Sunday Snippet: Oracle's Apprentice

Whew. It's been a week. I won't comment on the political spectrum at the moment but it's mentally draining to say the least. The good news is I got a couple of projects finished up and I'm taking that as a win because of the whole brain drain.

Our weather last week was very fall-like and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We're back to higher temperatures again but that's pretty typical. We definitely need some rain. I'd even take a nasty thunderstorm to get some at this point.

As mentioned, I finished up two projects and have a small break before the next one begins. I'm taking advantage to dive deeper into a couple of my manuscripts. It's fun to revisit what I've already completed.

Had a decent viewing week. Even if a little distracted. I made it through my usual stable of shows for the most part. Did not get to either backburner shows.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. One of my favorite episodes for Jack and Phryne chemistry. I also love how deep of a hole Hugh digs for himself.

Began a rewatch of a favorite comfort show with Foyle's War. It's been years since I've seen any of the episodes and I'm looking forward to diving back into this show.

Caught another Death in Paradise and I have to say I love Darlene so much. Her interactions with Patterson blew me away. The mystery ended up being pretty interesting also. Kind of a heartbreaking moment with Wilson but I think there's more to the story of his mom's death.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Fun to see the FBI show up to work with Japp and very fun to see Hastings think fast on his feet when creating a diversion for Poirot.

Elementary had a very interesting episode. I'm so intrigued by Moreland's journey this season. I haven't quite figured out if he's genuine or not and I kind of feel like he's not completely sure either, which I like. A lot.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I have vague memories of, mainly because it was a fun episode. Nice to see Howard back also.

Finished the first season finale of Lower Decks and after a rough start rather enjoyed the episode. And it left off with enough of a what just happened vibe that I'm interested in season two. My one hope is Mariner won't annoy me so much in season two. We'll see what happens.

Still hoping to get season two of Reacher underway this week. A lot will depend on what the work calendar ends up looking like. I have two client Zoom meetings and have no idea how long either will last.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Oracle's Apprentice, a novella that brings a couple back together when a precognitive dreams spells disaster.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Opal Cantell, an oracle's apprentice, has a precognitive dream about an impending attack on the fae glade, no one believes her—not the oracle, the elders, or the council. Link Novak is the only one to take her seriously and the duo works together to stop a gnome uprising before it starts.

And a preview snippet…

Opal Cantrell slapped her hand on the table. "I'm telling you my dream is precognitive. The gnomes are planning an uprising." Why wouldn't the oracle believe her?

Justina Eldrich shook her head. "Opal, you've been training and observing, learning and studying very hard for the past six months. It's understandable you'd have what you think is a precognitive dream. You're living and breathing the oracle tenets of prophecy, divination, forewarning, and vision quests." She paused a moment and gave Opal a commiserating glance. "But you haven't moved into soothsaying, interpretation, or reading outcomes yet. You're getting ahead of yourself." She settled back in her chair and picked up her mug of tea.

Opal bit back a scream of frustration. "Madam Eldrich, I'm not trying to be disrespectful when I say this, but I know my dream is real. I feel it all the way to the marrow of my bones. Didn't you say that's a sign the energy is pure?" How could she make the head oracle believe her?

Justina pursed her lips and took a long moment before responding. "Opal, I think you might be confusing pure energy with the excitement and anticipation of being my apprentice." She lifted a shoulder. "You're not quite at the level of being able to discern the difference between the two." Setting her mug down, she leaned forward. "There haven't been any signs that the gnomes are disgruntled or unhappy with their status in the glade." Reaching out, she patted Opal's hand.

Opal's shoulders slumped. "I guess you're right. Thank you for seeing me." She resisted the urge to yank her hand away but got to her feet and gave the older woman a nod. "I'll return on Monday for our regular studies." With as much dignity as possible, she made her way to the door and exited the oracle's abode.

When she reached the end of the walk, she gave rein to her temper and silently raged at the skies. Everything in her screamed the dream she had pointed to a dangerous and savage uprising … but her mentor didn't believe her.

Trudging toward her small cottage, she had one continuous thought. "I know I'm right. This will not end well." For any of them.

This story is just getting started and I'm so excited to see where it goes.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye