Angie Brashear – Excerpt – Part 2 of 3

Shannon here: Christian Fantasy author, Angie Brashear shares how her characters meet from her debut novel, Of the Persecuted. Comment on any post dated June 23 – 27 to enter the drawing for a copy. Choice of print or e-book for U.S. E-book for international. Deadline: July 5th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Angie:

Lars Landre and Laila Pennedy meet in Drysdon, a village in the Woodlands Region, as they face death by hanging.
Here’s an excerpt from Laila’s POV as she searches for one last hope while she and her brother, Niles, await death…
Excerpt from Of the Persecuted:
On her left, a stranger returned her gaze as he squinted under the bright sun. His regard was fierce and determined, unwavering despite the rope around his neck. Blue. She lost her breath for a moment—blue? Strange. She jerked her head back, and then leaned closer…hope.
Glancing over the stranger’s form, Laila’s eyes narrowed. The subtle freckles on his face, the strength in his shoulders, and the compassion of his demeanor all quickened her already racing heart. Beads of sweat and blood trickled from his right temple down the side of his face. His sweat-soaked, dirtied shirt clung to his torso under his untied, weathered leather tunic. As a lock of his short dark brown hair fell across his right eye, her heart soared. But looming death clearly mocked her, for what joy could be found in her last moments?
Yet the longer her eyes remained locked on his, the more her stomach fluttered. Hope.
She had tolerated the beatings they’d received better than most of the captives—at least in a small way since her face was free of any bruises or cuts. So she fought to take a deep breath, filling her body with strength. With hope.
“Keep your eyes on the executioner at all times.”
She gasped at the stranger’s hoarse, yet firm, voice. She needed—no, craved—his help. Did he devote his life to ridding the Woodlands of the Rendow Clan? Perhaps he was capable of saving her and Niles. As he stared at her, she nodded. Why did obeying him feel so natural?
About Angie: When Angie Brashear isn’t working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She’s a fan of speculative fiction and an avid runner, both of which perplex her nonfiction-reading, football-loving husband. Saved in her early twenties, Angie is grateful for the Lord’s presence in all aspects of her life. She is originally from Rockland, Maine and currently resides in Cameron, Texas with her husband and three children. Follow her at http://facebook.com/AngieBrashearAuthor, https://twitter.com/AngieBrashear, and http://angiebrashear.com.
About the book – Of the Persecuted: Laila Pennedy awaits death by hanging. For the Rendow Clan rules the Woodlands Region, aiming to slaughter the Faithful. And she deserves to die. But Lars Landre, the man destined to lead the Faithful out of persecution, has other plans hidden behind his rare and mysterious blue eyes. Rescue.
Following the daring escape, Laila seeks the path of a warrior and vows revenge against the Rendow Clan. She embarks on a dangerous journey with Lars, one in which they endeavor to reach the promised safety of a magical village, to train for battle, and to ultimately assure freedom for those with faith in the Maker.
Clashes of weapons and souls. Brutal loss of lives. Unrequited love. How in all the Woodlands will Laila survive?
Links to Of the Persecuted:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692214712
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/angie-brashear?store=ebook&keyword=angie+brashear
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22384695-of-the-persecuted?from_search=true
Come back June 27th for Angie’s character interview!