An Action-Packed Excerpt

Today I'm sharing a peek at one of the most exciting sections of my YA high fantasy novel, Hexborn.  This was my first time writing about a magical battle at sea.  I think this is an under-explored possiblity in epic fantasy, and I hope you enjoy it.  You'll have to read the book to see how it turns out!

The sky lurked dark gray above them.

“Clear weather the whole way, eh?” Shiloh asked Hatch, looking at him askance.

“In Kiven’s defense, it may not be a natural storm,” he replied, face grim.

Magenta lightning lit up the sky.

“You don't say?” Shiloh snorted, equally grim.  She pulled out her wand.  Hatch’s was already in his hand, glowing with white fire.

“They must be close, right?  Weather spells don't travel far,” Shiloh observed.

“Aye.  And they must be close enough to board before we sink, if they hope to take Lady Esta alive,” Hatch added.

Around them, sailors ran frantically, preparing the ship for the oncoming storm.  The captain emerged on deck, and Hatch waved him over.

“Call battle stations,” Hatch told him.

“Are you mad?” the captain sputtered, until the red lightening made another appearance.  He swallowed.  “Battle stations it is, sir.”

The first drops of rain splattered onto Shiloh’s face.  The swells grew higher, and the ship began to rock.  Shiloh’s stomach lurched in time with it.

“You know Kirkland’s Spell of Revelation?” Hatch asked.

“Yes, sir,” she replied.

“I'll calm the seas.  You find their vessel,” Hatch ordered.

She looked up to the crow’s nest.  She knew it would take her an age to climb up there, but it would give her the best view in all directions.  She sighed, hating to reveal one of her new tricks so soon, but there was nothing for it.

Holding her wand aloft, she bent her knees deeply and called out a spell in Estan as she leapt.  A moment later, she landed lightly in the crow’s nest.  Looking down, she saw Hatch throw back his head and laugh, then turned her attention to her task.  

She began on the starboard side, aiming her magic in a line that began just off the deck rail and extended into the distance several hundred yards.  When nothing appeared, she turned about ten degrees and repeated the process.  It was exhausting work, sustaining the magic for so long.  At least Hatch had been successful at calming the water, so her precarious perch ceased its terrifying lurching.

Luck was with her, and a small, swift vessel appeared out of thin air.  Quickly, she bound it, lest it disappear anew.  The ship shuddered as cannons began firing beneath her, now that they had a target.  

She pulled up the hood of her cloak, but her hair had already been soaked by the pelting rain.  She turned her mind to setting a ward over the ship, assuming the fire would be returned.  

The water between the dueling vessels glowed bright with the light of the curses now flying back and forth, as every sorcerer on board took aim at their attacker.  She could make out Lord Mosspeak himself throwing curses off the starboard bow, his maroon hat perched atop his head.

Remembering her riding instructor's advice, she cast the ward she had modified to dissipate energy. The ship barely rocked when her shield lit up with the impact of incoming curses and cannonballs.

Whoever was casting wards for their opposition had not been so skillful.  She watched the smaller vessel tip so far over on its side that its mast nearly touched the waves.  She felt a twinge of pity as she spotted men tumbling helplessly into the water.  The shield around the ship flickered and disappeared.  Its caster must be among the drowning, Shiloh realized. 

Those who managed to cling to wood or rope resumed their attack when the ship righted itself.  No one spared a moment’s attention to the men in the drink.  Shiloh realized she had been spotted when a volley of sickly yellow hexes traced an arc high in the sky and began to fall upon her nest.

Clingfire.  

***

I'm afraid you'll have to read the book if you want to know what happens next.  Luckily, it is now available.