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Synopsis
Book One of The Knight Shades Trilogy by chart-topping erotic romance author Toni Sands Hot knights astride magnificent stallions parade their skills before beautiful ladies whose cleavages plunge as deep as their desires. Arcandos is a strange mix of medieval and decadent. Sir Gavin didn't ask to be catapulted there by wicked enchantress Sibilla. Especially when she spells danger for every gentle knight who takes her fancy. How can Gavin beat her at her own sinful game of souls and return to his own world? Lust turns to true love. Jousting and fencing bouts lead to knightly bonding. But Gavin's desire for the unattainable spells banishment. Where will the enchantress hurl him next?
Release date: February 14, 2013
Publisher: Accent Press
Print pages: 116
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Woman of Power
Toni Sands
Chapter One
The knight galloped across the wide expanse of grassland, his horse’s mane streaming as the startled beast outdistanced an enraged wild boar, left grunting and frustrated. Whispers of mist gathered like pearls in the horseman’s dark hair, the fragments swelling into swathes of dense vapour all around. Clutching the reins and leaning forward to croon soothing words, he gasped when the fog parted as though split by a sharp sword. Unable to stop, plunging into oblivion, his steed whinnied and reared. Faced with a yawning chasm, the horse leapt and soared into sunshine. Shouted oaths and anguished cries faded as mist swirled once more, filling the gap, concealing the portal leading to the unknown.
A dark-haired woman reclined upon a crimson velvet couch, gaze fixed on the flickering flames lighting up the massive stone fireplace. On a low table beside her, lying on a pool of black velvet, gleamed a perfect crystal globe. She stretched out a hand, her beringed fingers gleaming with gemstones set in precious metals. Picking up the crystal, taking care not to let her fingers blur its smooth hardness, she cradled it in one hand and watched as milky mist infused the shiny ball.
Patiently Sibilla waited. Hungry for what she sought, she murmured an incantation, ancient phrases emerging from her lips to fall into the silence like drops of blood on snow. Eyes closed, she concentrated all her will on achieving her wish.
‘He approaches with reluctance,’ she murmured at last, opening her eyes. ‘His strong character intrigues me. I have chosen well.’
There in the crystal a vivid picture shimmered and steadied. There in the crystal rode a proud knight on a perfect chestnut stallion. A small smile appeared on the woman of power’s lips. She saw inside the knight’s helmet and visor. She probed further, delving into his mind. Something caused her brow to furrow, yet she continued watching, drinking in the horseman’s potent masculinity as easily as she reached for a glass of wine and held the ruby liquid to her moist, warm lips.
Sibilla blew gently on the crystal, nodding her dark head as the picture blitzed into snowflakes. Dimmed. Faded to nothingness. She wrapped the black velvet snugly around the globe and replaced it on the table. The next phase of the noble knight’s journey was imminent.
Rising to her full, formidable height, she strode towards the hearth and tugged at a tasselled bell pull. Within the minute the door to the chamber opened and an elderly, bearded man entered the room. He walked with the poise of a trusted confidant.
‘Mistress?’
‘The knight is here, Ethan. You know what to do.’
Ethan’s shrewd grey eyes showed his understanding. He inclined his head. ‘And his name, mistress?’
Sibilla’s lips parted. She took a deep breath before speaking. ‘His name is Sir Gavin.’
She walked towards the narrow window slit in the heavily draped wall, the folds of her dark skirt settling around her long limbs. She peered through the aperture and watched the horse trot through the open gates, saw its rider look round him in puzzlement.
‘Let the game commence,’ she said.
Ethan turned sharply to look at the fireplace where the flames burned brighter, stronger than before. Tongues of red, orange, and yellow flared against flickers of blue, green, indigo, and violet.
‘The seven colours of the rainbow,’ he said.
‘Seven colours, seven knights. Our young friend must outdo one of the existing order in order to progress.’
Ethan sucked in a breath. ‘Overcome a Jupiter Knight? High stakes indeed. Is this young one worthy of the task?’
His mistress smiled at him. ‘For this one, I shall pledge body, mind, and soul.’ She threw back her head and laughed. ‘Such as it is. Now, go about your business. The young man dines with me tonight. Tomorrow he leaves for the stronghold of the Jupiter Knights.’
‘Shall I show him to the White Tower, mistress?’
Sibilla’s eyes gleamed. ‘You know me so well, Ethan.’ She smiled seductively at him. ‘You will be keeping an eye on proceedings?’
‘If that is your wish.’
She licked her lips. ‘Oh, but it is. Knowing you are watching from behind your favourite painting while I entertain this very special young man will add, shall we say, an extra spice to the act. You know that as well as I do, my friend.’
Ethan inclined his head. ‘I shall go at once and help the knight adjust to his new surroundings.’
Chapter Two
Gavin stroked his horse’s proud head, whispered sweet words into his ear, and patted his sleek rump, gazing anxiously after him as a fresh-faced blond page led loyal Sarum away. The knight was experiencing feelings of disorientation, but the arrival of the boy in scarlet tights and tabard, ready to attend to his horse, and now the elderly man introducing himself as Ethan, gave him confidence. A least it seemed likely he wouldn’t be thrown into a cell and left to fester for whatever reason.
He turned to the serious-faced man. ‘What next, Ethan? You tell me your mistress has summoned me. Dragged me from my world into one I neither recognise nor wish to inhabit. Who is this woman? Is she the one they call Sibilla? Have I really crossed some kind of barrier? How has this happened?’
‘All will be revealed, sir. Come with me, now. Your steed will be well cared for, as will you.’
Gavin fell into step with the older man. He sneaked a sideways glance at the craggy face. The facial skin not hidden by the pointed white beard shone with health, not one wrinkle marring the man’s countenance. Could this be magic at work? Over the years, he’d heard rumours centred round the enchantress Sibilla and her powers but nothing tangible. Had he unwittingly fallen into her trap simply by riding so fast into that treacherous mist? If so, what lay ahead? He clenched his fists at his sides, keeping silence as the elderly man led the way through a heavy, imposing door, studded with brass. This door swung open as the two men approached. Another page, this one dressed in bright green, bowed his head as they entered.
He looked around at the dark panels and plain wooden floor. Paintings adorning the walls contained scenes of amorous couplings and his eyes widened, darting from bared shoulder to thigh to breast to groin. Whoever this woman was, Sibilla or some other siren, she had a taste for erotic art the like of which Gavin had never before encountered. Despite his irritation at being waylaid like this, he couldn’t resist sneaking peeps at the scenes lining the wall to his left as he followed Ethan up the dark wooden staircase. The higher they climbed, the more daring and colourful were the sexual exploits depicted. Tiny cherubs cavorted beside rivers and under trees. A series of landscapes showed naked maidens first fleeing from bearded satyrs then being caught. Coaxed. Kissed. Fingered into submission. Gavin’s mind, aflame with scenes of carnal desire, wondered with more and more urgency what lay ahead of him.
At the top, Ethan turned to the left. The corridor appeared to form a complete circle, but soon he opened one of the doors and beckoned Gavin inside. The knight entered, finding himself inside a round chamber. Walking to the window, he looked down at the courtyard and realised he was in one of the four towers he’d spied from below. Servants hurried or dawdled across the flagstones. Two of them stood beside the ornate fountain, the girl’s back rammed against the stone surround, her skirts bunched around her thighs as her curly-haired male companion thrust in and out of her.
Gavin swallowed. Hard. His arousal shocked him with its speediness. Into what kind of mayhem had he been catapulted? Such blatancy unnerved him. Yet the couple’s moans and grunts of pleasure drifted through the small, round opening in the wall of the tower and the ache in his loins intensified, making the knight catch his breath. Grit his teeth. Clench his fists.
‘This is where you will sleep. I suggest you remove your clothing then wash yourself and put on the garments made ready for you. Would you like me to send a page to assist you?’
‘No! Certainly not.’ Gavin turned round hurriedly, grasping for his innate good manners. Biting back a desire to point out what was happening below, he said, ‘I mean, no, thank you, Ethan. I’m grateful for the offer, but is all this palaver really necessary?’
Ethan’s smile was slow, knowing. ‘Yes. Now, make haste. On my return, . . .
The knight galloped across the wide expanse of grassland, his horse’s mane streaming as the startled beast outdistanced an enraged wild boar, left grunting and frustrated. Whispers of mist gathered like pearls in the horseman’s dark hair, the fragments swelling into swathes of dense vapour all around. Clutching the reins and leaning forward to croon soothing words, he gasped when the fog parted as though split by a sharp sword. Unable to stop, plunging into oblivion, his steed whinnied and reared. Faced with a yawning chasm, the horse leapt and soared into sunshine. Shouted oaths and anguished cries faded as mist swirled once more, filling the gap, concealing the portal leading to the unknown.
A dark-haired woman reclined upon a crimson velvet couch, gaze fixed on the flickering flames lighting up the massive stone fireplace. On a low table beside her, lying on a pool of black velvet, gleamed a perfect crystal globe. She stretched out a hand, her beringed fingers gleaming with gemstones set in precious metals. Picking up the crystal, taking care not to let her fingers blur its smooth hardness, she cradled it in one hand and watched as milky mist infused the shiny ball.
Patiently Sibilla waited. Hungry for what she sought, she murmured an incantation, ancient phrases emerging from her lips to fall into the silence like drops of blood on snow. Eyes closed, she concentrated all her will on achieving her wish.
‘He approaches with reluctance,’ she murmured at last, opening her eyes. ‘His strong character intrigues me. I have chosen well.’
There in the crystal a vivid picture shimmered and steadied. There in the crystal rode a proud knight on a perfect chestnut stallion. A small smile appeared on the woman of power’s lips. She saw inside the knight’s helmet and visor. She probed further, delving into his mind. Something caused her brow to furrow, yet she continued watching, drinking in the horseman’s potent masculinity as easily as she reached for a glass of wine and held the ruby liquid to her moist, warm lips.
Sibilla blew gently on the crystal, nodding her dark head as the picture blitzed into snowflakes. Dimmed. Faded to nothingness. She wrapped the black velvet snugly around the globe and replaced it on the table. The next phase of the noble knight’s journey was imminent.
Rising to her full, formidable height, she strode towards the hearth and tugged at a tasselled bell pull. Within the minute the door to the chamber opened and an elderly, bearded man entered the room. He walked with the poise of a trusted confidant.
‘Mistress?’
‘The knight is here, Ethan. You know what to do.’
Ethan’s shrewd grey eyes showed his understanding. He inclined his head. ‘And his name, mistress?’
Sibilla’s lips parted. She took a deep breath before speaking. ‘His name is Sir Gavin.’
She walked towards the narrow window slit in the heavily draped wall, the folds of her dark skirt settling around her long limbs. She peered through the aperture and watched the horse trot through the open gates, saw its rider look round him in puzzlement.
‘Let the game commence,’ she said.
Ethan turned sharply to look at the fireplace where the flames burned brighter, stronger than before. Tongues of red, orange, and yellow flared against flickers of blue, green, indigo, and violet.
‘The seven colours of the rainbow,’ he said.
‘Seven colours, seven knights. Our young friend must outdo one of the existing order in order to progress.’
Ethan sucked in a breath. ‘Overcome a Jupiter Knight? High stakes indeed. Is this young one worthy of the task?’
His mistress smiled at him. ‘For this one, I shall pledge body, mind, and soul.’ She threw back her head and laughed. ‘Such as it is. Now, go about your business. The young man dines with me tonight. Tomorrow he leaves for the stronghold of the Jupiter Knights.’
‘Shall I show him to the White Tower, mistress?’
Sibilla’s eyes gleamed. ‘You know me so well, Ethan.’ She smiled seductively at him. ‘You will be keeping an eye on proceedings?’
‘If that is your wish.’
She licked her lips. ‘Oh, but it is. Knowing you are watching from behind your favourite painting while I entertain this very special young man will add, shall we say, an extra spice to the act. You know that as well as I do, my friend.’
Ethan inclined his head. ‘I shall go at once and help the knight adjust to his new surroundings.’
Chapter Two
Gavin stroked his horse’s proud head, whispered sweet words into his ear, and patted his sleek rump, gazing anxiously after him as a fresh-faced blond page led loyal Sarum away. The knight was experiencing feelings of disorientation, but the arrival of the boy in scarlet tights and tabard, ready to attend to his horse, and now the elderly man introducing himself as Ethan, gave him confidence. A least it seemed likely he wouldn’t be thrown into a cell and left to fester for whatever reason.
He turned to the serious-faced man. ‘What next, Ethan? You tell me your mistress has summoned me. Dragged me from my world into one I neither recognise nor wish to inhabit. Who is this woman? Is she the one they call Sibilla? Have I really crossed some kind of barrier? How has this happened?’
‘All will be revealed, sir. Come with me, now. Your steed will be well cared for, as will you.’
Gavin fell into step with the older man. He sneaked a sideways glance at the craggy face. The facial skin not hidden by the pointed white beard shone with health, not one wrinkle marring the man’s countenance. Could this be magic at work? Over the years, he’d heard rumours centred round the enchantress Sibilla and her powers but nothing tangible. Had he unwittingly fallen into her trap simply by riding so fast into that treacherous mist? If so, what lay ahead? He clenched his fists at his sides, keeping silence as the elderly man led the way through a heavy, imposing door, studded with brass. This door swung open as the two men approached. Another page, this one dressed in bright green, bowed his head as they entered.
He looked around at the dark panels and plain wooden floor. Paintings adorning the walls contained scenes of amorous couplings and his eyes widened, darting from bared shoulder to thigh to breast to groin. Whoever this woman was, Sibilla or some other siren, she had a taste for erotic art the like of which Gavin had never before encountered. Despite his irritation at being waylaid like this, he couldn’t resist sneaking peeps at the scenes lining the wall to his left as he followed Ethan up the dark wooden staircase. The higher they climbed, the more daring and colourful were the sexual exploits depicted. Tiny cherubs cavorted beside rivers and under trees. A series of landscapes showed naked maidens first fleeing from bearded satyrs then being caught. Coaxed. Kissed. Fingered into submission. Gavin’s mind, aflame with scenes of carnal desire, wondered with more and more urgency what lay ahead of him.
At the top, Ethan turned to the left. The corridor appeared to form a complete circle, but soon he opened one of the doors and beckoned Gavin inside. The knight entered, finding himself inside a round chamber. Walking to the window, he looked down at the courtyard and realised he was in one of the four towers he’d spied from below. Servants hurried or dawdled across the flagstones. Two of them stood beside the ornate fountain, the girl’s back rammed against the stone surround, her skirts bunched around her thighs as her curly-haired male companion thrust in and out of her.
Gavin swallowed. Hard. His arousal shocked him with its speediness. Into what kind of mayhem had he been catapulted? Such blatancy unnerved him. Yet the couple’s moans and grunts of pleasure drifted through the small, round opening in the wall of the tower and the ache in his loins intensified, making the knight catch his breath. Grit his teeth. Clench his fists.
‘This is where you will sleep. I suggest you remove your clothing then wash yourself and put on the garments made ready for you. Would you like me to send a page to assist you?’
‘No! Certainly not.’ Gavin turned round hurriedly, grasping for his innate good manners. Biting back a desire to point out what was happening below, he said, ‘I mean, no, thank you, Ethan. I’m grateful for the offer, but is all this palaver really necessary?’
Ethan’s smile was slow, knowing. ‘Yes. Now, make haste. On my return, . . .
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