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Patricia Reding
a book bubble about
Oathtaker
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Lessons Learned and Family News
Every day comes with something never experienced before, a new challenge to meet, a new lesson to learn. One can never anticipate from whom she'll learn something. This scene offers the reader insight into Lilith's characteristics that mimic those I've seen and learned from over the years simply from observing family dynamics, and in particular, sibling interactions. Dixon, as readers know, was Rowena's Oathtaker prior to her recent death. When I "watch" Lilith here, I can see that with her actions, she intends to sway Dixon--to seduce him into going her way in whatever she chooses. I think it would come as no surprise to readers to learn that Lilith has always been extremely jealous of Rowena and so, she seeks to undermine her sister in whatever way she can. The history of this relationship will be revealed to readers in due course, but I suspect that many of those who have read this exchange immediately drew on their own life experiences and concluded what I just revealed here. How about you? What kinds of things do you learn from others simply as a consequence of your observing them?
Book Excerpt
Oathtaker
“Dixon,” Lilith purred, “this is all very nice. I’m always happy to meet your friends. But where is Rowena?” She held his arm, pressing against him.
He wanted to take his time, to drag things out. He wanted to give Mara as much time as possible to get as far away as possible.
“Well,” he finally drawled, “that’s a long story and . . . not a happy one, I’m sorry to say.”
“Oh, Dixon!” she said, leaning even more closely, brushing her breast against him. It was a mannerism she’d practiced to perfection. “You always talk in riddles!” Her laughter bubbled, but there was no sincerity to it.
“Truly,” he continued as he gently, but not too obviously, tried to extricate himself from her grasp, “I’m afraid my news is not . . . good news.”
“And what news would that be?”
He breathed slowly. He paused and looked to the ground. He had to buy time, to drag things out. “I’m so very sorry to tell you that Rowena . . . is . . . dead,” he finally said, looking up.
Lilith’s eyes flashed toward the men still loosely assembled near the door. He followed the look. The leader opened his mouth as though to speak, then closed it. Quickly, Dixon averted his gaze so she wouldn’t know that he’d witnessed the exchange.
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