The Merchant Runner
During
the 1700’s the colonies bustled with cargo to trade and sell. Jamestown was one
of the stops the merchant ships made on their trek over the vast seas to places
like, England, Ireland and even as far as Africa.
In
the harbor the Captains of these large vessels dispensed the wares to the
owners who acquired them in turn taking a fee for themselves.
Most
merchants were well to do charging any amount they wanted to transport the
exports. If there was limited space upon their ship those who came to the docks
could pay a hefty sum for the last spot left in order for their goods to be
taken across the sea. The ships carried almost anything for a price, spices,
wine, food, tobacco, furs, glass, jewels, wood, slaves and even stowaways.
A
Merchant was a smart businessmen engaged in retail trade. Some operated their
own ships commanding their crew and all aboard, while others worked for
wealthy business owner’s inland transporting whatever they were given.
In
BLOOD CURSE, and SACRED LEGACY books 2 & 3 in The
Branded Trilogy, Kade Walker and Red Wolf are merchant runners, a family run
business started by Kade’s father, Samuel Walker. Even though I didn’t delve
into the life of a merchant within these books, I was compelled to research the
job and what it was these men did. They were tough individuals often fighting
for their rights upon the waters, and unwanted visitors such as corsairs, and
pirates. Cannons were kept below the ships deck in case of an attack and each
ship held a crew of ten or more men, all of who would sacrifice their life for
whatever they carried and their captain.
SACRED
LEGACY brings back Red Wolf, a merchant like his friend Kade Walker. Within
this story you will be introduced to Romulus Black, a nasty corsair who is
feared by most for his brutality toward others who sailed the sea.
Sacred Legacy
The Branded Trilogy
Book 3
Kat Flannery
Genre: Historical western paranormal romance
Publisher: Imajin Books
Date of Publication: July 31, 2016
Number of pages: 175
Word Count: 72,000
Cover Artist: Ryan Thomas Doan
Book Description:
Tsura is a Chuvani, and with that comes great power…
Desperate to escape the memories that haunt her, Tsura Harris returns to Jamestown, the very place her mother forbade her to go. A gifted Chuvani, Tsura has sworn off all magick, thus making her vulnerable to the Renoldi clan, who wish to kill her and take the pendant that is the key to her power.
Red Wolf is hell-bent on living his life on the sea, until he runs into Tsura on the docks. His pride wounded from her rejection years before, he hoped to never see her again. But when the evil Corsair, Romulus Black, demands to know where she is, Red Wolf must protect her, as is his duty.
CHAPTER ONE
SACRED LEGACY
Jamestown, Virginia, July 1740
Tsura
Harris lifted the hem of her green skirt and stepped up onto the wooden plank.
She clutched her reticule in her right hand and reached for the rope with her
left. The planked bridge swayed as the boat rocked against the seas. She stared
at the water below. White-capped waves crashed along the ship’s hull, rocking
the boat. She inhaled, forced her chin up, and took another step. She walked
the short distance to the boardwalk, releasing the breath she’d held when her
boot touched land. She planted both feet upon the wooden dock and set her
shoulders, but the reminder of why she was here intensified the weight upon her
chest. Despair was her shadow, and it was with her today.
“Sister!”
Her
brother’s deep, masculine shout came from above.
She
shaded her eyes from the hot afternoon sun and peered up at him. His stature
always shocked her. Micah Walker was six foot with broad shoulders and strong
arms, a spitting image of their father, Kade. His white shirt gaped open to
show the tanned skin beneath, a sign of too many days out on the water. Long
blond hair waved in the breeze. Her handsome brother had his pick of the
ladies, but still hadn’t settled down. It was a shame. She knew he wanted
children and a wife of his own, but his heart belonged to the sea and time
would lend him those favors only when he was ready.
“You
must wait,” he called and raced past his men carrying crates of goods onto the
wharf.
She
placed her bag onto the wooden walk and clasped her gloved hands together.
He
reached her, his cheeks glowing and dark eyes lit with mischief. Before she
could discourage him, he picked her up and swung her around. Her boots kicked
the bag, knocking it over, as his strong arms held her tight.
Micah
had always been affectionate. He never shied away from holding her hand,
kissing her cheek, or teasing her like a brother would. He’d come to her side
when she needed him the most. When her life had fallen apart, and she couldn’t
see past her own misery to pick herself up. He had carried her, and she loved
him for it.
“You
cannot go off without wishing me well.” He smiled down at her.
“If
you would simply release me, I’d be able to make it so,” she retorted. He was
the only one, aside from her mother and father, who she allowed to touch her.
“Very
well, nit.” He set her in front of him. The nickname he used for her was one of
endearment and came from her pestering him as a child.
“Thank
you.” She smoothed her skirt before bringing her eyes to meet his.
“You
do not need to do this.”
She
glanced away unable to stare at him any longer.
“Come
sail with me.”
She
shook her head. The urge to leave caused her legs to shake. She couldn’t be
around him any longer. His cheerful disposition haunted her and made her think
of things she’d rather forget.
“I
know you don’t want to speak of this, but—”
“No,
Micah.”
“Tsura,
you need to forgive—”
“Forgiveness
is not within my heart.”
“It
surely is.”
She
shook her head, careful not to release the many pins holding her thick
corkscrew curls in a loose chignon.
“It
is in all of us.”
She
glared at her brother.
“Do
not speak to me of forgiveness, brother. My heart is cold to it.”
His
dark eyes watered, and she knew her words had hurt him, but she didn’t care. It
was better this way—it was easier.
“Will
you not reconsider?”
“No.”
“Please
stay. I will protect you.”
Protection
was not what she needed. She could care less if she died. It’d be a relief from
the constant pain she felt each day.
“I
should’ve taken you to mother and father.”
“Do
not speak to them of my presence here.”
“They
will understand.”
“Not
one word.”
Micah
sighed. “As you wish.”
“I
must go.” Anger pressed on her spine, and she straightened.
His
shoulders dropped.
“Be
safe. Trust no one.”
She
nodded.
“I
port back in Jamestown one month to this day. You will be here.”
It
was not a question, and she didn’t know if a month would be enough. Would the
time between then and now ever fade from her soul? Would she be ready to
return? She didn’t know if she could go back and so she didn’t answer.
“Hiram
knows of you coming?”
“He
does.”
“Very
well.” He straightened and smiled. “Know that I love you.”
She
fought the tears. If Micah saw one ounce of sadness within her, he’d throw her
back aboard the Jade and take her
with him.
“As
I you.” She refused to say the words.
He
picked up her bag and handed it to her.
“Thank
you. Now go. You have work to do and whores to see.” She smirked.
“Ah,
that I do.” He pulled her into a final embrace. “You will find your way. I am
sure of it.” He held her away from him, and his eyes searched hers. “Remember
who you are.”
She
pressed on his chest and stepped out of his embrace. She couldn’t help the
furrow of her brow or the set of her chin. The reminders of the life she led
were never to be forgotten, and because of that she’d be forever lost.
Micah
sensed the change in her and left it alone. He bowed, and with a final kiss to
her forehead he walked away.
She
turned, unable to watch him go, raised to believe it was a sign of weakness, of
regret to watch one leave your life. This was meant to be. The world around her
had tilted, and even though she wanted nothing more than to go back in time to
the lavish house on the hill where she’d felt content, where laughter was but
an expression upon her lips, she could not. What had been was no more, and
she’d do right to remember it. One year had passed, but the ache inside her
soul still remained
About the Author:
Kat Flannery’s love of history shows in her novels. She is an avid reader of historical, suspense, paranormal, and romance. She has her Certificate in Freelance and Business Writing. A member of many writing groups, Kat enjoys promoting other authors on her blog. She’s been published in numerous periodicals throughout her career.
Her debut novel CHASING CLOVERS has been an Amazon Top 100 Paid bestseller. LAKOTA HONOR and BLOOD CURSE (Branded Trilogy) are Kat’s two award-winning novels and HAZARDOUS UNIONS is Kat’s first novella. Kat is currently hard at work on her next book.
Website: http://www.katflannerybooks.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/katflannery1
3 comments:
Thanks for having me on your blog today! :)
Great blog!
A journey back in time to a forgotten world of trade and exotic ports. Sounds like an amazing time.
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