UK heroes time again! Hywela Lyn Chats about Dancing With Fate. Comment to win!

Welcome to my Sizzlin’ Hot Heroes of Scotland, Ireland, England & Wales summer blog event. This time around we’ve a Welshman! Talented author, Hywela Lyn (AKA─Lyn) will be chatting about her contribution to the Song of the Muses Anthology, Dancing With Fate. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win a free Ecopy of Dancing With Fate and a $6 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press!

DANCING WITH FATE

When Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, is assigned to revisit the land of Wales, her task seems simple enough. She is unaware there is a hidden agenda. Before she can return to Olympus her path crosses that of the mysterious Myrddin, and her heart is lost.

But Myrddin is promised to another. His mind is set on the dangerous task that lies before him, and the woman he has sworn to save. Nevertheless, he cannot deny the growing attraction between him and the beautiful stranger he meets along the way.

Terpsichore and Myrddin face a deadly force that threatens to part them forever. Is she destined to lose the only man she has ever truly loved? Is there nothing she can do to save him? Finally, when all seems lost, in desperation she finds herself DANCING WITH FATE.

SKY: Welcome, thanks for joining me this week!

LYN: Hello Sky, thank you so much for inviting me to take part in your fantastic summer blog event.

SKY: My pleasure. It's wonderful having you visit again, Lyn! Tell me, what inspired you to create your hero’s character? Did he simply form as you wrote or had he been in your mind for some time?

LYN: I think he had been there all the time really, but I wasn’t sure who he was, and the role he was ultimately going to play in another very famous and enduring legend until the moment he and my heroine, Terpsichore, met. As he gradually revealed himself to me while I wrote, I realized the true identity of this hero, emerging from the mists and myths of 5th century Wales, and that he would be the ideal mate for my muse heroine,

SKY: Well, having read this story, I know firsthand what a fantastic job you did with it! Now, let's give readers a little insight into your hero’s personality. Is he cunning, aggressive, arrogant, kind, humorous─share all!

LYN: Brave and generous of spirit, he’s kind hearted and caring, attuned to nature and the wildlife of his surroundings He’s cunning up to a point, but only when it’s really necessary for survival. A better word would be ‘shrewd’. A bit of a ‘loner’ he’s had to rely on his wits and the magick he possesses, although he isn’t yet fully aware of the potenial within him, or the power he is destined to wield.

A taste..

Had he imagined the soft radiance surrounding her at the waterfall? It must have been an illusion, a trick of the light. She looked perfectly normal now, if ‘normal’ was the word for one so lovely. She was surely hiding something from him, though. Why had she not given him her family name? It had not escaped his attention that she had told him he could ‘call’ her Cora, and not that it was actually her name.

He noticed she ate very delicately, although she appeared to enjoy her meal. He tried to contain his own hunger and to eat a little more slowly. He did not want to give the impression he was a ruffian—not that she looked the type who was easily perturbed and she’d already indicated she was capable of taking care of herself. He somehow felt he wanted to give her a good impression of himself, though. He sighed. What was he thinking? What did it matter what impression he gave her? She would most likely be leaving the next day, and anyway, he should not be thinking of any woman other than Gwendolyn. Certainly, he should not be thinking the kind of thoughts that crept into his mind every time he looked at Cora.

When they’d washed down the fish with clear, cool water from the spring, the sun dipped below the horizon. Soon Arianhod, the goddess of the moon, rose full and majestic, from behind the mountains. For a while, they sat before the fire in companionable silence.

“So tell me,” Myrddin repeated at length, “is your home very far from here?”

She gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. “It won’t take me long to get there, I’ll leave at dawn tomorrow.” She eyed him with a curious expression in her eyes. “Where are you journeying to, if I may ask, and have you come far?”

“North, to Castell Madog, another day’s ride from here. I have been travelling for five days and nights. My journey is nearly over.”

She did not ask, but something about the way she looked at him compelled him to add, “I’m on a quest to rescue the Lady Gwendolyn, who has been abducted from her father’s home by Madog.”

“I see—there is a reward for her return?”

Myrddin pursed his lips, annoyed she should think his motives so base. But they hardly knew each other, why would she have any reason to believe otherwise?

“No, this is a matter beyond mere riches. She is my betrothed.”

He thought a flicker of a shadow crossed her face, but in an instant it was gone.

“Oh. And do you love her?”

“As I said, we are betrothed, and have been since we were children.”

“That does not answer my question.”

Myrddin was not sure whether to be irritated or impressed by her directness and lack of guile. “Of course. Why should I not love her? She is the fairest of all maidens, and the most pure—that is—” He realized he might inadvertently have insulted his beautiful companion. “Forgive me, I did not mean to suggest—”

She laughed softly, a laugh like of water tinkling over pebbles. “Don’t worry; I understand what you’re saying.”

“How about you then? What are you doing alone and away from home?”

She hesitated a moment. The brat slipped down around her shoulders. The firelight shone on her hair and turned it to flame.

“I...I had a task to do here, given me by my brother. Now it is completed and I can return.”

“Are you quite sure you’ll be all right alone? Perhaps, I could go some of the way with you?”

“No, thank you, there is no need. I wouldn’t think of asking you to go out of your way, I will be in no danger, I assure you.”

Myrddin nodded and poked the fire a little more. “We should get some sleep so we can leave early tomorrow.” He walked over to where he’d stashed his saddle. He placed it on the ground near the fire, for a pillow, laying his brat down as a blanket.

He glanced across to where Cora was doing the same. “Will you be comfortable and warm enough for the night?”

She laughed again. “I’m sure I will. It’s hardly a chill night.”

“That’s true.” He watched as she lay down and wrapped the copious folds of her own brat around her. The faint scent of honeysuckle hung in the air, a fragrance that seemed to be part of her. This woman disturbed him and he was not sure why. He knew there was something she kept back from him, but then, he had not told her everything about himself, either. Nothing happened without reason and he could not rid himself of the feeling that their being thrown together was no coincidence.

SKY: Turning up the temperature─Why are readers going to fall in love with your hero-lust for him?

LYN: Well, apart from being tall, slim and toned, he has the kind of looks that once seen are never forgotten. Although not conventionally ‘handsome’ his features, hinting of noble blood, are striking enough to make a goddess go weak at the knees – not to mention a mere mortal! With blond hair and eyes of piercing azure blue that can seem to look straight into a person’s soul, his intelligence and purity of heart shine through and he has a charisma which comes across, even to his enemies.

Another taste...

“I’m a muse,” she repeated. “A goddess of inspiration. I’m responsible for the feeling you get when you hear music and can’t keep your feet still. When your spirits lift and all your cares and worries seem as naught; that is me, in your mind. It’s not the first time I’ve visited this land you call Cymru. I returned because your people were so busy defending the land, they forgot how to dance.”

She paused, aware Myrddin was gazing at her in rapt concentration. “You may think it a frivolous thing, but when people forget how to dance, and to make music, the heart goes out of them and they also forget how to live. My sister, Euterpe, came here long ago and instilled a passion for music and song, which remains. But my brother, Apollo, knew they’d lost the memory of how to use it, how to express in their dancing, the sheer joy of living. So I returned.”

“And have you given us back our love of dancing, then?”

She was not entirely sure if he was making fun of her.

“Indeed, I have, don’t you feel it in your soul?”

“I might, if you were to show me again how you dance.”

Now she was sure he mocked her. “You don’t believe me, do you?”

There was no doubting the sincerity in his eyes as he said quietly, “Yes, Terpsichore, I do. I could watch you dance forever. My soul could use some uplifting. Will you dance for me, now?”

He reminded her so much of her brother. Oh dear, Apollo! He’d told her not to reveal her true identity. But then this man was different. He was far more than just an ordinary mortal. Well, if she had to shed her pretences, and since she couldn’t really get into the mood of the dance wearing truis—an instant later she was dressed in her customary chiton, a garland of flowers in her hair.

Slowly she moved, singing her accompaniment in a low voice. Soon, she lost herself in her dance, almost forgetting Myrddin watched her. Her arms raised above her head, she moved her hands in rhythm with her feet, All the while, swivelling her hips as she turned in small circles. She raised her voice a little and became aware of Myrddin softly singing with her. It was no surprise when he joined in her dance, as well. No one could stand still for long when she played her lyre or danced. Wasn’t that her task anyway, to fill all mortals with the sheer pleasure of dancing? Wherever she danced, in taverns or market places, everyone forgot what they were doing at that moment, to join in. Myrddin, it seemed, was no different. If only she could control her heart as well as she did Myrddin’s feet. If only she could control his heart.

“You dance well...for a ‘warrior’.”

He smiled, causing her heart to flip once more. He was so incredibly good looking when he smiled.

“Thank you, but I’ve never pretended to be a soldier, although I can fight if need be. I wear these clothes because they are more practical for riding.” He chuckled softly. “And I was taught some refinements as a boy. Not your sort of dancing though. I’ve never seen anyone dance like you.”

“I can dance any way you want me to.”

“The way you dance now is perfect, but perhaps we could try dancing together?”

She caught her breath. Had he any inkling how she felt? Was he deliberately trying to make things even more difficult for her?

He stood just behind her and a little to the side. Slipping his arm around her waist, he took her left hand in his, with her right hand in his own right one. Of course, she knew this way too, but it was unnerving to be so close to him, to have his hands touching hers. Somehow, she managed to keep singing, to make her feet move in time to the tune.

“Are you sure you’re not still angry with me,” he asked again after a while, bending his head a little, his breath caressing her cheek, his face so close to hers she almost stopped breathing herself.

SKY: Thanks so much for visiting and sharing!

LYN: Than YOU so much Sky, it’s been a pleasure and a privilege to be with you today.

Check out the book trailer for Dancing With Fate. It's wonderful!



REVIEWS FOR DANCING WITH FATE

"Dancing With Fate" is a simple love story, made very intriguing with magical characters. Hywela Lyn wrote a beautiful and touching story of undying love and characters that are prepared to give everything, even their souls, for the other's life. Myrddin and Terpsichore were both very strong characters, each willing to give their all to what they believed in. For me, Greek mythology can be a bit hard to read. I do not know much about it, so it can be hard to follow. However, Ms. Lyn did such a fantastic job of describing each character that I never knew I could enjoy Greek myths quite so much. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, filled with vivid landscapes, Greek myths, and some of the strongest characters I have read in a while. Read full review HERE.

~Review by Amaranth, Long And Short Reviews - Five Books

Such a simple love story made great by the addition of the gods, muses, and Fates with their twists to life. Even the fifth century had some truly honorable men including Myrddin who refuses to give in to the feelings he has for Cora until he finds his Gwendolyn. She was betrothed to him by his family long ago. When she tells her with her own lips and behavior, doting on Madog, he finally believes his quest was in vain. Read full review HERE.

~Reviewer: Dee Dailey, The Romance Studio Rating - Five Hearts Books (Please note, despite what it says in the heading of this review, this is NOT an erotic romance!)

'STARQUEST'

"The lovely, lovely descriptions never slow the action, but manage still to convey emotion and carry the narration forward. This is an incredibly original tale, and for all the science fiction trappings is truly a classic quest for love, and the romance, which at first seems very much at the periphery, will become not only a primary motivation, but the chief joy of the tale. Adventure may be the main motif, but the heartwarming side will be a surprising bonus."

~'Snapdragon' LONG AND SHORT REVIEWS

‘CHILDREN OF THE MIST’

"This book is wonderful! There are few books that hold my interest to the point where I can't bear to put it down, but Children of the Mist is most certainly at the top of this list. The attraction between Tamarith and Vidarh is beautifully written. The involvement of telepathy would appear to make it easier for them to share their feelings, but this isn't the case. If anything telepathy makes it harder as they hide their minds from one another. This puts their lives in danger more than once...

...Well done Hywela Lyn. I haven't read the first book in this series, but you can be sure I'm going to buy it as soon as I can. This is the type of book I love to read." Read full review HERE.

~Reviewed by Orchid, The Long and Short Of It Reviews (Five Star Plus Best Book Review)

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Thanks again for popping in! Be sure to leave a comment by Friday, July 30th 12 PM EST for a chance to win an Ecopy of Dancing With Fate and a $6 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press.

~Sky