what else is the Internet for but for pictures of cats?

There are more pictures posted in the Kittenz photoset on my Flickr. I swear, it's like a 24/7 circus of cute around here.

Clearion West Writeathon: *whoomp there it is!*

So despite having to work this weekend and having a bunch of household stuff to do besides, I managed to get about 5200 words out. I have slain one chapter and another is lying on the ground bleeding. The finished chapter needs a quick edit pass and then it'll be on its way to The Usual Suspects, as well as to those who have donated. (It's not too late! Help us support Clarion West!)



Accomplished: Hopes raised, and then dashed most thoroughly. Plans are both revealed and ruined. Someone tries to fly, and finds they cannot.

Excerpt:

In another situation he would have been far warier, but he was worried about Maijid and the time was slipping through his hands. He was nearly within striking range now, and he began to gather the will to use the Word. He crept around the edge of the fountain. Heartbeats went by.

Amin remembered Dema, and moved more quickly.

So close now. He coiled himself, concentrating all of the tension in his body, the eagle prepared to strike. He breathed in, slowly. The scent of water filled his head, tinged with metal.

Now.

He released his hold on the tension and straightened out in a line aimed at Baki’s back, using the edge of the fountain as leverage. The strike was good, true—

“No.”

Something—a hand—clamped around his upper arm and he stumbled, yanked off-balance. Before that hard hand let go, he felt the edge of a familiar rush of power.

Azrael stood there, wings spread, a terrible look on his face. “What—“ Amin hissed, recovering his balance. The angel just shook his head.