Scribbler Tales Volume One

By Mary Ann Bernal

In Desperate Measures, Audrey learns of Paul’s duplicity when human cloning experiments go awry. Forbidden Lore beckons Arianna and Ethan into a haunted cemetery where they are confronted by a gathering of witches with evil intent . Adrian must challenge his father to marry Rina or suffer the fate of star-crossed lovers in Forever Lost. In The Hourglass, Flair makes a covenant with the Devil to keep Brice alive. Aaron reflects upon his childhood as a military brat in Sail with Me.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mary Ann Bernal
• Release date: Mar 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311987303

Mary Ann Bernal

Mary Ann Bernal attended Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she received a degree in Business Administration; her literary aspirations were ultimately realized when the first book of The Briton and the Dane novels was published in 2009. In addition to writing historical fiction, Mary Ann has also authored a collection of contemporary short stories, a science fiction/fantasy novel, and action and adventure novellas.Her recent work includes Crusader’s Path, a redemption story set against the backdrop of the First Crusade; Forgiving Nero, a novel of Ancient Rome that explores the complex relationship between the emperor and his mother; and the AnaRose novellas, which follows the adventures of a museum curator and relic hunter thwarting black marketeers.Since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has been a passionate supporter of the United States military, having been involved with letter-writing campaigns and other support programs. She appeared on The Morning Blend television show hosted by KMTV, the CBS television affiliate in Omaha, and was interviewed by the Omaha World-Herald for her volunteer work. She has been a featured author on various reader blogs and promotional sites. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

Book preview

Scribbler Tales

a collection of short stories

Mary Ann Bernal

Copyright © 2014

Volume One

Published by arrangement with Whispering Legends Press

Copyright © 2014 by Mary Ann Bernal

Forever Lost and The Hourglass

First published in the United States of America in association with The Literary Underground, Yucaipa, California 92399

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Edited by WeiEn Chen

Cover design by Steven Novak

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For

Alex and Kerry

Alex, Ana and Addy

Dedicated to the memory of

Army Sgt. 1st Class Samuel C. Hairston

and all the fallen

military and civilian heroes

in the ongoing fight against terror

Scribbler Tales is a unique mix of genres in one anthology rich with tension, humanity and genuine emotion. Unconventional settings and unexpected twists are bound to leave you pondering long after you close this book.

Table of Contents

Desperate Measures

Forbidden Lore

Forever Lost

Sail with Me

The Hourglass

About the Author

Desperate Measures

Audrey stood on the ledge of the roof overlooking the flower beds as a gentle breeze carried the pleasant fragrances across the well-kept lawn. She should have seen through the deception, but then, hindsight is an excellent teacher. His betrayal had stung, affecting her very soul because she had believed him, refusing to recognize his faults, and there were many. Paul had seduced her, even though she had been a willing participant, believing his every word.

Paul is too selfish with an ego the size of Texas! Whatever were you thinking? Father was right ... I am book smart, but not streetwise, Audrey thought. How could I have been so blind? Yet isn’t love blind ... and deaf ... and dumb?

It would not take long to discover the truth once the Oversight Committee began its investigation. Paul told her the Board had approved his experiments. She could have checked the paperwork, she should have inspected his lab, but she didn’t, which is why her name would be forever tarnished. The name her father had given her, a respected name, a prodigious member of society. How could she face the man who had given her not only life, but also a prestigious lineage? She was of the privileged class and given opportunities most people dreamed about. Her father had spared no expense with her upbringing, providing an education reminiscent of the scholarly pursuits of Renaissance aristocrats. A Nobel laureate, Audrey won the coveted prize for her work with recombinant DNA, receiving the recognition on her thirty-fifth birthday.

The harmonious sound of the nocturnal creatures was calming. Watching the feathery clouds floating across the moonlit sky was mesmerizing. Nature’s beauty was invigorating, reminding her that life was a precious gift. Her death would only make things worse, taking her own life was not the answer, yet the thought was tempting. Her once bright