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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
True to Life
Now and again a scene plays out that is so familiar, it makes me laugh. There is something deeply satisfying about a group of friends enjoying the company of one another, whether in silence, in humor, in pain, or for pleasure. I love the girlfriends, Mara, Basha, and Velia, together here. As fellow Oathtakers, they share much in common. Yet, each is also quite unique. Mara is in charge of the two most important members of the Select, while Basha is Oathtaker to Therese. Meanwhile, for Velia, parenting is currently her primary concern. Mara and Velia are both married, while Basha is the only one of the three who is single and has always been so. (That said, the storyline has indicated her interest in Trumble . . .) Still, there is a connection the three share that is deeper than their current life situation. In my experience, friendships like these are born of hardship--of pain--and sometimes of fear. That was certainly the case for these three, all of whom met while Mara tried to get the infant twins to safety those many years ago. The bonds such experiences create can be lifelong and permanent. What do you think? Did your closest friends come to you in your times of ease? Or in times of need?
Book Excerpt
Ephemeral and Fleeting
Mara and Velia set out to join Basha who waited for them on a brush-covered hillside not far from the main camp. A modest bonfire sat before her.
For a time, the three Oathtakers communed in silence. Chattering fox and hooting owls sounded out around them. Amidst that strangely synchronized musical background, Bane howled at the moon from afar, while an occasional hare scurried about in the surrounding brush.
Finally, grinning, Basha pulled out her flask and offered it to Mara.
“No, thanks,” she said, waving her hand. “I’ve been having trouble sleeping and, truth to tell, that wouldn’t help.”
“Anything in particular wrong?”
“No. Just . . . nightmares.”
“I’m sorry. Care to share?”
“No—but thanks. And don’t be. Sorry, I mean.” Mara shrugged. “I’m fine so long as Dixon’s there.”
“After saying ‘good night’ to my five boys, I could certainly use some,” Velia said.
“Five!” Basha exclaimed. “But you only have four boys.”
Velia chuckled. “Ahhh . . . Have you met my husband? Jerrett? Big guy? Lots of muscle? And body art?”
The three friends laughed.
Basha handed the flask over.
Velia took a swallow. “Good thinking with this,” she said, raising the vessel in the air, “although in truth, it’ll take us a few weeks to get to the palace, and this won’t even last the evening!”
“Oh, there’s more where that came from,” Basha replied.
Once again, they all laughed.
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