Friday 7 October 2011

Release Day for Exiled: Winter's Curse by Rosalie Skinner


Today I am thrilled to announce the release of  ROSALIE SKINNER's
EXILED: WINTER'S CURSE 
The second book in the series The Chronicles of Caleath



Alone, Caleath rides south to kill the Tarack queen in her dormant colony, and thus, ensure the safety of the people. His ‘kill or be killed’ mission is not altruistic. Although he justifies his motive, saving the people, gaining his own freedom and acceptance, deep within his soul he battles a yearning for Tarack stim crystal. However, a small child's plea for help dissolves Caleath's simple plan.

His new quest takes him on a desperate path traversed by bandits, dragons, bloody battles, danger, and death. No longer is Caleath alone.

 
Meanwhile Nasith travels south with Lachlan, Gwilt, and a band of soldiers prepared for the battle with the Tarack. As they travel, Gwilt voices his concern about the malevolence surrounding a newcomer to the group. Convinced his doubts have fallen on deaf ears, he remains alert and wary. His attitude leads to a confrontation from which neither he nor Nasith emerge unscathed.

 
Winter allows the people of Allorn time to prepare, while other nefarious schemes rise to destroy them.

Excerpt:
Caleath curled one gloved hand around the hilt of the Karadorian sword. His finger traced the outline of two missing jewels, used to purchase a pack horse and supplies before leaving Sheldarc. Cold leached through the fabric of the spare blanket draped around his shoulders as he tried to encourage sleep. Deep within the sheltered cowl of his hood, his eyes closed.

Caleath cocked his head to listen. Well beyond the horses resting with their tails to the wind, he heard a wolf’s howl disturb the quiet of the night. The baying stirred a well of loneliness. Gwilt and Nasith traveled elsewhere. They probably spent the cold, dismal night indoors, sleeping on warm beds with full bellies.

Thoughts of Nasith warmed Caleath’s blood, but he quelled them before they ruined his hope for sleep. He cherished the memory of moments spent in her company. They had been desperate moments. Survival dominated his thoughts then, preventing him from savoring her presence. Now assassins no longer hunted him, nor did ghosts haunt his nights. Nor did Nasith ride with him. He rode alone, south toward the growing threat, in a desperate quest to prove his worth to the old mage Penwryt.

With his chance of returning home destroyed, Caleath fought the despair of homesickness. Cold made his inner arm scar tissue ache. Anger warmed him, banishing thoughts of Nasith. Instead, rage focused on Ephraim, the man who manipulated Caleath’s exile. Although Ephraim managed to delay Caleath’s plans for revenge, they fermented even now. Left without galactic citizenship, or a means to get off the planet, Caleath cursed his enemy with every breath.

Outrageous plans and fading memories blurred as slumber edged past dreams of vengeance. Drifting into an uneasy sleep, Caleath’s guard lowered.

A taint of corruption carried on the cold night air.

Adrenaline pumped, boosting barriers within his mind. Caleath flinched. Sleep dulled the alarm, but instinct reacted to the touch of sorcery. Dragged from a dreamlike state, Caleath braced, rousing to repel the probing of another mind against the defenses inside his head.


His fingers clasped the Karadorian blade, already drawn beneath Caleath’s heavy cloak. Caution saw the sword bared against the threat of ice forming in the sheath and preventing the weapon’s release. Despite his precautions, the sword could not protect him from magic. The effort needed to prevent the persistent intrusion caused his heart to pound and his head to ache.


The barriers in his mind loomed as intangible walls, protecting the detritus of dark magic left by dire conjurations. The threat of incursion into the morass of unfathomed magic terrified Caleath. He recognized his feeble efforts, compared to the power ranged against him.

A trickle of dampness spreading along his spine became a river of cold sweat. Fully awake, Caleath trembled as he fought a silent battle against an invasive and invisible foe. The horses shuffled, as if they too sensed the desperate conflict. Caleath didn’t open his eyes, his focus turned inward. Neither cold, nor the scent of corruption, nor the sudden quiet in the forest seemed important as he fought to keep his mind free from manipulation. He called upon all the ways and means of constructing and maintaining barriers, learnt during three years as the source for Karadorian dread lords.

Even so, his efforts seemed futile. Nothing he offered prevented the aggressive sorcery from broaching his wards.

He dragged cold air into his lungs, clamped his jaws shut, and clenched white-knuckled fists around the hilt of the sword. His sense of futility spread, though he refused to capitulate. He tasted blood, smelt bitter corruption and heard Death’s dark humor in the cascade of a nearby creek.

Between one heartbeat and the next, an explosion of burning flame rampaged behind Caleath’s eyelids. He gasped, opening his eyes when the image of a dragon rampart burned into his vision. He sensed a presence; human, insubstantial, but carrying dread potential. Before he could react to the awe-inspiring presence of the dragon, all three apparent threats; dragon, human, and the touch of sorcery dispersed. No longer under attack, Caleath shuddered. Both horses snorted, shying as Caleath staggered to his feet. Blinded by the sudden light, it took another heartbeat before vision adjusted to the darkness before dawn. Caleath stumbled against Enigma’s flank, his sword flailing toward two unseen foes.


“Balls of a hairy goat.” Caleath rammed the sword into its scabbard and tried to shake off the feeling of impending doom. He took time to settle his racing heart, fill his lungs with sweet air and relish his continued freedom.

In the distance the wolf yowled as the morning light crept across the forest floor. Shrugging off the cloak, Caleath adjusted his shirt where damp fabric chilled warm flesh.  The cheerful chatter of crickets, birds greeting the dawn, and the innocent babbling brook mocked Caleath’s rank fear. Again thoughts of Gwilt and his wolf rose to provoke his loneliness. Cursing his penchant to dwell on their plight, Caleath savored a moment wondering how Nasith greeted the dawn.
The forest remained quiet. A white owl winged silently into the gloom. No dragon or sorcerer disturbed the peaceful tableau.

The BALLS OF A HAIRY GOAT AND ADDER'S SPIT competition is in full swing.
Check out the list of prizes available.
at Ramblings from Lady Rosalie
Visit The official
Chronicles of Caleath website 
and send your contest entry to Caleathsquest@gmail.com to get your word puzzle.

Thanks to Wendy for having me here today!! 

For those who haven't already read Book One, Exiled Autumn's Peril is now available from Amazon, Museitup Bookshop and Smashwords.

Come and join Rosalie's blog party... ON NOW via the comments.

168 comments:

Wendy said...

Congratulations, Rosalie. Book two of Caleath's Chronicles is now a reality. Let's Party!! My Stefan shakes Caleath's hand. They touch sword blades and smile!

Rosalie Skinner said...

Hi Wendy,
Great to see Caleath in a good mood!! I think he and Stefan should get alone fine. They both spend time trapped in mediaeval society.
Thanks for having me here today.
Is it too early to open the champagne?

Nancy Bell said...

Congratualtions Rosalie! Laurel is here to say hi to Stefan and Caleath. Her Coll is jealous though, so she left him tending the horses in Cornwall. Laurel doesn't have a sword, but she shows them Vear Du's talisman which changes from granite to crystal. Vear Du joins them, he is a very protective grandfather.

Nancy Bell said...

Hi I see my lot beat me here. I had to stop off and collect the 'forbidden fruit', too many bodies around today, I almost got nabbed with the goods. Emily was forced to eat a whole "forbidden fruit" by herself to get rid of the evidence. Hopefully she will sleep off the sugar high and we won't have to muzzle her.

Hi Caleath, nice to see you again Stefan.

Oh, yes please Rosalie, open the champagne.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Hi Laurel, Here, the champagne is open. It's not really early in cyberspace.
I can see Vear Du and Caleath are already deep in conversation. Stefan too.
Glad you bought him, grandfather's are important, Stefan's might be around too.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Poor Emily, I hope she doesn't gather weight the way I do. Even cyber forbidden fruit can add inches to my waist line.
Looks like she's having a nap already. That's a good sign huh?
*pours champagne* cheers! It's a lovely sunny day here. Couldn't be better.

Unknown said...

Rosalie, I'm blown away by the awesome writing in the first Exiled. On my Kindle I'm highlighting nearly the whole book as I read so I can study your word choice/sentence construction. PLUS the story is great! Can't wait to get to this one.

Unknown said...

Rosalie? This is Myrna. Um...how old would you say Caleath is? I mean...I look older than I am and fighting these demon-dragons is making me mature really fast. You think he'd be interested? He's sooooo cute. Don't tell him I said so, though. I'd die of embarrassment.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Rebecca, Thankyou. That is an amazing thing to hear. Your words have lifted my spirits!
So, please, have some champagne!!
I know there is some forbidden fruit around somewhere, Emily didn't really eat it all, although Caleath might...

Wendy said...

I just returned from posting invitations and I see the place is jumping already. How wonderful. Glad to see Nancy and Emily are here together. Lovely to see Laurel's talisman. She mustn't lose it. I can see Emily's cheeks puffed out from all that rushed eating

What a wonderful party gift you just gave Rosalie, Rebecca.

That lovely compliment will have you floating on air for weeks, won't it Rosalie? :)

Never too soon for champers but I need my morning coffee right now :)

Rosalie Skinner said...

Myrna, Remember the saying, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.. I know Caleath could be swayed by the offer of food..
He seems in a very receptive mood today.. Good luck.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Wendy, Hi, We have made ourselves right at home... Yes, Rebecca has made my day!
Caleath seems to be responding to Myrna. Perhaps he sees her strength of character, not just the platter of food she's staggering beneath.

Roseanne Dowell said...

Hey, where's the forbidden fruit? I didn't see it. Wendy are you hiding it? Strange I left a comment a few minutes ago but I don't see it.

Roseanne Dowell said...

Hey, where's the forbidden fruit? I didn't see it. Wendy are you hiding it? Strange I left a comment a few minutes ago but I don't see it.

Unknown said...

Rosalie! Okay, I'm typically a Romantic Suspense genre type but oh my gosh! Lots of suspense in your excerpt. The tension jumps off the page and kept me captivated.

I need some champagne after that. LOL.

Congratulations on the release! Looks like you already have quite a few guests. Thanks for the great party atmosphere.

The only thing missing? Mountain oysters...oops. Sorry this is PG.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Roseanne,
The forbidden fruit is on the table behind where Vear Du and Stefan are examining crystals and orbs... I think there is some left.

Karen... thanks, *pours Champagne* we do have something stronger, if you need it. Oysters, (perhas not the mountain variety), shrimp, kangaroo and crocdile will be on the menu once the party warms up.
Even with the PG rating, I think Myrna is making an impression.

Unknown said...

For the record? Still not touching the forbidden fruit. Just in case anyone asks...

Thank you so much for my Champagne and this flute is divine! Is it Tiffany? I can't tell. Waterford? So delicate.

You said something stronger...hmmm.

Wendy...you give the best parties. Now where are those snickerdoodles...

Roseanne Dowell said...

Oh yum, the forbidden fruit is delicious. No wonder she keeps it to herself. It was worth sneaking it out.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Snickerdoodles.. you can smell them cooking..
Karen, did I see your blue elephant hiding in the garden?
Stronger.. what's your poison?
Ro, I know there is a baked 'forbidden fruit' about to come out of the oven.. once it cools... shh..

Wendy said...

Hi Ro and Karen!! Hugs! You found the forbidden fruit. So wise not to risk that, you two. The baked variey is quite safe. Guess what? hehehe. I have found the noodles hehehe. No one gets into trouble today. But I think they fly home at midnight.
Ro, the flutes are Swarovski crystal. I borrowed those too, so...bit worried. Where's your blue elephant, Karen. I need a mulled wine.
My word Myra is quite the femme fatal. I hope Stefan and Caleath don't come to blows over her.

MuseItUp Publishing said...

Champagne to go cos this gal has an urge to grab the dessert table and RUN. I'm craving sweets but hubby took the car. Wait...I have kids...I'll call them to bring me something. LOL

Congrats, Rosalie, and I concur with Rebecca (who also has a terrific writer's voice along with Wendy, Emily, Rosanne, Karen, and the slew of Musers with us) that your words flow a scene right in front of the reader. We can sense Caleath's moods, feel the danger, sympathize with the other characters, and cheer some of the accomplishments while sitting on the edge of our seats.

Now I need to go and begin the next book. LOL

Rosalie Skinner said...

Champagne to go... *cheers* Thanks for dropping in... Sweets, need more than the cyber sugar hit?
Your words have given me a hit... I am on a high.. Thank you!! I think a toast to the Muse authors and our illustrious leader is called for..
*raises glass* To Museitup! May the next year be even more successful that the first!

Wendy said...

Here! Here! Rosalie. To MuseItUp!
Lea do you need a cig -- hush my mouth. lol. Hold out your plate for a huge wedge of Aussie Pavlova. It is the best and fastest sugar hit you can get. Marshmallow meringue topped with whipped cream, strawberries and other fruit. My mouth waters.

illustrious publisher hasn't noticed the noodles are missing. Shh

diannehartsock said...

“Balls of a hairy goat.” Love it! Though I'd probably say something stronger than that. This story sounds fantastic. I'm half in love with Caleath already and I just met him. Congratulations on the release...any shrimp left? Champagne?

Wendy said...

Hey, Dianne, great to see you here. Did you bring any of your characters with you. Rebecca's Myrna has taken a shine to Caleath so my Stefan has backed off. He is very interested in Laurel's crystal talisman. Oh no! he is showing her both halves of his orb. If he closes them.... Dianne, grab some shrimp (we say prawns :)) off the barbie and a crystal flute for champers. Mingle. Must rush - stop Stefan - Don't - no. Put that orb away.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Dianne, with a PG rating, Balls of a Hairy Goat are about as strong as we go!! It's enough to offend my mother. LOL. She won't read the book because of the cussing!!
Did you get some shrimp before Wendy took off... What about champgagne or something stronger. Karen is taking care of the spirits. I hope she doesn't give any to her blue elephant. Sweet as he is... the gopher only just survived last party.
Stefan should know better. What these hero types will do to impress another curious mind. If we ask Nancy to speak with Vear Du... maybe he can give Stefan some sound advice before he is trapped in time again.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Dianne, Did I see Quinn pass through the dessert table?

J.Q. Rose said...

oh excuse me...I must have had too much of the bubbly as I saw Roseanne's comment twice..?? What a marvelous party. If this is for book 2, heck when is book 3 launch?? LOL..Congratulations, Rosalie. Great story...

Rosalie Skinner said...

Hi Dianne, Did you get some shrimp before Wendy ran off. Stefan should know better.
Great to see you here, do you know everyone?
A word of warning, don't touch the cheesecake, but there is plenty of everything else on hand. If you really need 'forbidden fruit' just give us a nod.
*wink wink* Say no more!

Rosalie Skinner said...

J Q, thanks for dropping in.. have you met Dianne, she's one of Muse's newest authors.
This could become repetitive J Q since there are eight books... and it's one a month till April next year.
Stocks of champagne and shrimp have been ordered. ;)
So feel free to help yourself.

Wendy said...

Hugs, Janet,
There's only one comment from Roseanne,hahaha, I'm sure!!! Yes, you must have had too much bubbly. Can you hear the music from a lute? That's my wanton strumpet trying to gain Caleath's attention but Rosalie's old mage is weaving his magical tendrils over her.
Did you bring Jim and Gloria from Sunset Boulevard? Might need to keep them away from the mage

Nancy Bell said...

I see the party is still going strong. Thanks for the champagne and the Aussie Pavlova, so yummy. Hope you have those wet noodles in a locked box so they can't escape. Wonderful party, wishing you much success with your series. It is on my must read list.

Hugs
Nancy

Rosalie Skinner said...

Hi Nancy,
How clever are you, being at the Muse conference and here at the same time.
Magic.. and people think it doesn't exist. Hmm
The pavlova is good hey!!
I think I might try some of Wendy's coffee now though.
My head is spinning and it's still early. Too much champagne...

Barbara Ehrentreu said...

Darn, we got here late again!!! I had to go pick up Carolyn at Jennifer's house and then Brad wanted to come along, but Jennifer's mom wouldn't let him and there was a lot of screaming, but somehow even though Jennifer and Carolyn aren't speaking very much for some reason, we are here.

Carolyn says she's only going to drink a little Diet soda and maybe just a bit of those virtual chocolate chip cookies I brought with me. Actually, I also brought her mom's famous chocolate chocolate chip cookies too. Glad to be here. Watch out for Jennifer she doesn't look too steady.

Anyway we're all here to toast Rosalie's book. Carolyn, don't point that sword at Jennifer. Really taking care of teens is a full time job!

Rosalie Skinner said...

Hi Barbara, Thank goodness you are keeping an eye on Jennifer. Who gave Carolyn the sword? Carolyn, it's nice to meet you can I suggest you get a few lessons from Caleath before someone gets hurt.
Sorry Brad couldn't make it, still.. we have plenty of calorie free food here for Carolyn and some good ful fat pastries for Jennifer.
Now, Barbara, what would you like. The kids will be right, as long as they don't annoy the elephant or the old mage.

ccarpinello said...

Congratulations! Caleath's Chronicles are just what I like to read. My problem is finding the time to read everything! Since I also write medieval fiction, although my books focus on the King Arthur legend for grades 4-7, I'm going to put you on my list of Must Reads! As a new MUSE author, I'm trying to get to know everyone and am trying to visit as many events as possible. My Young Knights of the Round Table, Prince Gavin, Bryan and Philip all say cheers to Caleath's continuing saga!

Rosalie Skinner said...

Cheryl, let me fill your glass, what do you like to drink? Have you met everyone. Dianne was here earlier. I think her ghostly specter Quinn is still moving through the furniture.
I like the look of your Prince Gavin. He and Caleath are swapping tales already.
I am glad Carolyn has put the sword away. She looked keen but dangerous.
Now... who else is here, watch out for the blue elephant.
I love the Arthurian legends too. So glad Muse has taken your book on board.
Shrimp, kangaroo, or some snickerdoodles?
Don't worry the noodles are locked away. So I can even offer you cheesecake.

Wendy said...

Hi Carpinello, A Huge Welcome to our garden party!!
Lovely to have you here but did you have to let King Arthur leave his sword unsheathed. Now look what's happened - Carolyn is threatening gentle Jennifer. So sorry Barbara I should have been more vigilant but gee, that chocolate cake looked so delicious I was getting stuck into it.
Here Arthur, my kingship, take back thy sword and sheath it. And Carolyn go say hello to Caleath, but don't fight with Myrna. hehehe.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Wendy, Should we mention that two people who leave comments will win a copy of Book One or, if they have read book one, Book Two. Hmm.. how confusing is that? Perhaps would have been better thought out, before the champagne!!
Anyhow... too many swords. Do you have the first aid kit handy? I can see blood being drawn, if only by accident.

Laurel said...

Detective Matt Allenby dragged his attention away from Eunice and stared at the young man in medieval dress riding a horse across the bottom meadow.
"Who's that?" Matt asked.
Eunice followed his gaze. "Caleath. I don't know where he lives but you often see him riding around here."
As Matt watched, Caleath vanished behind a huge oak.
"Funny," said Eunice. "I've never seen an oak tree growing there before."
Congratulations, on your second book being released, Rosalie. What a great idea to have characters from books greet him. Matt and Eunice are from Murder Among the Roses.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Welcome Matt, Eunice, Laurel, come on in, can I get you a drink?
Have you come straight from Taylor's Crossing Matt, Eunice? You must be exhausted. There's a great place to sit overlooking the garden, a cool breeze, not quite like your Doctor, but it's pleasant.
Caleath and some of the others have been a little careless allowing teenagers and swords to mix. So far no blood. At least not that I have seen.
Now, coffee, champagne, something stronger?
*looks around* There's still some cheesecake left, or something off the bbq?
Thanks for coming, it's great to have you here!!

Pat McDermott said...

Congrats, Rosalie. Exciting excerpt. We're not having goat balls with the champagne, are we?!? I arrived in Dublin yesterday and am totally befuddled as to the time difference between here and there, but it looks like I'm not too late to wish you all the best with your new release.

Anonymous said...

Congrats for the release of Winter's Curse, Rosalie. I hope many readers will find your Chronicles of Caleath. No doubt they'll enjoy them once they start reading. I can't wait for the next book.

Anonymous said...

Hi Pat, I envy you. Dublin is one of my favorite cities. Not the nicest weather for a visit to Ireland. *shiver*

Anonymous said...

Rosalie, I brought some roasted pig knuckles and sauerkraut to feed Caleath's nanobots. How come he isn't grumpy today? Maybe we need Spider to tease him. :-)

Everyone else brave enough, help yourself to some Bavarian food! I'm still sipping my coffee and hope there aren't any dragons around.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Hi Pat, and Edith,
We fed Caleath.. enough food and his mood improves.
:)
He and Stefan have made friends. Thank goodness. There has been a few female guests who caught his attention too. So we are doing ok so far.
Pat, coffee, sounds as though you might need a warm drink. Would you like a dash of something in your coffee?

Rosalie Skinner said...

Bavarian food? I will try anything once. Bavarian food... I remember eating in Munich and the food was amazing.
What should I expect from Bavarian?

Whatever it will be a change from kangaroo and pavlova. Enough sugar for one day... might have to stick with water for a while.

Anonymous said...

I feel lucky today. I'll take a dash of something, Rosalie. :-)

Rosalie Skinner said...

Right Edith, A dash of 'something' it is... not lethal, but could lift the hairs on the back of your neck. Guarenteed to warm the cockles of your heart.
In the coffee.. or hold the coffee and fill the glass?

Anonymous said...

Um... All right, fill the glass. I feel not only lucky but brave too. :-)

Rosalie Skinner said...

You have heard of Dutch courage.. with a dash of adder's spit and a little dragon's breath, you won't worry about the Dutch... *hands Edith a bubbling glass filled with clear fluid. The faint odour of strawberries wafts in the effervescence*

To your health and happiness!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Rosalie. I'm shivering with anticipation (dread?)... Gulp. Grrrssjaffff. Gah. Ugh. Woah. Nice! Got a little furnace burning in my stomach. I feel like I can breathe fire now. :-)

Rosalie Skinner said...

Fire breathing.. cool.. we might have fire twirling later... and if you see a dragon. You could compare notes.
Glad you enjoyed it!! :)
You are brave!!

Pat McDermott said...

Tea for me, please. Nice and strong :-) Weather here is a tad chilly, but we don't come to Ireland for the weather. Anyway, it couldn't be any worse than the week-plus of rain we left behind in New Hampshire. I'm excited to have my new Kindle with me. Getting used to using it, and will be adding lots of fellow Musers' books soon. Caleath and Company will certainly be among them. Pass the milk, please?

Rosalie Skinner said...

Weather sounds dismal Pat. Tea, sounds like the remedy. Plenty of milk.. sugar? honey?
The pot is there, so help yourself to more. What about some shortbread or Chelsea bun to go with it.
I love my kindle and now I have a cover for it, I don't have to leave it behind.

Edith, I borrowed the recipe from the mage sleeping under the tree next to the blue elephant. He said add cinnamon, but with Wendy's sybil loose, I wasn't game. The strawberries worked ok instead?

Anonymous said...

Rosalie, I think I can also fly now. Great something! :-)

Pat, are you doing research? I saw you write books set in Ireland. Where abouts?

Anonymous said...

The strawberries were fine, I'm more worried about the rest of the ingredients. ;-)

Rosalie Skinner said...

Fly Edith Fly... Sweet. I have never been game to try it myself.
What can you see from up there?

What out for Wendy's bat...

Pat McDermott said...

Milk is fine thanks, Rosalie, and I'd love some shortbread. I have no particular research in mind this trip, Edith, but I'm open to any inspiration that comes along. My stories are set in Ireland, and I've visited all over. I'm in Dublin for a week to celebrate a major birthday. As good an excuse as any to get DH over here. Good shortcake.

Anonymous said...

I see clouds. Lots. In cool shapes. One looks like an elephant. Agh, something's caught in my hair. Dratted bat!

Oh, now I see white beaches and turquoise waters. Pretty! Are these gum trees? I think I'm in Australia and much faster than with Quantas.

Can I get a refill?

Rosalie Skinner said...

Pat, being able to just go to Dublin, is amazing. It would take a major trip from here. Unlikely in this lifetime.

Unless I can use the dash of 'something' in Edith's drink. Now we know it works so well. Hmm..

Refill Edith... *fills glass* Sure sounds like Australia!!

Pat McDermott said...

Pass that "something" around. I'd love a bird/bat's eye view of Australia. It's on my bucket list of places to visit, and maybe I can get a sneak preview via my tea. I do have to run, ladies. Try to behave. Rosalie, congrats again, and best of luck with all your wonderful writing!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Rosalie, my wings started to feel a little weak. Goes down much easier now. I just flew over Shell Harbour and waved, but I think our lovely hostess didn't see me.

Anonymous said...

Talking of Australians and Dublin...
On a business trip there, me and my colleague met and Australian couple in a pub and got talking. That was before I ever set foot on the red continent.

It was July, best time of the year, and temps were probably a little above 20°C plus a strong breeze. Dubliners were running around in shorts and flimsy dresses, the Aussies were miserable.

I said, "But isn't it winter in Australia?"
They nodded, "Yeah, and about ten degrees warmer than here." :-)

If I remember correctly, they were from Northern Queensland.

Rosalie Skinner said...

See ya later Pat, thanks for stopping by for a cuppa. Enjoy the birthday celebrations and good luck with your books too. Sleeping With Her Enemy looks like a great read. I think a Dream Machine could be worth investing in. Dreams are so much fun.
Keep warm and enjoy Dublin.

Edith.. with another glass you might make it all the way to Coffs. Here you go.. maybe I can risk adding cinnamon? The strawberries are at the end of their season.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, why not. Give me Cinnamon, Rosalie. I feel naughty. :-)

Made it up to Bulli Pass. What a beautiful country. Making my way north east now. Want to see some whales...

Rosalie Skinner said...

ROFL Edith, that sounds like Aussies. We feel the cold. Anything under 21 deg C and we start looking for warmer clothes.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Cinnamon it is.. with a dash of something... here we go.. happy travelling Edith.. wave when you get overhead.. I will flag you in for a landing.

Anonymous said...

I've passed Sydney. What a sprawling city, but a beautiful contrast with all the water. Oh, Lake Macquarie. Taking a little dip over Swansea Heads. Spent a New Year's there once before meeting with Wendy in Sydney. Ah, what great memories. Okay, need to re-energize. Smacking my lips. Yum. Cinnamon works nicely. Shouldn't be long now, Rosalie.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Sweet.. it's just on sunset.. so look for the airport lights at Coffs, but watch out for mutton birds returning and bats.. hmm you have already met a bat.
Will keep a candle buring for you!!
The stars are spectacular tonight. You will not have any trouble navigating by them.

Wendy said...

Not the cinnamon! The sybil will turn up and -- oh well Caleath will know how to handle her. Waving to you Edith as you fly by looking for your Strays in Rio.

When I stayed in Dublin, Pat, we chose the hotel that was once the home of George Bernard Shaw. The atmoshpere I hoped for was lacking because I couldn't understand the receptionists with Indian and Asian accents. But then I had trouble understanding the Irish accent too.

We'll be happy if you left behind your Irish Prince but not those fairies so easy to run foul of. :)

Anonymous said...

Those stars look all strange... Oh, is that the Southern Cross? Wow. Gah, forgot to flap my wings. Everything under control now.

Mutton birds? Sounds scary... Argh, a plane almost severed one of my wings. Must be close to the airport. Now where's that candle...

Rosalie Skinner said...

*waves frantically* over here!!! Can you see me!! Between the palm trees.. look out for the owl.
It's not a white owl, but the old tawny frog mouth can look alarming.

Wendy said...

Hi Laurel,
Lovely you could make it all the way from WA. So glad you brought Matt and Eunice with you. We need a good cook (Eunice makes the best Devonshire teas in the country, everyone!) and a smart detective to find out who stole the Muse noodles. I think I see your Hennessy clan around somewhere too, Laurel. The young ones get themselves into a bit of stife, don't they? We should keep Will away from Rosalie's Nasith. He'd like her her.

Anonymous said...

I see the light, Rosalie. And hey, is that night owl Wendy? On my way... It's getting a little chilly up here.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Goodness, don't let Caleath know Nasith is here... We'll not get any sense out of him.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Hot tea and shortbread Edith, Dinner will be served shortly. It's a balmy night but we don't have mosquitoes yet.

Anonymous said...

Thud, bump, ouch. Is that you, Rosalie? Oh my, I think I landed in the wrong garden. Hey, who are you? Ah, the Sybil!

Should have listened to you, Wendy!

Rosalie Skinner said...

Actually, you may need to do a quick de tox... what did the mage say? Ahh.. before he fell asleep he muttered into his beard...
I should have had my hearing aid in.

Anonymous said...

Grumble. I think I managed to get lost again. Always the same. At least, the sybil didn't notice me. I'm hiding in the bushes, hoping there are no redback spiders or poisonous snakes around... There's a shadowy figure sneaking around. Looks kind of familiar. Could that be the forester? Maybe he'll help me. Seemed nice enough despite his relations to mages.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Look for the torchlight... redbacks.. no we don't have redbacks the funnelwebs scared them away.

Only kidding.. you will be right. It's not warm enough for the really bad snakes yet.

Is that you, stumbing around the bushes at the end of the street? I keep writing to council about the need for streetlights.

Anonymous said...

Detox sounds good. Now if only you'd remember what the mage said... Maybe I should have another gulp of that something.

Yikes, spindly legs are crawling up my arm.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Edith, I don't like to say anything, but was your skin always scaley? Hmm.. wonder if I should try to wake the mage and see what it was we should remember?

Anonymous said...

Rosalie? Hey, that you? I think I see you waving the candle. Stumbling down the street now.

Anonymous said...

Scaly skin? Ah, no. But that might be a side effect of your powerful something, like my wings. :-)

Rosalie Skinner said...

Yeah.. that's me... I have brought you have another gulp of something... With cinnamon... but where's the Adder's spit? The vial is empty.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Right, come inside and relax, I am sure everything will be fine. I have wonderful skin cream you can use...

Grab the spider on your arm.. what if we use spider venom instead of adder's spit?

Anonymous said...

Rosalie! *Hugs*

Need more something... If you have no adder's spit, may some Tarrack crystal will help?

Rosalie Skinner said...

*hugs* So good to meet you!!
The Tarack crystal.. I have some right here.
Knew one day it would come in handy.

Anonymous said...

Aaahhh! Get the spider off. Quick. Shudder. Is that a bat flapping in my hair? I thought I outsmarted the sybil. Yikes. Sorry about bringing her into your house. Mind if I collapse on your sofa?

Anonymous said...

Ah, stim. Yeeeessss! Thanks Rosalie. I'm feeling muuuuch betterrrr.

Rosalie Skinner said...

*grinds cyrstal..mixes with dragons breath, adds it to a glass brimming with something and stirs*

Here you go... perfect. And your skin looks better too.
Not that it wasn't beautiful before.. but I am sure I could see scales...

Rosalie Skinner said...

Bat!! Ahh of course... the cinnamon would attract the sybil.. don't worry...
Well.. maybe just worry a little bit...

Wendy said...

You leave me breathless. There's a redback on the toilet seat, at least that's what the song says.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Wendy, so glad you are here, or there. We are having trouble with the sybil... I used cinnamon in the 'something'...
What do you suggest we do?

Rosalie Skinner said...

The redback on the toilet seat.. always pays to turn the light on! Wendy... didn't you warn me that after sundown you should use the inside facilities.

Anonymous said...

A redback on the toilet seat? Oh no, and now I really need to wee. Take it away, please!

Anonymous said...

Great party, Wendy! I wonder though if your drinks are legal... hick.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Legal... shh.. You want that redback removed? Allow me... rolled up newspaper is one way.. or a gently persuading the little lady to move, is another.
My rule is redbacks have a right to life... as long they decide to spend it OUT of my way.
There you go.. Spider free seat.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you didn't squash it, Rosalie, but even more that the critter is gone now. Thanks!

Fire Mummy said...

I am a bit late. Is there still some champagne around here somewhere? I could use a drink. Congratulations on the release of Winter's Curse! **CHEERS!**

Lisa said...

Wow! Some party.. I could hear you guys all the way up the cyber-street!

Congratulations are in order I believe! Huzzahh for book two!

Mwah Mwah xx

Anonymous said...

Ooops, sorry for the noise, Lisa.

Yes, FireMummy, better stick with the champagne. The cinnamon something is dangerous.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Hey Firemummy and Lisa... *cheers*
Champagne, unless you feel like travelling and fighting off the sybil.. then I can offer you a dash of something. Edith has almost totally recovered, after crossing the globe.

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Rosalie,
Congratulations on the latest release. Mega sales I hope. The cyber champagne and forbidden fruit sound too good to refuse.
Best wishes
Margaret

Rosalie Skinner said...

Lisa, Firemummy, you have met Edith before haven't you... after a rather eventful trip, she's visiting here in Coffs... the result of a potent mix of something, adder's spit and dragons breath... or crystal stim.. when the adder's spit ran out.
Hardly any side effects...

Rosalie Skinner said...

Margaret.. welcome.. we just opened a new bottle of champagne.

Anonymous said...

I feel like I took a shortcut through the middle of the earth. :-) You think some of the forbidden fruit will help?

Rosalie Skinner said...

Help yourself to the forbidden fruit.. until midnight Wendy has the noodles under lock and key.. so enjoy.

There is plenty of Bavarian food too.

Rosalie Skinner said...

I think it couldn't hurt, Edith. I am sure you burnt off enough calories to indulge in some sweet cheesecake.

Or pavlova... if you want REALLY sweet.

Anonymous said...

I'll have both. :-) Feel like Caleath when nanobots are repairing his body.

Mmmmh, yum. Wow. I can feel the sugar kick in. Thanks.

Lisa said...

Hi Edith yes, I thought I recognised you, although you do look a little windswept!

I'll have a champagne!
Shall we raise a toast? To Rosalie.. wordsmith and world-forger!

Rosalie Skinner said...

Thanks Lisa... I'll drink to that. LOL.
Couldn't do it without help and support. So, cheers to you Edith, and you Lisa.. and those who have been so supportive in getting the series out there!!

Anonymous said...

Cheers to Rosalie the wordsmith and creator of worlds!

Anonymous said...

Oh my, scaly skin and windswept? Any beauticians around? I might need some help before I go home...

Rosalie Skinner said...

A dip in the pacific ocean at dawn, Edith should do the trick. We might still catch sight of some whales, before you fly home. There is a friendly dolphin who hangs around early, who can work magic.
If we time it right.. we should see him.

And, even windswept and scaley.. (I think they are already smoothing out), you look terrific!

Fire Mummy said...

Cheers to Rosalie!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Rosalie. :-) I'd love to crash on your floor and watch the whales and dolphin in the morning. The Pacific should be fairly warm here too, right?

Rosalie Skinner said...

Edith, it is warm... I can borrow a wetsuit for you if you feel it is cold, but people swim all winter here.
Not me.. but other braver souls.
I think it averages out to around 18-20 deg C at this time of year.

No need to crash on the floor after flying all that way. We have a guest bedroom. I have chased the bat out.. so you could get a good night's sleep.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Rosalie, you guestroom is probably safer than the floor with all those crawly critters around.

Do you have box jellyfish? Then I'd take the wet suit.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Box jelly fish.. nah... the sharks ate them. LOL. No.. it's pretty safe. We don't have stingers here. Maybe the odd bluebottle when the wind blows the wrong way.. but it's all good.

Lisa said...

Hehe, what is it with that crazy bat?
They make very poor pets.

Speaking of which, I was at market today and I overheard an old man in the thoroughfare tell a young boy that he knows where he can find dragons' eggs!

Anonymous said...

Incredible what people come up with. :-)

Rosalie Skinner said...

Did he look shady? We've had some strange characters dropping in here today.

Anonymous said...

Talking of shady characters, I pointed another Aussie writing buddy, Carolyn Richer, to check out the website and join the party. Hope you don't mind.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Cool, that's great Edith. She's more than welcome.
Does she know where to find dragon eggs?

Lisa said...

Oh, he looked as shifty as a stocking caught in the wind. I think he's a regular at the tavern near the docks. You could tell because his cloak and boots were covered in fragments of tarred, rotten rope.

Rosalie Skinner said...

I bet he's off that strange boat pulled into the harbour late this afternoon.
Even the seagulls were silent as it sailed past the harbour mouth.
Weird.

Rosalie Skinner said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I wouldn't buy dragon eggs from this guy.

Carolyn might know where to get the real stuff. If she doesn't, maybe her elf Silvedraal will.

Rosalie Skinner said...

If I pack a haversack and dress warm, I might head down to Muttonbird island and see if I can't spy him.
If he's trading dragon eggs, it could upset the Legacy of Lathraine's Pledge.
Don't tell Caleath, yet. If I am not back before dawn... maybe then you can send a search party.
Wish me luck... I will try to be back in a few hours.
Carry on without me. The bbq is still hot... the champagne is still cold. Edith, make yourself at home. I will be back before you know it.
Edith, if Carol arrives.. apologise for me... I must seek out this odd character with his dragon eggs.
Either that or fall asleep at my desk. ;)
Hope to see you all later on.

Remember.. everyone who enters the comp on the website will win a prize. :)

Wish me luck.. it looks cold and dark out there...Dragon eggs... who would have thought it.

Lisa said...

Thanks Edith but how long will it be until Carolyn comes back to town? I need to find the perfect present for m'ladies birthday and it's only a few days away.. A fire-breathing dragon all of her own... it's to tempting an idea. I might go down to the docks and see if I can find this fellow again. If you come Rosalie we can check out the weird ship while we're there...

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your search for dragon eggs, Lisa and Rosalie. Maybe Carolyn got caught up so much in the excerpt, that she's reading the book now. Would be quite understandable.

I'll just hang our here and have a little rest and possibly more cheesecake. Yum.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Carole's Silvedraal sounds like a reasonable fellow.. I like his name...
Ahh Lisa, you coming too?
I will check back in a few minutes and see if Carole made it safely.

Lisa said...

Thanks Edith, I'll let you know what happens!

Night all!

Anonymous said...

Save hunt and bring me a baby dragon to take home with me. :-)

Rosalie Skinner said...

Will do... one baby dragon. Complete with an Australian accent.. hehe. It will be a talking point back home. :)

Anonymous said...

And an Aussie flag knotted around its neck. :-) I might even make the news here.

Anonymous said...

Since everyone stopped babbling, particularly me, I found the time to post a review of Exiled: Winter's Curse on my blog:

blog.edith-parzefall.de/

I wish you great success, Rosalie, and many happy readers!

Adriana said...

Rosalie, congratulations!!!!!!!!! What a fabulous day for a book release!! :)

You guys are having wayyyy too much fun... someone's going to call the cops... ;)

Adriana

Rosalie Skinner said...

Good morning, *unrolls a bundle of silken scarf* Edith, one baby dragon. It has strange blue eyes. I think it's hungry.

Thanks for a wonderful review!!! * I would be happy dancing, but I don't want to wake the baby*
What will you call the dragon?

Adriana, welcome... I hid until I heard the sirens leave. ;)
How are you.. is anyone awake yet? Let me get you a cuppa tea or coffee..

ediFanoB said...

Hello Rosalie and Wendy,
for you it is the morning of October 8th. For me it is the evening of October 7th as I live in Germany.
Greetings from the other side of the world :-)

What a wonderful day for you Rosalie and also for me!
With overwhelming joy I received the copy of Exiled: Winter's Curse. It made my day after an exhausting working week.
I can't wait to spend more time with Caleath.

Congratulations! Congratulations! Congratulations!

I fully understand that you go now for coffee/tea.
But for me it is the right time to open a bottle of beer and say cheers!

Now I wish that many,many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many, many
people around the world will read your great books. I'm totally convinced that Exiled: Winter's Curse is as good as or even better than Exiled: Autumn's Peril

Rosalie Skinner said...

Edifanob, Thank you thank you.
Hey.. this is cyber space.. I will open a ice cold beer and drink with you!!
Or are you like the British and drink warm beer.... whatever.. thank you for being here, and your enthusiasm!!!
*opens beer*
Cheers!

ediFanoB said...

Rosalie,

to be honest I prefer cold beer. Sometimes I forget that this is a cyber party.

Great books deserve enthusiasm. Cheers!

What would the world be without enthusiasm ....

Rosalie Skinner said...

Cold beer it is then... And loads of Enthusiasm.
Can I interest you in a kangaroo steak, some fresh shrimp, or pavlova?
cyber space is a wonderful place to throw a party.. no cleaning up afterwards, the food doesn't go off... all sorts of bonuses!!

ediFanoB said...

Fresh shrimps and kangaroo steak sounds delicious. Never ate cangaroo steak before.

A party without cleaning up afterwards and without totally drunken guys is something valuable.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Don't know about drunks but we get our fair share of strange characters, creatures and situations...
Kangaroo is usually marinated and if cooked right, is tender and tasty. It doesn't take a lot of cooking, but once tasted is memorable. You have to get past the whole 'eating a furry mascot' of course, but the meat is very lean.
Another cold beer?

ediFanoB said...

thanks for another beer. Cheers!
This will be my last bottle. I'm getting tired.It is after midnight in Germany.

Anyway Exiled: Winter's Curse will be part of my weekend post.

Thanks for your hospitality and continue to enjoy the party.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Sleep well... thanks for dropping in.

Wendy said...

Hi Lisa,Adrianna and Edi,
So happy to see you are partying. Rosalie is a wonderful hostess. Glad to see you've been flying high Edith. Did you crash at Rosalie's overnight? I've been doing a little time travel myself with Stefan's orb. It took me to dreamland and back. Much more stimulating to be here in cyber space though with all of you wonderfully good sports. Thanks for making this a fabulous party.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Rosalie on the release! Halli would like to offer Caleath her healing services if he has to go after the Tarack queen again. Enjoy your day!

Andrea
www.andisrealm.webs.com

Rosalie Skinner said...

Welcome Andrea, Halli would be very welcome and her healing potion too!!
Great to see you here!
Perhaps I can introduce Halli to Caleath...before I get you a drink, or cheesecake or perhaps a kangaroo steak from the bbq?

Unknown said...

Um, I think I'd prefer the shrimp to the kangaroo steak. But I'll take that drink. And Halli would love an ale. But of course, what dwarf wouldn't. Thanks!

Rosalie Skinner said...

Andrea, shrimp it is... salad with that. Ale for Halli. No, the dwarf can find his own.
There is still champagne on ice... and cheesecake too...

Unknown said...

LOL Halli *is* the dwarf ;) And I'm probably the only person in the entire world who doesn't like cheesecake. Got any brownies?

Rosalie Skinner said...

Ahhh... I did't pick that up, sorry. *blushes* No cheesecake... how about chocolate cookies, snickerdoodles and here you go.. fresh from the oven... brownies!!

Rosalie Skinner said...

*refills Halli's flagon...*
You weren't kidding hey?

Anonymous said...

G'morning folks. I have the worst hangover ever from that cinnamon something and the Tarack crystal. A baby dragon licked my face and woke me. Thanks Rosalie! :-)

He's hopping up and down in my lap, yapping, while tendrils of smoke rise from its nostrils. Maybe I'll call him Furnace.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Hi Edith, sorry about the hangover. The dragon is very cute, but I will have to replace the charred curtains. Furnace is a perfect name for him.
Can I offer you a large flagon of pure cold water and some painkillers for your hangover?

Anonymous said...

Sorry about that, Rosalie! Furnace still needs quite some training. I'll have to talk to Wendy about that.

Yes, water, please. And then more of the cinnamon something with adder's spit so I can fly back home. Thanks for letting me stay.

Unknown said...

Halli and I thank you for the endless supply of brownies and ale :D

Rosalie Skinner said...

Edith, I have discovered a rather old supply of adders spit, and brewed a flagon of 'something' with cinnamon to hopefully last you all the way home.
I spoke with the mage, when he woke, continue to take honey and cinnamon three times a day, until all side effects clear. Can't hurt.
Hope the cinnamon doesn't attract Wendy's sybil!!
So, here you go... and I thought a back pack might be a good way to transport Furnace, it's not fire proof though. hmm.

Happy travelling!! Thanks for stopping by. Come back soon!!

Andrea, you and Halli are more than welcome to the brownies and ale. Great to have you here! I wish you all success with The Chosen I will have to put it on my to read list, so I can follow Halli's adventures!

Wendy said...

Wow! What a wonderful group of friends to have at a party. Lovely to meet Andrea and Halli. Thank you everyone for being such good sports and wishing Rosalie well on the 2nd of 8 special days.

Rosalie who is the winner of your Book One?
And who is the winner of your Book Two?

Wendy closes the garden gate... oops... reopens it to let Halle
and Furnace out. <waves? Come back soon!! :)

Rosalie Skinner said...

Wendy... I guess we should have a drum roll... *bangs empty saucepan* The winner of book One.. is Andrea and Halli...
The Winner of Book Two.. is Rebecca Ryal Russell.

Thanks all for coming and sharing this wonderful celebration.
Hopefully I will see you all next month.. :)
Rebecca, Andrea, I will be in touch.
Thanks Wendy...

Unknown said...

Thank you Wendy and Rosalie. Halli and I are delighted to hear we won a copy of the book. We're looking forward to reading it.

Andi

Rosalie Skinner said...

Andrea, I just need to know which format and where to send it. I sent an email via your webpage. :)

Unknown said...

Thanks Rosalie :) I sent you an email back. I'd like the Kindle format.

I also just completed the word search. Not sure if it's still valid, but I'll email my code word.

Rosalie Skinner said...

Sweet!!! The code word is valid till the 20th Oct. Thanks for entering!
Will go and look for your email...I think the blue elephant might be sitting on it.