Book Trailer Reveal Coming This Week!

A fellow author and friend of mine will be releasing her new book, Soul in Hell, this week. It reads like fiction but, unfortunately, is very real and based on true events. It details the horrific times she (and her children) experienced as the result of her ex-husband. Once the book is ready for release, which should be any day now, I will post a link to the trailer. I worked on the trailer myself, and I hope people will feel the emotion of it and give this book a read. I will also be holding a giveaway with a chance to win a copy of the book.

Delivering Jacob Print Book Giveaway

I'm giving away five print copies of Delivering Jacob. These will go fast as the first five entrants will win. Thanks and good luck!

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/7fa21f67ac7297c0

Children's Flash Fiction Story

Below is a children's flash fiction story that I recently wrote, and I loved doing it. It takes place in the Middle Ages and has a little historical fiction thrown in. Let me know what you think.

Earthworms

By Kevin Hopson

“What’s your business here, young lady?” a male asked, blocking the girl’s way.

Dismounting her horse and standing in front of an archway that led to the inner kingdom, she inspected the man. His metal helmet covered both head and nose, and the girl looked into the man’s narrow, brown eyes before answering.

“I would like to see Lord Foster,” she said.

A chuckle followed, the man’s gray beard barely moving as he contained his laughter. “Is that all?” He paused. “You and everyone else in this land.” Holding the butt of a spear against the ground and resting his other hand on top of a sheathed sword anchored to his waist belt, the man’s posture began to ease. “And your name?”

“Candace.” She hesitated. “I’m no ordinary person either.”

The man grinned. “Clearly.”

“No, really. I’m a knight.” Candace wore pants, boots, and a leather top. While it was uncommon for a girl to dress like this, it still didn’t make her look the part of a knight.

“Is that so?” Candace detected a heavy dose of sarcasm in his voice. “I didn’t realize female knights existed… and such young ones at that.”

Several roosters and hens darted behind Candace, temporarily distracting her. “I’m not that young,” she said, facing him again. “I’m thirteen, and I come from the town of Tortosa. Several of us defended the town against a Moor attack earlier in the spring. In honor of our actions, Count Berenger knighted us.”

The man’s eyes tightened, and he lifted a hand to his chin. “I recall hearing about that.”

“Then you’ll let me in?”

He shook his head. “Any outsider could lay claim to your story. Even if you’re telling the truth, no one sees Lord Foster without an appointment.”

Looking back in the direction from which she had come, Candace noticed two trails of dirt. Left by the constant coming and going of wagon wheels, the path eventually disappeared into a nearby forest. She stared out into the trees, contemplating her next words.

“Can you give him a message?” she asked.

“I’m a guard,” he said, “not a messenger.” Candace gazed at him, refusing to flinch, and the man eventually shrugged. “I can’t guarantee anything, but what would you have me say to him?”

Candace kept her mouth closed, afraid to speak her mind. She wondered if there was a more delicate way of phrasing it. After further debate, she decided to remain silent.

“Well?”

“I wouldn’t want to insult him,” she said.

“He’s not easily offended. If you wish to say something, say it now. My willingness to help is quickly dwindling.”

“What’s your name?”

The guard seemed confused, and he took some time before answering. “Why do you ask?”

“I feel it’s only courteous to get the name of the man who is kind enough in assisting me.”

He stuttered for a few seconds. “Delmer,” he finally said.

“Thank you for helping me, Delmer.”

His face stiffened. “That’s still in doubt.”

Candace nodded. “My apologies.”

“Your apology is accepted, but please get on with it. My patience is wearing thin.”

Though continuing to fear the impact of her words, Candace spit them out before Delmer could grow more irritated. “Why does he ignore the people of Tortosa?”

“Ignore?”

“That might have been a poor choice of words.”

“I would agree,” Delmer said.

“He offers help to many towns.”

“The entire land,” he specified.

“Yet our town sees very little of this.”

“How do you mean?”

“While others receive food, water, and shelter, Tortosa does not.”

“Lord Foster does not neglect anyone. He provides what is necessary for each town to survive.”

“You’re saying we don’t need any of these things?”

“Not at all, but perhaps you already have them.”

Candace pondered. What does he mean by that?

“I can see you’re puzzled,” Delmer said. “Do you know what Tortosa has that most of the remaining land does not?” Candace shook her head. “Think.” She tried, but nothing came to mind. “Fertile soil,” he said. “An abundance of trees and water sources as well. Why do you think the Moors tried to attack you?” 

It made sense to her, but outside of her home, Candace knew very little of the land other than what she had heard from others. “I see your point, but aren’t we entitled to something? Even with our resources, we have many challenges. Instead of sending us barrels of earthworms, why not send us something useful?”

“Earthworms?”

“Yes.”

“What do your people do with them?”

Candace shrugged. “How should I know?”

“Tell me this then. What is your family’s profession?”

“My father is a blacksmith.”

“Do you know anything of farming?”

“A little,” Candace said. “We have a small plot of land but typically buy food from others… the larger landowners who run the farms.”

“Then you depend on these people?”

“Of course.”

“And they rely heavily on the earthworms.”

She had no idea what Delmer was talking about. “They do?”

Delmer nodded. “The worms enrich the soil, making it easier for plants and crops to grow.”  

“I didn’t know that.”

“But now you do. Next time you see a farmer, ask them how important the worms are to their land. I bet you’ll think differently about Lord Foster’s contribution to your town.”

Candace blushed, wanting to eat her words. She climbed atop her horse and looked back, saying one last thing to Delmer before riding off.

“Tell Lord Foster that the town of Tortosa thanks him.”

© Kevin Hopson 2015

Print Cover for Vargrom: Modrad's Exile

This beautiful piece will grace the cover of my upcoming fantasy novelette, Vargrom: Modrad's Exile, which is a spin-off/prequel to The Fire King. It's scheduled for release this winter.

Kendell & Luis - Chapter Four

Chapter Four

“Is he in there?” Chuck asked.

Luis couldn’t see the mouth of the cave anymore, but that was by choice. He hid behind Chuck and Catsandra. After finding out who Barry was, Luis wanted no part in disturbing him.

“How I am supposed to know?” Catsandra said. “It’s dark.”

The brisk morning breeze caused Luis to shiver. Unfortunately for him, it proved to be the least of his worries. A roar from behind sent the dog jumping, forcing him face-first into Catsandra. As he turned to look, an enormous black beast stood in front of them, its breath outlined in the cool, damp air.

“There he is,” Catsandra said, her tone casual and calm.

Luis felt just the opposite.  He couldn’t stop shaking.

The bear laughed. “Sorry, little one,” he said, apparently speaking to Luis. “I can never pass up an opportunity to scare someone.”

“Oh.” It was all Luis could muster at first. “No problem.”

Though the Chihuahua expressed relief, the sheer size of Barry still intimidated him.

“Are you busy?” Catsandra asked.

“It’s that time of year,” Barry said. “Of course I am.” He paused. “Why? Is there something you need?”

Catsandra stared at the dog. “Luis here is looking for a friend. He’s on his way to see Reagle.”

“And?”

“He could use some muscle in the event he runs into trouble.”

“I see. It’s a bad time, though. I’m fattening up for the winter months, and I’ll be hibernating soon.”

“Oh, right,” she said. “I forgot about that.” Catsandra pondered for a while before continuing. “I have an idea.”

“You often do, Cat. I’m listening.”

“It’s only a day’s hike, and there’s a lot of vegetation in the foothills. You’ll be back in a couple of days, and you can have your fill along the way.”

Luis watched as Barry’s eyes narrowed. “You make a good point,” the bear said.

“If it matters at all, I’ll be going as well,” Catsandra said.

Those words astonished Luis, and he found comfort in the cat’s decision. “Thank you.”

Catsandra nodded.

“What about you, Chuck?” Barry asked. “You’re in the same situation as me. Won’t you be hibernating soon?”

“My burrow is ready for the winter,” he said. “A few days won’t matter.”

Luis thought of something, but he hesitated to speak. After deliberating for a few seconds, he posed a question. “I don’t know much about bears, but don’t you typically eat animals like… Chuck?”

Barry’s shoulders bobbed from amusement. “A fair question, little one. Most bears might, but not me.”

“How come?”

“I’m a vegetarian.”

“Yeah,” Chuck said. “Do you think I would have tagged along otherwise?” 

© Kevin Hopson 2015

Kendell & Luis - Chapter Three

Chapter Three

Catsandra settled near the entrance as Luis rested snug against the interior wall. The cat’s home was nothing more than a huge rock, at least at first glance. Jutting several feet above the ground, the strange formation resembled the bottom of a large tree that had been uprooted and pushed on its side. Parts of the rock were hollow, offering shelter to some of the forest’s inhabitants.

“How long have you lived here?” Luis asked.

“A long time,” Catsandra said, staring into the night. Light from the full moon helped illuminate the forest, some of the rays making their way inside. “Most of my life,” she added.”

“All by yourself?”

The cat bobbed her head. “I’ve never had family. None that I can remember, anyway.” Luis couldn’t imagine his life without Kendell, and he felt sorry for Catsandra despite the fact he hardly knew her. “That’s not really true,” she interrupted.

 “What?”

“Not having family.”

“So you do?”

“They’re all around me. The forest, I mean.” She pondered before continuing. “Still, it would be nice to know where I came from… who my parents were… if I had any siblings.”

Luis could relate. He knew his parents and siblings only briefly before being shipped off to another home. However, he did know them, and he loved his new family more than anything else in the world.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Where are my manners? Are you hungry?”

The dog hadn’t thought much about it given the day’s events. “I guess I could eat something.”

“What do you normally eat?”

“Dog food.”

“Obviously, but what type of food is that?”

Luis wasn’t sure how to respond. “I don't know what it is, but Kendell feeds it to me every day.”

“Have you ever eaten a mouse? I’m sure I can fetch you one.”

“Uh.” The thought of it disgusted Luis, but he didn’t want to insult Catsandra. “I don’t think I have.”

“They’re even easier to catch at night,” she said.

“Don’t bother,” Luis replied, sounding a little too desperate. “What I mean is that I’m not really that hungry.”

“Okay, but let me know if you change your mind.”

Luis nodded. “I will. Thanks.”

“I was thinking,” Catsandra said.

“About what?”

“Tomorrow. If you’re going to find Reagle, it might be wise to bring along some company.”

Catsandra seemed to be hinting at something, but Luis didn’t want to put her on the spot. “You think so?”

“There’s someone I know who might be able to help. His name is Barry.”

Though surprised with her response, Luis didn’t give any indication of it. “What does he do?”

“He can offer protection. As kind as these woods are to me, they can be very dangerous, too.”

“I understand.”

“He lives just a few minutes from here. We can visit in the morning before heading out.”

“We?”

“How else will you find him?”

“Of course,” Luis said, feeling somewhat embarrassed. A rustling in the woods distracted him.

“I saw you coming a mile away,” Catsandra said.

Moving into the light, Chuck appeared. “I’d like to go.” 

© Kevin Hopson 2015

Kendell & Luis - Chapter Two

Chapter Two

With his ears pinned back, Luis trembled like only a Chihuahua could. His feet left the ground, and the dog gazed down, the rough and unforgiving touch of something unknown lifting him higher and higher. Finally, an object came into view, but it was nothing like he had seen before.

“Hello,” the creature said.

Too nervous to bark, Luis whined in response, his survival instincts eventually kicking in. He attempted to howl but something else escaped his mouth.

“Please,” Luis said, shocking himself.

“I’m sorry,” the creature said. “I’ve scared you, haven’t I?”

Just like the prior word Luis spoke, this one was equally unexpected. “Yes.” He paused. “I… can… talk.”

Luis realized he was being held by a branch, several ends of the limb coiling around him like fingers. The face in the tree stared back at him.

“Sometimes curiosity gets the best of me,” the tree said. “I’m Oakley.”

The dog thought about what he wanted to say, and his mouth did the rest. “Luis.”

“Nice to meet you, Luis.” Oakley lowered him to the ground.

“Where am I?”

“The forest,” Oakley replied.

Luis hesitated. “Yes, but what forest?”

The tree shrugged. “It doesn’t have a name. It’s just a forest.”

Confused, Luis looked over his shoulder, skeptical of what he saw. “Where did the tunnel go?”

“The what?”

“I came through a tunnel. It’s how I got here.”

“There’s no tunnel in that direction,” Oakley said. “Just miles of woodlands.” He wavered for a moment. “I have to say, though, that you came out of nowhere. I didn’t notice you until you were nearly beside me.”

Movement in one of Oakley’s branches startled Luis, the tree seeming to sense the alarm on his face.

“That’s just Catsandra,” Oakley said. “She won’t harm you.”

An orange, gray, and white-striped cat jumped to the ground, the dry leaves crumbling beneath its weight. Catsandra eyed Luis with her glowing green irises, keeping a stern face and refusing to speak. Luis swallowed. If lucky, the four-pound Chihuahua was half the size of the full-grown cat, but even that was a generous assessment. Luis paid her no mind and turned back to Oakley.   

“I’m looking for a boy,” Luis said.

“A boy?” Oakley inquired. “A human?”

Luis nodded.

“Who is he?” 

“His name is Kendell.”

“And he’s your friend?”

“My best friend,” Luis replied.

Oakley breathed out, some of the nearby leaves moving from the gentle breeze. “Wow. It’s been ages since I last saw a human.”

Those words deflated Luis. “Then you haven’t seen him?”

“I’m afraid not. However, if you’re trying to find someone in these parts, Reagle has probably seen them.”

“Reagle?”

“Yes,” Oakley said. “He lives in the foothills.”

“And how do I get there?”

“North… in the direction you were already headed.”

“It’s a day’s hike,” Catsandra chimed in, speaking for the first time. Her voice was much kinder than Luis had anticipated. “You’re better off heading out in the morning.”

As Luis contemplated the cat’s advice, Oakley let out a scream. The dog jumped back, noticing a furry, brown animal biting into the tree’s bark.

“Chuck,” Oakley yelled. “How many times have I told you? Chew on Woody over there and not me.”

“Sorry,” the woodchuck said. “Sometimes I can’t tell you trees apart, especially this time of the day.”

“Hey,” a voice called out in the distance. Luis assumed it was Woody. “Why are you always picking on me?”

“Who’s Woody?” Luis asked.

“My cousin,” Oakley answered. “He’s a lot bigger than me, so he can afford to lose some bark.”

“I heard that,” Woody shouted.

Luis watched as the last traces of daylight crept through the trees.

“Evening will soon come,” Catsandra said. “You’re welcome to stay with me if you’d like.”

© Kevin Hopson 2015