Toffee Pumpkin Roll – Muchos Yumsville – Happy Thanksgiving

Tis the season, and by popular request (my niece), I’ll be making this bad-boy again this year!  Check out the somewhat whimsical directions for a holiday giggle.

Cake:

• 3/4 cup cake flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger
• 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup golden brown sugar, packed
• 2/3 cup canned pumpkin (1/2 15 oz tin)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar

Filling:

• 2 tablespoons spiced rum
• 1 cup whipping cream, chilled
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 6 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup soft toffee pieces for garnish
• Additional powdered sugar, for garnish
• Caramel sauce, warmed, and drizzled for garnish

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 F. It’s a cake.  Make sure you have permission to handle hot things before you start.

Line a 15 by 10 by 1-inch baking sheet with parchment paper. Not the kind you write with, the kind you buy in the supermarket. Spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Lots of it.

Sift your flour, cinnamon, ginger, and allspice into a bowl. I used one of those old fashioned spirally sifters and it worked well for me.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about a minute. Add the Pumpkin (just less than half a 15 oz tin) to the egg mixture and continue beating till incorporated.   Still using your whisk, add the dry ingredients slowly (so the dry stuff doesn’t go airborne) and beat for another minute.

Get a fresh bowl and beat your egg whites and salt until you have fluffy marshmallow clouds (do not lick the spoon if you value your sanity.) Fold egg whites into the batter.  This part is very therapeutic but resist the urge to do it all afternoon. Less is more with folding. Do it till the whites almost disappear but no more.

Spread your nummy batter onto a baking sheet and level the goop out.

Time at last to put your nummy goop into the oven and bake.  My oven gets excited and will do naughty things to the batter in 15 minutes but your magic might need 18.  Do the toothpick thingy. Come on, if you can do all of the above you can do the toothpick thingy.

Before it cools, apply a thick dose of powdered sugar. Use a lot, imagine your asphalt disappearing under the snow. Put a (for God’s sake) clean kitchen towel on top then flip this bad boy upside down.At the narrow end, fold about three inches of kitchen towel over the end and ever so carefully roll the cake. It can break here, so be super careful.  YouTube is a wonderful place to look for videos if you want a pumpkin roll rolling demo.  Chill for around an hour (the cake, not you) with the ugly seam at the bottom.

AND THEN:

Wash your whisk and start beating the whipping cream and powdered sugar until you get soft peaks.  It’s quite a shock for the cream so to calm it down, add a couple of tablespoons of rum. A little flavoring goes a long way with cream  so resist the urge to throw in the entire bottle. Fold in 6 tablespoons soft toffee pieces.

AND THEN:

Take your super chilled cake from the fridge. Smear your creamy goop all over and re-roll carefully, seam-side down.  Trim the ugly bits off the end with a bread knife as you don’t want to squish your masterpiece at this stage.  Get overly excited with the powdered sugar again.

My husband brought some lovely caramel sauce (the kind you drizzle over ice-cream.) We zapped it in the microwave, just long enough to soften it, but not so long it turned to liquid, then he did the nice artistic drizzly pattern shown above. Good man. He can have a piece of cake.

Last, but not least, we sprinkled with the extra toffee.  Soooo Goood.

Use a cream cheese frosting if you prefer but I find it’s best to omit the toffee and caramel with cheese or it all gets super icky.  Your stomach. Your call.

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE on a plate.

Thanks for reading! Iris 🙂

Great Review From Night Owl Reviews! Review by Hitherandthee – LOTS AND LOTS OF STAR-TYPE THINGS!

The Beryllium Chalice

Some people say a good romance is hard to find. Well, I say that they are wrong. Having just finished The Beryllium Chalice by author Iris Woodbury, let me assure you that this is a first rate romance with lots of drama, plenty of action, and more Greek deities than even I thought was possible. I would like to take a moment here to give a shout out to author Iris Woodbury. As a debut novel, this is a fantastic voyage into the depths of the heart and mind. I found the characters to be charming and wholly relatable in their struggles. The story itself was a crazy fun rollercoaster of ups and downs which kept me enthralled from beginning to end. This is a novel I fully believe will captivate readers of all ages.

Dryad Flora thought she had everything. A handsome husband, a gorgeous grove where she can live with her oak and her flowers, and the best of friends. The only bad thing in her idyllic life is her father in law, Hades, the God of the Underworld. Yet when her husband is murdered and Flora stands accused of the crime and banished from her home on Mount Olympus, her entire world is turned completely upside down. Flora knows that something is not right. She knows that her father in law is up to something. But now that she’s been given as a slave to one of his other sons, she can’t do anything. Flora knows that The Beryllium Chalice has been stolen, and she knows who did it. Flora is ordered to retrieve it. She joins up with Kytos, a soldier who believes that the Gods are infallible, and Redwood, a satyr that is constantly aroused. In Flora’s eyes, the situation looks hopeless. Can these three unlikely companions save Olympus and bring The Beryllium Chalice back home to restore life on Olympus? Or is this all an effort in futility, destined to fail?

For the full review -click here

Thank you for reading!

Iris.

 

Why I Write? It’s All About Calvin. #amsg #musapublishing

I’ve read lots of articles on the theory of writing. You know, the hook, the ending, character development, show vs. tell etc. etc. bla bla bla. All good things and each one dismissed at your peril. But that’s not what I wanted to blog about today. Not the how, but the why.

I love writing. Especially the middle part because when I’m there I’m hunting for the end. Like many writers, I go in with a concept, but once the characters start living and breathing, the story can take twists and turns I never expected. And suddenly, there you are, half way through your latest work and you’re like shit, my endings not going to work!

SO WHAT DO YOU DO? I know some writers just write and write and write, feeling their way back to the path, and judging by countless books I’ve read, somehow they make it through. But you can feel this phase in their writing. No matter how great the overall story is; when you reach that point, wherever it is, you feel lost.

Perhaps I’ve got a mutant gene, I don’t know, but when I’m there I sort of slow down and listen to my characters. It’s around that time that my muse buddy, Calvin, generally shows up. He whispers something in my ear, breathing a special word that mysteriously pops into my head and suddenly POOF, everything is clear.

Perhaps you can relate. I guess its like the thrill of the chase, because when Calvin sprinkles his magic juju beans, it’s like the fire has returned; the one that sparked when the initial concept first arrived unannounced in my head. And that is why I write. Because when Calvin comes, and he’s as regular as clockwork, I know there is true magic in the world, and I get my writer’s high. I love it.

Thanks for reading, Iris.

Oh, PS. The Beryllium Chalice on sale. Click here for the shiny low price (limited time deal thingy.)

Alfie Dog Fiction’s Featured Author of the Week: Iris Woodbury

Featured short story writer this week

Iris Woodbury

Iris Woodbury writes fantasy and children’s literature. It all started when, for her sister’s sanity, she was asked to calm down two naughty nieces who were fighting in the back of the car, Iris created a story: ‘Pixies in the Hedgerow.’ She told them about the tiny people who lived beneath the hedges, and how they had great adventures, and would do anything to keep their world secret from the Big Folk. From Bexley to Hastings, the two children were glued to the window, watching for the tiny pixies Iris promised were hiding in the shrubs. After that the two girls couldn’t get enough of their mad aunt’s stories, and Iris has been making up tales ever since. Her preferred genres are fantasy and children’s literature, though Iris has a special place in her heart for short stories.  She has four stories available for download with http://www.alfiedog.com which is one of the biggest short story download sites in the world.

She also writes pretty much anything that comes into her head on her blog, https://iriswoodbury.wordpress.com/

You can reach Iris at IrisWoodbury@yahoo.com.

Connect with Iris on social media. She always follows back.

Fake IDs – Iris Woodbury – 900 words (Children 7 – 10)

Three adolescent insects try to sneak into the Maple Root nightclub using fake-IDS.

Fake IDs

The Maple Root was the hottest nightclub of the underground.  All the best groups were there, The Beetles, The Locusts, even the Swarming Bees.  Two monster stag beetles stood guard at the entrance and checked all the IDs as the excited kids lined up for a party.

There was no way other way into the club and the two beetles looked awfully fearsome. “I don’t know how we’re gonna get in,” said Humbert the ant.

Mission Accomplished – Iris Woodbury – 820 words (Children 7 – 10)

A young orphan decides to build a spaceship to visit God.

Mission Accomplished

Reverend Joseph O’Donnell dashed out into the playground, waving a single piece of paper in the air.

“It really won’t do, Ella.” The sweaty Vicar stuck a plump finger inside his collar and loosened it. “What on earth do you need this stuff for?”

I laughed. “Relax, sir. It’s all good. I need it all for a project.”

“You need four sheets of aluminum, fireworks, ten tubes of factor three-hundred sunscreen and a pizza?”

Download to read more

This story is included in the collection Read It Again – you can find it HERE

Read It Again – 20 stories for children of all ages (Children)

Six ‘5 star reviews’ on Amazon

20 stories to enrich the lives of children. This book contains stories for both younger and older children. Always have a story to read at bedtime, whatever their age.

This collection for children of all ages includes.

Stories include – The Colour Pixie – Tracey Glasspool, The Cheesy Feet’s Mission to Mars – Duncan Jones, The Colonel and Huffy Hedgehog – Christine Findlay, Monkey Business – Rosalind Winter, Monster Couch – Mary Raebel, Maggie Mulligan, Pirate Queen – Ann Burnett, The Crafty Fiddlers – Pam Ramage, Sugar on Snow – Ann Ingalls, He’s Weird – Annabel McKenzie, A Christmas Coat-Astrophe! – Joan Zambelli, Blue’s Christmas Eve Adventure – Maggie Jones, The Christmas Tree Fairy – Pat Boulton, The Whispering Pine Tree – Gerard Taylor Wallace, The Penguin Who Felt the Cold – Holly Stevens, The Boy Magician – A H Benjamin, The Mice, the Snow and the Magic Tree – Valerie Dawson-Miles, Mission Accomplished – Iris Woodbury, Carla, the Little Red Hen – Pat St Pierre, The Long Blue Hall – Teresa Howard, But Not My Gran – Greta Yorke

Rumplestiltskin’s Secret – Iris Woodbury – 8400 words (Fairytale)

In the midst of famine, a strange little man offers Queen Beitiris a magical choice. ‘Sacrifice your first born or your people will starve.’  Thinking she makes an empty bargain, the queen agrees to the stranger’s terms and prosperity is returned to her people. All her prayers are answered, including her wish for a child…

Rumplestiltskin’s Secret

Beitiris ached as the weight of the water-skin cut into her sun-burned neck.  She grasped the rough leather strap and swung the heavy bag from her shoulder.  “Might as well lighten the load with a little drink,” she thought. The cool water refreshed her parched lips, and she looked ahead to the horizon.  The sun was low in the sky, casting ominous shadows forward of the tall towers in her city. At a brisk pace she’d be within its walls in just a few hours.

Download to read more

The Wet Socks Party – Iris Woodbury – 800 words (Children 5 – 10)

When bad weather delays the season opening day for a community pool, a group of disappointed insects devise a way to have an opening party of their own.

The Wet Socks Party

Two stag beetles stood guard at the entrance to the community water park. Every year, as the big folk paid their admission fee to get in, Albert and Sidney buffed up their thoraxes and opened the doors to their smaller friends.

The beetles stood proudly at the secret insect entrance made from a broken eggshell, and hidden just a few feet away from the big people gates. The admission price was one piece of corn.

Thrice Upon A Time – Fairytale Collection – 47000 words (Fairytale)

Thrice Upon a Time is a collection of 18 modern fairy tales for adults. Some retell stories written long ago from a different perspective, while others are completely new. Read what happens when a late night walk leads to a game of poker with the farm animals and learn the Queen’s side of the story in what it is really like to live with Snow White. Who is the cobbler who turns up in the village? And exactly how many frogs does one princess have to kiss?

Stories included: Thrice Upon a Time – Sheila Crosby, The Rat – Margaret Pearce, The Big Card Game – Paul Peppers, Rumplestiltskin’s Secret – Iris Woodbury, Hell’s Fairy – Angela Pickering, The House that Jack Built – Rosemary Sturge, Gavin the Afternoon Angler – Christine Genovese, Fairy Tale – Henry Mitchell, The Queen Bites Back – Rosemary J. Kind, The Kiss – Regan W. H. Macaulay, Modern Times – Linda Lewis, Hansel and Gretel – Sarah England, The Flowers Know Who Love Them – Peter Pitt, Playback – Jacqui Pack, The Legacy – Denise Jay, Away With the Faeries – Fiona Law, Strange Eyes – Joel Kaye, The Good Fairy – Edward Ahern

 

– See more at: http://alfiedog.com/featured-author/#sthash.yQQwUzO5.dpuf

 

Thanks again for stopping by! Please visit the main site for more links and book downloads!

Iris

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It’s here! My new cover for The Beryllium Chalice is finally launched. To mark the occasion, it is launching at 30% off the listed price.  If you love Greek-based fantasy, come and get it now as this offer won’t last! The sale is offered exclusively at Musa Publishing.

For now, here’s a free excerpt!

Perhaps he left for only a few seconds, but to Flora, blind and naked in a strange place, it felt like an eternity. She stood vulnerable and trembling, and felt more fear than she’d ever known before. Her empty stomach roared for attention, and if she did not eat soon, she would faint. She had need of Dero’s courage, and she turned the ring still on her finger. A warm sensation crept through her tired limbs and her hunger faded at once, but not even Dero’s magic was enough to erase her fear of pain. What will he do to me? What form will the sacrifice take? How much will I suffer?

She did not have to wonder long for the mage soon returned.

“Come,” Maljandra said. He took her hand and led her forward. Slowly, they walked down a couple of steps and then water rose over her foot. As they descended the steps, the water rose up her legs and she realized they were in a pool. This must be his bathing chamber. The water was warm and soothed her blood-stained skin. Nevertheless she advanced cautiously, and her legs locked, afraid she might slip and fall. As he brushed by her, Flora felt the wizard’s bare skin and knew he’d undressed to bathe her.

The slightly rough surface of a sponge rubbed across her body as the mage wiped away the stench of stale blood and the dungeon. He washed her slowly and carefully, and left no part of her body untouched. She trembled with every stroke, and she sensed her fear pleased him. As his hands washed her hair, he was close up against her, and Flora felt both his desire and frustration.

“Do you always do as you’re told?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Ragnold is your master, is he not? You are in his service and do his dirty work.” She put her hand on his bare chest. “Set me free and I could reward you. Return my sight to me and help me escape.”

Maljandra’s hand cupped her right breast and he caressed it gently. “You want me to set you free?” he whispered in her ear.

“Yes, I beg you, let me go.”

He squeezed, but the pain she felt in her breast was nothing to the pain she felt throughout her body. It twisted within her, eating into every part of her, leaving nothing unscathed by its sharp teeth. A scream tore from her, leaving her throat raw, followed by another. She screamed more than she’d ever done before.

“And who would free me from the wrath of Hades?” he asked. His breath was hot against her ear. “You think me as weak as any mortal man? Do you think the temptation of a little dryad would easily turn me? Know this, foolish woman. You’ll remain blind till I take you to the temple. I’ll restore your sight long enough for you to see Ragnold’s gauntlet rip out your heart.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Iris Woodbury writes fantasy and children’s literature. It all started when, for her sister’s sanity, she was asked to calm down two naughty nieces who were fighting in the back of the car, Iris created a story: ‘Pixies in the Hedgerow.’ She told them about the tiny people who lived beneath the hedges, and how they had great adventures, and would do anything to keep their world secret from the Big Folk. From Bexley to Hastings, the two children were glued to the window, watching for the tiny pixies Iris promised were hiding in the shrubs. After that the two girls couldn’t get enough of their mad aunt’s stories, and Iris has been making up tales ever since. Her preferred genres are fantasy and children’s literature, though Iris has a special place in her heart for short stories.  She has four stories available for download with http://www.alfiedog.com which is one of the biggest short story download sites in the world and a novel with Musa Publishing, LLC.

She also writes pretty much anything that comes into her head on her blog, https://iriswoodbury.wordpress.com/

You can reach Iris at IrisWoodbury@yahoo.com.

Connect with Iris on social media. She always follows back.

https://www.facebook.com/IrisWoodburyAuthor

@IrisWoodbury

Recent publications by Iris Woodbury:

• Rumplestiltskin’s Secret (contribution to anthology, Thrice Upon a Time, by Alfie Dog Fiction
• Mission Accomplished (contribution to anthology, Read it Again, by Alfie Dog Fiction
• The Beryllium Chalice, a novel published by Musa Publishing.

 If you buy it, I hope you enjoy reading it!

Thanks, and best wishes – Iris Woodbury!

Thrice Upon A Time – by Alfie Dog Fiction

The following is a press release by Alfie Dog Fiction:

Local author Iris Woodbury has had her story Rumplestiltskin’s Secret selected for inclusion in the fairytale collection ‘Thrice Upon A Time’ from publisher Alfie Dog Fiction. The collection brings together some of the best fairytales from 18 authors across the globe.

Iris. who lives in Parkton, MD says the beauty of Northern Baltimore County helped inspire her to write whimsical children’s stories. She has four stories available for download with http://www.alfiedog.com which is one of the biggest short story download sites in the world.

With authors selected from America, Australia, France, The Canary Islands and the United Kingdom it truly is an international collection. ‘Thrice Upon A Time’ has some tales which retell stories written long ago, but from a different perspective, and others which are completely new. “Fairytales became popular again with the 200^th anniversary of the brothers Grimm,” says Alfie Dog Fiction’s managing director, Rosemary Kind. “Our authors have set out to provide a continuation of this grand tradition.” The humor of the fairytales is aimed at adults and, as with the originals, the stories often have a moral to them.

Iris has been writing for about four years now.  “I was delighted when I got the nod from Alfie Dog. The original Rumpelstiltskin story was always a favorite of mine as a kid and it was fun giving it a 21^st Century makeover.  Rosemary Kind is an avid supporter of new and established artists and it was an honor to be allowed to contribute to this truly wonderful collection.” Iris’s Greek fantasy novel, The Beryllium Chalice, published by Musa, is now also  available on Amazon.

Alfie Dog Fiction specializes in publishing short stories for download as well as in book form, and has over 1,500 stories on its website http://www.alfiedog.com, in multiple formats to suit most readers.

The collection will be available as download and in paperback from 21^st August with the download priced from just $2.99 and can be bought direct through http://www.alfiedog.com or through Amazon and other leading online retailers and bookstores.

 

CALL TO ALL FIGHTERS OF THE FLAB – A SIMPLE MORNING SHAKE RECIPE #asmsg

Like just about every other woman (and some men) on the planet, I have to watch my weight. Usually that means watching it go up. Every now and then that scale pointer tips a little too far to the right, so I put on my battle armor – and march into the kitchen, prepared to do something about it.

This morning I wasn’t in the mood to cook – so I thought I’d resort to the 21^st Century breakfast staple, the protein shake. Everyone has their preference; mine is for the chocolate flavored HMR 120 shake, for no other reason than it tastes pretty good.

Here’s a free advertisement for you, HMR. Enjoy!

Any road, what I wanted to share was a very simple trick that takes these, and possibly all other shakes from good, to bloody amazing. First time I messed with this, I substituted the recommended 6oz of water with chocolate almond milk. It increased the calorie intake, but for the yummy double chocolatey goodness that it created – I say EAT THOSE CALORIES. Anything that takes a drink off the healthy list and onto the HEALTHY AND MUST HAVE list is a winner in my book. Then this morning, and the reason behind this morning’s blog entry – was that I made a new substitution.

Come to Momma! Yes, it was THAT good. I don’t know if the brand made a difference, but iced coffee and protein shake… GET IN MAH BELLEH!

If you’re thinking I’m selling this stuff, I totally am not. There are plenty of charlatans out there who swear something is great when it’s just so-so or totally meh! But to my fellow sisters and brothers in arms who fight the same fight – to you I say – try it. If you love the taste of chocolate/ chocolate and coffee – you will love this. It’s probably just sitting in your pantry anyway, waiting to be combined. And it just might help you fight the fight!

Enjoy! Iris!

New Cover – Beryllium Chalice

 

Greek, Greek and more Greek! If you like to see the Gods strutting their funky stuff on Mount Olympus, then look no further than The Beryllium Chalice! And the good news is there’s a new cover scheduled for release on Oct 10!!! Mark it in your diaries – and stay tuned for teasers and promotional giveaways in the days to come…

My characters are dying to meet you – literally!

If your heart is romantic – you’ll be inspired by my outlawed lovers, Kytos and Flora who must fight legions of monsters before they discover their love.

If your heart is saucy, then you will adore Redwood, my horny little satyr who has naughtiness on the brain (PG).

But beware Maljandra, my misogynistic mage! He will skin you alive to pay a debt of hatred to his mother as soon as look at you.

All this and so much more it makes my heart dance  just thinking about it!

The new glorious cover for The Beryllium Chalice will be available October 10!

To buy the book on Musa – please click here

To buy the book on Amazon – please click here.

 

Thank you for stopping by!

Cordially, Iris.

 

COVER REVEAL – THE LAUREL by Liz DeJesus

If you’re anything like me and you love all things Greek, then mark your diaries for November 28th 2014 because a good one’s a-coming.  Strap on your big boy Achilles underpants because Liz Dejesus is preparing to do battle with the Gods in the arena of mythological love. So, let me stir the dais on Mount Olympus and show you a glimpse of the past in our future, here on earth…

 

In The Laurel, the gods and the immortals interplay, and both will learn a valuable lesson about love and life, a lesson that will forever be told. Zeus, after bedding and impregnating the fair Titaness Leto, becomes father to twins: Apollo and Artemis. Unlike his other “bastard” children, Apollo and Artemis are made into gods, an event which will set the course for the rest of the story. Artemis has never forgotten the heartache that her mother suffered at the hands of her father Zeus, and as such, she wishes to leave a solitary life, away from men and love and relationships. Though she stands firm in her conviction, moments bubble up in her that are full of yearning. Apollo, who has never been seen without a smile on his face, is much more fanciful and wanting than Artemis. He wants love, and he wants it in a big way. Having loved and lost love, Apollo believes he has found it again with the beautiful nymph, Daphne.

He quickly learns, however, that she has made a vow to celibacy. But that doesn’t matter to Apollo; his love for her is so profound that he asks her to be his companion, to live with him just so that he can be near her. Apollo’s lifelong wish is about to come true, but people on the fringes of his life have other plans. Those plans not only thwart what could be the love of a lifetime for Apollo, but it also will be the catalyst to which both gods and mortals will learn how much one should love, how much one should consider the feelings of the one loved.

The Laurel, by Liz Dejesus, is scheduled for release 0n November 28th 2014.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liz DeJesus was born on the tiny island of Puerto Rico.  She is a novelist and a poet. She has been writing for as long as she was capable of holding a pen. She is the author of the novel Nina (Blu Phi’er Publishing, October 2007), The Jackets (Arte Publico Press, March 31st 2011) First Frost (Musa Publishing, June 22nd 2012), Glass Frost (Musa Publishing, July 2013) and Morgan (Indie Gypsy, Summer 2014). Her work has also appeared in Night Gypsy: Journey Into Darkness (Indie Gypsy, October 2012) and Someone Wicked (Smart Rhino Publications, Winter 2013).

​She is also a member of The Written Remains Writers Guild  http://www.writtenremains.org/ .

​Liz is currently working on a new novel and a comic book series titled Zombie Ever After (Emerald Star Comics, Fall 2014).

 

If you want to read more about Liz and her works, she can be found at www.lizdejesus.com

Thanks for reading,

Iris!

The Beryllium Chalice #ASMSG #Fantasy #Excerpt #Mythology

Hi all,

It’s been a few weeks since my fantasy novel, The Beryllium Chalice was released. I’ve been delighted with the feedback I’ve had so far – and in the flush of its success am furiously working on another just like it. More on that later though. TBC is full of action and adventure – if you love Greek Mythology, with flawed heroes, strong warrior-women, all set at odds against bone-chilling monsters, then this is the book for you. If your taste also runs the gambit of emotions – from laugher to tears – you will not be disappointed either.

Anyway, what I wanted to share with you now was the official excerpt from the book. So here goes:

Flora climbed down from her horse. She would not confess any weakness to her captor, but she was unused to riding, and her limbs were sore. She welcomed the chance to rest. Kytos noticed her grimace as she dismounted. “You’ll get used to it,” he said.

“Like I have a choice,” she retorted.

She rubbed her backside while Kytos took some packages from his horse’s pack. He sat down on a rock and pulled out meat wrapped in paper. He attacked it with gusto.

“I can see you haven’t eaten for a while,” said Flora.

“Warriors have little time to eat. When I feel hunger, I eat, and I’m starving now.”

She couldn’t determine what beast the meat had come from as she watched Kytos devour the dead thing with interest. As his first pangs of hunger were sated, he looked at her and misjudged her interest. He offered some of his dinner to her. “I thank you, but no, I do not eat the flesh of animals.”

“Is that a girl thing?”

“No, it is a dryad thing. Meat is poison to me and others of my kind.”

“Suit yourself.”

He rose to his feet, still chewing on his hunk of meat. He walked a few feet behind her, until his footsteps came to a stop.

“You might want to gather some of these to keep you from starving. You’ll find little else once we get to the Widden Mountains, for the pass is barren. And these berries will cost us nothing.”

She looked behind her to see what he was looking at. Beautiful white berries adorned an herbaceous plant. Dread shot through her. She jumped to her feet, and ran to where he stood. Before Kytos could unsheathe his sword to defend himself, she placed her hand on his wrist.

“My people call those the sleeping death. I think you would call them the berries of Korymbus. Our children are warned to keep away for a single berry can stop a heart before the juice leaves your lips. I thank you, but, no, I think I’ll pass. I suggest you do, too.”

He shrugged but appeared surprised by her intervention. “Suit yourself. In any case, there will be provisions enough for our journey in the city of Bartom. Anything can be bought there for a price.”

“Is the city much further?”

“A few hours’ ride, no more.”

As Kytos finished the last piece of meat, he looked thoughtfully at the berry bush. “A wiser prisoner might have let me continue and then you would be free.”

“I have no stomach for murder.”

“The gods have decreed otherwise.”

Flora frowned as a stone settled against her heart. “The gods are wrong.” – See more at: Musa Publishing.

 

 

Urania-Speculative Fiction

Science Fiction & Fantasy

Click here for the Musa Link

Click here for the Amazon link

Click here for my Amazon Author Page for a bit about me and links to other works.

 

Fare thee well. Thank you for checking me out!

Stay warm and toasty!

Iris