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Roni Hall

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Rienzi Testimonial

The summer after high school graduation, Roni worked two jobs to pay for nursing school. During the midnight shift as a waitress, a charismatic young man at the counter flirted with her for hours as he consumed seven cups of coffee. Their first date was eventful enough to be a book itself! Forty-some years and two kids later, the love story continues. Just like her novels, life can’t be too simple and you must make it an adventurous ride!

Her favorite place to write is in her hammock at their small Michigan cottage where she literally dodges the feeding hummingbirds while being serenaded by the lake’s loons. Besides writing, she loves hiking, biking, and antiquing. The pandemic has taught me to savor time with family and dear friends. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. ronihall.com

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Uncaged welcomes Roni Hall

Welcome to Uncaged! Can you tell us more about your latest release, Third Man on the Left?

Thank you so much for the invite! I’d be happy to. I love stories about heroes-everyday, unsuspecting heroes who step up to do the right thing at the right time, especially female heroes.

In Third Man on the Left the main character, Dani, is a young woman who unfortunately did not have the best environment growing up. Her father was mentally and emotionally abusive causing Dani to be an insecure young woman. After years of her father’s negative upbringing, she believed his repeated claims that she was incompetent and flawed.

As an ER nurse Dani knew better but took the blame for the death of a toddler patient. To redeem herself, she volunteers for a six-month medical mission to Tanzania. When the mission is savagely attacked, her very survival and that of four others depends solely on her. Her competency is put to the ultimate test. Many of us don’t know what we are fully capable of till we are tested. Heroes dig deep when they see others in distress.

After years of abuse Dani believed that seeking help from others was a sign of weakness. Trauma can affect how one feels about themself and how they relate to others. Many everyday heroes neglect their own well-being when others are in need. Being strong doesn’t mean going it alone. Get help, seek assistance and counseling if needed. Especially, if like my heroine, Dani, you have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or any type of abuse: physical, emotional, mental, sexual. There is no shame or stigma in needing or asking for assistance to help you heal. You are not alone. Even heroes need help sometime. Trauma and abuse are never your fault.

What are you working on next that you can tell us about?

No comment…the work is still in its infancy stage, and I don’t like to comment till it is near completion…which it is not! LOL But I can tell you that the story revolves around a woman who is put to the test.

What is the most difficult scene for you to write?

Filling in necessary backstory is always difficult for me. The information is vital, but it must flow and not feel awkward or forced. It can’t be too much or too little; it’s a fine line.

What is the easiest?

Tense, emotional scenes are the most fun though it takes numerous edits and rewrites. I keep tweaking it to get it just where I want it, and when I do, it’s heaven!

Do you have a favorite character you’ve written?

Dani is my favorite. She is flawed, fragile and insecure all due to her history of emotional/verbal abuse by her father. For her own self-worth she tries to prove herself at work as a nurse. Taking one day at a time, she manages to cope until she takes a toddler patient’s death personally. Dani thinks she is weak but when the lives of other are threatened, she has a spine of steel.

How do you come up with the title to your books?

With THIRD MAN ON THE LEFT, I pulled the title out of a pivotal scene. The third man on the left saved Dani in more ways than one…I can say no more! No spoilers here.

What behind-the-scenes tidbit in your life would probably surprise your readers the most?

I am a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. I am a nurse but retired from formal work now. I love to cook, studied and practiced the art of calligraphy, dabbled in stained glass works and wood working classes/projects, was a long-distance runner and completed three 26-mile marathons. I am an antique dealer, political activist and last, but not least, an author. Even though I did enjoy writing earlier in life, I didn’t formally attempt writing for pleasure until a decade ago.

Oh, and I love to travel!

Which comes first, the plot or the characters in the planning stages?

For me, the plot comes first. Then I birth the characters and like a parent, watch them grow, mature, make mistakes and hopefully learn from them.

Some turn out good, some not so good. Their journey through the story changes by how they react to the circumstances thrust upon them. They are unpredictable

| rONI HALL |

at times, but I let them work it out as they see fit. I become quite attached and protective of them and hate to see them leave me when the story ends.

What are some things you like to do to relax when you aren’t writing or working?

Getting away to our cottage is my reset. It’s on a small lake where I appreciate being outside four seasons a year. I enjoy biking, hiking, swimming and kayaking.

It may sound odd, but writing is relaxing for me… when I’m not on a deadline that is. My cottage is also my writing hideout…my ‘office’ is in my hammock where I dodge the hummingbirds and listen to the haunting call of the loons. Being outside inspires me.

If you could have one all-year season, which would it be and why?

That’s a tough one. Here in Michigan each season offers so much and has its own pros/cons. But if I had to choose, it would probably be early fall when the lake water is still warm, the mornings are crisp and the afternoons toasty. The scent of fall seasons the breeze like no other time of the year. And fall

Do you prefer ebooks, audiobooks or physical books? Are you reading anything now?

I prefer an actual physical book because I love the feel of it in my hands and it takes me back to simpler times. I was resistant to an e-reader for a long time; however, I can’t deny the convenience of an e-reader when I am traveling and having a library at my fingertips is a bonus. Audiobooks encourage me to walk for long periods as I can take a story with me and forget that I am exercising.

I have always been a Stephen King fan and I recently started re-reading some of his classics that I read decades ago. The Stand is one of my favorites!

What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?

Read, read, read! In this time of social media and 24-7 news in the palm of our hands, I worry that reading ‘books’ for pleasure will fade away, especially for young adults. All types of worlds open to you when you read, exposing your mind to emotions, characters and worlds you never dreamed of.

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Enjoy an excerpt from Third Man on the right

Third Man on the Left Roni Hall Contemporary Romance

Tragic stories are common in the ER but nurse Dani takes the blame for a toddler patient’s death personally, confirming her abusive father’s belief that she is inept. To prove her competency and free herself from overwhelming guilt, she volunteers for a humanitarian mission trip to Tanzania where she can focus on doing good.

Prior to leaving, she meets the love of her life, Noah, who says he will wait for her. However, her mission partner/physician, Carter, is a surfer poster boy who has a thing for Dani. Noah’s gut tells him something about the picture perfect doctor is off but the expedition goes on.

Weeks into her trip the mission is savagely attacked by rebels and Dani is a microsecond too late to prevent her coworker from a devastating injury but saves him from certain death…for now. More rebels are on their way and Dani escapes into the jungle with four lives who are now solely dependent on her for their very survival. The ultimate test of her competency has begun.

Was the strike on the mission random, or was she an unsuspecting dupe in a smuggling deal gone bad?

Excerpt

Chapter 1

ter in her life and a new job awaited her. Just being dressed in a swing skirt and blouse for work instead of medical scrubs lifted her spirits. Her honey-brown hair landed on her shoulders rather than her normal upswept work bun. She exited the New York subway with a messenger bag slung over her shoulder and a bounce in her step, determined to make this change work. It’s got to work. Shaking her head, she refused to let her thoughts go down that slippery dark slope. Not today.

She checked her phone. Thirty minutes to kill. Don’t want to appear overanxious. Aha, coffee shop directly across the street from her new office. The line was short and she sat at a tall table with cell in hand trying to distract herself from the jitters of that awkward unavoidable first day on the job. God, is there anything worse? Somber thoughts rushed at her invitation. Okay, okay, sorry I asked. Pushing the demons back into their black hole, she closed her phone, stood up, and flung her messenger bag over her shoulder. Standing in place, she gulped the last of her coffee.

Her attention was caught by loud laughter behind her. It came from a man in his twenties sharing the table with a handsome dark-eyed guy in his thirties. The curls of his wavy brown hair hid one eye as he looked in her direction.

Loud laughter from the younger man interrupted her mid-swallow and she turned their way. His laugh was infectious. She smiled, which seemed to increase his cackling. What’s so funny? The younger guy was elbowing the cute guy repeatedly. She turned her back to them which sent the loud one roaring.

Turning to them again she now noticed another table of coffee drinkers staring her way and smiling. The taller, cute guy stood up, looked at her with a furrowed expression, took a step toward her then stopped, took a step again, then glanced at the floor. The joker stood, now howling, and pointed behind Dani. She turned her head and looked down only to see her rear fully exposed. The strap of her bag had caught her skirt and lifted it for all the world to see.

| rONI HALL |

Why had she worn a thong instead of the panties she’d first picked out?

Mortified, Dani pulled her skirt down as her face scorched with embarrassment. Her feet couldn’t get her out of there fast enough, but as she reached the exit, she stopped for a microsecond then did an about-face and marched back to the jerks’ table.

The younger guy was bent over still laughing and she couldn’t catch his eye, but the cute guy stood at attention so she turned to him judging him guilty by association. Shooting fiery daggers straight into his eyes, Dani stood inches from his face, but stayed silent. The intensity of her raw anger blocked any coherent words. Instead, she hoped lingering for a few seconds sent the message her voice couldn’t articulate. Had he stood up to get a closer view or to alert her of her clothing malfunction? She would never know as she pivoted on her heel and strode out. Fuming, her embarrassment was replaced with rage and confusion of how the humiliation of one human being could be so humorous to another. Shake it off! It’s a new day and a new beginning. Dani stopped and shook her shoulders, then turned and continued on her way. Assholes.

Arriving at the entrance to We Are One (WAO) Dani took a minute to gather her composure. I’m good. She pasted a smile on her face and pulled the thick glass door open, entering into a new employment experience. She walked toward the receptionist.

“Hi, I’m Dani Roberts. I’m the new Medical Liaison for Fundraising. I was told to ask for Michael Kelser.”

It took only a minute for the Administrative Manager to appear. Michael was an attractive man, fortyish with blue eyes and a kind smile.

“Welcome, Dani. I’m so excited to meet you in person. I’ve heard nothing but good things about you from our HR Department.” He shook her hand,

“As you know we’re a nonprofit group with worldwide outreach to end hunger and offer aid for humane causes. I personally feel so fortunate to be involved with an organization that can claim that as their mission statement. Follow me, and I’ll give you the VIP tour.”

The first floor was one large open space with side offices and an audio room which housed a grand piano and some equipment used for their promotion videos, marketing, and recordings. Before leading her upstairs, he showed her where her workspace was located.

The second floor housed a couple of large rooms, one equipped with another piano and assorted media art items. Michael led the way. “Marketing is a big part of what we do. It’s how we raise funds and without funds, there is no WAO. Our cause is great and people recognize that.” His pace was quick, and Dani, not used to wearing heels, struggled to keep up with him. “Everyone has official titles, but we all work together to achieve one goal, to do what we can to end hunger. Everyone checks their egos at the door.”

After an hour, Michael glanced at his watch. “Dani, we might as well throw you in headfirst. We have a meeting now regarding our new fundraising campaign and this is as good a time as any to start. Let’s go to the conference room and you can meet the rest of the crew.”

He guided her through the first-floor gallery and entered the glass-walled room where four people were seated around an oval table. Michael gestured for Dani to enter first, and she stopped dead in her tracks. Seated front and center was the cute coffee shop jerk who saw her ass.

Showcase BeatriceFairbanksCayzer

Beatrice Fairbanks Cayzer comes from an illustrious family. Her two ancestors who came to Upper Virginia in 1620 helped found their community. She founded the Cayzer Museum for Children in England where she was the wife of Stanley Cayzer, a grandson of Sir Charles Cayzer, founder of shipping companies that evolved into Caledonia Investments, and nephew of Admiral Lord Jellicoe, the second Governor General of New Zealand. Then she turned into writing.

In Oxfordshire, she wrote The Princes and the Princesses of Wales. In Guernsey, she wrote The Royal World of Animals. Returning to the USA, she wrote nine Rick Harrow novels, winning Book of the Year Award from the Horseracing Writers’ Association. In 2016, she had a sell out with The Secret Diary of Mrs. John Quincy Adams and in 2018 had another sell out with New Tales of Palm Beach.

beatricecayzer.com

Kidnapped in Jerusalem

Beatrice Fairbanks Cayzer Psychological Fiction

Dennis McLeary, sexually abused at age 6. At 18, he accepts sexual advances of a 14 year-old girl hoping to prove to himself that he is a normal man. Jailed for 17 years for having sex with the under-age girl, he is abused in prison by fellow inmates and the prison chaplain. Free at 35, he determines to better himself and hopes to have a normal marriage. Ensnared in a messy event, he escapes more prison time by becoming a waiter on a passengerfreighter. He gets leave from his ship to swim in Turkish waters, where he meets and falls in love with Myriam al-Montee, a half-Turkish half-Saudi Arabian Muslim woman. Instant adora-tion is reciprocated. Myriam elopes with Dennis, they are married by his ship’s captain. Myriam does not tell Dennis that her fanatical father, who hopes to use her to found his dynasty, is known to behead any person showing fondness for her. When three women are beheaded at her father’s orders, she warns Dennis, he could be next.

They hide from her father in Alexandria and in Cairo, but are located by her fa-ther’s agents in Jerusalem. Kidnapped, Myriam is brought to her father in Saudi Arabia. He orders her locked in a cell-like room in a desert house where recently a cousin has starved to death. After three months, she get help and relieved by Alf, an Oil field worker. He tries to rape her. Dennis, agonizing for her, would travel any where including to a country where they would behead him in order to reach Myriam. They find each other near a famous oasis in time to stop Alf from raping Myriam. But fate holds more vicious challenges.

~ ~ Ladybella ~ ~ “After reading this manuscript, I can say that I fell in love with Louisa Adams. She was a strong individual whose life story needed to be told. Louisa Adams made an impact. I couldn’t put the book down. A must read.”

I have never been to Morocco until reading this BOOK. What a wonderful trip it took me through. The mysterious possibilities that the characters of this story endure are nail-biting. This is truly a masterpiece that will enthrall all mystery and vampire fans. I highly recomend reading this masterpiece. I loved it.

~ ~ Samira Sowan ~ ~ “The author Beatrice succeeded to keep the reader thrilled to read every page in her book and to take us through the journey of the unique character of Louise and live the era of the 1700 and 1800.in such a fascinating way. I definitely enjoyed every page in this compelling story. A must read..”

~ ~ VIV ~ ~ “Reader observes as main personages meet the ups and downs that bruise those on the top level yet took to heart the enormous wrongs done to slaves in America and went into battle”

THE HARROW QUARTET takes the reader to many unusual places because the narrator Rick Harrow is a racehorse trainer, and a trainer has to bring his horses to the most likely tracks to win. The reader goes to Dubai, Russia’s St. Petersburg, romantic villages in Italy, tycoon homes and estates of the newly rich in Spain, and the wilds of Mexico’s most inaccesssble mountains as well as to its over-crowded and dangerous capital city.The characters vary from a Chechen terrorist to Milan’s exquisite models, to the wild west drug lords of today’s Mexico.

~ ~ Anthony Roberts ~ ~ Inspiring story of a great lady.

~ ~ garbonzo ~ ~

Here is another installment from Beatrice Cayzer’s fabulous series featuring Happy and Rick Harrow. Travel with them as the traipse across the

globe from one extravagant horse exhibition to the next, and finding trouble wherever they go. Cayzer’s prose is filled with vibrant imagery, plenty of action, and enough hanky-panky to make a sailor blush. These stories are great fun, and will have you coming back for more. Fans of any of the modern detective series found on BBC/PBS will feel right at home. Don’t be surprised if these adventures are turned into their own small-screen production. Enjoy!

~ ~ Cathryn Elwyn ~ ~

It’s not every day that jockeying, an estate in the British countryside, and a complication involving the president of Russia figure in one story, but best-selling author Beatrice Fairbanks Cayzer is nothing if unpredictable. Deaths, conspiracies, and . . . a threat to beloved Happy’s life? This has got to be BFC’s best yet.

~ ~ Brett Virgo ~ ~ I just finished reading this wonderful book. I was so hooked I could not put it down. I highly recomend this Murder Mystery. It will not disappoint. Each chapter draws you in, that you have to keep on reading. I am eager to see what BF Cayzer will come up with next.

~ ~ DEE ~ ~

Murder by Medicine is a deliciously delightful book that reminds everyone of how wonderful London can be, during the Season. The descriptive scenes take you there with intrigue and GLAMOUR! Horses, men and murder are an intoxicating read in the hands of B. F. Cayzer. Without a doubt, Murder by Medicine is one of the best books that I have read. It is a perfect gift for any stylish acquaintance or be wickedly selfish and keep it all to yourself!

~ ~ Cathy ~ ~ If you like murder mysteries, this is a great book to read. It brings you into the horse people who have their own ideas of life. It travels from Ethiopia to England with fast paced action. Do read.

3-Page Special Promo X.O. hartzler

X.O. Hartzler believes that it’s never too late to have found a passion through words and tales. He simply wishes to create a place where readers can escape the world, even for just a moment. Decent authors, especially those who dwell in the realms of fantasy, are becoming less prevalent as the clock turns. His wish is to shine a light over a new land, as his stories are meant merely to be enjoyed, while leaving behind the insanity of the world. Hopefully this book has found its way to cherished readers, and perhaps made an impact in some way.

Academy’s Memories X.O. Hartzler Fantasy

Academy’s Memories is to be the second installment in a new age of fantasy novels. Successor to Stones Beneath the Mountain, the story takes place eleven years after one particular wizard nearly jeopardized the land of Bauzzurath. However, the new queen of DuLock and her party of misfit adventurers find themselves yet another bizarre adversary: a cruel elven leader who lives and breathes beneath the power of the moonlight. What has become of the Gravelbacks and of some the other familiar faces? One must step forth into the academy to find out. Come and join the action, drama and adventures.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

BOOK TITLE – Academy’s Memories: The Second Gravelback Novel AUTHOR’S NAME – X.O.Hartzler Q: What’s the hardest thing about being an author?

The “hardest thing” about being an author, quite simply to me, is how one discovers the words to properly portray the story they are attempting to display. A constructed narra-tive is one approach, a goofy gutbuster is another. Choosing which route to take and which dialect to use in order to sketch a picture in one’s mind requires focus, devotion, and perhaps above all, much creativity. There are thousands of ways to tell a single story, yet only one way will be written in ink.

Q: What is the best thing about being an author?

The “best thing” about being an author is obtaining the ability to share one’s creation with the world. I know I’m not alone in the fact that little stories play in one’s mind through-out the day. Whether one is more like me and they enjoy delving into the fantasy realms where bizarre magics and creatures reside, or whether perhaps their stories remain more modern or scientific, transferring those images onto paper can seem daunting. Even still, once one has applied the effort and dedication to writing the rough draft of something, the product will reach the eyes of another. Having someone read and enjoy something which you have created… Now that is the “best thing” of it all.

Q: What book changed your life?

How is one to choose a single book? However, anything written by my favorite fanta-sy authors, which include R.A.Salvatore, Terry Brooks, Weis & Hickman, Tolkien (of course), could be considered life-changing as they

Q: What inspired you to write this book?

This book is a sequel to my first, and as much as I would like to simply answer “time”, that would be a lie. Prolonging the Gravelback series is truly the answer. My lovely wife was the one who really convinced me to sit and begin typing out the things in my head, and even-tually my ADD took over and finished the two books.

Q: How would you describe your style of writing to someone that has never read your work?

My “style” is a bit unorthodox. Regardless of if someone had described it as dishev-eled, modern, or perhaps the opposite—as antiquated or even mature—I could argue either point on the matter, for they are all possibilities. Still, I chose my route, and the way I wish to tell my stories is mine, alone.

Q: Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally?

Controversial or existential questions are not my forte, yet for me, I would say that writing moves as a river does. Some days the river remains undisturbed, a flawless picture of marble or glass which makes perfect sense to anyone who sees it. Yet many things may affect the river—A storm, for example, will alter its course, creating rampant and muddy waters which prove more difficult. The same variables affect writing. Some days it proves effortless, and others, well…

Q: What is the take home lesson you wish your readers will learn after reading this book?

There is no isolated or overarching lesson, just simple stories to be read and enjoyed. Whether one is to view fiction as a fable, or whether something is morally obtained, that is up to them.

Q: What books are currently in your to be read pile?

My “to be read” pile is unfortunately much larger than I wish it to be, yet many of the books within are much older. I recently picked up the life works of one H.P.

Q: Anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Of course. I hope to whoever’s eyes my words may reach, that they savor the moments of their own lives. A “short time” is the depiction that we are all given at a young age, and there is much truth in that. Value your time, cherish those around you, and read more books! I hope you can relax throughout the Gravelback series and throughout whatever else the future may hold. Thank you all for your support!

Book Excerpts

Nothing alters the boundaries of the mind quite like the death of recent. Practiced attachments and customary love are only to be forgotten. Although typically unspoken, family and ancestry united create the focal point of foundation among many dwarves, particularly the Southern dwarves of DuLock. Many of their once-plentiful lives had been stolen away after the Great Battle where the deceitful wizard, clad in robes of crimson, introduced a foreign power that rivaled even their greatest of warriors. Fallen from the throne was the esteemed king, cherished leader among the mountain fortress, and having taken his place, a young she-dwarf whom the former royalty discerned practically as a granddaughter; family. No such trial had plagued the rock sanctuary before the inauguration of the dwarves, and no such trial had since the fateful days. Instants turn to moments, moments to periods, and the passage of time remedies many traumas, both fleshly and conceptual.

Recent death is relative only to one, as each affected person is affected quite differently. Occasionally, the undesired death, whether it be superfluous, accidental, or even unsolicited, may be necessary to prolong the lives of the many. The she-dwarf who had rightly taken control of the throne had made an abundance of punishing decisions that ultimately led to her unquestioned leadership;

She’d even had to decimate her own father, her only parent that lived. Nothing developmental could have ever prepared the girl for having made a decision so mortifying, but it had indeed been necessary. The advancement of time kept the voyage afloat. She had forgiven herself, but how could an act so repulsive ever be selfforgiven? Still, as seconds turned to moments, her jurisdiction carried forth, and all who loved her had learned also to admire her, as passing time helped to heal their own personal wounds of loss. There was one dwarf, however, who’s life had become considerably more unfathomable since the massacre of the many, which included the execution of his own brother. KaRina Gravelback was well renowned among the Clan she had forged from the remains of the Great Battle. All had come to love and respect her as the overseer of their people, and after eleven years had passed, her word had become absolute. After having called for a council in what had appeared to have strange timing on an arbitrary day, all members of Clan Gravelback, still roughly two thousand strong, had shown their faces to the queen beneath the mountain. KaRina did not have a difficult time with her line of questioning, as she thoroughly explained the predicament that was presented before her that same day. There would have been no secrets between Southern dwarves, although there was a moment which she had carefully considered slipping away from DuLock unnoticed. The loyalty of the dwarves was fortified, however, especially through the battle that their people had faced only sometime prior. Having held their fists to their chests as a symbol of acceptance and dignity, the queen understood that she could usher them through the icy winds of the North, or even through the molten heat of the volcano-riddled lands farther South than even DuLock. When their council had come to a satisfying conclusion, the dwarves began to pack their sentimental belongings for the long road ahead to Falor. The girl tried, also, to prolong her convincing tone as she stomped back to Castle DuLock. Rehearsing verbatim in her head the words she would speak seemed almost futile. What will his reaction be, she wondered, as she neared the door that was never to be knocked on. Peaceful, one may have imagined it to have been beyond the well-crafted jeweled handle. Another may have perceived it more as a prison of self-captivity. Times of required courage drew KaRina closer to the advice of her deceased parents, although they would have agreed that more time together would have benefitted them all. Well, things happen fer’ a reason, she thought as she began twisting the doorhandle. What awaited her on the other side, deep within the walls of Castle DuLock, was to her dismay. Positioned enigmatically upon the same stone chair he hadn’t abandoned for what may have been perceived as over a decade was the girl’s uncle, GaRod Gravelback. A once-decently maintained beard was then streaked with rays of wearisome grey, and similar streaks could be found atop his stubborn, unwashed noggin. A dilapidated briar pipe hung loosely from the edge of his parched lips, which emanated a soft orange glow that lit his face slightly in the gloomy room. His two eyes appeared tenebrous, almost vacant and expressionless as he stared into the nothingness of the stone wall. Before him would be found a table which supported only a couple of objects. One was the golden helmet of the Greyshield lineage, the forefathers and ancestry of kings that had originated the foundation of DuLock. Another was a necklace that contained a sizeable, alluring emerald. The jewel was owned by HeLena Gravelback, KaRina’s mother, GaRod’s deceased brother’s wife, and a dear companion of his own, although KaRina hadn’t recognized the jewel herself. Clearly, the item was a symbol for the purpose of mourning not only her, but also his brother. The emptiness within the grieving dwarf was startling, and his niece’s entrance in the room bore no effect on his emotions. He remained still as he stared absently toward the unattractive wall, silently mouthing something to himself.

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