Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

“Don't ever give up.
Don't ever give in.
Don't ever stop trying.
Don't ever sell out.
And if you find yourself succumbing to one of the above for a brief moment,
pick yourself up, brush yourself off, whisper a prayer, and start where you left off.
But never, ever, ever give up.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Tempter's Snare

“Life is a valuable and unique opportunity
to discover who you are.
But it seems as soon as you near
answering that age-old question,
something unexpected always happens
to alter your course.
And who it is you thought you were
suddenly changes.

Then comes the frustrating realization
that no matter how long life endures,
no matter how many experiences
are muddled through in this existence,
you may never really be able
to answer the question....

Who am I?

Because the answer, like the seasons,
constantly, subtly, inevitably changes.
And who it is you are today,
is not the same person you will be tomorrow.”
― Richelle Goodrich, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue

“Why is it we must suffer the loss of something so dear before we realize what a treasure we had?
Why must the sun be darkened before we feel how genuinely impossible it is to live without its warmth?
Why within the misery of absence does love grow by such bounds?
Why must life be this way?
It is a strange existence where such suffering makes us far better people.”
― Richelle Goodrich, Eena, The Curse of Wanyaka Cave

“Don’t simply exist in this world, but grasp life’s potential by the jacket. Dare it to be all it can. Make life historical—a gripping account of accomplishment. Make life a mystery—a challenging, bold adventure. Make life heartfelt—an enduring, poetic romance. Whatever it is you make of your world, live the fairy tale.”
― Richelle Goodrich, Eena, The Return of a Queen

“The most difficult challenge an honest man will ever face is having to choose between duty and love.
One creates a man of honorable character―a life worth dying for.
The other creates a vulnerable soul that madly yearns for either death or immortality.”
― Richelle Goodrich, Eena, The Return of a Queen

“You can capture this body of mine, take away my freedom and enslave me.
You may even have the power to capture my soul and sentence me to the realm of eternal darkness.
But my dreams you cannot touch. They are my will―the very essence of who I am.
In them I laugh.
In them I cry.
In them I love.
And in them.....I live.
My dreams are untouchable and unceasing.”
― Richelle Goodrich, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue

“Imagine in vibrant detail your heart’s desire—a reality only you can envision, an adventure only you can direct.
Then cradle your creation. Caress it. Mold it. Coddle it until it comes to life.
And when your precious treasure grows so grand as to steal your breath away, set it free for all the world to experience. For that is how you live your dreams.”
― Richelle Goodrich, Eena, The Curse of Wanyaka Cave

“I understand it was Derian who spoiled everything. He purposefully tainted your view of me and forced you to go along with him. I know none of what happened was your idea or your desire, Eena.â€�

She didn’t get up, but spoke from her curled position. Her voice was weak, still heavy with despair. “Derian didn’t force me to do anything.�

“But if he hadn’t influenced you, we would be enjoying a pleasant dinner again, telling stories and laughing. I’m sure that would be the case. You would be happy……and so would I.�

Eena chuckled without amusement.

“You have to admit we shared some very enjoyable evenings, didn’t we? There’s really no reason we can’t put this whole mess behind us and start from where we left off.� He sounded genuinely serious.

“You forget,� she reminded him, “I heard your conversation with the Ghengats. This isn’t about Derian, it’s about you.�

“Alright,� he admitted with an acquiescent sigh, “so I’m not everything you’d hoped for. But really, what man can ever live up to any woman’s terribly high expectations?�

This got her attention. She almost stood up to face him, but decided it wasn’t worth the effort. Leaning forward, she retorted, “Expecting a man to respect you, to be honest with you, and, oh yes, to not be a shameless murderer—I don’t think those are overly high expectations!�

He shrugged, casually excusing his faults. “Nobody’s perfect.�

“What do you want?� she finally asked, exasperated.

He squatted to her level and stated his desire. “I want you.�

Eena thought the expression on his face—the look in his weary blue eyes—appeared strangely sincere. But there was one thing she had learned from all this: never trust a master of deceit.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue

“The calling that has been thrust upon you is likewise as demanding and daunting. I understand how you feel, believe me. But we need you, Eena. I would say I’m sorry, but……honestly I’d have no other woman take your place. You are exactly what we need. And yes, it does require a great deal of sacrifice, but you don’t have to bear these burdens alone. We are all here to help you. And believe me there isn’t one of us who wouldn’t give his last breath to defend yours so you might go on to heal Harrowbeth. Don’t block us out. Don’t think you have to stand alone. Please wake up and know that I understand. And I promise I won’t say, ‘I told you so.’â€�

The room fell quiet. Eena didn’t move. Derian could see how her breathing continued smoothly in and out just as before.

“I’ll give you some chocolate if you wake up.â€� It was a last-ditch effort. “I’ve got plenty of it, and I don’t care for the stuff.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue

“Brazen it out! Throw away the scabbard! Grit your teeth, buckle down, and die with your boots on! Or in other words, be determined and resolved until you accomplish the thing you set out to accomplish.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“Eena had thought the whole idea of his picture was absolutely wonderful and had asked Willum what kind of animal she might be. He’d responded after only a moment of thought.

“I think you’d be a crioness.�

“Why is that?�

“Because they can fly.�

“Why would that remind you of me?� She’d been unable to guess his reasoning.

“Because few animals can fly. You can do things others can’t do. Like flying. It’s magic.�

“Oh. How very clever.�

The comparison had left her both impressed and flattered.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich

“The woman laughed again. She was the loudest person in the cave. Eena wondered if perhaps she was talking to a female Ghengat. Curiosity got the best of her and she turned around to look, surprised to find neither a Ghengat nor a Harrowbethian woman, but a Mishmorat. A striking, cheetah-spotted Mishmorat with straight lengths of charcoal hair and the most alluring dark eyes in existence. This bronzed female was the same size as Eena but observably more muscular. She appeared to be a mix of cheetah, Arabian princess, and gladiator in tight-fitting pants. Eena paused, dropping the stone in her hands.

“Kira?� she breathed.

“Hmmm,� the woman grumbled. Her painted eyes scrunched with displeasure. The look was still stunning. “I see my reputation precedes me.�

Eena gawked as if a legendary ghost had been resurrected. “You’re alive?”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue

“Why don’t you just spit it out?â€� she said sharply. “Just say what I know you’re dying to sayâ€�‘Eena, I told you so!â€�â€�

“All I’m trying to say is that if you hadn’t used those powers in the first place, Gemdorin would never have known about them, the dragon’s heart would never have been uncovered, and consequently you would never have had to abuse those powers to defeat him. Then we wouldn’t be in this predicament right now.�

She summed it up for him concisely. â€Àá²Ô other words, ‘I told you so!'”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Curse of Wanyaka Cave

“It’s perfect,â€� she softly sighed.

“Just like in our dream,� Ian agreed.

“Almost.� Her eyes flickered sideways to catch Ian’s handsome profile. A tiny grin inched up higher at the corner of his mouth. His shoulders slumped under the weight of expectations that he perceived clearly in her thoughts.

“You want too much from me, Eena. Perfection is a tall order to fill.�

“This moment is already perfect,� she assured him.

“Until I disappoint you by burping during a wet, slobbery kiss.�

She groaned his name with a hint of disgust. “You wouldn’t dare ruin this moment on purpose.�

“No,� he admitted, “no I wouldn’t.� He smiled again, but there remained real concern in his eyes. “I’m afraid you’re anticipating a lot. It isn’t going to be like it was in our dream. All the mystical things that happen in dreams don’t happen in reality. That experience was…well� beyond duplicating.�

“Then don’t kiss me at all,â€� she decided. “Just stay here with me and I’ll be content.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Tempter's Snare

“Ian, you’re awful."

“I know," he admitted. "But you love it."

Her cheeks flushed crimson. It was hard to deny the truth to a man who could read minds.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Tempter's Snare

“Ravelly pointed to the illustration as he told his friend that he used to read the same story nightly to his son, Wahlister. â€�Imorih’s Journey—quite the moralistic quest.â€�

Unan nodded in agreement. “I read it to Ian and Eena when they were children.� Then he held up the opened page with the picture of Imorih and the tiny, shouldered bug. He asked curiously, “Why do you say this is your favorite part, Master Ravelly?� The question caught Eena’s interest. Her ears tuned in to their conversation, but her eyes continued to scan the lively crowd below.

The old Grott went on to explain. “That is the part where Imorih realizes the whispered voice she has been listening to, the advice she has been heeding, doesn’t belong to her conscience as she first supposed. It shocks her to learn that for the more part of her journey she has been following the promptings of a negligible, albeit well-intentioned, creature. That’s when two things happen in her life. First, she comprehends how cunning and manipulative the power of suggestion can be. Secondly, she learns to recognize the difference between her own voice—her own desires—and someone else’s.�

Unan hummed a sound of accordance. “That’s right. Things change quite drastically after that discovery, don’t they?�

“Yes, yes, they most certainly do. For the best, I recall.�

“Because she becomes master of her own destiny after that.�

“As we all should be.�

Unan nodded, examining the illustration once again. “Yes, as we all should be.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Tempter's Snare

“That’s when Eena cut in. Both Ravelly and Unan looked to her as she announced, “My favorite part of the book is at the very ±ð²Ô»å.â€�

“Where Imorih battles the three-headed dragon,� Unan presumed.

Eena shook her head. “Nope.�

“Afterwards, where Imorih befriends the beast and earns his trust,� Ravelly guessed.

Eena shook her head again. “No, sir. I mean the very ±ð²Ô»å.â€�

Unan’s brow crinkled as he tried to recall what came next in the story. “Where she finds her prince who was held captive by none other than the same three-headed dragon?�

The young Sha shook her head a third time.

“I know! When the dragon flies them on his back to the edge of their homeland! That would be quite the experience, wouldn’t it?� Ravelly seemed certain he had guessed the finishing act of the story.

“That’s not the very, very end,� Eena grinned.

“But that’s the last page,� Unan contended, his finger pointing at the final leaf in the book.

Wahlister was the one who finally guessed the correct answer. “They kiss on the dragon’s back at the very end. That’s where they promise to never allow anything, even death, to separate them again.�

“Yes!� Eena chirped. “That’s the best scene of all.�

“I don’t recall that promise,� Ravelly admitted.

Unan assured the old Grott, “It’s right here.� He read the line that told of a promise made sure by a kiss. “Their lips sealed the whispered vow, ‘We shall never part again, even if our fate is to haunt one another in death.’� After reading it, he groaned aloud.

“Only a woman would remember that line.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Tempter's Snare

“Sevenah resumed staring up at the darkness. The sun had set entirely, giving way for the appearance of a speckled night’s sky. It seemed the more she stared, the greater the number of stars. She pondered the immensity of the universe and how it resembled an artist’s black canvas peppered with a haphazard splattering of white paint.

“I think there probably is life out there a lot like our own. I can’t imagine so many suns—so many planets—and not at least one of them being something like ours.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Dawn and Rescue

“Eena focused on the younger version of herself. Her hair was tied back with a pink ribbon. The ruffled dress she wore was soiled up to the waist in wet grains of sand. A short, square shovel was gripped tightly as the child concentrated on her digging efforts.

Curious, Eena stepped closer to the girls. Ian followed along silently. Eena could feel his eyes on her, searching her profile before turning to the sand scene. She approached her younger self and stopped to watch. At first, she smiled at the darling ponytailed child. Then the spoiled girl’s mouth opened.

“Angee,� the five-year-old called the younger version of Angelle. “Go get water.�

The older child jumped up at the command. “Yes, Eena.�

“A whole bucket full.�

“Yes, Eena.�

“Angee, don’t step on my holes!�

The older girl quickly picked up her foot, checking to be sure there were no child-made burrows nearby. She nodded at the little five-year-old. “Okay, Eena, I’ll be careful.�

Instead of being grateful, the ponytailed child tilted her head and bugged out her eyes. “Hurry up, Angee!�

“Okay, okay.� The young Angelle lifted her skirt to watch for surrounding holes while carting a bucket in her other hand towards the lake.

Eena frowned at the sight. She heard Ian snicker beside her.

“I was a brat,� she admitted ruefully.

“You still are.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Tempter's Snare

“The past wasn’t something that could be changed or repaired, and so it was a place Ian refused to dwell. That wasn’t the case with Eena. She often wandered on pathways long since set in stone. That was her way. She had some need to rearrange those stones from her past every now and then, as if changing how she perceived them altered anything. He felt guilty for wishing she would turn her back on it all. To him, no matter how the past was viewed, it was still the same pile of unchangeable, regrettable stones.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Tempter's Snare

“Shanks snickered with delight. “It’s the end result that matters, doll. Only the victor walks away with his head intact. Every soldier on this ship knows that as well.â€�

Eena glared hard at the smirking giant. “Oh, and one more thing. Kira really hates you.�

Shanks broke out in such a fit of laughter that even Kode found it contagious. Niki smacked her boyfriend on the back of the head for being insensitive.

(Kira did not say that,) Ian groaned critically.

(So what? It’s true,) Eena grumbled. (I hate him too.)

(I don’t know why you let the guy get under your skin. Who cares what he thinks? You have nothing to prove to him.)

Eena glared harder at the laughing Viidun as she thought about what bothered her most. It was the way Shanks acted, as if he considered himself superior to everyone. The thug was always bossing people around, snubbing their opinions, surpassing others at even the most trivial accomplishments. But the worst thing was that he honestly saw himself as invincible.

(The guy is full of himself, so what? Just let it roll off your back.)

If only simple advice were as simple to carry out.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“If only simple advice were as simple to carry out.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“What secrets?â€� Eena blurted out.

Kira answered the question by defensively listing them out on her fingers. “How about the fact that Derian was coming for you in a few short days, or the fact that Gemdorin was forcing you to search for some magic gem we were all unaware existed. How about the knowledge of your unusual powers that you stupidly used to infect the Ghengats, which was also a secret you kept to yourself until it was discovered by Gemdorin, making it too late for us to do anything about preventing you from being beaten half to death! You hide things as if you think your abilities are so superior to what the rest of us can possibly contribute!�

Eena shook her head adamantly. “That’s not what I think…�

“It’s how you behave. It’s how you come across to everyone. Your selfish actions speak a helluva lot louder than your hollow words or your foolish intentions.�

The young queen felt a rise of tears burn her eyes. “My intentions are not foolish. All I ever meant to do was protect those around me.�

“By keeping us in the dark? That’s not protection, girl. That’s neglect.�

Eena sniffled as fresh waterworks ran down her cheeks. Her face twisted up, confused. “People get hurt when they’re involved in my ±è°ù´Ç²ú±ô±ð³¾²õ.â€�

â€Àá²Ô our ±è°ù´Ç²ú±ô±ð³¾²õ.â€�

“N´Ç! My problems!â€� she insisted.

Kira threw up her arms. “There you go being all selfish again!�

Eena sucked in a ragged breath, almost crying out the next question. “How do you figure that’s being selfish? I’m trying to keep everyone safe!�

“And what did I just get through telling you about that idiotic notion?�

Eena looked up at the ceiling. She raised her palms in frustration as she bawled. “I don’t know what else to do! What do you want from me?�

Kira stepped forward and knelt in front of her tortured sister. Her hand rested gently on Eena’s knee as the Mishmorat’s gruff countenance melted. A softer, kinder voice answered the desperate question.

“We want you to understand that the world doesn’t rest on your shoulders. You’re only responsible for a small portion of what happens daily on Moccobatra. Life isn’t dependent upon you alone, Sha Eena. It’s dependent upon all of us. We’re a team. We work together doing our own part. We need you to be part of our team, not a single entity existing on your own.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“She covered her mouth while her promised one slipped back into the rock he now considered his eternal tomb.

Pallador took possession of the scarlet gem and returned it to its dark hiding place. Eena couldn’t move. She stood frozen, facing the wall of mirrors, staring at a pathetic image that mourned in endless repeated reflections. This would be her agonizing eternity if she agreed to stay in Tribanees. This would be her hell—seeing her beloved day after day after day, unable to feel his touch or know his physical affections. This was no blessing in tragedy. Cursed be the immortal that believed time was more precious than love. Her answer to Pallador’s offer was an irrefutable and definitive no.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“You will want to stand close by, but don’t touch it. Just allow your hands to hover. Pretend an atmosphere of acidic gas exists between you and the gemstone, and if you get too close, the acid will eat the flesh off your fingers.â€�

“That won’t actually happen, will it?�

“No, Amora. I’m just warning you not to touch it.�

“Why? What if I do?�

“The enchantment will fail.�

“From a simple touch?�

â€Ô¨±ð²õ.â€�

“W³ó²â?â€�

“B±ð³¦²¹³Ü²õ±ð.â€�

“Because why?�

Edgar groaned a sound of annoyance. “Because if you touch it, the stone will suck out your living essence in the most painful manner possible and consume your flesh before turning your bones to powder.�

Her face twisted up imagining the agony of such a death. The worst part was that being immortal, she would somehow survive it.

“You’re lying,� she quickly decided.

“Am I?�

“You just said the flesh won't be eaten off my fingers.�

“If you don’t believe me when I tell you not to touch it, feel free to test the outcome of such folly for yourself.�

“I think I’d rather not.�

“A wise choice. Shall we move on?”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“Thank you." After rounding the couch, the young queen sat her hip on the cushy armrest. Her thoughts went back to the impromptu party in the commissary the night before. “I assume no Mishmorats or Viiduns are missing. Do you know if any real mischief took place last night after we left?â€�

“None you need to worry about,� Ian told her. She could see he was hiding something by the twinkle in his eye.

“What happened?� she asked, certain he had a story to tell.

“Let’s just say there may be an influx of soldiers visiting your garden.�

Her eyes scrunched, unable to guess what he was talking about. “Okay, and why?�

Ian’s shoulders jostled with a snicker. “Efren showed off your garden to Kira last night. She discovered the warm pond. You know how your sisters have a fondness for swimming in their underclothes.�

“Oh great,� Eena groaned.

“But don’t worry about it too much, Queenie, there is a deterrent.� Ian let go a laugh he couldn’t quite stifle.

“What deterrent?� she asked, grinning at his amusement.

“Shanks likes to swim too.�

“O³ó?â€�

“Actually, he prefers skinny dipping.�

“Ew! Ew, Ian, like I need that image in my head!�

(Now you know how I feel on a regular basis,) he said, cracking up.

After a moment of grossing out, Eena all but begged Ian, “Please, can we change the subject.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“You are part of our sisterhood, girl, which means for life. We rely on you, and we need you to rely on us. We’re sisters, trusting in each other always. If I don’t know what’s happening in your life, there’s no way I can help. And if I can’t help, then I’m of no value. Don’t do that to me.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“It doesn’t ever change. Does the sun not set in your dreams?â€�

Eena grinned at his profile, remembering the first time Ian had noticed the same peculiarity. “No. It never sets.� She watched his brow wrinkle as he wondered at the view.

“What good is a stagnant sunset?�

Eena looked at the auburn lights. The question made her think for a moment. “Well, it’s always exactly what I want it to be, right between day and night.�

“But I thought the beauty of a sunset was watching it change, marveling at the shift in colors as they intensify and then eventually fade.�

“All that leaves you with is darkness,� she muttered.

He turned to look at her. “You’re afraid of the dark?�

She shook her head. “I’m afraid of what happens in the dark.�

A look of concern questioned her meaning.

“Nightmares,â€� she explained. “And solitude. And loneliness. The dark is where monsters come to life and people feel the need to leave you. Life is never secure in the dark. You never see things clearly in the dark.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“I’ve worn Niki’s pants for two days now. I thought a third day in the same clothes might be pushing it.â€�

Ian shrugged with indifference. “It might send Derian through the roof, but it doesn’t bother me. Wear what you want to wear.�

Eena wrinkled her nose at him. “Do you really feel that way or are you trying to appear more laissez-faire than Derian?�

“More laissez-faire?�

“Yes. That’s a real word.�

“Two words actually,� he grinned. �Laissez faire et laissez passer, le monde va de lui même!" He coated the words with a heavy French accent. Eena gawked at him.

“Since when do you speak French?�

“I don’t.� Ian chuckled. “But I did do some research in world history the year I followed you around on Earth. Physics was a joke, but history—that I found fascinating.�

Slapping a hand against her chest, Eena exclaimed, “I can’t believe it! Unbeknownst to me, Ian actually studied something in high school other than the library’s collection of sci-fi paperbacks!�

He grimaced at her exaggerated performance before defending his preferred choice of reading material. “Hey, popular literature is a valuable and enlightening form of world history. You would know that if you read a book or two.�

She ignored his reproach and asked with curiosity, “What exactly did you say?�

â€Àá²Ô French?â€�

“Duh, yes.�

“Don’t ‘duhâ€� me, you could easily have been referring to my remark about enlightening literature. I know the value of a good book is hard for you to compreh±ð²Ô»å.â€� He grinned crookedly at her look of offense and then moved into an English translation of his French quote. “Let it do and let it pass, the world goes on by itself.â€�

“Hmm. And where did that saying come from?�

Ian delivered his answer with a surprisingly straight face. “That is what the French Monarch said when his queen began dressing casually. The French revolution started one week following that famous declaration, right after the queen was beheaded by the rest of the aristocracy in her favorite pair of scroungy jeans.�

“You are such a brazen-tongued liar!”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon's Soul

“Rescuing Derian would mean suffering the wrath of the immortal governing body. It would mean breaking their abiding rules, facing another trial where her fate would be determined by beings compassionless to the mortal effects of time. It would quite possibly mean a dire sentence for Eena, and worse, the fulfilling of Ascultone’s prediction about her. Even so, there was no way she could abandon Derian, not now that she knew for certain he was alive. She could not turn her back on the man who had sacrificed every bit of his life for her, the man who had done nothing but remain loyal and undaunted in pursuing and protecting her since the day she was born.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Eena, The Tempter's Snare