Elin Gregory

This week on Humpday Hook, we’re doing something a little bit different – a giveaway event.

If you go to this link there’s a list of authors all of whom are offering something to their readers in return for either answering a question or simply commenting. We will be posting a summery snippet from our work in progress and explaining why we look forward to summer so much.

So, straight away I’m going to fail because I don’t have a WIP with anything summery in it.  Instead here’s a bit of A Fierce Reaping:

Image from Bretwalda, original photo from Badonicus, no idea who the terrific artist who added the textures is.

“I’m sick of the lot of you,” Cynon raged. “You were told to fetch firewood not start a war. Especially not a war with troops one and two and even more especially not with the prince’s Companions. Until you can be trusted to behave responsibly we can’t remain in the dun. Be ready to leave at first light. Use what remains of today to get ready. Draw oats from the stores for yourselves and your mounts. Enough for a fist of days.”

Aeddan swore quietly and Cynfal glanced at him then stepped forward. “What about the injured?” he asked. “For some of them riding in this weather could be dangerous.”

Cynon’s lips thinned and he tapped his clenched fist twice against his thigh before replying. “The wounded must remain here. Greid, you stay too. Yes, I know it’s only a flesh wound but,” his voice rose to a shout again, “a fucking tree fell on you! ”

His voice rang in the icy air. They all stood in silence until the echo died away then someone sighed and another groaned as the air filled with drifting white flakes.

“Excellent,” Cynon snarled. “Practice in winter travel and manoeuvres. Just what we need. You’d all better pack an extra blanket. Go on, get out of my sight.”

~

Winter sucks. It’s damp and cold and everyone is stroppy and miserable. Clothes feel damp, boots are muddy, dogs are both.  To celebrate that it’s the summer I’ll give a $5 gift card to a commenter who can link me to a picture of the ideal holiday destination. I’ll post the winners name on Wednesday 30th but I’ll be in touch by email as well.