This is another clip from The Mercenary Prince. I’m hoping to release this book before Christmas, but I’m not sure it’ll happen. Anyway, this clip shows off a new character who makes her debut. Possibly a second one too. As a few people might remember from much older posts, this is the book where I introduce more about the Dawnfang vampires. Think of it this as Book 9 of Legends of Windemere and a ‘pilot’ for the Windemere vampire series I plan on doing next. There’s a little bit of spoiler in here, so I put a cut below the picture.
By Kayla Matt
“That’s it!” Delvin shouts as he drops from the trees. He lands on his butt and hops to his feet, his face red with anger. “This is ridiculous! I’m through with this training because it’s simply not working. If that didn’t awaken my powers then nothing you do to me is going to get the job done. Let’s go back to the encampment and focus on something else.”
“So you’re giving up?” Mab asks with a yawn. The champion surprises her by turning away and marching toward the forest. “The tribes can plan off the ideas you gave them, so we’re not leaving until you make progress or the battle is about to begin. Go cool off and I’ll be here when you want to continue.”
“I’m not coming back!”
“Then you’re a coward!”
Delvin stops and turns to stare at the vampire through the trees. “If that’s what you want to call me then go ahead. I’m done wasting my time. Come back to the encampment when you realize I’ve made good on my threat. Thanks for trying, Dark Mistress, but there are some things I simply can’t do.”
Mab watches him disappear into the distance and shivers at the sensation that someone is yelling at her from far away. She takes off her cloak to stop the voice from contacting her, accepting that she will be screamed at with full force once her powers return. Glancing at the ogre corpse below and the trail of broken trees, Mab silently admits that she may have gone too far with her training.
“After all, he’s only human,” she whispers before putting her cloak back on. The woman cringes when a head-splitting roar makes her ears bleed. “Shut up. You would have been infinitely worse with him if you were in my shoes. I don’t care if he has potential. It doesn’t matter if he isn’t able to access it or . . . really? That’s unexpected. Thanks for telling me. Guess I’ll tail him and see what happens.”
Reaching into her cloak, she drains a bottle of dwarf blood to satisfy the hunger pangs that have been making her sluggish for the last hour. She feels a rush to her head and wonders how much the donor drank before someone took a pint or two. The Dark Mistress grins and runs into the forest, choosing a path that will bring her within sight of the frustrated warrior.
Legends of Windemere 
It’s intriguing. I don’t recall a vampire mentor to a non-vampire ever.
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It’s definitely not very common. Especially since the non-vampire would have abilities and powers that the vampire wouldn’t have. So there’s definitely a mystery in the next book.
Maybe Buffy sparring with Angel would count?
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I’ll buy Buffy & Angel, but she was already someone when he showed up. I like it. I’ve used the idea of mentors who know less than the MC thinks, and it’s kind of fun.
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Funny thing about mentors. They don’t really need to be better in all fields when compared to the MC. Just that one area where the MC needs improvement.
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So true. I cant remember the name, but one of the best wrestling coaches in college history never wrestled.
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I’ve always wondered how many sports coaches played. Wonder how a person would get into the job without having that experience. Then again, they could have been better at strategy and rules.
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I don’t think it could happen today. The hiring committee wouldn’t let it.
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Maybe. I remember looking at basketball coaches and not thinking ‘they must have played’. Guess it depends on the sport though.
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Interesting concept of mentoring. I’ll look forward to it.
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Thanks. Guess one question is: What’s in it for her?
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Good question.
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I know the answer, but it’s one of the really fun parts of the book. 😀
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I had hoped you would have the answer.Don’t tell me.(as if you would)
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It’s complicated anyway. Definitely helped flush out the Dawnfang part of the world though.
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Interesting take on mentoring, Charles. And a real teaser!
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Thanks. Interesting how everyone is commenting on the mentor thing. 🙂
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Sweet excerpt – and fascinating premise 🙂
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Thanks. I’m seeing a lot of people are liking Delvin getting trained by a vampire. Might have to try something else like this at some point.
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Thanks for the reblog.
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