Release Day: The Mingled Destinies of Crocodiles & Men

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WILDE CITY

Minerva True is a River Dweller and mystic who lives deep in the forested hills of a river valley on the fringes of the world. She is the only person who sees the ancient danger that resides on a nearby chapel grounds. Most pay little heed to her warnings, and in the end only a small band of friends stand beside her. A tale of love and duty ensues, challenging the destinies of Minerva, the young hero Leith, his lover Aubrey, and the mute boy, Deverell. Leith’s half-crazed mother Calpurnia has her own aspirations, however, that prove detrimental not only to Minerva, but to everyone she comes in contact with.

EXCERPT

The morning had bowed to midday. Leith and Aubrey still sat on the hill with the piano—all that remained of Trumpet the Music Man’s lyrical house. They watched the river accept the tiny drops of rain and mist into its collective flow. The large quilt was wrapped tightly around them as they sat on the edge of the land shelf; the light mist kissed their faces. In their hands they held earthen mugs of hot tea brought to them by Deverell, who had promptly returned to the confines of Parma Place. Shortly, he would climb Black Hill for the day’s teachings from Minerva. Few words passed between Leith and Aubrey, but those that did break the silence were tinged with love and melancholy.

“I think we can finally leave,” Leith breathed at last, his voice almost as hushed as the sprinkle-fall. “Soon, anyhow. After the battle, I mean. Calpurnia’s gotten better, and soon she won’t be needing me at all. Then maybe....” He paused, as if afraid saying his wishes aloud would curse them to never be.

“Then what?” Aubrey encouraged him.

“Then maybe me and you can leave. Go someplace up river. Maybe we’ll even leave the river behind altogether.”

“That’s impossible, Leith. You can try to leave the river, but you’ll always come back. You’re just as much a part of the river as I am, fella.”

“You won’t ever leave it, will you?”

“You know I won’t. But you’re free to go. It would break my heart, but I won’t make you stay. Mark my words, though. You’ll be back, lover.”

Leith sighed. “What good’s leaving if you’re not with me?”