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 Gargoyles, Grotesques & even the Bear hugging his honeypot, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!
Gargoyles, Grotesques & Bears
THE ROOFTOP buzzed with the beat of a hundred hearts. The crisp night air sizzled with the dancing of hands over the taut skins of drums. The pounding pulse of percussion hummed through our veins with infectious energy.
The copper dome winked in the torchlight, reflecting silvery sparks that floated over our island of music into a sea of stars. Whistles rode the wind, while laughter tumbled from lips. Stirring strings plucked our feet from the floor, pulling us into a restless rhythm that stole our breath.
If you were still, you were most likely dead.
“That’s Conrí,” Tari shouted, pointing to a slick and slender boy with wild chestnut hair and even wilder eyes. “That boy knows his way around a djembe,” she grinned, admiration lighting her gaze.
It took me a full minute to make out the drumming figures on either side of him, their sharp ashen features blending seamlessly with the shadows. “Those are gargoyles!” I blurted, slapping Tari out of her lovesick daze.
Tari rubbed her arm, shooting me a withering look. “And those are grotesques,” she casually waved her hand over the crowd of students. I strained my eyes, spotting two tiny gnomes strumming mandolins. “They always awaken on drum nights,” she added, as if the animation of stone statuary were an everyday occurrence.
Perhaps it was.
“And that?” I asked, gesturing past a miniature marble man who was blocking his ears against the assault towering over him.
“That’s a bear,” Tari replied.
“A bear?”
“Don’t let his calm demeanor fool ya. Cedric plays a mean honeypot.
© 2014 Samantha Redstreake Geary
PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST
Calling all WRITERS & ARTISTS
Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!
Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.
WriterlySam 
I’ve been a big fan of the Biltmore Estate since my parents moved to Asheville when I was 16. Sadly, I only got to live in Asheville for a year before I was off to college. Most of the times I’ve gone, I’ve toured the house and formal gardens. I would love to have more time to stroll through the grounds. What a wonderful place for a fantasy novel!
I find your writing poetic in its description of the music and dancing.
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Thanks, Tamara! When this book launches, you’ll have to go back and visit the “magical” side of Biltmore:)
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Wow. That is fantastic. The music/drum beat. I was grooving in my chair this morning. Something about the drum beat speaks to my primal soul.
Your writing went well with it, too.
Play off the Page
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Thrilled you got into the story’s “beat”! This piece was inspired by Deane’s music:)
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This is such a great way to create atmosphere! Really nice!
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Thanks! I always write to music–it sets the tone of my scenes:) It was difficult to stay seated with this piece:)
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Plays a mean honeypot – funny!
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Glad you’re on board with my crazy sense of humor, Alex:)
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That was a great last line! Love it. Sorry I’m so behind on getting to your posts T.T
Alex Hurst, fantasy author in Japan, participating in the A-Z Challenge.
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Thanks, Alex! Never apologize for being busy–mingling with thousands of folks is what it’s all about *well that, and the open bar*
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Love the honeypot! This scene is pure magic.
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Haha, that honeypot is huge–makes a great drum!
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Oh how I envy you your imagination! As Amy said, magical!
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I so appreciate that, Yolanda:)
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You entice us with your delivery of poetical magnificence. Now hurry up and get that book published! I don’t know how much longer I can wait before I explode! 😉
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And just think–this is only the beginning! *Book One of a planned series*
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😀 😀 😀 Can you tell I’m excited!
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Loved this Sam thank you. So imageful.
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Thank you, Susan, always a pleasure having you swing by:)
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This is inspired by Ogden so it’s natural that you included the djembe drums… but drumming gargoyles…?
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