Sunday Snippet: Rule of the Son

Another bonkers week of fighting a cold and lack of sleep while trying to keep a lot of plates spinning. I have another week of tracking some things down that I really don't want to put off any longer and, honestly, I always forget how much time it takes to this stuff sometimes. I'd love an extra four hours in a day so I could stay caught up.

The weather is doing its usual back and forth thing, plus we're at that stage of spring where it's full-on construction season. I have to laugh because some of the detours have detours. It's bonkers.

Really good work week. I've got several projects in flux at the moment and if the timing goes well (spoiler alert: it rarely does), I'll move two off my plate and add two more. I did put a final checkmark on one of my developmental editing projects. I had a lot of fun working on that one.

Had a pretty solid viewing week. I made it through my usual list of shows and kind of added an extra one because one of my streamers is being a pain and wanting an upgrade for immediate access to new seasons. I'm not okay with paying more so I'll play the waiting game.

Finished up the fifth season of My Life Is Murder and I'm very happy with where all the characters are. I love Madison's growth and Will choosing to stay on the straight and narrow makes me smile. This group would be so much fun to hang out with.

Caught another behind the scenes bit with Foyle's War. I'm always interested in how they pull things together and this one had several segments about makeup, wardrobe, and sets. I think I have one more before the next season.

Watched another episode of Poirot and finished up the sixth season. From what I remember, there's a five-year break before the beginning of the next one. Stay tuned to see if I'm right.

Started the new season of Death in Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed the opening salvo. The commissioner is back. Darlene is gone and will be missed. A new sergeant is in the mix. Seb is still Seb. And DI Wilson has a clue that his half-brother is a terrible, no-good, awful person. Catherine and Naomi are the glue that holds everything together.

Elementary had another terrific episode. I really like where all the characters are right now, and I love Sherlock kind of going out on a limb for Shinwell. Looking forward to seeing more on this plot point.

Started a new to me series with Young Justice. I've seen a few of the episodes, but I've never seen how the series kicked off. So far, I'm enjoying the ride.

Caught another episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks and quite enjoyed the adventure. Always lovely to see special guest stars and this week we had George Takei. Such a fun episode.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Rule of the Son, the final installment in an unnamed as of yet series.

Here's the miniblurb:

With help from the Book of Pythia, Aleina Foyle and Alston Saddington establish a new colony and end their journey to find a new home. Now that their goal is achieved, they have to return the essences of Aurora and Apollo to the dieties, which creates a dilemma—the couple is called to create the new government, and both are exhausted … until Pythia comes up with a solution to help them out.

And a preview snippet…

Aleina bit back a smile. "Geez, give her a chance to finish a thought." She directed her attention to the oracle. "He has manners. But he forgets that sometimes." Lacing her fingers with Alston, she squeezed his hand.

Pythia gave a nod. "I know. But he's asking the right questions. We do have another task if you're willing to take it on." She folded her hands in her lap.

Alston snorted. "Figured."

Aleina's lips twitched. "Let's hear her out. Nothing can be as difficult as what we've just finished." At least she hoped not.

Pythia lifted her chin. "Once you transfer the essence back to the Apollo and Aurora, they'd like to bestow a gift upon you." She gave Alston a hard stare. "And, yes, there are some strings attached."

Aleina gripped his hand again. "Let her say what she needs to before you start peppering her with questions again."

Pythia didn't waste time with words. Instead, she showed Aleina and Alston what the gods wanted from them. To become the new leaders and establish a government. Aleina's heart sank. She honestly didn't have the fortitude to work that hard. And neither did Alston.

She met the oracle's gaze. "You paint a lovely picture. But speaking for both of us, we're exhausted. We led the way to our new home. Got everyone there safely. Life is too short to spend the rest of it launching a new government." She side-eyed Alston and he grunted his agreement.

Pythia broke her silence. "We understand your reluctance. And we hope you'll consider our solution." She leaned forward. "The gods will grant you a double lifespan to give you time to get settled and establish a new system of governing. Whether you know it or not, your people are looking to you to guide and help them find their way in a democratic society that represents everyone." She paused a moment. "And they're also suggesting you pick another person or two to help you."

Aleina blinked. That idea changed things a little. And she had a very good idea of who she'd like to request as their partners. She turned to face Alston.

He gave a slow nod. "Frank and Sindy. Without them, we wouldn't have made it." He focused on Pythia. "If they agree, we'll say yes to this request." He angled his head and arched his brows.

Aleina's head bobbed up and down. "Yeah, they have to choose. And if they say no, we're going to have to decline also."

A whooshing sound rustled behind them, and Apollo and Aurora entered the alcove.

Apollo gave them a wide smile. "Your friends will agree. They already chose their path when they offered their assistance on your perilous journey."

Aurora wrapped her arm around Apollo. "He speaks the truth. When you return to the mortal coil, they'll be waiting for you."

Pythia rose to her feet. "We should initiate the transfer." She directed her gaze to Aleina and Alston. "Their time here grows short."

Aleina stood with Alston by her side. "What do we have to do?"

Apollo moved to face Alston and Aurora took a spot in front of Aleina.

Pythia spread her arms wide. "Place your foreheads against each other." Once they were in position, Pythia drew her hands together. "You may begin."

Apollo and Aurora whispered in their ancient languages and a glowing orb of golden light formed in front of Alston and Aleina. The spheres changed to green and blue and entered the deities. Aleina and Alston sank to their knees, both gasping for air.

Pythia murmured an incantation then placed her palms on each of them. "Go and serve your people."

Everything went gray and dark and Aleina braced for a rough ride back to the mortal coil.

The last thing she remembered before everything went inky and black were Pythia's final words.

"You'll find answers and guidance in my book and in your dreams."

I'm kind of pleased with how this series is shaping up. The final book is in the beginning stages, and I have to make more progress on the other two before I can really dig in to this one.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye