Castle in the Mountains by Gray Artus
Welcome to Olympus, where the Muses of Greek Mythology are charged with the responsibility of discovering, inspiring, and guiding the young incarnations of legends past until they once again take the form of greatness.
Embark on an enchanting journey through Architects of Illusion (Echoes of Olympus, #1), a YA fantasy novel series inspired by my backyard neighbors, Biltmore Estate, in honor of George Vanderbilt‘s extraordinary legacy.
Join me, and a cast of brilliant film composers, as we awaken your imagination to the magic of the mountains during this year’s international A to Z Challenge (representing #TeamDamyanti).
▶ For a detailed PHOTO TOUR of Biltmore Estate, including the library’s Pellegrini ceiling painting, The Chariot of Aurora (where there is, in fact, a rooster) click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!
Chariot of Aurora
TARIRO EDGED closer, transfixed by the swirling ball of magic dangling from my neck. “Your teleo…it’s beautiful. I’ve never seen one like it.” She reached for the crystal, twirling it between her fingers. The storm clouds pitched and rolled within, igniting tiny silver sparks. Tariro’s sea-glass eyes lit up, her lips curving with delight. “You must have been someone quite special.”
It’s a surreal notion, referring casually to one’s previous lives when I’ve yet to find purchase in my current one.
Before I could reply, an ethereal figure threw open the library doors in a flock of doves, her trailing gossamer gown unfurled like feathery wings. “I am Calliope, your headmaster. Welcome to my domain,” she announced, her arms outstretched to encompass Delphi’s mountain of words in ancient bindings, their stale breaths bound between the pages.
A red bantam rooster, who apparently lost sight of his proper place, hopped onto the edge of a large ceramic bowl depicting a five-fingered Chinese dragon, scaring me half to death.
My attention snapped back to the Muse of epic literature moving fluidly about the room. Like a Native American princess, her radiant caramel skin and startling violet eyes glowed with wisdom. A feather-adorned raven river cascaded down her back, pooling at bare feet. She gestured towards the soaring ceiling, reverently. “Here, you shall discover who you once were, who you are, and who you shall become!”
I followed her gaze to the painted scene above.
Beyond the intricate Grecian columns, the light of learning penetrated the billowing clouds of an open sky where angels welcomed the dawn, flowing robes and feathers dancing in the wind.
I felt a sharp prick on the tender flesh of my wrist. The chicken, enamored with my shiny silver-plated band, pecked away with abandon, determined to draw blood. I shooed him away with a flap of my highly irritated hand. In a not-so-subtle batting of wings and squawks, the rooster flew up to the pictorial balcony and landed, astonishingly, atop one of its pillars, its plumage transformed into painted canvas. My mouth hung open as oil-glazed women leaned over and waved, their laughter trickling down in the space between myths and magic.
© 2014 Samantha Redstreake Geary
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WriterlySam 
Hi human, Samantha,
Oh how I wish this A to Z thing would end. I feel terrible because my paws cannot keep up with all of you.
Like a native North American princess certainly grabs my attention. Between myths and magic, your writing leaves me spellbound.
Penny, the pawsitive host of the Alphabark Challenge, 2014!
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I think I’ll send you a gift certificate for a pawsicure. That should help.
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Always a pleasure seeing you, Penny, and your cheeky person:) Wishing you a relaxing weekend chasing gnomes & fairy-folk! I’d take Lee up on that pawsicure, sounds pawmising:)
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A lot of mysticism in that passage. Like the door turning into doves.
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You know me–I’m all about myths & magic (and mayhem, after too many mojitos)
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Ooo! I think I remember s little snippet about the teleo! I love description. Silly chicken!
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Good memory, girl! I came up with the idea for this series last summer, posting about four snippets that went over really well! Now the first book is on its way:) Chickens are known to be silly, especially around shiny things:)
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**shakes head in awe and smiles**
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*hands you more coffee for putting up with me*
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you shall discover who you once were, who you are, and who you shall become!– What powerful words!
Damyanti
Co-host, A to Z Challenge 2014, Latest Post
Twitter: @damyantig
#atozchallenge
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Thanks, girl! I love the idea of reincarnation, which is the central theme of this series.
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I’m with Damyanti~ the quote is the most powerful part of this piece! I can only follow along casually though, as I don’t know if all of these characters are based off real gods or not (never studied them).
Alex Hurst, fantasy author in Japan, participating in Blogging A-Z April Challenge.
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Thanks, Alex:) All the characters are rooted in myths, mainly Greek mythology, with my own unique twist on what’s “classically known” about them. In the full manuscript, the details behind each one is revealed.
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I enjoyed your post. I love anything to do with mythology! I’m glad I found your website. 🙂
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Awesome! Grab a drink and make yourself at home.
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🙂
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Is this an actual book. If so, I’d love to know where I can buy it! Your words paint pictures in my head that I can’t get out. And not in a bad way. 🙂
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Yes! These are sneak peeks of Book One, “Architects of Illusion”, in a YA series, “Echoes of Olympus”. Keep an eye on my site for updates on its future release!!
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Loved your closing line! Beautiful.
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Thank you, my dear:)
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Awesome post! I love anything to do with mythology, especially Greek mythology, so this was treat for me to find. 🙂
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Love the chicken! I have a kitchen full of them! LOL
I’ve read it backwards to catch up – such wonderful detail, I am in awe!
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I really like that this part occurs in a library. And not just any library, but one where you learn about yourself. Now I love me some libraries, but THIS one I’d die to visit {heh heh}!
I’m participating in AtoZ, too.
See you around!
~Andi-Roo
@TheWorld4Realz
TheWorld4Realz.com
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“encompass Delphi’s mountain of words in ancient bindings, their stale breaths bound between the pages…” What a divine image…
I also loved this: “Here, you shall discover who you once were, who you are, and who you shall become!” Transcendentalism included as well… will you be taking this further…? Mmm, you are full of lovely surprises!
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