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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Nonverbal Communication
As volume three plays out, the cast of characters has become rather large, indeed. I like that I know them all so well now. Interestingly, when I write, I often "watch" a scene play out in my head as I quickly try to get down what my characters saw, heard, and said. This scene introduces the idea that Marshall and Chaya--who met in Chiran in volume two--may be in for some rocky times. She just wants to be near him. Meanwhile, he seems to be trying to put distance between himself and her. What do you suppose happened? Without giving anything away, I can tell you that something transpired that the reader saw (or heard or read or whatever!) earlier, but probably thought little about. Eventually, the mystery of Marshall's behavior will become clear. As the author, I found that this is the way the circumstances played out between these two. In real life, had I been in Chaya's position, I think I would have asked Marshall early on: "What is the problem?" But then, I am not Chaya--and Chaya is not me. How about you? Do you let things stew? Or do you try to resolve them as quickly as possible?
Book Excerpt
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Just then, Chaya approached. “Good morning, all.”
“Good morning,” Velia said.
Jerrett tipped his head her way in greeting.
Silent, Marshall watched the landscape ahead. After a long minute, he turned to her. “I was thinking, Chaya,” he said, “that you might want to find things that interest you here—things you could assist with.”
“But I want to be with you.”
“I know, for example,” he said as though he hadn’t heard her, “that Adele needs help keeping us all fed.”
She glanced his way, her eyes narrowed. “Sure, Marshall. I’d like to do whatever I can. If you want me to help Adele, then—”
“No, I didn’t say I wanted you to help her, I only suggested it. There are other options. You could . . .”
“That’s fine, Marshall, I’ll check with her.” She turned her horse back.
Velia, watching the exchange, bit her lip. Then, “Is there something wrong, Marshall?” she asked.
“Wrong? No. Why do you ask?”
She shrugged. “I just— Well, it seems Chaya would like to stay as near you as possible. You rescued her from a terrible situation in Chiran, and I know how you feel about her. I can see it. So it seems odd that you’d be so short with her—that you’d send her away.”
Glancing her way, his brow dropped. “I didn’t send her away.”
“Very well then.” She turned to Jerrett. “You two got in late last night,” she said. “I take it that you filled Liam and Rafal in on what they’re likely to find in Chiran?”
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