Erl takes a bronze pin with green enamelled in-lays and grey glass inset from off his left shoulder where it rests purely for its message of beauty; it is large, half the size of his hand, cast in shiny swirls and sun glows that show light rays of the skies and the eyes of a Deity. “Wear this tribe brooch of beauty for the ceremony of welcome, it shows to all and to your son the respect we have for you as mother nurturer of this man-boy who is coming into his grown time and w

“What is Fire Keeper?” She looks at me for a few moments, saying nothing, then starts a Chant, singing; the voice is beautiful, a range high and deep, mead flowing warm, many words I do not understand, but she sings of fire, of her lore, her love, she-he has been taught and oathed to keep fire through winter and summer, never to let the fires die; people come to her for fire if glowing embers in their dwell darken, are lost, she feeds the fire spirits, keeps warmth, singing t

The picture is of my first paperback copy after two years of writing editing, lack of confidence, with friends reading and boosting my confidence that my debut novel is worthy of all the efforts and emotions written into it. Thanks to those who edited, commented and cared. Most thanks to whoever taught me to read and encouraged me with novels all of those years ago. I wonder what my first novel was; can any of you remember your first time?