I want to invite you on an adventure.

In this world we live in with all the daily tasks, chores, to do lists, work, family, church, relationships, responsibilities, and so much more, sometimes it’s nice to slip away and escape it all. You don’t even need a 10 day long vacation to escape, either. Sometimes it can just be a few minutes to get away, get quiet, fellowship with God, and find renewed strength in the Word of God. Furthermore, we can decide to enjoy all the little moments and connections with others during the daily things required of all of us. We’re only one thought away from having a good day! Saying all of this, I want to invite you on an adventure. A short escape, if you will. This is an exciting excerpt from my Christian Historical Novel called Tairseach. Come away with me to England, June 1814…….

“I do love you. I beg of you to tell me what I’ve done to make you tremble so.” Glancing back to Brett, Meg saw he was almost within reach. She took in his longing, heartfelt eyes, trying to process what he was saying. Brett carefully reached out and touched her hand. When he did, a small yet noticeable crazed looked flashed across his face.

“Be careful who you think you can trust.” The well-known warning returned to her.

“No…,” she breathed and pulled her hand away from his. Meg backed away and watched Brett reach for something behind his back. Time seemed to slow when her eyes beheld a pistol in his hand.

“Meg! Run,” Kelton shouted. It sounded distant to her, like an echo on the wind.

Brett held up the gun with shaking hand and pointed it directly at her. Meg was frozen. She heard the click as he pulled back the hammer. Try as she might to seek cover, her body wouldn’t move. All she could do was stare at her fiancé. That is until she felt someone take hold of her hand. Kelton pulled her to the right and into the woods. Gunfire suddenly thundered through the sky. To his horror, he felt Meg’s hand tug his. He looked over as she fell to the ground.

“Meg, no!” he cried hoarsely.

“I’m alright,” she breathed and grasped his other hand for assistance. Kelton, nearly overcome with relief, realized she only tripped. Brett had missed his target. Quickly helping Meg to her feet, they were off.

Meg’s heart felt as if it would beat out of her chest, especially after hearing the pistol go off. They were both astounded that the men had guns at all. This was no mere game to them but a threat to their very lives.

Why am I so important to them? Why do they seek my life? Kelton helped her as they ran as fast at their feet would carry them.

With his adrenaline subsiding a bit, pain began to blur his vision. For the first time, he felt warm blood on the side of his head, rolling down his face. Each time he exhaled, his stomach and ribs pounded. But they couldn’t stop now. They had to get to safety.

Meg wanted to look back to see how close they were being followed but knew it would only slow them down. Instead, she looked ahead, willing her feet to go faster. There was a clearing up ahead. The footsteps behind them seemed to grow distant. Were they actually making some headway?

“Stop!” Kelton bellowed and pulled her to a stop. There, only three feet in front of them was a huge drop off. They very nearly ran right over a cliff.

How could I be so daft? Now we’re trapped! Kelton panicked, trying to think through his discomfort. They slowly peered over the side of the jagged coastline. It was well over a hundred-foot drop with sharp rocks right before the freezing waves that crashed against the shore. The salty wind from off the coast caused the fog to drift away further inland. Blue skies peeked through the clouds. Kelton quickly searched on either side of them but there was nowhere to go.

“Stop right there!” Richard yelled. Kelton and Meg had no choice but to turn and face them. It was over. Richard got off his steed and pointed his pistol at them as did Brett. Meg’s eyes instantly met his. Only moments ago, he tried to kill her.

“You have nowhere to go…enough of this. Surrender yourselves to us and you will live,” Richard declared.

“What do you want with me? I’ve never done anything to you!” Boldness rose up in Meg. Richard didn’t reply but smiled wickedly.

“Go get them,” he ordered his men. They obeyed. Just then, Meg looked up for a tawny owl flew over them and along the coast. Hope washed over her the moment its call echoed. The two men were fast approaching.

“Do you trust me?” Meg whispered.

“What?” Kelton asked, never removing his eyes from the men. Meg turned around to the cliff and gazed over the vastness. The heavy breeze took her breath away. The owl called again.

“Do you trust me?” Meg was more sure than anything what they must do.

“Yes.” Was all he said as he desperately tried to think of a way of escape. They had to do something. How could he lead them to a cliff? It was all his fault. All of his unsettled doubt ceased when Meg took his hand and turned him to the cliff, stepping up to the very edge. Kelton glanced down at her hand holding his then up at her. When their eyes met, she was smiling ever so slightly. It was the very last thing he thought she would be doing at a drastic time such as this. All at once, he finally saw what she planned to do.

“Wait, what?” he blurted. Surely she didn’t mean for them to—

“Trust me,” Meg tightened her hold. Taking a deep breath, they jumped. Meg’s eyes were fixed on the sea below, coming at them at a fierce rate as the wind whipped past them loudly. Over the loud whoosh, Meg heard the noise of the tawny owl when time stood still. The ocean disappeared. In an instant, it was as if she was watching a dream unfold………

Thanks for coming with me on this thrilling adventure. This is just a tiny part of this fast paced, mystery-filled novel. Tairseach is a Gaelic word for Portal. It’s available online at kellyaulnovels.com, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. It’s appropriate for all ages.