Blaze (Knights of the Ruby Order)

By reading any further, you are stating that you are at least 18 years of age. If you are under the age of 18, it is necessary to exit this site.

An Excerpt From: BLAZE

Copyright © KATE HILL, 2007

All Rights Reserved, Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc.

The auburn-haired warrior stood at the far end of the stage. His eyes slipped shut and he drew several deep, cleansing breaths. He bolted, his long legs flying across the boards. He leapt and soared over the horses, one leg extended in a kick that split through the boards held by his companions. The crowd burst into applause when he landed gracefully on his feet.

Melody smiled and clapped. He was quite a performer. A real asset to his faction and the Ruby Order itself.

"Quite good, aren´t they?" Glenna asked.

"Excellent. The one with the auburn hair is simply amazing."

"He ought to be. He leads their faction."

"That´s Sir Blaze?"

"I forgot you´ve never met him. He´s quite strange but he knows his profession, that´s for certain. Now back to more important matters. How about getting some of that blueberry bread and meeting the new trainees?"

"I told you they´re too young." Melody´s gaze fixed on Sir Blaze. He and the others completed the exhibition and waved to the onlookers. "You go. I´m staying here for a while."

Glenna smiled. "Wait a minute. I remember that look. Has Blaze caught your interest?"

Melody glanced at her friend from the corner of her eye. "He is fascinating."

"One of the wives of a member of his faction is a good friend of mine. I´ll have her introduce you to him."

"Well-"

"You can´t say he´s too young. He is odd though."

"How so?"

Glenna rubbed her chin and narrowed her eyes. "Maybe he is good for you after all. Few men would understand your gift but-"

Melody´s smile faded. "Don´t mention that to him right away will you? Unless I explain it correctly, it scares many people off."

"That´s just the thing. Blaze has a similar problem or gift. He communicates with the dead."

"You´re joking?"

"I swear it´s the truth. That´s why he´s often difficult to understand. To be honest, the one time I met him he made me nervous as hell because I didn´t know what in the world he was talking about. It has something to do with the dead talking to him. I think it´s rather creepy."

"I would like to meet him." Melody´s heart pounded with anticipation. Drawing a deep breath, she stared at Blaze who was engaged in a grappling exhibition with another member of his faction.

I must meet him.

When she reached deep inside to that place where the spirits mingled and stirred her dreams, they guided her toward the auburn-haired Knight, a man who just might understand her after all.