While those words were whispered, the oscillation in her voice coincided with spikes of pain. He imagined that someone was driving nails straight into his skull.
“Where—” Marc asked.
The tearing in his throat stopped him cold. It reminded him of calling drills for too long. But the taste of iron in his mouth hinted there was another cause.
“Oh, you must want some water,” Émilie said.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
He opened his eyes cautiously, and was met with blinding white light. Shortly thereafter he became aware of a persistent ringing in his ears, as though an opera singer had been holding a high note for too long. I really wish she would take a bow…
A sharp pain along his forehead was next. Those symptoms ought to worry him, but this was not the first time he was knocked unconscious… Am I out of danger?
“There you are,” Émilie said.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
Those words are out of sync with her lips. The disjointed dialogue perplexed him, doubly so when he realised those words did not originate from the projection. How can she be in two places at once?
Then came the sensation of someone holding his hand. The skin was warm, soft, and the caress gentle. How are her hands on my chest?
However, the scene before him was washed out in light, with no source to account for it. As Émilie hummed a sweet lullabye to herself, the world before him faded into the light.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
Marc was dreaming, walking through a mountain pass near the Keep. Émilie’s voice tore through the landscape, like a stone falling into a still pond.
His mind transitioned from a serene landscape from his childhood, to Émilie straddling him, those breasts swaying back and forth. Once she was fully in focus, he rather enjoyed the change of scenery.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
Their blades sparked on contact. Marc easily evaded the next attack, focusing on the image at the centre While Barón launched a powerful swing, Marc parried to distance himself. Once more they began to circle one another, searching for a weakness.
Marc was not about to leave an opening, but Fate had her way of intervening. A powerful drumming approached from the town, loud enough to tempt Marc into covering his ears. He watched as his opponent’s face paled at the approaching threat.
A mortar fell from out of the heavens, and buried itself deep into the ground about thirty paces away. Both were transfixed on this unwelcomed addition. It went off, sending both men hurtling through the air. Marc was unconscious before his body slammed into the ground.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
Without time, Marc dropped to his knees, as something knocked the hat off and ruffled his hair… I might’ve gotten a shave had it been any closer!
He swung his blade, but was too late. Even though all that chaos, there came screaming from behind. With a practised pose, he blocked the attack using his sabre, but the impact would leave a red welt running down his back.
Marc rolled out of the way for a second attack, and quickly found his footing. There was a distorted smile upon that face red with anger… not to mention those dead eyes.
By his count, Marc saw Barón not once but thrice, each with all three incantations charging him with a sword drawn.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
Such an impact would have taken the wind out of anyone, but his fury served to fuel Barón’s miraculous recovery. Marc’s arm was sore from the impact of his blade with the horse, and there was a visible gouge in the steel, but he was otherwise fine. I’m still more than a match for him.
They stared each other down, circling as they approached. Before Marc could engage, another wave of horsemen burst through the smoke. The second officer was headed right for him, whereas another was going straight for Cornay.
Marc took aim and fired his last round. The crack caused his Adjutant to turn back just as the horse dropped and slid along the ground. The horse was dead, inches away from the Adjudant.
Without time, Marc dropped to his knees, as something knocked the hat off and ruffled his hair… I might’ve gotten a shave had it been any closer!
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
Several had done the same, although Brébeuf lost his head in the exchange for downing a horse. They were down to eight men holding the line.
Marc regained his footing, taking in a measure of where he was. Smoke saturated the air, it was so thick that he could barely see beyond fifty paces. He was surrounded by the sound of galloping horses, but their numbers were lost in the chaos.
After the initial encounter, the cavalry had been cut in half, pushing left and right of his men over the crest. The heavy smoke played in their favour, sending several riders and horses hurtling into Frisian horses, followed by a ditch reinforced with wooden spikes.
It took everything he had to maintain composure as horse and rider were impaled. The sickening sounds even caused his stomach to do somersaults. He swallowed down the bile, just as El Comandante got back on his feet.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
He adjusted his position until the sabre protruded out his side while using his opposing arm to brace his blade. Every man had a patch of rawhide sewn into their uniforms in that spot to make this possible.
One…
It was too late for them to change their minds. As the rider swung down to land a blow, Marc bowed, lowering his head. The end effect was as surprising for the soldiers as it was for the riders, because neither side knew how this tactic would play out.
When the horse’s legs came in contact with the curved blade, it sliced through fir, skin, muscle, and sinew until it struck bone. While any sword could deal the damage, the curved blade did not embed itself in the bone.
The horse dropped, sending El Comandante over top. Still holding the reins, the man landed back first on the muddy soil. All told, Marc managed to dismount two cavalry officers in a matter of seconds.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
Child of Water, a biographical historical fiction written by independent author Gemma Lawrence. The first instalment in The Heirs of Anarchy series, is a compelling narrative on the early life of Matilda, daughter of Henry I, who became Empress of the Holy Empire.
Lawrence skillfully weaves historical facts with plausible inferences, bridging gaps in the historical record to bring these larger-than-life characters to life. By incorporating intricate details on various aspects of the era, such as culinary practices, herbal medicine, and the daily lives of both servants and nobility, Lawrence creates immersive scenes that transports readers to a bygone age.
What sets Child of Water apart is its focus on strong female figures in history. This novel is notable for its exploration of the challenges faced by trailblazing women like Matilda, who paved the way for future queens of England. The complex political climate of the time is vividly portrayed, offering readers a deeper understanding of the numerous obstacles Matilda had to overcome to mark her place in history.
Child of Water is a book filled with rich historical detail that breathes life into the early life of Matilda, once Empress, Queen and Countess. Readers will find themselves immersed in the complex political climate of the day as a notable woman in history finds her footing. Highly recommended!
