Author Interview: Veronica Scott

This week, we're pleased to welcome author Veronica Scott once again, whose latest novel, DANCER OF THE NILE, is set in ancient Egypt. The author will offer a free copy of Dancer of the Nile to a lucky blog visitor; leave your email address in the comments. Here's the blurb:

Egypt, 1500 BCE

Nima’s beauty and skill as a dancer leads an infatuated enemy to kidnap her after destroying an Egyptian border town. However, she’s not the only hostage in the enemy camp: Kamin, an Egyptian soldier on a secret mission for Pharaoh, has been taken as well. Working together to escape, the two of them embark on a desperate quest across the desert to carry word of the enemy’s invasion plans to Pharaoh’s people.

As they flee for their lives, these two strangers thrown together by misfortune have to trust in each other to survive.  Nima suspects Kamin is more than the simple soldier he seems, but she finds it hard to resist the effect he has on her heart.  Kamin has a duty to his Pharaoh to see his mission completed, but this clever and courageous dancer is claiming more of his loyalty and love by the moment. Kamin starts to worry, if it comes to a choice between saving Egypt or saving Nima’s life…what will he do?

Aided by the Egyptian god Horus and the Snake Goddess Renenutet, beset by the enemy’s black magic, can Nima and Kamin evade the enemy and reach the safety of the Nile in time to foil the planned attack?

Can there ever be a happy future together for the humble dancer and the brave Egyptian soldier who is so much more than he seems?

**Q&A With Veronica Scott**

What inspired your latest book? 
I love writing in Ancient Egypt, especially once you add the gods and goddesses into the action.  For this novel, I just kept thinking about an everyday person, a dancer, and how she might get swept up into the larger conflict of war between Pharaoh and Egypt’s enemies, which also swirls with black magic in my books. Since I write romances, there would have to be a hero of course. I envision my regiment of Pharaoh’s personal warriors as being the Special Forces of their time, the biggest and baddest, you know? So I thought it would be interesting to have one of the soldiers taken prisoner by the enemy and needing Nima the dancer to rescue him.  My heroine Nima is very resourceful and courageous. And then where the plot would go from there, how the two of them would interact as they tried to reach the Nile and warn Pharaoh.

What was your journey to publication like?  
Actually with PRIESTESS OF THE NILE, my first ever published work, I just submitted it to the Carina Press slush pile and they bought it. So I guess I’m living proof that lightning can strike LOL. I’d never submitted it anywhere else. They also bought the next Gods of Egypt book, WARRIOR OF THE NILE. I did have to do a Revise & Resubmit (R&R) Letter on that manuscript before Carina finally bought it, but they gave me wonderful feedback which ultimately made the book stronger, I feel. In the meantime I’d self published two science fiction romances and so now I’m self publishing the ongoing Gods of Egypt series books. (The books are standalone stories so far and can be read in any order.) I love being part of Carina and I also love self publishing – there are terrific pros and cons to both.

And which gods and goddesses appear in this novel?  
I’ve used Horus the Falcon before, since my warriors are sworn to him, but we get to know him a bit more in this book. I had the most fun in DANCER with the Snake Goddess Renenutet and writing several scenes involving her with Nima.  The Crocodile God Sobek will be heavily involved again in my next book, the one I’m currently writing for a January release. I’ve definitely taken him as my informal mascot, since the book with him in it was my first ever published story!

How much research do you do? 
I’m constantly looking for new books on any aspect of Ancient Egypt, from the poetry to the role of women in the society to discussions of how chariots were built. I like to have a large backlog of interesting facts to work with, never knowing when I can insert some of my research into the novels to create the most realistic world possible for the characters.  In DANCER there’s a very important game of senet to be played, with lives hinging on the outcome. Many gorgeous senet boards and pieces have been found in tombs but no one knows exactly how the game was played 3000 years ago. I found three books with game theories of what the rules might have been, bought a couple sets of modern day recreations of senet on eBay, studied how a person cheats at backgammon….played my game as written in the novel to ensure I had the details right and consistent…had Nima do a little boasting in approximations of common phrases of the time…oops, I’m getting carried away with the research – sorry!

What are you working on next? 

I’m finishing MAGIC OF THE NILE, a sequel to my first ever published novella, PRIESTESS OF THE NILE. I’m picking up the action about ten years later, and I’m telling the story of Tyema, who was a young girl during the tumultuous events of PRIESTESS. Now she’s grown and become the keeper of the Crocodile God’s temple herself. Her life is pretty peaceful when one day a highborn soldier who works directly for Pharaoh arrives at the temple and….things develop from there. The book is scheduled for release in mid to late January. I just had a new story idea come to me so strongly last night that I actually sat down and wrote the first chapter, despite the fact I’m supposed to be working on MAGIC! So I never run out of new ideas, thankfully.

You can find author Veronica Scott at:

Blog  

@vscotttheauthor   

Facebook  

Amazon Author Page

Excerpt Thursday: Dancer of the Nile by Veronica Scott

This week, we're pleased to welcome author Veronica Scott once again, whose latest novel, DANCER OF THE NILE, is set in ancient Egypt. Join us on Sunday, when the author will offer a free copy of Dancer of the Nile to a lucky blog visitor. Here's the blurb:

Egypt, 1500 BCE

Nima’s beauty and skill as a dancer leads an infatuated enemy to kidnap her after destroying an Egyptian border town. However, she’s not the only hostage in the enemy camp: Kamin, an Egyptian soldier on a secret mission for Pharaoh, has been taken as well. Working together to escape, the two of them embark on a desperate quest across the desert to carry word of the enemy’s invasion plans to Pharaoh’s people.

As they flee for their lives, these two strangers thrown together by misfortune have to trust in each other to survive.  Nima suspects Kamin is more than the simple soldier he seems, but she finds it hard to resist the effect he has on her heart.  Kamin has a duty to his Pharaoh to see his mission completed, but this clever and courageous dancer is claiming more of his loyalty and love by the moment. Kamin starts to worry, if it comes to a choice between saving Egypt or saving Nima’s life…what will he do?

Aided by the Egyptian god Horus and the Snake Goddess Renenutet, beset by the enemy’s black magic, can Nima and Kamin evade the enemy and reach the safety of the Nile in time to foil the planned attack?

Can there ever be a happy future together for the humble dancer and the brave Egyptian soldier who is so much more than he seems?

**An Excerpt from Dancer of the Nile**

Chapter One

The chariot jounced over deep, hard ruts, and Nima had to grip the railing tight with her bound hands to avoid falling. As the ride smoothed out again, she tossed her head to keep stray tendrils of hair out of her eyes and squinted, glancing behind at her fellow Egyptian prisoner. About an hour ago, a small unit had joined the bigger column that held Nima, dragging this man with them. The Hyksos had stripped him of his uniform and weapons, leaving him clad only in his loincloth and sandals as they forced him to march behind the chariot.

He was in a much worse state than she, beaten, staggering, arms bound cruelly tight behind his back. A black eye, cuts and spectacular bruises marred his tall, muscular frame, but he held his head high, cursing their captors as they prodded him to walk faster.

            Taking note of the strength the Egyptian soldier showed as he strode along, she counted his old injuries and scars. How had they managed to capture such a seasoned warrior?

            Nima flexed her hands, trying to ease the irritation from the ropes restraining her wrists. Angry red welts burned and itched where the hemp had chafed over the five long days of her captivity.

            The column halted, the soldiers and horses resting and sharing water. Her portion was brought to her in a small mug as she sat on the edge of the chariot. The soldier who handed her the water took his chance to fondle her breast for a moment through the thin, dusty, blue fabric of her dress before striding away with a laugh.

            “Son of a jackal,” she cursed as he cast another leering glance over his shoulder. Nima lifted the cup to her lips awkwardly then stopped, gazing over the edge of the unglazed mug to where the other prisoner knelt in the sand, head down, shoulders slumped. They don’t offer him water?

            How far can I push my status as Amarkash’s personal prisoner? Inwardly quaking, Nima stood and took a few tentative steps in the direction of her fellow countryman. Most of the enemy soldiers were ignoring her in their own efforts to relax or drink water. The few who were facing in her direction didn’t seem to care what she did, and the captain was at the end of the column, conferring with the younger officer stationed there. Hurrying the last few paces to the prisoner, Nima tried not to spill any precious water.

            “Here,” she whispered, holding the mug out to him. “Drink quickly.”

            When he raised his head, she recoiled from the intensity in his eyes, an unusual hazel with glints of green. However defeated he may appear, this man isn’t giving up. Unsmiling, the warrior glanced at her bound wrists then at her face, saying nothing.

            Why doesn’t he trust me? Can’t he see I’m a prisoner here, too? Nima placed the mug against his swollen, split lips and tipped it up. Swallowing in greedy gulps, he kept his eyes on her face.

            She took the mug before he had drained all the water and drank the last few drops herself. A change in his expression gave her a split second of warning before Captain Amarkash grabbed her by the shoulder, yanking the cup from her hand and hurling it away. “You do nothing without my permission, you understand? Stay away from the other prisoner.”

            Nima nodded. Amarkash had made it clear he was the only barrier standing between her and the soldiers, so the need to keep him placated outweighed sympathy for her countryman. “I understand. I thought he should have water—“

            “This is not your concern. If I wish him to have water, I’ll order it.” Amarkash’s command of Egyptian was amazingly good, his accent nearly flawless.  He glared at her for another long minute, hand half raised as if to strike her again, but then he turned to snap the reins, and gave the column the order to proceed.

            Clutching the chariot rail tightly, she risked one more glance over her shoulder. The prisoner was on his feet, marching along, fresh cuts on his face bleeding sluggishly where he’d been struck after trying to help her.

           His presence complicates everything. Nima narrowed her eyes, glaring at the soldier.

You can find author Veronica Scott at:

Blog  

@vscotttheauthor   

Facebook  

Amazon Author Page

Guest Blog: Veronica Scott

This week, we're pleased to welcome author Veronica Scott once again, whose latest novel, WARRIOR OF THE NILE, is set in ancient Egypt. The author will offer a free copy of Warrior of the Nile to a lucky blog visitor; leave your email in the comments for a chance to enter the drawing. Winners are contacted by email. Here's the blurb:

Egypt, 1500 BCE

Lady Tiya is bound to the service of the goddess Nephthys, who plans to sacrifice Tiya’s body to protect Egypt from an ancient terror. She embarks to meet her grim fate alone but for the hardened warrior Khenet, who is fated to die at her side. Tiya’s dreams of love and family now seem impossible, and Khenet, who is the last of his line, knows his culture will die with him. Struggling with the high cost of Nephthys’s demands, both resolve to remain loyal.

Neither expects the passion that flowers when Tiya’s quiet courage and ethereal beauty meet Khenet’s firm strength and resolve. On a boat down the Nile, their two lonely souls find in each other a reason to live. But time is short and trust elusive.

Without the willing sacrifice of Tiya and Khenet, a great evil will return to Egypt. How could the gods demand their deaths when they’ve only just begun to live?

**Q&A with Veronica Scott**

What appeals to you so much about Ancient Egypt?

I love that even though the Ancient Egyptians’ daily lives and their beliefs were so different from our modern experiences, family, children, marriage, a happy life were at the core of what the average Egyptian man or woman hoped to achieve in this world. Not very different from us after all!  I’m also fascinated by how much we know about named individuals of 3000 or more years ago, not just the Pharaohs, but scribes, soldiers, housewives…  Ancient Egypt gives me a rich world, already built and inhabited, in which to place my characters and let them have their adventures. And romance!

You must do quite a bit of research?

Oh yes, I can lose myself for hours in researching, because one tidbit leads to another, which takes me to something else that inspires a new train of thought…LOL, I’m hopeless about getting sidetracked! I have a huge stack of scholarly and popular books about Ancient Egypt which I use as references, as well as doing some online searches.  I decided early on, however, that I couldn’t write strict historical romances because I always want to put a paranormal spin on everything and I needed the Egyptian gods and goddesses to play an active part in my stories. This also requires some deliberate tweaking of historical accuracy.

Quickfire Questions:

Must watch  TV Show: Project Runway

Favorite Movie: Aliens.  Or Ever After. Depends on my mood LOL!

Cats or Dogs? Cats

Favorite Flower: Roses and Purple Iris

Tea or coffee:  Tea

Morning person or evening person:  Morning!

Favorite Perfume: Michael Kors Very Hollywood (which he discontinued L )

Book I Wish I’d Written:  Dragonriders of PERN by Anne McCaffrey except no one could have written that wonderful book but her LOL.

Any advice for new writers:  

Get words on paper (or in the WORD file on the computer) every day. Even if the words aren’t flowing, get something down and you can go back and build on what you have later.  Also, don’t be too self critical, especially on the first draft. Just let the Muse take over!

What are you working on next?

 I’m finishing up edits for DANCER OF THE NILE, which I’ll be back in October to talk about a bit more. I’m also in the middle of writing MAGIC OF THE NILE, which is a direct sequel to my first book, PRIESTESS OF THE NILE. Most of my Ancient Egyptian paranormals are standalone stories, but set in the same Pharaoh’s reign. MAGIC is scheduled to be released in January. So I’m busy, but I love it!

You can find author Veronica Scott at:

Blog  

@vscotttheauthor   

Facebook  

Amazon Author Page

Excerpt Thursday: Warrior of the Nile by Veronica Scott

This week, we're pleased to welcome author Veronica Scott once again, whose latest novel, WARRIOR OF THE NILE, is set in ancient Egypt. Join us on Sunday, when the author will offer a free copy of Warrior of the Nile to a lucky blog visitor. Here's the blurb:

Egypt, 1500 BCE

Lady Tiya is bound to the service of the goddess Nephthys, who plans to sacrifice Tiya’s body to protect Egypt from an ancient terror. She embarks to meet her grim fate alone but for the hardened warrior Khenet, who is fated to die at her side. Tiya’s dreams of love and family now seem impossible, and Khenet, who is the last of his line, knows his culture will die with him. Struggling with the high cost of Nephthys’s demands, both resolve to remain loyal.

Neither expects the passion that flowers when Tiya’s quiet courage and ethereal beauty meet Khenet’s firm strength and resolve. On a boat down the Nile, their two lonely souls find in each other a reason to live. But time is short and trust elusive.

Without the willing sacrifice of Tiya and Khenet, a great evil will return to Egypt. How could the gods demand their deaths when they’ve only just begun to live?

**An Excerpt from Warrior of the Nile**

Chapter One

Khenet waited in Pharaoh’s private chambers eyeing the gilded chairs pulled up to Pharaoh’s ebony table, but no one, not even him, dared to sit without the ruler’s express permission. A dull ache had settled in his head and Khenet blamed the oppressive weather cursing the city. Unseasonal thunderstorms rumbling all night long had made sleep impossible.

The palace summons had come to the barracks that morning before he’d even had time for breakfast. His stomach growled and he stiffened his spine. Whatever Pharaoh Nat-re-akhte needed him for, he was ready. Too much leisure between battles wore on his nerves.

The door flew open and Pharaoh strode into the room, approaching Khenet. “My brother, it’s been too long since we spent time together.” They clasped arms, leaning in for a quick hug.

“Not since we harried those Hyksos raiders from the neighboring province,” Khenet said, stepping back, eyeing the physical changes in Pharaoh’s appearance. The cares of ruling Egypt are starting to weigh on him,clearly.

Pharaoh picked a handful of dates from a golden platter and sank into his favorite lion-footed ebony chair. Propping his bare feet on an ivory stool, he gestured at the ample spread of food on the table. “Will you have anything? Wine or beer, perhaps?”

Reaching for a meat roll, Khenet shook his head. “Early for beer, my lord.”

Pharaoh poured himself a goblet full and, perhaps sensing Khenet’s disapproval said, “Trust me, it’s necessary today. Sit.”

Khenet glanced at the closed door across from him. Unusual informality.

“We won’t be disturbed—don’t worry. But we also don’t have much time.” Having made the declaration  Pharaoh fell silent. He sipped at the beer and frowned, as if the taste failed to please him.

One did not speak unless spoken to in the presence of the Living God, but everything else had been unusual today. Khenet and his pharaoh did not stand on much ceremony when they were alone. Time to find out what’s going on. “Your family is well?”

“Fine. The queen and my boy are healthy, praise the gods.” Pharaoh set the goblet down with a thump, splashing beer on the table, and leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “I need a personal favor. A dangerous, complicated task lies before me and only the right man can carry it out.”

Action at last. Khenet straightened. “My brother has but to name the thing, and I’ll undertake it.”

Pharaoh held up one hand to forestall him. “I’m seeking a volunteer, not giving orders today. I had the Chief Scribe summon two other candidates, should you choose to pass on the assignment, but I won’t lie— you’re my first choice.” The monarch waited until Khenet nodded, then leaned forward over the table, lowering his voice. “What we speak of must not go beyond these walls. The Great Ones are involved.”

A rush of adrenalin coursed through Khenet’s body and set his heart to racing. After pulling the nearest chair closer, he sat opposite Pharaoh. Suddenly needing a drink himself, he reached for the beer. “I give you my oath. No one’s hearing a word from me.”

Nodding, Pharaoh took another long pull from his mug. “The goddess Nephthys wants a woman escorted south to the Viper Nome, to marry the provincial ruler, Smenkhotep. The journey is to be by boat and chariot. I’m to supply a single bodyguard. No other soldiers, no retainers. Nephthys decrees that the man must be from my personal guard, someone close to me.”

Considering the information, Khenet raised his mug and took a long drink. Odd indeed, from many aspects. He swallowed. “The Viper Nome isn’t loyal to you. Yet you’ll do Smenkhotep honor by sending him a bride?”

Pharaoh grunted and toyed with a knife on the table, spinning it in lazy circles. “From what the goddess Nephthys told me last night, the nomarch is as treacherous as the snakes which give his province its name. He worships the god of our enemies, Qemteshub, and seeks to provide our foes a new foothold in Egypt. Apparently when the Usurper occupied my throne, she

struck a deal with Smenkhotep. She agreed to send him a girl from one of the ancient Houses of Egypt, to help him somehow. I overthrew her before this wedding plan could go forward so no candidate was ever identified.”

He gestured at an untidy pile of papyrus scrolls at the end of the table. “I had the Chief Scribe locate the correspondence between Smenkhotep and the Usurper this morning. All is as the goddess stated, including the need to send only one guard—a personal envoy, close to Pharaoh in blood or affection or both.”

Glancing at the tumbled scrolls, Khenet raised his eyebrows. “And why is this issue arising now? The Usurper is dead. You’ve been on the throne for a year.”

“According to the goddess, Smenkhotep practices black magic so powerful even the Great Ones are barred from entering his realm. His plans are reaching some kind of climax and he still desires a Theban noblewoman of one particular lineage to marry. I found a tablet renewing his request, sent shortly after I took the throne, which was overlooked in the chaos of the time. Nephthys now orders me to grant the marriage request. She intends to take over this girl’s body at the right moment, allowing Nephthys to cross the border in secret, in human form.” Pharaoh frowned, his worry clear as he raked a hand through his hair.

Khenet was shocked at the very notion of a goddess possessing the body of even a willing priestess. Poor girl, loss of a home for one’s soul is worse than death. “To what purpose?”

“It’s part of a larger plan ending in the Smenkhotep’s death...and the girl’s.” Staring across the table at Khenet, Pharaoh lifted the dagger and pointed the blade at him. “And the death of my envoy as well.”

You can find author Veronica Scott at:

Blog  

@vscotttheauthor   

Facebook  

Amazon Author Page

Guest Blog: Veronica Scott

This week, we're so pleased to welcome historical romance author Veronica Scott. Her latest release, PRIESTESS OF THE NILE, is set in ancient Egypt.  Veronica is here to talk about the novel and give away a copy. Here's the blurb:

Egypt, 1500 BC

Drawn to his abandoned temple on the banks of the Nile by an enchanting song, Sobek the Crocodile God is even more captivated by the sight of the singer herself. Appearing to her as a man, he learns she is Merys, a descendant of his last priestess. Though filled with lust, Sobek believes Merys deserves to be more than just his mistress. But the rules that govern the Egyptian pantheon forbid anything beyond a physical joining of a Great One and a human.

Merys is attracted to the handsome stranger, who arouses passions in her that no man ever has. But with no dowry and no hope of ever leaving her village, she dares not dream of the future—or love.

Sobek takes every opportunity to visit Merys, taxing his resolve to leave her pure. When he saves her life, their mutual desire must be sated. But can a love between a human and an immortal survive the ultimate test of the gods?

*Q&A with Veronica Scott*

What kind of research do you do?

I start with online research and follow the links wherever they take me. I can spend delirious days lost on the internet, soaking up tidbits and trivia, but eventually I realize I’m not writing. Then I hit the keyboard. Having been fascinated by Egypt since I was a little girl, I have a library of reference books on the Egyptian civilization and mythology, including the Book of the Dead; most with beautiful illustrations and photographs. I’m not writing strictly historical fiction, since I put a big paranormal twist into the world building, so I start with research and then bend some of the facts to suit my story.  We’re in an alternate universe version of Ancient Egypt!

What drew you to make the Crocodile God the hero of this story?

Sobek goes through quite an emotional and personal growth arc in the story, which is an immensely appealing challenge to a writer. At one time, he was unthinkably powerful, according to the legends, but by 1500BC, he pretty much just tends to the Nile, keeping it flowing smoothly, flooding on schedule. Other gods have come along and are above him in power, like Isis and Osiris. As a writer, I found him and his backstory intriguing.  He’s been around since the universe was created yet never felt true love, doesn’t relate to humans until he meets the right woman! Which puts his immortal heart in serious jeopardy of being shattered...

Sobek is always depicted in paintings and statues as either crocodile or half man/half crocodile. The key to the story hit me one day when I realized he was a shifter, to use our paranormal terminology. Obviously, he could shift all the way and take human form if he wanted to. The ancient Egyptians just never saw him do it!

And what made Merys the right woman for a Crocodile God?

I had to ask myself what kind of woman would appeal to a Crocodile God in his human form, could send him falling into love for the first time ever. During my research I found out crocodiles are very sensitive to sound, so I knew Merys must have a beautiful singing voice. Hearing her sing would be what first attracts him, sight unseen, as well as the fact she knows the traditional songs he hasn’t heard in a long time. The opening scene in the book almost wrote itself after that.  Descended from a long line of priestesses, Merys isn’t afraid of Sobek. She keeps the abandoned temple in some kind of order, which he appreciates, having been pushed aside by newer gods Then as he gets to know her, and what is important to her, he starts to understand the feelings of a human heart...

What’s the one thing that’s been a surprise to you about being a published writer?

How important the social media and the promo activities are these days! Before Carina Press bought Priestess of the Nile, I had almost no internet presence but then I discovered twitter and instant love affair, me and tweeting! Between research and tweeting, it’s hard for me to get actual creative writing done. (You think I’m kidding?!) Well, and the day job of course. I have a blog, which is fun, love writing the posts & getting comments, love guesting on other blogs as I’m doing today. There’s such a vibrant community online – other authors, editors, publishers, agents and of course the Readers.  Having tremendous fun. So I’ve had to really improve my time management skills, which was never my problem before.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

 Sounds simplistic but WRITE. Do not doubt yourself. Do not edit yourself prematurely. Make yourself get at least a few words on the page every day. Once the story is done in first draft, then find beta readers, Critique Partners, revise, edit, etc. But until it’s written, it’ll never be published.

You can find Veronica at:

http://veronicascott.wordpress.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/vscotttheauthor

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veronica-Scott/177217415659637


Thank you, Veronica and best of luck with sales of Priestess of the Nile, new from Carina Press. Readers, please leave your comment for Veronica for a chance at a free copy of her latest!

Excerpt Thursday: Priestess of the Nile by Veronica Scott

This week on Excerpt Thursday, we're so pleased to welcome historical romance author Veronica Scott. Her latest release, PRIESTESS OF THE NILE, is set in ancient Egypt.  Join us on Sunday, when Veronica will be here to talk about the novel and give away a copy. Here's the blurb:

Egypt, 1500 BC

Drawn to his abandoned temple on the banks of the Nile by an enchanting song, Sobek the Crocodile God is even more captivated by the sight of the singer herself. Appearing to her as a man, he learns she is Merys, a descendant of his last priestess. Though filled with lust, Sobek believes Merys deserves to be more than just his mistress. But the rules that govern the Egyptian pantheon forbid anything beyond a physical joining of a Great One and a human.

Merys is attracted to the handsome stranger, who arouses passions in her that no man ever has. But with no dowry and no hope of ever leaving her village, she dares not dream of the future—or love.

Sobek takes every opportunity to visit Merys, taxing his resolve to leave her pure. When he saves her life, their mutual desire must be sated. But can a love between a human and an immortal survive the ultimate test of the gods?

**An Excerpt from Priestess of the Nile**

The sweet high note Merys held came to an end as she put a hand to her throat, then bent over the tiny waves. She searched along the riverbed, no longer focused on her song.

      A movement to the right caught his eye. What is the name of Set’s horns is that crocodile in the shallows doing? Is it actually swimming to attack her? Enraged, Bek threw himself down the trail at a breakneck speed.

      Merys stood carefully in one spot. She pushed her hair out of her eyes roughly and sighed in frustration, checking her neck one more time, not quite accepting the loss of her necklace. The slithering sensation against her skin as the old leather thong parted and the amulet fell had been so startling, she had not grabbed for it in time. Peering uselessly into the murk of the Nile, Merys blinked back tears. The only possession of bmy great-grandmother’s I had left, the symbol of my being a priestess—gone. I’ll wait for the silt to settle and then hopefully I can find it. Taking a moment to enjoy the soaring flight of a flock of white ibis against the blue sky, she stood straighter, easing her muscles. I envy them their freedom.

      The sky tilted and vertigo assailed her as her feet were violently yanked out from under her. A crocodile closed its mighty jaws around her ankle, ripping a desperate scream from her throat. The bone-crushing force sent a sheet of hot pain up her leg and through her body until adrenaline pulsed in her system. The beast dragged her under the surface of the Nile, pulling her toward the center of the river. Cold water rushed over her face, into her open mouth. Merys gagged, tried to hold her breath, beating on the animal’s closed jaws with her fists, then trying to jab at the nearest eye. Her stomach heaved, nausea and weakness from the intensity of the pain in her leg spreading outward from her gut.

      The crocodile rolled her over and over, tossing her like Tyema’s puppy with a rag doll. Black spots

danced before her eyes and she scrunched them tightly  closed against the dizziness. What do I do to get away before I drown? I have to breathe. My chest is going to explode. I’ve got to have air. Just as her lungs were bursting, something huge flashed by her in the water and struck the crocodile with enough force to shove it sideways a few feet against the current. The predator opened its jaws to deal with the threat and Merys floated free.

      A tiny hope of survival bloomed within her. A spurt of energy sizzled through her nerves, giving her

new strength. Kicking as hard as she could with the injured leg, heart pounding, Merys clawed her way to the surface. The water in her vicinity churned bright red. Something solid rose from the murky depths. Merys screamed and flailed, too weak to swim. A hard surface lay under her, lifting her completely out of the water, supporting her as if she were stretched out on a board or a raft. Thank the gods for helping me. Nausea and dizziness overwhelmed her and the world faded from her view.

      When Merys regained consciousness, she was held safe in Bek’s muscular arms, nestled against his broad chest. Too exhausted to question the miracle of his presence she curled closer to him in relief while he strode across the beach toward her favorite spot under the palm trees. Tenderly he laid her in the softest spot, then bent to examine her leg.

      Blood gushed from a long series of deep, serrated slashes, staining her dress as well as his hands and kilt. The crocodile’s teeth had shredded her lower leg from ankle to knee. The bone showed through. The pain was excruciating.

      Merys leaned to the side and vomited river water that burned her throat while Bek held her hair out of the way. As she wiped her mouth, exhausted, he pushed her gently to a reclining position. Chanting

something, he proceeded to run his hands over her legs. The pain spiked, then receded.

      What is he doing? Some kind of healing, but how?

      Green light shone from his hands, radiating from his palms in a cold, numbing rush. The light brought

blessed relief, mending her skin and bones in front of her eyes. Thank the gods.

      When he finished, Bek sat on his haunches, resting his hands on his thighs, and scrutinized her. His face was lined, his eyes shadowed. He was dripping wet.

      Another time I would have appreciated this view. But right now I need to understand what happened.

     “You saved me? How? How could you defeat a crocodile? And what did you do to my leg?” Wriggling her toes, Merys touched her shin hesitantly with the tips of her fingers. I’m safe in his arms. Her

pulse slowed. The weakness ebbed away as she relaxed.

      Bek gathered her in for a hug and she breathed deeply of his clean masculine scent. Crooning her

name over and over, he buried his face in her hair. Then he pulled back, framing her face with both of his broad hands, and met her eyes. “I thought I’d lost you.”

      She put a trembling hand on his cheek. “Who are you, Bek?”

     “Sobek.” He cleared his throat as he stroked her back with one hand. She realized her soaked dress

must be clinging to her as tightly as his wet tunic was plastered to his body. She leaned into the shelter of his mighty arms. Bek rested his lips next to her ear and whispered, “I am Sobek.”

      New adrenaline pumped through her, making her heart pound and sending a hot pulse along her nerves. “The Crocodile God?” I’ve been sitting and talking to the Great One all this time, treating him like a human man? I fell in love with him. How could I have been so blind? So stupid?

      “The Crocodile God himself?”

      “Yes.” He nodded, watching her closely, his green eyes steady on her face, his brows slightly raised. “I’m sorry I misled you.”