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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
Oathtaker
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Danger Follows
Readers may remember Dixon telling Mara early on that sometimes Oathtakers do "what they have to do." He repeated that sentiment recently when he chatted with his old friend, Ted. Now with this excerpt, readers will find a classic example of that principle at play. When Mara and Dixon met Nina, they were so in need of a wet-nurse for the infant twins that they recruited Nina--without first telling her of the danger she could face if she joined them and their cause. But as often happens, the truth wins out. In this scene we learn that Nina knows the twins are Select, has already ascertained that they are in danger, and has determined she will help them anyway. I remember writing this scene and realizing that Nina had already fallen so in love with the infants that nothing could part her from them. That's when she swore to protect them. Much to MY surprise, her oath got the same result as had both Mara's and Dixon's: the earth shook. Whatever is going on here, do you think?
Book Excerpt
Oathtaker
Mara opened the door to a gentle knocking. “Come on in if you like while I get the last of my things together.”
“Nina,” Dixon said as he stepped inside, “good morning. You’re looking well today.”
“The babies make me very happy.”
“Good.” He paused. “You know, I was thinking, it would help us tremendously if we knew your story. For safety sake, I mean. What with your having escaped from Chiran, it could prove difficult if someone came looking for you.”
Nina’s smiled dropped away. Her face turned ashen.
“Dixon,” Mara chided. “Do you really think this is necessary? And now? The poor girl has been through so much.”
“Please, sir,” Nina said, “don’t make me speak of Chiran.” Her eyes welled with tears.
“Nina, of course we won’t make you tell us anything you don’t want to,” Mara assured her.
The young Chiranian brushed away her tears. “I understand the girls are special Select so I’ll tell you anything that could help you to keep them safe.”
The Oathtakers looked at one another in surprise.
“I’ve seen the girls’ signs,” Nina offered by way of explanation.
“But how is it you’re familiar with the signs of the Select?” Dixon asked.
“Many years ago, my mother worked for a family of Select. That was before things changed in Chiran—before Zarek.” She closed her eyes, as though reliving the memories in her mind’s eye. “When I was just a child, she told me how to identify one. ‘Look for the sign they each wear,’ she said. You know, like the girls have.”
“It’s imperative you keep silent about this,” Dixon said. “If word gets out, the girls could be in grave danger.” He shook his head and frowned. “Actually, I suppose it’s really only fair we tell you that, even now, danger pursues us. Perhaps we should have told you all of this up front, but—”
She looked at Mara.
“I’m sorry, Nina, we should have told you earlier, but it’s true. We’re looking for a safe place to take the girls. Our mission is very dangerous.”
“It wouldn’t have made any difference. I think I’ve known all along, what with the way you two have behaved. But I don’t care. I accept it as the price of being close to the girls. I won’t say or do anything that could harm them.”
Gently, the young woman stroked Eden’s cheek, then reassembled her bodice and removed the blanket she’d used to maintain her modesty while nursing. She turned her attention back to the Oathtakers. “I swear, Mara, I would . . . give my life for these girls.”
At that very moment, the earth shook.
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