GHOST IN THE ASHES, a brief excerpt

One more brief GHOST IN THE ASHES excerpt today. A sample chapter will be coming soon:

Caina found herself looking at the tip of a crossbow bolt pointed at her face. The crossbow rested in the arms of a bald man of about forty, with cold gray eyes and the build of a blacksmith. He wore a ragged red tunic and trousers, a Kyracian sword at his belt.

“It’s late,” said the man. “Business can wait until tomorrow.”

“Not this business, Ark,” said Caina in Caerish, dropping her disguised voice. She reached up, drew back her hood, and tugged off her mask.

Arcion of Caer Marist, the Champion of Marsis, friend of Lord Corbould Maraeus, and owner of Malarae’s newest foundry, lowered his crossbow. “Countess. I wasn’t expecting you until later this morning, when Halfdan arrives. You have a knack for surprises.”

“It’s a gift,” said Caina. “I need your help.”

-JM