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 life-sized limestone figure of St. Louis (King Louis IX of France, patron saint of architects), carved by Viennese sculptor, Karl Bitter, that adorns the exterior grand staircase tower, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!
Knight of Stone and Steel
Tariro
I GRIPPED the knight’s hand, the kindness in his stormcloud eyes felt familiar. “Are you hurt, Tariro?” he asked, his French-dipped words laced with something more than concern.
It was the first time, in my sixteen years at Olympus, that he’d come near me—this mystery of a man sheathed in stone and secrets.
“No, I’m…I don’t—” my world suddenly tilted, the colors twisting and turning into another time, another place.
***
The same knight stood before me, battered and broken, his armor dented with death and destruction, his sword soaked in spirits. A suffocating fog surrounded us, the air heavy with the copper scent of spilt blood. Fire raged all around us, a pool of hungry flames licking the shattered bones that littered the battlefield.
“Go!” he pleaded in French, “I’ll fend off the witch!” He swiped at the crimson river running from his brow, an angry gash grinning beneath the rusted metal mesh.
“I won’t leave you!” I heard myself shout, throwing my arms around his waist.
He pressed his torn lips to my head. “They mustn’t capture you, my love,” he whispered in my ear. “If we lose you–we lose everything.” He broke away from my embrace. “Atlas is waiting beyond the boundary.”
His head snapped to the side, where a cloaked figure emerged from the smoke.
“Go. Now!” he shouted, tightening his grip on the blade.
I stumbled towards the tree line, not daring to look back until I reached the shelter of Atlas.
I felt it before my eyes could register the loss.
My heart died the moment he was swallowed by stone.
***
“Tariro,” the knight prodded, gently cupping my shoulders.
I sucked in a breath, as if I’d been drowning. My heart was pounding against its cage, desperate to escape into the arms of a memory. “I know you,” I stammered.
He took a step back, releasing his hold. “Of course. I’ve been here since the day you first arrived, guarding the tower—”
“No,” I shook my head, “not from this life.”
I could see the truth of it in his eyes.
“Tell me who I am, Louis.”
© 2014 Samantha Redstreake Geary
PHENOMENA’s EPIC HEROES CONTEST
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Create an original superhero for a chance to be PUBLISHED in an audiomachine ebook!
Open APRIL 15th through MAY 15th.
WriterlySam 
The battle scene was intense, I could hear, smell and feel it in every word. Excellent. Now hurry up and get it published! 😉
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Oh, I’m on it! Thanks for your lovely comments–makes my day!
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Good to hear … about the book I mean, 😉
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I love anything to do with Greek mythology, this was great 🙂
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You’ve stumbled upon the second home of the Greeks–grab a seat at the bar, we have nightly specials:)
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Atlas for the save, great vivid scenes indeed
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Thanks for that, Pat!
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Very enticing writing. What a battle! Thanks for a great read.
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Thank you! It’s like Fight Club for mythological monsters:)
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This gave me chills, Sam. Not just a prickling, either–I had goosebumps all the way down my legs as I finished the fight scene–and again now as I remember it. Beautiful, powerful, super compelling. Thank you!
Guilie @ Life In Dogs
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This thrills me! Love causing goosebumps *and crying/ laughing/ snickering and social drinking*
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Reunited and now she knows!
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Yep! And now he’s in big trouble!
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Lovely Sam, chilling, gentle, two realities …
Thank you.
Garden of Eden Blog
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Thanks, Susan!
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AHHH! that was intense. i want to know what happens. i’m a little heartsick at what happened in the past. so blipping good.
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Poor guy–now he’s stuck in stone for like, ever, I guess *or is he? muwahaha*
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Oh wow, that was something! What an awesome piece of writing…now she knows…sigh!
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And this is just the tip of the mythological iceberg:)
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My favorite phrases in this one: “his French-dipped words” “this mystery of a man sheathed in stone and secrets” Really beautiful imagery.
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Thanks, Lee! The original statue is of St. Louis of France, so, he’s got a nice sexy accent going for him *when he’s not a paperweight*
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That was really striking description. I love it. My favorite line: “My heart died the moment he was swallowed by stone.”
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Thank you! It’s been fun, playing with the magical imagery of this novel *no knights were harmed during the initial draft*
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Your descriptions create a great image, Samantha, and that’s a challenge in such a complex world. The battle scene felt so real to me. I love Greek mythology for its larger-than-life, part fantasy part reality world. Thanks for this.
Silvia @
SilviaWrites
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I hear ya, Silvia! I’m drawn to the Greeks and their over-the-top imaginative world. Now I’m bringing it home *and they’re thrilled there’s an Earth Fare right down the road*
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Everyone should have such a hero!
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I agree! And this one looks like Michael Fassbender!
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The truth is coming to light…
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