Monday 10 June 2013

Crystal Rose


 This is another short [unedited] snippet from the book I'm writing.  

 

Chapter 11

 

 

 

Prince Zatao pushed August hard. He needed to reach Gormrun, find the prophet and get home before dark. The stallion’s hooves pounded the forest track as he galloped flat out. Up ahead Zatao spotted a sign post and smiled; they’d reached the crossroads the half-way point of their journey.

Pulling on the reins he eased the stallion to a steady canter, and patted the animal’s neck. “Easy boy, we’ve managed to cover a lot of ground.” They reached the crossroads and pulled up in a cloud of dust. Zatao studied the sign post. To the left and fifty miles away was the village of Wedon. The wider path to Gormrun was to the right. Zatao sighed with relief when he saw they only had five more miles to travel.

Pulling August round he urged the stallion into a gentle walk. They had galloped nonstop for the first fifteen miles, and he could feel the horse blowing from the exertion. Zatao sat back in the saddle and let the reins hang lose. August snorted and dropped his head, grateful for a chance to catch his breath.

The forest path widened the further they went. On either side he could see an occasional cottage tucked in among the trees. The sound of children’s voices drifted on the air, accompanied by the barking of a dog. As they drew closer to the village, Zatao raised the hood of his cloak and tucked his sword into the folds of the garment. Concealed by his cloak, Zatao hoped to be unrecognisable. But it occurred to him that riding August into the village nullified his attempt at concealment. The big white stallion stood out like a sore them.

Tightening his reins, Zatao guided August off the path and in among the trees. He dismounted and looped the reins over a branch. He patted the horses’ neck. “I won’t be long,” he whispered.

August snorted and nudged him, pushing him back a pace

Zatao grinned and stroked the horses head. “Stay quiet now.” As he left the trees and stepped onto the road, an old farm cart laden with straw bales lumbered towards him. Zatao planted his feet and held up a hand.

The driver pulled the old horse to a stop and peered at him. “Yes,” he said in a voice like gravel. “What do you want?” He frowned and rubbed the sleeve of his grubby jerkin across his forehead.

Zatao moved closer and lifted the front of his hood. “I’m looking for the Prophet. I hear he lives in these parts.”

The driver rested his arms on his knees and stared at him. “Who wants to know?”

Zatao’s eyes darkened as he lowered his hood and stepped closer.

The horse shied and threw his head up. The driver tightened his hold on the reins and pulled back. “Whoa, steady there you old brute! What are doing to my horse?” He shouted.

Zatao gripped a rein and leaned closer. “I’ll ask you again. Where can I find the prophet?” The edge in Zatao’s voice unnerved the man.

He swallowed hard and twisted the reins tight around his hands. “There’s a narrow path back there,” he said indicating with a nod of his head. “Follow it for about two miles and you’ll find a cave. He lives there.”

Zatao stepped away and gave the horse a slap on the rump.

The animal snorted and shot forward. “Hey!” The driver yelled as he grappled with the horse. He got it under control and stared back down the road.  His bushy black eyebrows met in a frown. “Where’d he go?” He scratched his head and stared into the trees on either side of the road. “Who was he, and why did he want to see the prophet?” He turned round on his seat and flicked the reins over the horses back. “Get up there,” he growled. He rested his back against a straw bale and let the horse plod towards the village.

Anyone who wants to traipse through the forest to see that prophet must be mad, or desperate!  “Not my problem,” he muttered as he pulled a piece of straw from a bale and chewed on it.

Tuesday 4 June 2013

STAND. A Word in Season!

God's word is always relevant in what ever age or time. STAND, is a word that is in my heart and keeps coming up at the different meetings we attend. I remembered one sun in church, God spoke prophetically through me, and part of what He said had to do with standing. Fortunately, we used to record anyone who had a word...type it out and test it!
I searched through the words given me by God and found it. Reading it again was amazing, as it was given on the 11th Feb 2007 and yet it is so relevant today. But I should not be surprised. If something is truly of God then it will stand the test of time. I know this was from God.
We are living in dark days and the body of Christ must stand together and stay strong. The enemy goes around as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He uses many guises...other religions! Politics, atheism, secularism, even our family and friends. We must remain ALERT.

'Stand' God's word to our congregation. To all congregations. 11th Feb 2007

You will stand my children. You will stand strong when you bring my word, pray for the sick, deliver from demons. No longer will your bodies grow weak and fall to the ground under the presence of  My Holy Spirit. For the time is coming when you cannot fall, you must stand and deliver my words...move in my anointing.
A shepherd does not fall down among his flock. He walks among them with his rod and staff. He ministers to their needs, and instils them with confidence, and he leads them to still waters. No more falling down, now you are strong by My Spirit. Now you will deliver what is to be said, what is to be done in the power of Holy Spirit, and I will be glorified, and you will grow and grow in faith and in strength of anointing.
Be ever humble before Me my children; be ever humble. For there in lies the danger, remain close to Me and in My word, for there in lies your safety; and stand, girded with the whole armour of God. Stand and be ready for the time is coming. STAND!




Sunday 2 June 2013

Tamed by Sara Witenhafer. A great read.

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1RMUVTVUBTMK6

I've given Tamed by Sarah Witenhafer, five stars. It's a briliant read..

I'm so glad I responded to the recommendation to read Tamed by Sarah Witenhafeer. It was so good...had I the time I would have read it without stopping,I was so desperate to find out what happens.
This is a story of love, interlaced with the paranormal. Reign Phillips is an archaeologist and when her employer returns from foreign parts with interesting artefacts, Reign is understandably excited. However returning with her boss is the incredibly powerful and handsome, Damon Sarantos.
Damon, is fascinated by, Reign and determined to win her. The spiritual light surrounding her sooths and draws him. However, Damon is a Nephilim. While Reign lives life through her close relationship with God. It would seem impossible for them to come together. But then we are forgetting about the Grace of God!

My opinion: Positives. The story is fast moving and grips the reader from the first page. I loved Reign's strength of character...the way she held onto her faith, her compassion for other people, especially Hope, a troubled young girl. And the way she coped with, Damon was brilliant. Nothing about Reign's character irritated me. She was independent and hot headed, but her trust and loyalty to her God balanced it. A strong and well written character.
And what can I say about , Damon...WOW! Would I like to meet him? YOU BET I WOULD! I loved his interaction with, Reign, but I also enjoyed reading about his life in the Roman Legion. Which the author tied up beautifully at the end. Basically, there was not one character in the entire book that was weak, irritating, or badly written. Each one whether evil or good were well fleshed out and came across as so real.

Negatives: Nothing really. Although the ending was a bit disappointing and took me by surprise. I'm wondering if there is a sequel. I do hope so.
This is a great book. it's long and very satisfying, and I can't recommend it highly enough. I can't remember who suggested I read it, but thank you