Katy Westwind finds herself in danger from the cruel sheriff of Bellwood.
If that's not bad enough, there's a giant monster that flies down into the town once every ten years and devours everyone and everything it finds.
Town council has organized a lottery to choose a man to kill the monster before it awakens.
The lottery is, of course, fixed.
Prologue
This story unfolds on Belterra, an Earth-like planet set in a time reminiscent of the old American Wild West, around 1880. Long ago, the ancients brought humans to this planet. There were only four tribes: the warriors of magic, the spiritual soul keepers, the brilliant but unscrupulous scientists, and the strong, brutal, but efficient soldiers. However, with decades of intermingling, numbers have dwindled, and only the strongest, most forceful of each tribe have survived. Is it natural selection? Or is it fixed? This story follows the first two books, Belterra and Dark Return. You can blame my father for this sci-fi/romance/fantasy/western mash-up. We used to watch cowboys on TV together.
Saddle up for something different, Cowboy!
Chapter 1
The Invitation
“Miss Katherine must understand,” bellowed George Powers, Bellwood's large, imposing sheriff. He was a descendant of the old Soldier Guard of Eastwood, the once respected peacekeepers of the territory. Once an elected position, the sheriff’s position is now inherited, passed from father to eldest son.
“The economy is extremely tight at this time,” the sheriff continued. “Most households simply cannot afford to take in another person. And everybody knows Miss Katy Westwind has quite a reputation. Very outspoken. Overly educated for a woman of her station in life. And extremely headstrong.”
Powers held his head with both hands for dramatic effect. “Who in his right mind would purposely want to assume that kind of headache, responsibility, and aggravation without at least a decent dowry?”
“But because of the failing health of our esteemed citizen and noted healer Barton Westwind, who is loved by all, and in acknowledgement of his decades of service to our community in the healing arts, and the fact there are no other living Westwind relatives left in the area, or maybe anywhere in the world, I am willing to take Miss Katherine into my household as requested by her father.
“Of course, I do have a few stipulations. I would insist that Miss Katherine resign from all endeavors outside her assigned household duties at Powers House. I would expect her to refrain from her numerous public speaking engagements that do nothing more than rile up our womenfolk and make them irritable, dissatisfied, and hard to handle. And I would also have to insist upon the deed to the Westwind family home. Maybe renting it out would help me offset the cost of having another person to clothe, feed, and house in these lean and bitter times.”
“And where is my very ill, highly esteemed father supposed to live out his days while you are renting out our family home, Sheriff Powers? Under the bridge, perhaps, with the rats and the trolls?” answered the small-framed, fiery blonde Katy Westwind.
“Miss Katherine, is your father not here to speak for you?” blinked George Powers
“Mr. Powers, I think my father may have already spoken too much for me, sir, if he asked you to take me into your household without first discussing it with me.”
“Do you see what I mean?” Sheriff Powers chuckled as he looked around the Council chamber at the other members. “May I remind you, Miss Katherine, you are not getting any younger. Female beauty fades very quickly after fifteen or sixteen. And I do not see any other Council representative here willing to take you in.”
There was laughter and a low murmur throughout the Council chamber as George Powers puffed out his chest and grinned.
“I’ll take her,” came a voice from the last row. Everyone turned around to see where the voice came from. A tall, slim, impeccably dressed gentleman stood.
“Harper Ross of Ross House, of the Northford Family House of Science. I have known Miss Katherine since primary school. We are the same age, so I don’t feel she’s too old for anything. We were classmates. Katy is indeed very bright and well-educated for any station in life. I do not fear wise women. In fact, I like them.
“Ross House is large with plenty of room. If you, Miss Katherine, would like to come live with me, you are most welcome. You can invite your father to come and live out his remaining days with you, with us, if you wish. Renting out the Westwind House does seem to be a prudent and profitable idea in these challenging economic times. But I would assume no controlling interest over Westwind House. I would leave it in your very capable hands and act only as your advisor when requested.
“I would not ask you to change your habits, schedule, or prominent position in this community as a voice of reason and equality.
“Miss Katherine, would you consider moving into Ross House, not as a servant, but as my…companion?” Harper asked.
“Thank you, Mr. Ross, for your kind and timely offer. It is very much appreciated. I would like to know what exactly you require of me as ‘your companion’ before I can make a rational decision.”
“May we discuss this in private, Miss Katherine?” A blushing Harper asked as he looked down at the floor before him.
“Of course, Mr. Ross. You may call upon me at Westwind House at your convenience.”
Note from the author:
This story began its life on Vella, Amazon’s short-lived but innovative and exciting episodic reading platform, where episodes were released gradually, instead of the whole book at once. Authors could add little notes to their audience as they went along. I kept the author’s notes in this particular story because I realize most of you have not read Belterra and Dark Return. I am hoping these little nuggets of insight will help you enjoy Harper Ross.
Personally, I enjoyed the Vella platform. It works well in other countries. But sadly, it didn’t work out well here. So, I turned my eight Vella stories into eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks.
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