe they want to escape Malachite and the cloud?
Where is the original “Pearl” thing going?
Lots of fun discoveries in this episode.
Thank you, Teagan. Happy Holiday, whatever you celebrate! {{hugs}}
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Thank you, Resa. I hope you’ve had a delightful weekend. Great big hug, my chuckaboo!
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Yes!!!
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It seems our dear Emeraude has found an alternate Pearl Universe. How exciting to finally get to meet Malachite! Can’t wait to see what’s next. I love the bookworm clockwork creature. 🙂 Well played!
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Only what’s been hidden by the cloud that’s been following the riverboat. Happy Easter. Hugs!
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Did you do it again?! This is all very exciting, I’m interested to know more about Malachite and – gulp – the original Pearl!
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LOL, thank you, Andrea. Yes, there is still more to reveal. I hope you’re having a lovely weekend, my chuckaboo! Hugs.
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Yes, the portrait! Fascinating episode, Teagan.
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I’m delighted you enjoyed it, Jennie. Have a beautiful weekend, my chuckaboo!
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Best to you, Teagan. Hugs! 💕
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Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine Magick for Mind Body and Soul and commented:
This does not sound like a good situation for Émeraude either. So another exciting chapter!
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Thank you Dyanna. Yeah… that kind of welcome would freak me out too.
You’re a treasure to reblog this, my chuckaboo!
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You did! Yea… another great episode, Teagan!
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LOL. Thank you, Bette. Have a beautiful holiday weekend, my chuckaboo!
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Thanks you. Wishing you the same, dear Teagan! ❤
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I came to this story very late and I am having a hard time finding myself understanding the story. However, I am enjoying the experience. This addition to the ongoing narrative is rather scary and I am eager to see where the story goes from here. Thank you for keeping in touch! ! !
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It’s wonderful to see you, Ms. Frances. Yes, this story started about 18 months ago. No one could keep up with all the details. These past several weeks I’ve actually been pulling all the many threads together for the conclusion.
Here is a link to the very first chapter:
If you click this link, it *should* take you to all the chapters. However, they are in reverse order.
https://teagansbooks.com/category/delta-pearl/
Thank you very much for taking time to read and comment, my chuckaboo! Have a beautiful Easter weekend. Hugs on the wing! ❤
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Yeah! Another clockwork mystery. Where does this bookworm come from, and why hide in the sleeve? 😉 Another great entertaining episode, Teagan! Thank you for sharing, and have a beautiful Easter celebration. Big hugs, Michael.
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I’m happy you enjoyed the chapter, Michael. Wishing you a wonderful Easter too. Crystal and I send hugs back to you, my chuckaboo!
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Thank you very miuch, Teagan! Best wishes also to Crystal. Enjoy the weekend, and take some spare time. Big hugs Michael
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I enjoyed this installment, Teagan, and look forward to the next. It will be interesting to see how the portrait figures into the story now.
Hugs to you and Crystal!
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Thank you, Lavinia. It’s hard to believe this riverboat has been rolling for over a year, so details are long forgotten by everyone. However, now I’m circling back to all those long ago tidbits — the portrait, the riverboat healing herself (of scratched floors and the carpet not wearing out, etc.), even the book cover… and a particular thought Emeraude toyed with back in Chapter 1. Although the full details of the portrait will be one of the last things tied up. 😉 Have a lovely weekend, my chuckaboo!
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Great installment, Teagan:) I have so many questions and wonder who the original was in that painting, along with what tbe bookworm is going to do in her sleeve.
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Haha… I’m actually not sure. Maybe the bookworm is just hitching a ride. Or maybe it knows an important place in a book. Hmmm. Thanks for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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So glad to get an answer on the portrait, Teagan. Yes, of course, you did it again, but we love it. Have a super weekend. 😊
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I’m so glad you picked up on the part about the portrait, John. I think most people missed that. I hope you can have a lovely weekend. Stay safe and well, my chuckaboo!
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Thank you, Teagan. I have been thirsting for word on the portrait and there it is. The original Pearl. 😁
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There’s still a little more to unfold related to the portrait. Stay tuned. 🙂
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I’m sure. I just had to hear somebody admit the tie.
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Joining all the others, yep, you did it again! I LOVE the bookworm and I’m expecting great things from him. Now I need to know where the “first” Pearl is and is Malachite friend or foe? Is Victor going to join her? Too many questions Teagan. Another universe to deal with!
Ginger
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Thanks, Ginger. This is the first time we’ve gotten a good look at him. He was the attacker in the brown cloud at Emeraude’s sweet sixteen party. Golly, that was a long time ago. And he was a shadow lurking in that boarded up art gallery in Cairo, IL.
I think our bricky young heroine might need to rescue herself… but I haven’t written that part yet. 😀 Have a beautiful weekend, my chuckaboo!
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It looks like you want to break all the work limit laws. I wish you all well and success and also a happy Easter feast, my Chuckaboo. 🤗💖🌹👍💖😘
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Haha! I just wish I had more energy, dear Magician. Enjoy the holiday. Stay safe and well, my chuckaboo!
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The original Pearl? Intriguing. I wonder if Emeraude is a reincarnation, stuck in a time loop, a direct descendant . . .
Good episode!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Priscilla. Have a lovely weekend, my chuckaboo!
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Well, we finally get a glimpse of the “cloud” and you still have me stunned and on the edge of my chair! A fantastic piece of work, Teagan!
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Hi GP. Thank you! I’m glad to know that I could keep up the suspense now that no one was literally hanging. LOL. There’s at least one more surprise to come. Stay safe and well, my chuckaboo!
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Thanks for the warning. But whatever comes, I know I’ll like it!!
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Wow! A true parallel universe. Glad she has the help of her bookworm. Now I’m wondering if Jaspe and Malachite are twins or at least brothers. A new chapter and/or new Journey to look forward to. Can’t wait! Inspirational hugs inking your way.
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What? No parallel universes here. You might be onto something about Malachite. The truth is, I never could decide about that! LOL. Thanks for reading, my chuckaboo! Hugs back.
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I want to h ave your skill at world-building when (if) I grow up.
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You’re too kind. I think NOT growing up may be the key. Hugs on the wing.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Heartfelt thanks for reblogging, dear Ape. Have a beautiful weekend, my chuckaboo!
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You too, Teagan 🦍🤗❤️❤️🤗🦍
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Bravo, Teagan, a great piece. Malachite sounds horrible and I love the bookworm. Happy writing.
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I appreciate that feedback, Robbie. I wanted the combination of his physical build and clothes to make him seem both slightly off-beat and sinister. Thanks so much for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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Yes, you did! What a fascinating place and an intriguing man! And I love the bookworm. Thanks, Teagan, and happy Easter!
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Thank you, Olga. We still have more to learn about Malachite. 🙂 Have a lovely Easter, my chuckaboo!
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You SO did it again!
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Um, yes, you did do it again. But you did it so well we won’t complain.I’m going to noodle on this for a while until my coffee kicks in. I think I’m coughing with sympathy for Émeraude, her struggle was all to real. I hope Malachite gives her some water.
I hope you make progress of “Dead of Winter,” but thanks for moving this story forward, regardless of where we landed. Have a great weekend, Teagan ❤️
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I thought I was going to make good progress on Dead of Winter last afternoon. Crystal, however, had other plans for what I was doing. LOL. I just hope having the cactus guys here today doesn’t freak her out as bad as last time. She’s barely gotten over being skittish from that…
Thanks for your encouragement. The “water” comment made me chuckle. That’s actually a good idea. It would let me bring another character onto that scene. Happy weekend to you too, my chuckaboo!
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Animals have a way of changing our plans, Teagan. I hope things go well with the cactus guys.
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Oh, it did go well. I’m very pleased with the redone cactus garden. It has two very interesting new cacti too. I hope you enjoy your Easter dinner. Hugs on the wing.
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LOL. I admit to my mean streak, Barb. Have a beautiful weekend, my chuckaboo!
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