Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related.
Let her tell you a story...
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Photo credit: Tom Vezo
Back to Bog, where the battle continues.
~~~
The first few Knights to meet the front line of Marauders outside Connie’s home were leaderless and astronomically outnumbered, but they fought with grim resolve: better to die than lose any of Bog’s children.
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“…condemning them both.” ~~~ Photo credit: Keith Balmer
Vernon continued, “Before another word escaped Benito’s mouth, the Queen shot from the Hive and stabbed him in his treacherous heart, condemning them both.”
“I hope someday I’ll be such a fierce and devoted mother.” Cassandra’s eyes glowed with determination.
Elliot’s eyestalks shivered and bent her way. “I am certain our children will never wish for a better mother,” he said, “but I shall be very careful never to threaten them without your approval.”
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Photo credit: Jason M. Hogle
Now it’s Vernon’s turn.
~~~
Buoyed by the verdant glow, Vernon’s voice drew them into Fen’s past. “Since Fen’s beginning, its people have been free. Each citizen may pursue education, bond with whomever they love, and aspire to any job regardless of their ancestry. Even in the Hive, where everyone is born a Royal, they are free to leave for love or other occupations.
“Young adults wishing to serve the Queen hoped to be called to join the Suns of Glory. In times of peace, they worked to keep it; in times of war they fought to win it back. Princess Lilian and her closest friend, the accomplished and beguiling Persephone, received the Call.
“Princess Lilian was betrothed to a devoted young soldier of the Hive, but Persephone resisted the pursuit of many hopeful suitors. Only the Princess knew Persephone’s heart: ‘I’ll know my love when I find him, but I know I won’t find him in Fen.’
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Photo credit: David Maitland
Vernon’s tale will have to wait. Bog is under attack.
~~~
The rabid reds raced north toward the center of Bog, pursued by the Knights of Service. Marauders slithered unchecked from the northern border on a collision course to meet them. Devastation lay in their wake.
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Photo credit: loboclerk
Rushed back into the bower, Cassandra strained her eye stalks and stretched on tiptoe to see beyond a wall of drones six drones deep that blocked her from leaving. Beyond that protection, the Hive Elite waged a vicious air battle against the renegade wasps.
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Photo credit: Joel Sartore
“Elliot! Elliot where are you?” Cassandra’s voice enticed him from his shell, the slow extension of his eyes preceding the wary exposure of his throat. The troops had passed, but the shock of their ferocious faces still tingled.
“I’m here!” he called, returning the way he’d come to find his love and Queen Lilian searching through the grass for him.
“Your Magnificence, where are the Suns of Glory?” he asked, “I was hoping to see them.”
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Photo credit: Rex Fea
“Let me in!” The disgruntled demand battered against the double door to the King’s study. “I’m on the Council! You have no right to stop me!”
King Arnie recognized Duggla’s discordant croaking. “Let her in,” he sighed.
The flubberous green mass of anger burst through the doorway, stumbling to a stop at the King’s feet.
“Madam?” the King inquired.
Advisor at Large Duggla shifted her eyes from the Knight at the door to the King, and sucked in a breath along with her gut. Calming her outrage, she dredged a servile smile from some crack in her heart, and tuned her voice to the soft strains of strained respect.
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Photo credit: Alan Vernon
“I’ll dispatch two nocturnal corps tonight, one land and one aero squadron,” Queen Lilian promised.
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Photo credit: Mark Berkery
Bowing so low her nose touched the ground, Duggla the Crone’s show of respect bordered on the obsequious. “You summoned me, your Greatness? How may this humble old woman serve her King?”
Rolling his eyes, King Arnie dismissed Duggla’s escort and waited. When the crone straightened up to look at him, she wore a lopsided, snarky grin.
“Madam Duggla, the Kingdom has further need of your assistance.”
“What is it now?” she sneered. “It’s almost sunset. I need my sleep.”
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Photo credit: Matt Cole
“Bog is indebted to you, brave Master Barry.” said the King. “As of this moment, I name you Apprentice Knight with all the responsibilities and privileges attached to being a Knightling among the Knights of Service.” King Arnie clasped Barry’s hand and saluted him. “Lieutenant Terrance will take personal charge of your training. Who knows? Someday you might end up with his job!”
“Tank youse, your Greatness! I won’t let youse down.” Barry saluted the lieutenant. “What’s my first assignment, sir?”
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