Some light reading…

Short Excerpt from

The Birthday Dragon

Book One of the Polo Shawcross Journals

Polo Shawcross

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Third Smashwords Edition

Copyright Polo Shawcross 2011

Cover Design and Artwork By Derek Armsden Design

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Chapter 1 – Somewhere, Somewhen

My first memories are of Grandmama Daeva’s house. Father was away in the army and Mother and I lived on the top two floors. It’s been said that all mothers are crazy, and mine was always interesting, edging into eccentric.

“Now, Polo,” Grandmama told me, “you must never forget to be proud of your blood. Both sides of course, but cherish your Dragon blood.” I was happy to do that. Grandmama had told me the stories of how Dragon had saved the kingdoms.

“Am I Dragon, Grandmama?”

“Well dear,” she said, smiling, “you have the blood. And we can see that because you have the eyes. So if you’re lucky and work hard you can be dragon shape or human shape.”

“Now, Grandmama,” said Mother, in a very pointed tone, “don’t you fill the boy’s head with that rubbish. Bloody fairytales.” Grandmama gave Mother a stern look.

“Don’t swear in front of the boy, Teseraia.” Everyone except Grandmama Daeva called Mother Tess. Mother rolled her eyes. I wasn’t sure what was the swearing, bloody or Dragon, as Mother used bloody rather a lot and didn’t usually say Dragon.

“Don’t change the subject,” said Mother, “actually do change it, to something not to do with ancestry.”

“Afraid even to say the word, eh?” said Grandmama. I was watching them closely.

“Bloody Dragon,” I said. They both turned to look at me. I grinned. “Bloody Dragon.” According to Grandmama, who related the story to me, I’d looked very pleased with myself.

“Don’t say that, Polo,” said Grandmama, her tone kind, “bloody is a rude word. Your mother was being very naughty and we don’t want to be like her.” I looked at Mother, my eyes wide.

“Grandmama,” said Mother, clenching her jaw, “should learn to stay out of raising my child-” Grandmama Daeva quelled Mother with a look. Mother hiccupped.

“You’re living in my house with my grandchild,” said Grandmama, sounding calm, “denying his blood and teaching him bad language-” Mother began to shout in earnest then to hiccup badly, which made me start to cry and brought the servants hurrying in to take me out of the war zone.

It was a while before I realised that Grandmama, Mother, and I weren’t like the commoners. They were human. Father was human. We were descended from humans. I was descended from Mother too, something that even before I went to school was a worry.

“Though you must never think you are better than anyone, Polo,” Grandmama told me, “just because you’re Blood. All men, and women, are equal. Blood or peasant, we’re all people. Blood might have some advantages but they can be as stupid as the next person. Dragon blood doesn’t stop idiocy.” She curled her lip a little. “Just look at your mother.”

“Shouldn’t say things like that to the boy,” said the day servant, looking up from her book.

“He’s too young to remember,” Grandmama said, “aren’t you dear? You’re my precious.” I beamed up at her. The servant shook her head.

“Your grandson’s precocious and precious, ladyship, don’t say I didn’t warn you. He picked up swearing before he could walk properly.”

“Mostly from his mother,” said Grandmama, her tone sweet as she bounced me, “didn’t you, pet?” I giggled and demanded more bouncing. The servant muffled a laugh and went back to her book….

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END OF EXCERPT – You can read more on Smashwords for free (another 25,000 words or so), and the book is available for $4.99 (currently e-book only, but available in printable formats – Yes, Smashwords are Kindle-compatible).

Polo Shawcross is my nom-de-plume

P.S. If you have the First or Second Editions, with the previous version of Chapter 1, you should be able to download the latest edition of the book to see the new one.

I’ve simply restored two scenes in the first chapter that were deleted but are referred to in the book, nothing’s changed.  And removed a million typos and rogue commas.  If you have the book and have any trouble getting a copy of the third edition, shout.

Copyright http://stinginthetail.wordpress.com/

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