It’s #BookQW and the ‘charge’ isn’t Coral’s problem.
More from Chapter 1:
“Nay,” Coral said quickly, just as Pearl called, “Point taken for harassing your opponent.”
Coral threw her a grateful glance. Spike shouldn’t even consider that a possibility—she didn’t. What trick was he up to here?
“That’s right.” Lemon flew up behind Spike. “Penalty. Spike sits this one out.”
“In your dreams,” Spike snapped. “She’s not going to represent us at the title match. I am.”
Hoy, that’s what this was about? “You had your turn last year. Beating you the last five matches means I’m taking my turn as top duelist fair and square.” Her braided hair bouncing, Coral darted into position. “Lemon, blow the start whistle so I can make it six.”
Instead, Lemon flew forward and punched Spike. The fist to his jaw sent Spike off balance. He dropped backward.
With yelps, Coral and Pearl dove to catch him. So did Lemon. Spike regained his wings and heaved upward. He veered around Pearl and slammed into Lemon. Arms swinging, they rammed into Coral.
Grunting bodies shoved hers, then—
“Oof.” The breath went out of her. The next thing she heard was Pearl screaming her name.
The ferocity made Coral blink.
Air was rushing past. Then magic tingled over her, bringing Coral alert. She arched her wings—what should have been an automatic reaction—but she’d already slowed, thanks to Pearl’s energy net.
Pearl shot into view, shouting a warning to others darting skyward as she crushed Coral’s hand in an iron grip. “Easy,” Pearl said to her. “Let’s get to the ground.”
“Lemon? Spike?” she gasped.
“Gits! They’re punching each other upward. The others will break it up. Luckily, I saw you fall.”
Aye, she’d lost a dangerous amount of altitude for Pearl to have yelled like that. Pearl got her down, and Coral collapsed. The vest that guarded her energy cores from the charge of the shockballs had done nothing to pad the kick. Her shoulder throbbed. Sitting made it worse, so she leaned into Pearl while everyone got to the ground. The other older duelists gathered to confer, but much as Coral wanted to look tough, she couldn’t even pretend to pay attention.
“Matches are over for the night,” Pearl said, catching Coral’s attention. “I propose that Coral retain her position for the title match during Fest. After this fight, other matches are up to her.”
~~~
A hotshot duelist and a wanna-be sailor become entangled in a sailing race, lost dolphins, magical dueling…and the unsteady waters of love.
This outdoor adventure can be read as a first in series. Sail into Lost Whisperer of the Seas everywhere ebooks are sold.
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