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 observatory’s rooftop balcony and the mysterious and magical astrolabe, click HERE! Want to read more? Visit my A to Z “Sneak Peeks” page!
Urania, Celestial Searcher
WE STOOD on the rooftop of Olympus, the gaze of every student pulled under the blanket of shimmering stars that blazed a brilliant path across the heavens.
An otherworldly force glided through the observatory doors like a comet, the tail of her mandarin gown glistening like a celestial sea.
Shivers of excitement skittered through the crowd.
The Muse of astronomy strode past, the air surrounding her heavy with the promise of rain and cherry blossoms. Urania took center stage, an Asian empress commanding the night sky itself, which bowed and bent to her will. With a sweep of her hand, cconstellations connected with brilliant blue flares that flashed into familiar shapes.
Urania studied our faces, the star-shaped irises swimming in her silver-blue eyes glistening with an inner fire. Even the intricate knots of her raven hair glittered with astral dust. Urania unclasped a large metal pendant from around her neck and held it in her outstretched palm, a knowing smile playing upon her bowed lips.
The elaborate gears of the astrolabe spun wildly, until the series of silver discs separated, each soaring above our heads to hover in mid-air. At the clap of her delicate hands, the spiraling plates shifted and shattered into spheres, projecting a gleaming galaxy of stars.
The ethereal display stole our collective breath. “Listen closely to the celestial voices,” Urania’s words rose into the cool, luminous air. “They whisper the secrets of your destiny.”
© 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 
Hey Samantha,
Sorry about my absence. A bunch of weird folks are doing some ridiculous challenge in regards to the alphabet. Can you believe that? 🙂
I read this magical writing and I started here celestial voices. You are very good, Samantha. My destiny is probably more like Uranus.
Enjoy your weekend, dear Samantha.
Gary
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We’re on V today, not U. Just a friendly reminder. Gotta keep up, Gary, amazing as you are.
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Haha! Thanks, Gary, always a joy to read your comments:) The three of us need to go out for drinks one night, that way Lee can heckle you in person & I can watch the banter:)
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Oh no. I expect back up, Sam. Gary’s amazingness will out glib me on my own.
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Beautiful writing, Samantha, so very lyrical. I read it twice and so many words took me to that image, words such as astral dust. Very nice. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed taking a short break from the craziness all around me today and reading this.
Silvia @
SilviaWrites
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Thanks so much, Silvia:) This is one of my favorite Muses to feature:)
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I second what Silvia said. Wow, beautiful language! So moving.
Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
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Thanks for the visit to my blog http://meditationmotivationinspiration.blogspot.com/ I haven’t been very inspired to post anything lately even though I have started a few, I just thought I would visit instead. Great writing and thanks for your inspiration’.
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Astral dust, the lovely stuff from whence we sprang. I imagine how it looks sprinkled throughout her dark hair.
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Such a beautiful portrait you paint with your words. They make me feel as though I am standing there beside her. 🙂
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So many images captured my imagination.
I’m picturing an Asian empress with star-shaped irises in her silver blue eyes, wearing a glistening mandarin gown… wow! What an amazing visual!
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whoa! i’m in complete awe over the fantastic description. i was transported there. so jealous of your talent.
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Just been out to look at the stars … as I have been doing these last few nights among the mountains. Saw some star dust and thought of you … thank you for these lovely lyrical lines.
Garden of Eden Blog
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I love Urania’s description: the star-shaped irises swimming in her silver-blue eyes.
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