As I await feedback on Gods of Rua from the last batch of beta readers (and cover art from the maestro) I decided to head north. As far as the road goes. In Canada, that is a long way. Damn near top o’ the world. I’ll be returning. Mucho inspirató.

Season of the Sun

Joy in the North, life was playful

as yellow butterflies chasing each other round the arctic circle

whirling dust devils rise in the delta heat

where the road ends

The Great Migration is underway

travelers from all corners of the continent

from the Old Country across distant oceans

to make fire with sky above and earth below

where wildflowers burst from ancient glaciers

and the midnight wind blows in cool, river sweet

swaying sleeping branches beneath a midday sun

The birds have long known

singing of truth

as children play below an endless blue sky

into a night that does not come

Distance swallows vision

the weight of human eyes

lost to tundra folding into horizon

into dragon spine mountains

and impenetrable forest

Last of the giants thrive

beasts of hoof, horn, and claw

at once feared and adored by travelers

Yet it is the water

brown and slow, clear and fast, silent and still

that is the pulse of this land

free of ice, it sings

while ravens speak with raindrops in their throats

and the solstice sun smolders over the legend of the Klondike

Golden Eternal