The Civil War exploded upon America, tearing jagged wounds throughout society’s fabric. Two Kentucky boys that grew up like brothers have now squared off against one another over the fate of the nation. The aspiring lawyer joins a Virginia cavalry regiment after Manassas, quickly learning the skills of soldiering and war, creating an efficient warrior … a killer, but with attendant cost upon his soul.
The apprentice surveyor joins the Federal infantry once Kentucky’s valiant attempt at brokering neutrality is shattered. In his quest to support Lincoln’s efforts to save the Union, the soldier in blue quickly proves his military value as a mapmaker. His star rises, taking him east, where he meets an enchanting, yet mysterious Virginian young lady. Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, a complete departure from persistent campaign promises, stuns the young officer, forcing a decision that propels him down a path towards danger and adventure.
The link below gives you a free read of the Foreword and first chapter of “Tiers of War”. http://a.co/c8Ab7Zu
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Alex sat by herself on the hard wood seat and starred at nothing out the streetcar window. The car rattled and clanked its way with awkward cadence towards Sacred Heart Academy, the last true bastion of good Catholic girls in New Orleans. One more year until her parole, and she couldn’t wait. Her mother refused any discussion about her going to a public school. It just wasn’t done in New Orleans. No way could they afford Newman. That was reserved for the blue blood elite, the future kings and queens of Rex. There was no way they would have admitted her, even if she had the money. For God’s sake, her father delivered bread for a living, until that day last fall a loaded out crack-head ran a red light doing 50 at Claiborne and State. The bastard T-boning her dad straight into St. Patrick Cemetery Number 2. She sighed inwardly, and let her shoulders droop a degree. I hope he didn’t see it coming. But dead is dead no matter how you slice it. No, it’s Scarred Heart for me.
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Before anyone can be entrusted with the power of the Wands of Tari, there is much to tell you, so that you can unleash their magical powers. But CAUTION: Not obeying the rules can have huge consequences, ones that you will surely want to avoid!
Long ago, when your mother was a girl of about 8 years old, we lived on the Pacific island of Papua New Guinea. My work often took me by helicopter up into remote regions of the highlands, where spirits of the ancient ones still roam through the rugged terrain and thick rainforest. My helicopter had just landed, the pilot gradually slowing the rotor blades, going WHOP, WHOP, WHOP in the air. I stepped out and was greeted by five Huli warriors, who were beating small drums in perfect rhythm as they approached. Dum,
These were the tribal leaders who came out when they heard the helicopter approaching. The oldest of the men, the one in the center, raised his hand and the drumming stopped. He stepped forward and said …
“We welcome you Pappy. We know you are a good man, and that you are here to help our people.” Read More
A loud, persistent pounding on the exterior wood door startled Calvin from a hazy sleep. He bolted upright on the storeroom cot, froze still, holding his breath, not making a sound. Another loud pounding on the door with what he thought must be a closed fist. “Come on Calvin, open the damn door, man. I know you in there!” said a man with a deep, rough tone. “Open up! Don’t make me break down this sorry ass door. If I have to, I’m gonna kick your butt all the way to Thursday. Open up!”
Calvin grimaced, then replied, “All right. I’m comin’.” He threw back the blankets in frustration and sat up, clapping his arms to get blood moving through stiffened muscles. He had no choice but to open the door. Failure to do so would only have made things worse. He rose and slipped on his scuffed shoes, and looked around for his jacket, and found it hanging on a bar stool. As he slipped one arm into the jacket, he caught his reflection in the cracked mirror behind the bar, frowned and slowly shook his head side to side. Dumb ass! He slowly walked over to the door, unlatched the deadbolt then stepped back not really knowing what to expect. One way or another, it was not going to be good. Humph, the day before Mardi Gras … you’d think I woulda had betta luck. He shook his head. 1949 was not starting out on a good note. Read More
