Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Bethany House
Published July 15, 2013
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
The Twelve came to the doors of Omeztli Tower and their voices carried from the ground to our high perch above.
“Cren Cru commands. Send us your firstborn.”
I clutched Tlanextu’s arm in terror. I could not bear to lose him! He took my hand and held me gently.
Then we saw a powerful form rising up from Itonatiu Tower. It was Citlalu, our father. He flew across the city, his wings like a griffin’s, like a roc’s, blocking the sunlight from view they were so vast! He landed before us, and I shivered with fear and love at the sight of him, for he was King. A true King. Not like the foolish little kings we see nowadays wearing crowns, waving swords and scepters, ruling by feeble kinship-rights. He was King of Etalpalli, bound to the realm by his own blood, by the beat of his heart. He was strong as the nation itself, stronger, I thought. The pinions of his wings were like daggers, like swords, and he shouted down to the Twelve below:
“Be gone, back to your master! You will take none of mine into that Mound, not while I have life yet coursing through my veins!”
His voice shook the foundations of Etalpalli. I thought the Twelve would run, would scream with terror, would flee the storm of his gaze.
They did not. They merely turned and retraced their path to the Mound and the concentric circles of bronze.
But the next day, they returned. Once more they called up to the heights of Omeztli: “Cren Cru commands. Send us your firstborn.”
Once more, my father denied them.
About Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Anne Elisabeth Stengl is the author of the award-winning Tales of Goldstone Wood series, adventure fantasies told in the classic Fairy Tale style. She makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University.
Tour Schedule
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about the Goldstone Wood series with reviews, interviews, giveaways and more on these other great blogs. Be sure to visit the Tales of Goldstone Wood blog for a chance to win the first five Goldstone Wood novels!
July 14 – Day 1
Rebecca’s Book Blog – Interview
Bluerose’s Heart – Top Tens List
The Wordsmith’s Shelf – Sneak Peek
The Wonderings of One Person – Guest Post
Seasons of Humility – Interview
The Endless Road – Interview
Tea and Bree – Interview/Sneak Peek
July 15 – Day 2
Letters to the Cosmos – Guest Post
The Writer of Dream Things – Character Interview
Makai Queen – Interview
Crafty Booksheeps – Interview
Young Adult Books – Sneak Peek
Blooming with Books – Interview/Sneak Peek
July 16 – Day 3
The Writer’s Window – Character Interview
Crimilia – Interview
Rina’s Reading – Top Tens List
Living On Literary Lane – Interview
Onto Her Bookshelf – Interview
An Ink-Made Maiden – Interview
July 16 Evening
Blog Tour Finale and Prize Awarded back at the Tales of Goldstone Wood!
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