A SPARK IGNITES ... A NEW CREATION IS BORN ....

A delicate hand rests on a table. Fingers tap lightly as a young woman stares at an urn, gracing a fireplace mantle.

Of father. I've tried. The rune eludes me. What can I do? 

A tear rolls down her face and splashes onto her hand next to a birthmark. It somehow mocks her in her dispare. It was the mirror image of the rune Kenaz. Memories flood her mind as the kind words of her father explained its existence. "You must be protected by the gods."

"Sure. My life has been one thrill after another. Hasn't it?"

She wipes the next tear away and steps over to the fireplace. A small script of paper scribbled with the Rune alphabet rests next to her father's urn. She sweeps it up into her hands and studies the parchment for any clue. "Nothing."

The burning log crackles, and the light diminishes to a dim flicker. Dropping to her knees, she pokes the glowing embers.

A spark ignites.

An unexpected breeze catches it in flight.

It brightens, reflecting gold an vivid red within the depths of the young woman's crystal blue eyes.

Her heart beats faster.

Between beats, the spark grows and transforms into a beautiful woman no larger than the young woman's hand. The fire spirit began to sing in a foreign language that the young woman instinctively knew.

Glowing brighter, she glides through the front door and down the path toward an ancient Ash tree. With a swift moment, the young woman follows with shovel in hand ...

Swirling clouds shade the moon as they approach the Ash tree. Tingles rushes up her spine as a chilly autumn breeze whisks the fire spirit directly toward the center of the tree.

Sparks fly.

The fire spirit brands herself into the Ash tree.

An acrid smell of burning wood assaults the young woman's nostrils, and her eyes tear from the billowing smoke.

As the brightness waivers, a lopsided F glows in the darkness.

The young woman gasps. The rune Ansuz ....

Her wait is finally over ...

What will she find?

Will the family secrets be buried under this ancient Ash?

Or ...

Will it be clues to who she really is?

THE SECRETS OF THE ASH TREE

By

Siv Maria Ottem

Don't we all love a juicy secret? I know I do. And this one's AMAZING. My cyber sister, Siv, really knows how to spin a Norse high fantasy tale. I had the supreme pleasure of reading this story and I am honored that Siv asked me to illustrate the covers for her. Many of you may not know that I have an art background and have illustrated many stories over the years. But it has been quite some time since I have had one as lovely as this one published.

 

I certainly look forward to creating Siv's next cover, if she hires me back. Lol. It was such fun working with her on this project because initially it was Siv's daughter who was to create the cover. But by a lucky twist of fate, I was asked. Siv is a very special friend. Since our meeting in the A-Z challenge in 2012, we have adopted each other as cyber siblings.... 

I hope you all share in Siv's happiness and debut novel. Please drop by her blog and wish her well!

I also hope you enjoyed the intro and reveal! On Wednesday, I have another reveal planned. Something I've been waiting to share with all of you. I hope you'll drop by and share in my new journey....

Have a wonderful Monday everyone!