The opening scene for Providence Unveiled
So I’ve started writing the next Memory’s Wake novel, Providence Unveiled, the final in the trilogy.
I thought I’d post some of the first scene, since Hope’s Reign ends on a bitty bit of a cliff hanger, I thought those who’ve read it might like to see what happens next, and I mean, IMMEDIATELY next.
Now, this is my very first rough draft, so there may be errors, and it’s likely to change by the final version. Opening scenes are probably the ones I rewrite the most in revisions. But here’s the basic scene for everyone so that I don’t leave you hanging.
Oh, and of course SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS! You should have read Memory’s Wake, AND Hope’s Reign before peaking any further.
Providence Unveiled- Memory’s Wake Book three – Chapter One teaser
Memory laughed a strong, high-pitched laugh that made her sides ache. Dust hung in the air and the last small pieces of falling tiles and roof shingles clattered onto the surrounding debris. Her friends sat around her where they’d tumbled out of the collapsing tower. Eloryn, Roen, Clara, and Will, who sat close beside Memory. They were all powdered with dirt, but safe and mostly unhurt. Memory was sure one of her fingers was broken. She was grateful for it. Grateful that was all they’d suffered, that she was still alive. Will held her other hand. She couldn’t stop laughing.
Eloryn shook her head, one eyebrow raised at her sister. “It is not a joke. You are now the queen of Avall.”
Memory paused long enough to take a breath. “That’s even funnier,” she wheezed, and started laughing again. “I thought I was the crazy, irresponsible one, and then you go and make me queen!”
Memory wiped tears from her bottom eyelids and tried to breathe between her giggling. It didn’t help. Trying to stop only made it worse and her whole body shook with uncontained laughter.
Her friends were all sharing the same she’s really lost it look.
Then Eloryn chuckled.
Small at first, her laughter built until it matched Memory’s. She moved forward and wrapped her sister in a tight hug. Memory put one arm around her, the other hand still entwined with Will’s.
They laughed together, and Memory whispered, “What the hell happened? I’m really queen? What am I going to do?”
Eloryn whispered back, “You’ll manage. You’ll be great. I know you can do this.”
“I’ll try.”
“I’ll be there for you. Anything you need, anything I can do. You’re my sister, and I love you.”
Memory pressed her face into her twin’s shoulder. “Can you fix my busted finger?”
“Of course.” Eloryn tightened her hug. “I like your new hair color.”
“Want me to do yours? You’d rock a fading pink.”
Eloryn kissed Memory on the cheek. “Don’t ever leave me.”
They separated and stood up, smiling at each other. Will, Roen and Clara also stood by Memory, holding her hand, her shoulders, supporting her.
My family.
Memory still felt shaky and overwhelmed. She drew deep breaths, letting herself accept the support of her friends, accept that they were there for her.
She would manage. She would be great. For them.
Shocked servants and guards appeared at the end of the hall, gawking at the destruction. The entire tower was now a pile of rubble, and the wall it had been attached to was all but gone, opening the corridor to the cold winds of night outside.
Memory felt guilty for having a part in knocking down one of the palace’s towers. Not a great move for her first day as Queen.
Acknowledging the arriving servants, Clara said, “Wait here. I’ll go and organise help.”
“Thank you. Make sure no one was injured outside,” Memory said.
Clara nodded and took a step away, then with a puppy dog expression, turned back and gave Memory a firm hug. Then she hurried down the hall to speak with the other staff.
Roen moved in next and held Memory.
Memory giggled at the tag team. “I’m okay, really. I will be okay.”
Roen let go and looked insulted. “Do I need a near death experience to embrace you now? You’re already letting being queen go to your head.”
Memory laughed again, then stopped abruptly. A worrying realization hitting her. “Hang on. I’m the queen. That means… Hope got what she-”
Bright light filled the room, interrupting Memory…
Oops. Oh no, I’ve left you on a cliffhanger again! Sorry about that :p
The good news is, I’m writing as fast as I can. I really don’t want to make everyone wait too long for this final installment! But of course I also want to make it good. A trilogy has to finish in a big way.
What do you think is going to happen? What unresolved issues are you waiting to see resolved?
