What’s Halloween without witches and pirates? Well, witches for sure, but in my household and neighborhood, Halloween means pirates, too. Check out this local house, all decorated as a spooky pirate scene. It’s really awesome lit up at night with fog machine and piratical music.
When I was a kid, one of my favorite costumes was a witch. I’m still fascinated by witchcraft, and would like to know more about it. I’ve also spent a Halloween or two dressed as a pirate wench.
I first combined witches and pirates when I wrote a steamy paranormal novella called Marooned. In doing my research, I came across the notion of banishing spells, and knew I’d found the catalyst for the story. I had a lot of fun writing the rhyming spells. However, banishing spells are not a good idea. Do not try this at home. Seriously.
Marooned
by Lyndi Lamont
Steamy Pirate Romance
Blurb:
Heather Parnell is traveling from England to her home in Jamaica with her new husband, Roger, a man she detests. She performs a banishing spell with unintended consequences. When their ship is attacked by pirates, Roger is killed. Heather, disguised as a boy, joins the pirate crew.
Pirate captain Adam Langworth suspects there is something odd about the new lad. When he discovers she is a woman, she begs him to keep her secret, a violation of the ships’ articles. When her identity is discovered, Adam and Heather find themselves marooned on a deserted island with nothing to do for the rest of their lives but make love.
In this excerpt, Heather makes the fateful decision to banish Roger and his mistress Kitty from her life when she learns they intend to kill her.
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She moved to the bow of the ship, where she could be alone. The wind was strong, blowing the hood of her cape back. The crescent moon shone above, sending a faint illumination on the white caps below her and the sails above. She lifted her head, enjoying the feel of the wind on her face, in her hair. She was never happier than when she was outside, surrounded by the elements. Away from the petty squabbles and schemes of people…
She stood still for several moments, basking in the moonlight, the sound of the waves as they slapped against the hull, and the force of the wind. She was heading home to her beloved Jamaica. This should be a joyous occasion, and would have been had she found the right man. She pushed away her regrets and as she paused, soaking in the loving energy of the goddess, her spirits lifted and hope filled her heart.
What she was about to do was not without its risks. Her mother had cautioned her to be careful what she asked for. A negative spell could go badly awry.
But what did she have to lose except her life? And life was uncertain, at best.
Decision made, Heather pulled the paper with the names of her tormentors from the pocket of her cape as she formed the incantation in her mind. When she was certain, she held up the paper, focused on the evil being planned, and whispered,
——
“Foul murder intended for me.
Seek the pair who plan this deed.
Banish them first, by magic’s decree!
Send them from me.
So mote it be!”
——
She repeated the words, her voice growing stronger with each recitation. When the power within her peaked, she tore the paper into shreds and let the wind tear it from her fingers. “Send them from me. So mote it be!”
Drained of all emotion, she clutched the rail and stared out to sea. Her spell had been cast.
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Heather has no idea what forces she has unleashed with her spell.
If you want to find out, buy (or borrow on Kindle Unlimited) at: Amazon US, Amazon AU, Amazon CA, and Amazon UK.
What costume will you be wearing on Halloween? I’m debating between Hogwarts professor with pointy witch hat or pirate wench.
Linda / Lyndi
Thank you for having me!
LM: Your series sounds like loads of fun. What aspects of the world of the Regency era appeal to you?