Nina stood on her tip-toes, stretching to slide a case of paper towels onto the top shelf. She didn't like working in the grocery store during vacations, but working with Christina was another matter entirely. "I wish you were staying longer." Nina said, placing the last case on the shelf. "Why didn't you take the whole week off?"

The Advocate faces her toughest challenge as she enters her duel with araNyamArjAra -- to prove that humans are more than prey. The lives of those she swore to protect and the very future of her mission depend on her. Can a thirteen-year-old sorceress win a test of power against an immortal goddess?

A meeting with Ananisia to discuss her love life and a lecture about an ancient philosopher. The unexpected return of a family member places old matters in proper perspective. A parting in the early morning. A trip brings Tyra and Wanda to a dangerous valley. The meeting of an old flame. An old friend from the earliest days appears in the night. A new beginning?

A willing pupil for a dangerous game. A January - June romance, or let's keep it in the family. A power meeting with the Slavers Guild. Explaining to Daphne her new position in life. Nikolai's night ride is abbreviated. A last night in the palace is bittersweet. Tyra meets Kim in the garden and explains.

Synopsis: Tiffany and Brenda, already on the go in their assignment, are finding that their lives as women are more complicated than they first thought. What is it with men and their strange pull on them both? Can they resist falling in love?

An unexpected visit to Tulem brings an unwelcome surprise. Kat and Tyra visit the home of Kat's blood father. Tyra looks for a new dream. Kim's marriage brings on a sense of urgency. Daphne's betrayal brings new possibilities. Arranging a meeting with the Guild of the Slave Traders.

New bodies can be inconvenient. Out of chaos come possibilities. A deception ends and brings a new beginning. Elsbeth meets her match. Will Tyra's children come to know their mother?

A meeting with the family and a secret is kept. A tryst is discovered and a deal is struck. The Slavers Guild takes action and a rescue is arranged. A serum dart finds the wrong target.

A Lady is buried, but lives on in the Queen. A marriage begins to crumble. A killer is revealed. Founder's Day brings familiar faces and an unwelcome surprise from an old lover.

Synopsis:

A trip away from the school, but is it safe?

Ketrick becomes a consort. Learning to be a lady. Merton emerges into a very new world. Ketrick makes a surprising admission. Will Ann's lack of imagination doom her to slavery?

Tyra faces the Lords and changes the valley's future. Lady Katrina makes a proposal. Ketrick returns as Tyra's consort. Merton's time as a man comes to a close.

Synopsis: Brenda begins to uncover some pieces of the puzzle from the office gossip during Cheryl's last day. What she didnt count on was Mario's eyes latching onto her and the danger lurking within their midst...

Men: can't be a slave with 'em, can't stay free without 'em. Ketrick rides to Batuk, or the death of a warrior. Help in desperate times comes from Wanda and a Forest girl from days gone by. The Librarian's troubles are revealed, and a long-dead queen provides a key to Tyra's future.

        The next day felt like housewife boot camp to Christina. Misha had expanded the morning's cooking lesson to include all manner of domestic activities. Misha knew of Christina's rocky relationship with her mother and concluded that it was now her responsibility to prepare her niece for married life. Christina spent a good portion of the day in an apron, learning the proper ways to cook, clean, and do laundry. The truth was, Christina didn't mind doing "women's work." In fact, everything her aunt taught her would come in handy back home. What she objected to was the implication that she would need the information to tend house for some man. Still, she did not want to insult her aunt, so she played along. Nina was by her side the entire time, waiting for Christina to broach the subject of her date with David.

A chilly reception in the Great Hall leads to a bloody challenge. The fight for the palace commences, and Tyra faces the King in a final showdown. Could there possibly be a second queen in Tulem? Could a serum girl queen ever be confirmed by the nobility? And would she have the power to stop the war?

Secondary Education
Tyla Flowers
[email protected]

Chapter 4

Initiation

I wait in line at Target behind a squat Latina and her raucous brood. She barks shrill commands and threats, which they cheerfully ignore as they slip cheap toys into her already stuffed shopping cart. Her boyfriend ignores the anarchy as he adds an armful of last minute items to their tottering pile of goods. The cashier rolls her eyes at me she mindlessly scans the items, oblivious to the ongoing bedlam. I wink back, and smile. She is the perfect clerk for me.

Teaser:
The adventures of the ladies of the Eerie Saloon continue. Jessie tries something new, Trisha fights for her rightful place, and Maggie discovers a rival for Ramon's affections.

* * * * *

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change - Autumn
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson (c)2005
Part 3 - December

Sunday, December 3, 1871

Trisha stopped a few feet from the entrance to the schoolhouse. The building was filling with people come for Sunday worship.

"What's the matter, dear?" Kaitlin asked.

Eerie Saloon: Seasons of Change - Autumn
By Ellie Dauber and Chris Leeson (c)2005
Part 1 - October

Saturday, September 30, 1871

"You made it, Jessie," Paul said, walking over. "I told you it'd --"

Chapter 13 — Misty’s

Tyra tells the Borodins about Batuk and is punished. The contents of the cylinder are revealed and a daring plot is hatched. The assassinations begin. The investigation gets too close. A life-changing event for Drago. The Lady of the castle visits Ketrick.

A girl is unhappy, or Angel turns jealous. A meeting with Marco and Drago Giovanni in the tavern. Wanda uncovers a secret. Drago takes a girl home to Paolo's castle. An unpleasant encounter with Alanna Borodin. Drago sends Tyra to the guards, or a spear is bent. Plans are made, or hanging cats by the tails. A lesson on Batuk for the new aristocracy.