Weekend Writing Warriors: Snippet 112- Kendryk
It’s time for Weekend Writing Warriors! Every Sunday, a bunch of writers post 8-10-sentence snippets from their WIPs on their blogs. There’s a lot of reading, commenting and great writing. Click on the link to see the full list.
I missed you guys last week! I was having a lovely long weekend off in Eugene, Oregon, during which time I did as little as possible. It was nice, but now it’s back to work. The Forsaken Crown releases December 13! You can check out the cover and blurb below.
This book takes place about 7 years (please don’t look at my timeline too closely!) before Rise of the Storm. Kendryk is fifteen, and already Prince of Terragand, although a regent is in charge until he turns seventeen.The regent-Duke Desmond-constantly sidelines Kendryk, but in this snippet our little prince barges in on a council meeting uninvited. Edited from the published version.
“Your Grace,” Duke Desmond said, his tone smooth, his eyes unpleasant, “There’s no need for you to be here; we can take care of everything.” The duke was tall, blond, and nearly handsome but for the reptilian cast to his blue eyes. Kendryk never looked into them for long.
“I know.” Kendryk resolved to stay calm. Gaining a reputation for throwing childish tantrums was not helpful. Though he hadn’t ever thrown a tantrum—just raised his voice a little—someone had started a rumor to that effect. Kendryk suspected Desmond, though he couldn’t prove it. “But it’s time I became involved in Terragand’s everyday affairs.”
Kendryk slid into a chair at the foot of the table; he’d see he got his rightful place at the head at the next meeting.
Sonya, an ambitious mercenary intent on commanding her own army, vowed nothing would stand in her way. But then she ran afoul of the most powerful woman in the empire. Humiliated and condemned,
Kendryk has a vast kingdom to rule, though he isn’t old enough to do it on his own. But when he learns his regent, Duke Desmond, wants to seize the throne, the stakes turn deadly. With no one he can turn to, young Kendryk is forced to rely on an outsider.
Now their destinies have intertwined and the fate of the kingdom is at stake. Can Sonya and Kendryk overcome their pasts and mistrust to find a path to victory? Or will the forces arrayed against them triumph?
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I love your cover, Christina.
A difficult place for a 17 year old to be. Duke Desmond sounds lethal.
Thank you! Yes, Kendryk is outclassed right now.
It’s so cool the way he’s insisting on getting what’s due him — without throwing a tantrum.
He’s pretty mature for his age, though his lack of experience is about to be a problem.
Poor Kendryk, though good for him for wanting to get involved in his kingdom!
He’s got quite a struggle ahead
Missed you last week, too! I finished reading Rise of the Storm and started Valley of the Shadow, and this definitely feels like the Kendryk I’ve gotten to know so far. Great snippet. 🙂
Oh, thank you so much for reading! Hope you enjoy Valley of the Shadow, though “enjoy” might not be quite the right word. 🙂
Well written. A young man’s gotta do what a young man’s gotta do!
Yes, he does. Thanks, Charmaine!
Good for him, taking charge and refusing to be sidelined.
It’s going to get him into trouble, of course.
Love his thought process! You do a great job of getting us into the characters’ heads.
Marcia
Thank you so much, Marcia!
Even when he’s younger, Kendryk is respectful and kind. I’m super excited to start this book! 😀
I love him at any age. 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
Politics are never simple.
Gorgeous cover. Politics are so difficult and when you’re young – and would really like to throw a tantrum – it’s even harder. Tweeted.
Thank you! Self-control is hard anytime, but especially at that age.
I’m so happy you wrote this book. More Kendryk! And gee, I’m in Eugene now. We should meet for coffee next time you’re in town!
I really can’t get enough Kendryk. He might warrant another prequel. I think I knew, and then forgot you were in Eugene. We definitely must have coffee next time!
Good for Kendryk and so important that he keep his temper. A lot of trouble ahead for him though, no doubt. Excellent excerpt.
Oh yes, you know me- I’m just getting started with the trouble. 🙂
He’s not so little, even at fifteen he knows how a ruler ought to behave.
I liked the reptilian eyes!
Good, Kendrick–assert yourself!
It’s not easy, but he needs to learn how.
You go, kiddo!! Claim your right. Reptilian cast to his eyes. Love it!
It’s not going to be easy, but that’s all part of the fun. 🙂
Way to be assertive, little prince! Loved this excerpt, Christina! It reveals a lot about both characters. 🙂
Thank you!
reptilian cast to his eyes? Eww. Great cover! Looking forward to reading more.
Thank you!
He’s very mature for his age, and wisdom beyond his years that will help him in his struggle. Great snippet.
Unfortunately, he’s still lacking in the real power to back it up.
I know things won’t be easy for him, but it seems like he’s up for the challenge.
He does have a point–how can he learn if they keep him out of everything? But I suspect none of the people who currently have the power want him to learn.
At least some of them have good reason to keep him in the dark!
I’ve a feeling that someone might be in the market for a bodyguard… And possibly a food taster.
My thoughts exactly!
It sounds like you had a lot more fun with this one. 😀 Can’t wait to read it! Glad your Thanksgiving was good.
Yes, it’s a much lighter story overall, which I sorely needed!
Great snippet. One victory at a time. Very mature behavior.
Kendryk’s got some steel in his soul. Good lad! He’s going to take his rightful place, you can tell.