A
wizard, a curse, a fated love…
ROLF'S QUEST
A Medieval Encounter #1
Aubrey Wynne
Releasing Feb 1st, 2017
Plato Publishing
A wizard, a curse, a fated love…
When Rolf finally discovers the woman who can end the
curse that has plagued his family for centuries, she is already
betrothed. Time is running out for the royal wizard of King
Henry II. If he cannot find true love without the use of magic,
his line will end.
curse that has plagued his family for centuries, she is already
betrothed. Time is running out for the royal wizard of King
Henry II. If he cannot find true love without the use of magic,
his line will end.
Melissa is intrigued by the mystical, handsome man who
haunts her by night and tempts her by day. His bizarre tale
of Merlin, enchantments, and finding genuine love has her
questioning his sanity and her heart.
haunts her by night and tempts her by day. His bizarre tale
of Merlin, enchantments, and finding genuine love has her
questioning his sanity and her heart.
From the moment Melissa stepped from his dreams and into
his arms, Rolf knew she was his destiny. Now, he will not
only battle against time and a powerful duke, but defy his
king and the gods to save her.
his arms, Rolf knew she was his destiny. Now, he will not
only battle against time and a powerful duke, but defy his
king and the gods to save her.
England
1154
The
woods were dim with the day nearly at an end. They would not reach the next
town before dark. She picked up her heavy skirts and walked farther into the
trees; the quiet and solitude wrapped around her like a balm. Her horse
followed, snatching at a random leaf that still clung to a branch. Common sense
told her to turn around, but a noise—no, a song —floated over the stillness.
Without
thought, Melissa moved toward the sound. She approached the edge of the forest
and stopped just behind a large oak. A man stood on a hill, beckoning to
someone or something. His voice captured her, bound her to the spot, and her
eyes fixed on the scene.
Silhouetted
against the blood–orange sun sinking into the horizon, the dark, powerfully
built figure slowly raised his right arm toward the evening sky. The sides of
his mantle fluttered in the autumn breeze as a hawk screeched in answer. He
raised his left arm, and the howl of wolves echoed through the air in obedient
response.
A
sudden gust of air swirled the black, heavy cloak around the legs of the man,
sending leaves flying about his feet as if they were commanded to dance. Melissa
watched from behind the tree and held her breath, for fear of being discovered.
His
resonant voice rose in a chant that captivated, then soothed. It spoke to her,
beckoned her. She clutched at the rough tree bark to resist the physical pull.
Then the chant abruptly ceased.
His
head snapped around and golden eyes locked onto hers. His gaze seemed to pierce
her very soul, and her body pulsed with excitement as he pushed back the hood,
exposing raven hair and the chiseled features of an extraordinarily handsome
face. The rising moon glinted off his chain mail, his hand now resting on his
sword hilt. She gasped, her gaze transfixed on the most magnificent creature
she had ever seen.
Distant
voices threatened to encroach upon this moment of fate. She pushed the sound to
the back of her mind and focused only on the mysterious man in front of her.
The urge to move closer overwhelmed her, and she stepped away from the shelter
of the tree. Her feet moved of their own will, and her arms reached out to this
stranger who now filled her with an intense need.
The
voices behind her grew louder. Footsteps rustled dead leaves and brush,
intruding on the enchantment. Her mind, not yet ready to let him go, struggled
to stay in his world. But the mystical influence receded, and she knew he had
released his hold over her. An inexplicable emptiness took its place.
Melissa
reluctantly turned toward the commotion behind her, certain he would be gone
when she looked back over her shoulder. Would she see him again? Her father had
spoken of a wizard rumored to have the ear of the king. Her mind a tangle of
unexplained questions, she bowed her head and attempted a look of repentance as
her father approached.
“Daughter!
What were you thinking to wander off alone?” She heard more worry in his tone
than anger. “These are hard times. I fear too many thieves lurk near the main
roads.”
“Yea,
my lord.” The relief on his face caused her to regret the impulse for a moment
of privacy.
She
cast one last glance at the hill but spied only a single hawk, circling low.
The bird landed on a nearby branch, observing the group. As Melissa admired its
beauty, her heart raced. One hand covered her chest as her eyes locked onto a
pair of golden ones. It cannot be him.
Unless...
The
bird seemed to read her thoughts. With one sharp cry, the winged creature took
flight and disappeared over the trees. She reached out to stop him, but he
vanished into the night.
·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•٠· Aubrey Wynne ·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•٠·
Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey
Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs,
horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher
by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience,
and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail
riding and all things Christmas.
Wynne resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs,
horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary teacher
by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience,
and author by night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail
riding and all things Christmas.
Her short stories Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete’s Mighty
Purty Privies won the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Choice in
2013 and 2014. Dante’s Gift, the first in A Chicago
Christmas series, received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen
Gold and Heart of Excellence awards.
Purty Privies won the Preditors & Editors Reader’s Choice in
2013 and 2014. Dante’s Gift, the first in A Chicago
Christmas series, received the 2016 Golden Quill, Aspen
Gold and Heart of Excellence awards.
Her upcoming series “A Vintage Romance” was inspired by
tales of her stepfather, who served for the British Air Force
in WWII. Wynne’s medieval fantasy series “Medieval
Encounters” will launch in 2017 with Rolf’s Quest.
tales of her stepfather, who served for the British Air Force
in WWII. Wynne’s medieval fantasy series “Medieval
Encounters” will launch in 2017 with Rolf’s Quest.
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