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 PHOTO TOUR of Biltmore Estate’s marble statue of the Goddess, Diana, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!
Diana, Goddess of the Hunt
I STOOD on a serene hill, watching the sun dip behind majestic mountains, the last of its rays kissing copper flashing that ran along the slated crown of Olympus. It was peaceful, this secret place surrounded by silent hemlocks, the air heavy with the promise of rain.
“I never tire of the view,” a voice whispered. I tilted my head to glance at the woman stepping in beside me. From her golden halo of hair that curled into elaborate knots, to the silky sage chiton hugging her powerful frame, she oozed with power.
“What’s your name, child?” she asked, her emerald gaze oddly protective.
“Anise.”
She studied me with the keen eye of a hunter. “Your path is fraught with danger, Anise. Be wary of whom you align yourself with. Not everyone is what they seem.”
“My…path? I don’t–” I stammered, my mind wrapping around the unexpected warning.
“You must look beyond who you are to who you must become. Only then, will you be free,” she cautioned. She snapped her head towards the horizon where the day was slowly swallowed by the stars. Turning her back, she moved swiftly towards a small temple at the top of the slope, a quiver of arrows swaying across her back.
“I don’t understand. Please,” I called out, running after her. “Wait!”
A guttural growl sunk into my spine, rooting me to the spot. A foot away, a dwarf of a dog stood between me and answers, his tiny snout sprouting a wicked grin, baring the razor sharp teeth of a puppy. Its coffee coat was cropped close to the skin, delicate ears pulled back against its narrow skull, daring me to move.
“Venator! Come!” the woman commanded.
The eager pup tore back to its master, hopping onto a pedestal the woman had balanced upon. She reached a hand to nuzzle its nose moments before their skin slipped into stone.
© 2014 Samantha Redstreake Geary
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WriterlySam 
Great piece.
~Patricia Lynne~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, YA Author
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Thanks!
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Whoa! That was fascinating. I like how she didn’t introduce herself and was all cryptic. Love the mysteriousness of it.
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Those stone statues rarely adhere to social conventions:)
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I agree, there’s a mystery around every corner, and this place has lots of corners. 🙂 I really enjoy the idea of discovering who it is that she has to become. That’s so universal, whether you’re magical or just a regular human being. I think it’s the mark of a great fantasy story–to be relevant to the real world as well.
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I want to hang your comment on my wall:) I love that I’m on target!
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mysterious words in deed – portentous. The music went beautifully with the scene too, I turned it on and read 🙂
Sophie
Sophie’s Thoughts & Fumbles – A to Z Ghosts
Fantasy Boys XXX – A to Z Drabblerotic
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I’m thrilled you listened to the music whilst reading! The music inspires the scene and is intended to enhance it!
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One good thing about being a day late with reading your posts … I won’t have to wait until Monday for the next! So I’ll be sneaking over tomorrow to read what you have for E.
Sorry I didn’t reply to your comment yesterday. But I will definitely be keeping an eye on when the book is released. And when the A to Z Challenge is over, I’ll come back and have a proper read of your blog. I’m hooked now!
Have a great Sunday off. 🙂
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You can sneak over her anytime:) Once the details of the book’s release are finalized, I’ll post it all here!
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I can tell you have put alot of effort into these nicely done posts. The snippet from your story is just enough to draw the reader in. I hope the book goes well and that you enjoy A to Z
Experts
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Many thanks:) This book was the most fun I had writing! And there’s more to come:) Stay tuned for release dates!
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Stopping by on the 5th day of the #atozchallenge while looking for fellow writers. Congratulations on your blog. I know you are going to make new blogging friends this month. I’m writing about gardening and related topics and having a wonderful time. If you have time or interest, come and visit.
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Welcome, Stepheny! Hope this challenge introduces you to the “magic” of global connections:)
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I am really enjoying reading your writing. With so few words you manage to paint a whole world and create characters with whom I want to journey further. That doesn’t happen often with me, so I applaud you and thank you.
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That thrills me to no end, Julia! My intention is to intrigue readers and create a buzz for this upcoming release! You’re welcome here anytime!
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So well done Sam! You are the master!
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*whoa* As if I wasn’t already worried about statues coming to life, now THIS! But fortunately, she didn’t seem evil…
I’m really enjoying your book snippets!
I’m participating in AtoZ, too.
See you around!
~Andi-Roo
@TheWorld4Realz
TheWorld4Realz.com
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Ah, another mention of who she will become: “You must look beyond who you are to who you must become. Only then, will you be free…”
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