Zasha, Looking Like May Day
The stable behind the Golden Book was filled with horses. Most of them had been rescued from the battlefield by Gethin Gwilym, the equerry to the Deae Matres. Zasha was too focused to give any thought to who was or wasn’t in the large barn.
Gethin had worked with Osabide to collect herbs for a concoction to calm the horses who had been traumatized in the fighting. He mixed chamomile, valerian root powder, and oddly, catnip. Then he filled a cored apple with the mix. The animals eagerly ate the treat.
Several of the summer’s bane wreaths hung from Zasha’s arm. Shifting the wreaths, she picked up one of the apples. She walked briskly to the stall where her beloved white mare waited. With a grunt, she hefted the saddle up onto Kiska. Then she led the mare through the barn.
Holding up the Staff of Ancient Chieftains, she inspected her handiwork. Maybe it was sacrilege, but Zasha followed an intuitive urge. With an awl, she made tiny holes in the staff, just below the place where Red Eye crowned it. She glued the thin iron arrows into the holes.
The magic of the staff is uncertain in my hands. I don’t know if adding the iron will make it more effective against nightwalkers… or if it will change it at all, she thought. But if I can’t make the magic work, at least I’ll have an iron spiked quarterstaff.
She opened some of wreaths and tied them together, creating one large garland of summer’s bane. She encircled Kiska’s arched neck with it, and then stroked her nose. She pinned the remaining wreath to her own head.
“We look like we’re riding to a festival for the first day of spring,” she remarked, looking down into the water trough at their reflection. “Would that it were so. Forgive me, my friend… for knowingly riding you into harm’s way,” she added, patting Kiska’s neck.
♦♦♦
♦♦♦
Dead of Winter — All the Journeys
Universal Purchase Links
Journey 13, The Harbor
Kindle: relinks.me/B09TN3NDX1
Paperback: relinks.me/B09TN1F58B
Journey 12, Goddesses
Kindle: relinks.me/B09P5LJY13
Paperback: relinks.me/B09NTTZ9J8
Journey 11, the Sumelazon Escarpment
Kindle: relinks.me/B09M7Q19XT
Paperback: relinks.me/B09M4QWDYK
Journey 10, Pergesca
Kindle: relinks.me/B09J6TH8TD
Paperback: relinks.me/B09J7GFWYV
Journey 9, Doors of Attunement
Kindle: relinks.me/B09F8Y5DML
Paperback: relinks.me/B09F1BB9RW
Journey 8, The Lost Library
Kindle: relinks.me/B09C6MPTYT
Paperback: relinks.me/B09C34XR7P
Journey 7, Revenant Pass
Kindle: relinks.me/B098MS8P48
Paperback: relinks.me/B098GV1G5V
Journey 6, The Fluting Fell
Kindle: relinks.me/B096CPJNSX
Paperback: relinks.me/B096CPJNSX
Journey 5, Llyn Pistyll Falls
Kindle: relinks.me/B09431TD6G
Paperback: relinks.me/B0942KC471
Journey 4, The Old Road
Kindle: relinks.me/B092G5LB7R
Paperback: relinks.me/B092M51Y88
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
♦♦♦
Wishing you an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump. I love to hear from you, so friendly comments are encouraged. Hugs on the wing!
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 © 2010 and 2022 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.
…
Teagan's Books 
I’m always enthralled by your talent, Teagan. Don’t beat yourself up, there’s a lot of us going through the same Covid Brain fogginess, as they call it. {{hugs}}
LikeLiked by 2 people
You are so kind, Jacquie — thank you. Happy May, and hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m ready I’m ready I’m ready! I reviewed Journey 13 (and almost all of them). I love this series. I’m sorry it takes so long to put each segment together, but from your readers’ perspective, it’s worth it!! xo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pam, you jewel. Thank you so very much. I’ll look for your review so I can share it. (I don’t always have the guts to look for reviews, LOL. So, I don’t often see them.) I’m trying to bring as many of the important characters into the ending as I can.
Actually, I just finished an image of Tajín (for the chapter interior). I was so in love with it that I made a color version with a backdrop of his native Bandihar. I’ll show it in a post this weekend. I’m so happy that you are part of these Journeys. Hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I LOVE being part of the Journeys. I should have told you I reviewed #13 – did it a while ago. However, I deleted Twitter from my social media, so couldn’t show it there. Sorrreeee. Keep it up, my writer friend. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pam, you’ve gone above and beyond. I really do appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are amazing! Thank you for keeping us looking forward to the continuing story! ! Have a happy new month of May! ! !
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy Cinco de Mayo, Ms. Frances! It’s lovely to see you. Heartfelt thanks for being part of the Journeys. I just finished an image of Tajín, which I’ll show in a post this weekend. Hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d say you’ve done an incredible job getting all of these books finished in the time you did, Teagan. A testament to your talent and efficiency.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mark, thanks for your encouragement and for saying that. I’ve been hugely down on myself for taking so long. Of course all the wild fires across New Mexico have added a lot to my usual level of anxiety, so that makes me even slower. Wishing you a lovely May — oh, and May the 4th be with you. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Teagan, gripping, teasing and tempting, and beautiful too. Toni x
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so kind, Toni. Heartfelt thanks. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLike
HI Teagan, this is a gripping extract. I too have had some difficulties writing recently. It can be hard to focus sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Robbie. With family, extended family, and work there are huge demands on your focus and energy. I’m sorry to hear it’s been difficult — but I do feel I’m in good company. 😉 Happy May, and hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent work takes time and is worth it. All the best dear lady, Muriel
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so good to see you, Muriel. Thanks for your encouragement. Happy May, and hugs on the wing!
LikeLike
Wonderful teaser, Teagan. You amaze me with your creativity and steadfastness. Congratulations on this incredible writing journey. ✨🎉✨
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so kind, Gwen — heartfelt thanks. Happy May and hugs on the wing!
LikeLike
Adore this excerpt, Teagan!
Don’t worry, just write… when you feel it.
I’ll still be here when the Armadillo Files returns. {{hugs}}
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so kind, Resa — thank you. Have a beautiful May. Hugs winging back to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope Zasha and Kiska both make it through. Great teaser!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy you enjoyed it, Priscilla. LOL, Zasha would have been furious if I left her out of the ending. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing the teaser, Teagan 🙂 It has me intrigued! Xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad, Denise. Thanks for taking time to visit. Hugs on the wing!
LikeLike
A teaser indeed, Teagan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s good to see you, Noelle. Have a beautiful weekend. Hugs on the wing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Best wishes also from me, Teagan! Take the time you need. Best wishes! xx Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you very much, Michael — and those good wishes to you as well. Big hugs!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Also thank you for reblogging. More hugs!
LikeLike
Best wishes on the conclusion, Teagan. Taking time is a good thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems like so much time, though. I tried so hard to publish these each month. I knew it would take longer, since this one is actually almost all new writing. But still… Anyhow, thanks for visiting and for the good wishes, my friend. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like Zasha, Teagan, but then, I like a lot of the characters that have been with us since the beginning. 🙂 I know that you’ll get there and we’re all happy to wait for the conclusion to your epic tale. A great teaser. Hugs and Happy Writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so kind, Diana — thank you. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. There are so many fires. Hugs winging back to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No fires here yet, thank goodness. We’re still in the rainy season. Which is okay, though I’m so ready for spring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to know you’re okay. Happy May.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope this little snippet gets you moving at the pace you want to be writing at. Take good care of yourself through the journey. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s part of a larger scene… even with the whole thing, I wish I had been able to do more. I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. There are so many fires. Stay safe and well. Hugs winging back to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tim. I need to catch up with your new serial. Chin rubs to all the kitties. Hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to see Zasha again. I like the story when she’s around. The snippet is wonderful. If it’s an indication of what’s to come, then I can wait. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a proud week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Dan. I’m glad Zasha has a friend in you. Take care and hugs on the wing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the snippet. It enriched our minds and the story. Thrilled to see something from you this morning. Happy hugs tumbling your way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s lovely to see you, Pat. I’ve missed (and needed) the interaction here. Lots going on in the final Journey. I feel like an orchestra conductor. LOL. Hugs winging back to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May be ( pun intended) we will see all of our old friends this month. Both on a Journey and Dilly and Fang.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Just Olga and commented:
For those eager to read the ending of Teagan Geneviene’s Dead of Winter, here comes a beautiful and enticing teaser.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Huge thanks for reblogging, Olga. I appreciate all your support. ❤
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing this snippet, Teagan. It is gorgeous and enticing (and it hints at dangers as well). Take care and thanks for working so hard on the story. Have a lovely weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your encouragement means a lot to me, Olga. I’m happy you enjoyed this tidbit. Hugs on the wing!
LikeLike
Teagan, I like Zasha and her horse, Kiska. Even though the festival garlands don’t mean they are going to a festival. It’s a calming thought as they ride into harms way. Energy & good thoughts as you finish the journey. Hugs, my moon sister. 📚🎶💐 Christine
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s good to see you, Christine. Yes, those wreaths have been in a couple of the Journeys, but I didn’t want to elaborate here for those who haven’t read. Maybe I should have — it would have given the snippet a more ominous tone.
I hope all is well in your neck of the woods. There are so many fires. Hugs winging back to you, moon girl.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If Zasha is a new character, I think the wreaths could stand alone without elaborating. Snipits are short. Less is more. All is well here. Getting info together for the book launch second week in May after the Mother’s Day hype is over. Hugs back, moon girl. I like that special connection. 📚🎶 Christine
LikeLiked by 1 person