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The Mark of Gold: Sister Seekers 6

A Polyamorous Dark Epic Fantasy

by A.S. Etaski

I escape into a twisted wilderness with a stolen relic protecting me from madness. Behind me is the mysterious stalker from across the plains. He’s caught up to us.

My sisters are out there somewhere out, and my unborn is here with me. Struggling to tell guardians from beguilers on a warped battlefield, I worry for all our fates. Somehow, I must bear the terrifying risk of bargaining with Surfacers in ways which ensure enslavement back home.

No Red Sister can give up her mission when compelled by her Queen to see it through. Surrounded by allies and enemies alike seeking to influence the only free Davrin Elf on the Surface, I must relearn my limits when confronted by those who have none.

The true scope of Etaski's saga arises in The Mark of Gold. Tangible peril meets cryptic visions, forcing a driven few to redefine what it takes to break the shackles of compulsion and forge them as bonds of loyalty.

Sister Seekers is dark epic fantasy for adults with an ever-broadening scope. The saga genre-hops a bit so things never get stale. Found Family is a core theme throughout. Perfect for fans of entwined plots, challenging themes, immersive worldbuilding, and elements of erotic horror. Sexuality and inner conflict play into character growth with nuanced intrigue, intense action, and fantastical magic.

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Tropes: Astral Projection, Band of Misfits, Becoming a Monster, Beyond the Grave Communication, Big Sword, Conspiracy, Cross-Species Friendships, Dark Enemy, Demonic Possession, Enemy to Ally, Evolving Powers, Found Family, Here Comes the Cavalry, Hunted, Lucky Novice, Magic Talisman, Mirror Shows True Self, Powerful Artifact, Pseudo European Society, Psionic Powers, Quest, Redemption Arc, Secret Society, Sex Magic, Vengeful Spirit, Wise Mentor
Word Count: 128600
Setting: wilderness, sailing, port city
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
Tropes: Astral Projection, Band of Misfits, Becoming a Monster, Beyond the Grave Communication, Big Sword, Conspiracy, Cross-Species Friendships, Dark Enemy, Demonic Possession, Enemy to Ally, Evolving Powers, Found Family, Here Comes the Cavalry, Hunted, Lucky Novice, Magic Talisman, Mirror Shows True Self, Powerful Artifact, Pseudo European Society, Psionic Powers, Quest, Redemption Arc, Secret Society, Sex Magic, Vengeful Spirit, Wise Mentor
Word Count: 128600
Setting: wilderness, sailing, port city
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
Excerpt:

I can't.

I couldn't offer him the payment he wanted. The relic was non-negotiable, and I could not hand over to a fourth, powerful male this goddess-damned red stone which had been used so many times against me.

Yet I had nothing else of worth to a mercenary. Neither did Gavin. Did Rithal have coin? Could it be enough to shift that avaricious stare away from these dangerous, stolen items?

*Do not bargain with him,* hissed the relic. *His words are binding!*

"I-I, uh," I stammered, as the large beast chanced to look away from me, estimating how much time we had before being overrun.

The creature's eyes weren't demonic yellow as was familiar to me. They were metallic gold, their sheen as I'd seen recently. Like…

            ~What do I see now?~

            *Nothing. He is nothing.*

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            ~A far cry from 'binding' a moment ago. Are you afraid, demon?~

            *As you should be!*

            ~I see no way to make him leave and survive the warp rot.~

            *Hssss!*

The fighter looked at me, his hood bowing open enough to glimpse a large, pointed ear.

I blinked. "Take down your hood, mercenary."

The hunter smirked at me, his gaze steady and unblinking. He glanced at Gavin, who was searching a corpse, then rumbled, "The corrupted come now, Baenar. I can lead two of you to the center and help purge it. Again, what will you pay?"

COLLAPSE
Reviews:Ashley Billman on Goodreads wrote:

Etaski back at it again!

Another wonderful trip to the world created by A.S. Etaski. The author has weaved many layers of character development, world building, and mythology creation into one very enjoyable narrative. There are many mysteries yet to uncover and I can’t wait to see them through. I loved getting to spend time with Sirana and the Deathwalker again. It was a real pleasure to see Sirana’s strengths as a fighter and as a “schemer” in this novel. She’s one of my favorite protagonists and I’m excited to see where her journey is heading.


About the Author

Etaski writes mature epic fantasy with an ever-broadening scope. ​​​​​​​Inspired by table-top RPG, her stories weave through subgenres, so things never get stale. Found Family is a core theme throughout her world​​​​​​​.​​​​​​​ She adores sensual, subversive Dark Elves facing off with cunning demons, clever dragons causing trouble, and deadpan necromancers summoning the walking dead alongside dwarves in battle through high-stakes adventures.

Her series begins underground with an isolated race of Dark Elves. The beginning is not for the faint of heart, and perfect for fans of entwined plots, challenging themes, immersive worldbuilding, and elements of erotic horror. Sexuality and inner conflict play into character growth with nuance, intrigue, action, and fantastical magic.

Her most inspiring epic stories are Neil Gaiman's Sandman, Wendy Pini's ElfQuest, Melanie Rawn's Dragon Prince, and J. Michael Straczynski's Babylon 5.

Get the official Sister Seekers Prequel, "Sons to Keep," when you join Etaski's newsletter at her website!