Excerpt from my first book, To Challenge Destiny

 As I learn to use my blog, I mean to post many things. In this case, I am posting an excerpt from my first book, To Challenge Destiny. My books are set in the 17th century in England and Colonial America. They are romances, yes, but they are full of adventure and history. They have strong women, lots of fun characters, and sweet love stories. In this excerpt, you will get a sample of some of the adventure.

Adler’s knees wobbled. His heart pounded in his ears. He had heard how the Indians tortured people. Dying at their hands would not come easy. But what had he missed? His guide had continued speaking. Had they been offered a reprieve? He heard Latty saying, “We accept the combat.” What combat? What had they accepted?

The villagers started talking and shouting. They began moving away from the river and Adler found he and Latty were being swept along with the crowd. Again reverting to English, Latty said, “Shall you or I take on their challenger? To be honest, I have been in few fights. Have you? You are a bit stronger built than I am. Could be an advantage.”

“Latty, I have no idea what you are saying. What are we doing?”

Latty looked at him in some surprise. “We are fighting for our lives. At least one of us is. I thought ‘twas better than facing their gauntlet. I remember too well Armand’s description of such. A one on one fight seemed sounder. Do we win, we are back in good favor. Do we lose, ‘tis our last day on this green earth.”

Comprehension slowly dawned on Adler. “I am to fight one of these braves?” he asked. “And do I defeat him, we have proven ourselves worthy of their trust?”

Latty nodded. “That is about the size of it. Do I take it you mean to be our champion?”

Adler started removing his coat. “Aye. That is right.” Adler was relieved Latty had been paying attention to the guide while he had been quaking in his bones. He was glad Latty had chosen a one on one competition. Fighting he knew. He was good at it. He had bested his brother, the Yardleys, and any number of neighbors in competitions at the annual fairs. Like Latty, he had no wish to face a gauntlet. Stripped naked and running down a stretch between two lines of angry braves who would beat him with clubs, attempt to trip him and set upon him if he fell seemed the height of folly. He preferred the alternate choice.