'defamation claim fails'

The former president's largest lead is in Florida

A Scottish teen is at a weekend camp and encounters a juvenile Sasquatch and its adult mother. He is warned to back off‚ telepathically. Years later‚ a similar incident occurred in France.“Call me Jay. It's not my real name as I still do not have the guts to say my actual name yet... Today is the day I'm going to share my story. My first experience was way back in 1983. I was 14 and was on a youth group weekend camp in the Perthshire area of Scotland. The group is going to play a team war game called the A Wide Game - two teams each given a bucket to hide and protect and each team member is given a piece of colored wool as a life with the object to find and take their bucket back to your own‚ and if you take the other player's life‚ the piece of wool then go back to the leaders of the youth group and get another piece of wool IE. another life and rejoin the game. The winner is the team with the most opposition lives and possibly their bucket the game lasts for a couple of hours.This particular game was to take place at night so each player should be carrying a torch. A torch so North Americans know‚ it's a flashlight. Before dark I set out up to the tree line and some Rhododendron bushes. As I neared the trees and bushes‚ I'm sure I saw someone watching me but at that point‚ I wasn't scared. I thought maybe a deer. As I grew closer‚ I realized it wasn't a deer but something that resembled an Ewok from 'Star Wars.' Only the eyes and mouth were visible. Again‚ I didn't feel scared. In fact‚ I felt more intrigued. I said‚ 'Hello' and I felt in my head this Ewok-like thing said‚ 'Hello' in my head and I saw a small arm reach out and point to my head. I was about a couple of feet away from the dense trees and Rhododendron bushes and could only still see eyes‚ mouth‚ and arm. This creature's arm and hand were just about to touch my forehead and then all of a sudden‚ I started to feel scared. The fear was rushing in waves and all of a sudden‚ from behind this creature‚ another one arrived much much larger than the other. In my head‚ all I could hear was‚ 'Don't you dare! Don't you dare!' and then I saw the eyes of the larger being turn red and in her... I say her‚ as the feeling was this was this juvenile's mother. I wanted to scream but nothing came out.I was about a third of a mile from the campsite and about 40 other folks from ages 12 to adulthood. I couldn't move. I couldn't do anything. I could see my fellow campers who were getting themselves ready to play the Wide Game as it was still daylight moving into dusk. The next thing I know is a number of the older campers saying my name‚ and touching my back. I was lying on the ground. The Wide Game was over and it was dark around 11:00 PM. After a count of players‚ I was missing and the group set out to search for me. It was an easy task as they found me because my torch was on and placed lying on the ground facing the camp just about a foot in front of my head. The camp leaders thought I slipped fell and back smacked my head on a stone which lay near my head and I dropped my torch‚ which was the way they found me.I was taken to the hospital‚ my parents called and that was my weekend camping trip over. I can tell you‚ I never had my torch on! It was firmly in my trouser pocket. No need to use it as it was still light. What I think happened was the juvenile was so intrigued with me that they wanted to physically touch me‚ as I was intrigued with it‚ but the juvenile's mother was not happy with me and its child and the mama Sasquatch used some mind/body something to freeze me‚ slow down time‚ and my young body couldn't cope where I passed out. Being a mother‚ the Sasquatch took my torch out‚ and switched it on‚ as a way for the youth leaders to could find me in the dark.Now‚ 20 plus years later‚ and after 12 years in the military medic with the Royal Marine Commandos‚ I was in France helping my friends out at their Stone Farm Cottage. On the third or fourth night‚ I decided to go for a walk in the woods which were at the back of her property. After about 20 minutes into my walk‚ I froze. A voice in my head was‚ 'Don't you dare!' The fear within me was exactly the same fear I had when I was 14 years old. I've had lots of fear in my life and got over it‚ especially during my time with the military but nothing like this. I don't know if it was the same Sasquatch or the juvenile grown-up‚ as it was in a different country‚ different location‚ but it was exactly the same voice‚ same tone in English‚ not French‚ with no accent‚ but it was the same voice. It must have been just a few seconds in time. I didn't see anything‚ only heard the voice. I think I said‚ 'No‚ not again! Not this time!' and I backed away and walked back‚ the same way back‚ to my friend's home.I didn't say anything to my friend‚ however‚ she noticed my anguish and said. 'I don't like these woods.' She only goes into them during the daytime when it's bright outside‚ so I suspect she's had an experience. I do not know what happened to me following my first experience of seeing the juvenile and the mama if I was lying there all the time or taken somewhere and I also believe when I think about it that it was indeed the same Sasquatch I felt in France‚ which sounds impossible. I think that these Sasquatch can port to any place in the world. How do they do that‚ I have no idea? That's way above my understanding."Transcribed Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwL6z4LRe6ERaven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government's Secret Plan to Save Itself--While the Rest of Us DieThe Way of the Knife: The CIA‚ a Secret Army‚ and a War at the Ends of the EarthOperation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to AmericaThe Djinn Connection: The Hidden Links Between Djinn‚ Shadow People‚ ETs‚ Nephilim‚ Archons‚ Reptilians and Other EntitiesEncounters with Flying Humanoids: Mothman‚ Manbirds‚ Gargoyles &; Other Winged BeastsThe Mothman Prophecies: A True StoryRegister a SNAP EBT CardTry Audible PlusPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS READING LISTHave you had a sighting or encounter?Contact me by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. LonAccess Phantoms &; Monsters Posts on Twitter 'X'-----YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED! THANKS-----FAERIES‚ ELVES‚ &; GNOMES - CRYPTID 'LITTLE PEOPLE' - LIVE Chat - Q &; A - Lon Strickler (Host)Little People tales abound in the Old &; New Worlds. Every culture has a hint of folklore that involves fairies‚ elves &; gnomes. For the most part‚ these beings are the same with only the name change. They are described as somewhat friendly creatures common in Native American myth who are seen as protectors and tricksters. However‚ in some cases‚ there may be a dark side associated with the Little People‚ even to the point where they are said to be cannibalistic dwarves.Anyway‚ over the years I have received a variety of personal reports involving these creatures. I'll let you decide if the Little People are benevolent beings‚ or if they have evil intent.If you have questions‚ feel free to post them in the live chat. I will do my best to answer each.-----ORDER THE AUDIOBOOK VERSIONORDER THE AUDIOBOOK VERSIONProject Threshold: Finale-----TODAY'S TOP LINKSMushrooms and other strange things are falling from the skyWaves at California beaches glow with bioluminescent algae at night'KEYSTONE PHANTOMS' - PENNSYLVANIA'S WINGED HUMANOIDS &; GARGOYLES - LIVE Chat - Lon Strickler (Host)LISTEN TO NARRATIONS OF PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS REPORTS &; CASES - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE‚ LIKE &; SHARE'Synthetically-Generated Genomically Targeted Plagues' Will Be the Future of WarfareSkeptic group offers $500‚000 for proof of paranormal abilitiesPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS READING LISTCONSIDER ADVERTISING ON PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS RADIOLET'S DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONSClick the link for our Media KitCHICAGO MOTHMAN / O'HARE BATMAN YouTube PlaylistPHANTOMS &; MONSTERS RADIO Podcasts on Spotify**********Your financial support of Phantoms &; Monsters and our other pursuits is much appreciated. Please click the banner above. Thanks.Have you had a sighting or encounter?Contact us by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. LonAlso available with audiobooknarration by Terry Springs‚CBS-TV Las Vegas affiliate.The Dark Arts of MISTER SAM SHEARON - Original Prints &; MerchandiseThis blog and newsletter are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Work 3.0 United States License.Registered trademark PHANTOMS AND MONSTERS ® / PHANTOMS &; MONSTERS ® - USPTO #90902480 - Lon D. Strickler© 2005-2023 Phantoms &; Monsters - All Rights Reserved

Big Pharma companies Novo Nordisk‚ Eli Lilly‚ and Sanofi have all lowered the cost of their name-brand exogenous insulin products to comply with a new regulation that caps monthly list prices at $35.00. This is the ballpark price for both the privately insured and those on Medicare‚ and does not take into account any rebates […] The post Outrageous Insulin Prices Now a Thing of the Past in U.S. After Government Initiates Monthly Cost of $35 appeared first on Good News Network.

Head below for the full list of fantasy‚ science fiction‚ young adult SFF‚ horror‚ romantasy‚ and other SFF-crossover titles heading your way in January! Keep track of all the new SFF releases here. All title summaries are taken and/or summarized from copy provided by the publisher. Release dates are subject to change.   January 9 The Atlas Complex  (Atlas #3) — Olivie Blake (Tor Books) Only the extraordinary are chosen. Only the cunning survive. An explosive return to the library leaves the six Alexandrians vulnerable to the lethal terms of their recruitment. Old alliances quickly fracture as the initiates take opposing strategies as to how to deal with the deadly bargain they have so far failed to uphold. Those who remain with the archives wrestle with the ethics of their astronomical abilities‚ while elsewhere‚ an unlikely pair from the Society cohort partner to influence politics on a global stage. And still the outside world mobilizes to destroy them‚ while the Caretaker himself‚ Atlas Blakely‚ may yet succeed with a plan foreseen to have world-ending stakes. It’s a race to survive as the six Society recruits are faced with the question of what they’re willing to betray for limitless power—and who will be destroyed along the way. The Slain Divine (Vagrant Gods #3) — David Dalglish (Orbit) The Everlorn Empire’s grip on Thanet is tighter than ever. The God-Incarnate himself has arrived on its shores to crush the struggling rebellion and carry out his final‚ sinister plan: he will sacrifice the entire island in order to rise‚ reincarnated from its ashes. The rebellion is struggling to separate allies from enemies‚ and to figure out a way to stop the slow destruction of everything and everyone they care for. Meanwhile‚ Cyrus is disappearing deeper beneath the vicious mask of the “Vagrant”. Under the mantel of the legendary assassin‚ he may be strong enough to take down the Empire‚ but at what cost? Mislaid in Parts Half-Known (Wayward Children #9) — Seanan McGuire (Tordotcom Publishing) Antsy is the latest student to pass through the doors at Eleanor West’s School for Wayward Children. When the school’s (literally irresistible) mean girl realizes that Antsy’s talent for finding absolutely anything may extend to doors‚ Antsy is forced to flee in the company of a small group of friends‚ looking for a way back to the Shop Where the Lost Things Go to be sure that Vineta and Hudson are keeping their promise. Along the way‚ they will travel from a world which hides painful memories that cut as sharply as its beauty‚ to a land that time wasn’t yet old enough to forget—and more than one student’s life will change forever. Sons of Darkness — Gourav Mohanty (Head of Zeus) Bled dry by violent confrontations with the Magadhan Empire‚ the Mathuran Republic simmers on the brink of oblivion. Senator Krishna and his third wife Satyabhama have put their plans in motion‚ both within and beyond the Republic’s blood-soaked borders‚ to protect it from total annihilation. But they are soon to discover that neither gold nor alliances last forever—and that they are not the only players on the board. Mati‚ Pirate-Princess of Kalinga‚ has decided to mend her ways and become a good wife. But old habits die hard‚ especially when one habitually uses murder to settle old scores. Brooding and beautiful Karna hopes to bury his brutal past‚ but finds that destiny is a miser when it comes to granting second chances. Hero-turned-torturer Shakuni limps through a path of daggers. Meanwhile‚ his foes and woes multiply‚ leaving little time for vengeance. Their lives are about to become yet more difficult‚ as a cast of sinister queens‚ naive kings‚ pious assassins and ravenous priests are converging where the Son of Darkness is prophesied to rise… even as forgotten Gods prepare to play their hand.   January 16 Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde #2) — Heather Fawcett (Del Rey) Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore who just wrote the world’s first comprehensive encyclopaedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Ones on her adventures… and also from her fellow scholar and former rival Wendell Bambleby. Because Bambleby is more than infuriatingly charming. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother and in search of a door back to his realm. And despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby‚ she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and dangers. She also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research‚ Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again‚ when assassins sent by his mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure‚ this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps‚ where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambleby’s realm and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans. But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow‚ Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors and of her own heart. Unbound — Christy Healy (Blackstone) Rozlyn Ó Conchúir is used to waiting—waiting for the king‚ her father‚ to relent and allow her to leave the solitude of her tower; waiting for the dreaded and mysterious Beast of Connacht to at last be defeated; waiting for the arrival of the man destined to win her heart and break the terrible curse placed on her and her land. So when she meets Jamie—a charming and compelling suitor—she allows herself to hope that her days of solitude and patience are over at long last. But as she finds her trust betrayed—and newer‚ more sinister threats arising—Rozlyn learns that some curses are better left unbroken. Pillars of Ash (Four Pillars #4) — H.M. Long (Titan) Epic fantasy featuring warrior priestesses and fickle gods at war‚ for readers of Brian Staveley’s Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne. Hessa is an Eangi: a warrior priestess of the Goddess of War‚ with the power to turn an enemy’s bones to dust with a scream. Banished for disobeying her goddess’s command to murder a traveller‚ she prays for forgiveness alone on a mountainside. While she is gone‚ raiders raze her village and obliterate the Eangi priesthood. Grieving and alone‚ Hessa—the last Eangi—must find the traveller and atone for her weakness and secure her place with her loved ones in the High Halls. As clans from the north and legionaries from the south tear through her homeland‚ slaughtering everyone in their path Hessa strives to win back her goddess’ favour. Beset by zealot soldiers‚ deceitful gods‚ and newly-awakened demons at every turn‚ Hessa burns her path towards redemption and revenge. But her journey reveals a harrowing truth: the gods are dying and the High Halls of the afterlife are fading. Soon Hessa’s trust in her goddess weakens with every unheeded prayer. Thrust into a battle between the gods of the Old World and the New‚ Hessa realizes there is far more on the line than securing a life beyond her own death. Bigger‚ older powers slumber beneath the surface of her world. And they’re about to wake up. The Parliament — Aimee Pokwatka (Tordotcom Publishing) Madigan Purdy is stuck in her home town library. When tens of thousands of owls descend on the building‚ rending and tearing at anyone foolish enough to step outside‚ Mad is tasked with keeping her students safe‚ and distracted‚ while they seek a solution to their dilemma. Perhaps they’ll find the inspiration they seek in her favorite childhood book‚ The Silent Queen… With food and fresh water in low supply‚ the denizens of the library will have to find a way out‚ and soon‚ but the owls don’t seem to be in a hurry to leave.   January 23 Faebound — Saara El-Arifi (Del Rey) Yeeran was born on the battlefield‚ has lived on the battlefield‚ and one day‚ she knows‚ she’ll die on the battlefield. As a warrior in the elven army‚ Yeeran has known nothing but violence her whole life. Her sister‚ Lettle‚ is trying to make a living as a diviner‚ seeking prophecies of a better future. When a fatal mistake leads to Yeeran’s exile from the Elven Lands‚ both sisters are forced into the terrifying wilderness beyond their borders. There they encounter the impossible: the fae court. The fae haven’t been seen for a millennium. But now Yeeran and Lettle are thrust into their seductive world‚ torn among their loyalties to each other‚ their elven homeland‚ and their hearts. From the Forest (Recluce #23) — L. E. Modesitt‚ Jr. (Tor Books) Alayiakal‚ who will one day be known by many names—not all of them flattering—has to climb the ranks of Cyador’s Mirror Lancers‚ fighting against unforeseen weapons and ancient technology. Alayiakal‚ however‚ has secrets of his own to protect: his ties to the Great Forest and his magus abilities. He must silently pretend to be a conventional soldier favored by fate—until that very same fate forces him to choose. Kinning — Nisi Shawl (Tor Books) The Great War is over. Everfair has found peace within its borders. But our heroes’ stories are far from done. Tink and his sister Bee-Lung are traveling the world via aircanoe‚ spreading the spores of a mysterious empathy-generating fungus. Through these spores‚ they seek to build bonds between people and help spread revolutionary sentiments of socialism and equality—the very ideals that led to Everfair’s founding. Meanwhile‚ Everfair’s Princess Mwadi and Prince Ilunga return home from a sojourn in Egypt to vie for their country’s rule following the abdication of their father King Mwenda. But their mother‚ Queen Josina‚ manipulates them both from behind the scenes‚ while also pitting Europe’s influenza-weakened political powers against one another as these countries fight to regain control of their rebellious colonies. Will Everfair continue to serve as a symbol of hope‚ freedom‚ and equality to anticolonial movements around the world‚ or will it fall to forces inside and out?   January 30 Heartsong (Green Creek #3) — TJ Klune (Tor Books) All Robbie Fontaine ever wanted was a place to belong. After the death of his mother‚ he bounces around from pack to pack‚ forming temporary bonds to keep from turning feral. It’s enough—until he receives a summons from the wolf stronghold in Caswell‚ Maine. Life as the trusted second to Michelle Hughes—the Alpha of all—and the cherished friend of a gentle old witch teaches Robbie what it means to be pack‚ to have a home. But when a mission from Michelle sends Robbie into the field‚ he finds himself questioning where he belongs and everything he’s been told. Whispers of traitorous wolves and wild magic abound—but who are the traitors and who the betrayed? More than anything‚ Robbie hungers for answers‚ because one of those alleged traitors is Kelly Bennett—the wolf who may be his mate. The truth has a way of coming out. And when it does‚ everything will shatter. House of Flame and Shadow (Crescent City #3 ) — Sarah J. Maas (Bloomsbury) Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard‚ but now that she has‚ all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family‚ her friends‚ her mate. Stranded in a strange new world‚ she’s going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that’s no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust. Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life‚ but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted‚ he’s in the Asteri’s dungeons again‚ stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce’s fate. He’s desperate to help her‚ but until he can escape the Asteri’s leash‚ his hands are quite literally tied. The City of Stardust — Georgia Summers (Redhook) For centuries‚ the Everlys have seen their best and brightest disappear‚ taken as punishment for a crime no one remembers‚ for a purpose no one understands. Their tormentor‚ a woman named Penelope‚ never ages‚ never grows sick—and never forgives a debt. Violet Everly was a child when her mother left on a stormy night‚ determined to break the curse. When Marianne never returns‚ Penelope issues an ultimatum: Violet has ten years to find her mother‚ or she will take her place. Violet is the last of the Everly line‚ the last to suffer. Unless she can break the curse first. Her hunt leads her into a seductive magical underworld of power-hungry scholars‚ fickle gods and monsters bent on revenge. And into the path of Penelope’s quiet assistant‚ Aleksander‚ who she knows cannot be trusted—and yet to whom she finds herself undeniably drawn. With her time running out‚ Violet will travel the edges of the world to find Marianne and the key to the city of stardust‚ where the Everly story began.

HBO’s The Last of Us‚ an adaptation of the popular video game about a post-apocalyptic world where most of humanity have been turned into mushroom-infected‚ zombie-like creatures‚ was one of the most critically praised and popular television series of last year. One of the best episodes was the third one‚ a standalone installment that moved away from the main characters of Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) and centered around Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett)‚ a couple who found each other after the collapse of society and created as close to one could get to a good life in a world overrun with fungi-creatures and fascist governments. At the Creative Arts Emmys on Saturday‚ where Offerman won an award for his guest-starring appearance as Bill‚ he shared that there have been some rumblings of putting together a limited series based on the stories of Bill and Frank.  “I think we pitched like a whole mini-series of a prequel of their lives before they meet each other‚” Offerman told press after winning his Emmy. “It could be a musical‚” he joked. “We’re not short on ideas. We’ll see what [show creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann] come up with.” Nick Offerman says he’s pitched a musical prequel for his #TheLastofUs storyline with Murray Bartlett‚ following his Creative Arts #Emmys win pic.twitter.com/myS0L2Yvl9 — The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 7‚ 2024 Offerman‚ unsurprisingly‚ was also more than open to reprising his Last of Us role. “I was lucky‚ this time they needed a guy who could use a shovel‚” he deadpanned. “And there are only three of us in Hollywood. Harrison Ford passed‚ and Jane Lynch was not available.” Any potential spinoff is still only that—something that might happen‚ and Offerman admitted that “somebody with a higher pay grade” than him would be making that call. While we wait for any more potential news on this front‚ you can check out Offerman’s work with a shovel on Max‚ where all episodes from the first season of The Last of Us are streaming. Season Two of the series is also in production and will premiere on HBO sometime in 2025.

Ellie Briar is the first non-witch to be born into her family for generations. We’re thrilled to share an excerpt from The Briar Book of the Dead‚ a new Gothic fairytale by A.G. Slatter‚ out from Titan Books on February 13. Ellie Briar is the first non-witch to be born into her family for generations. The Briar family of witches run the town of Silverton‚ caring for its inhabitants with their skills and magic. In the usual scheme of things‚ they would be burnt for their sorcery‚ but the church has given them dispensation in return for their protection of the borders of the Darklands‚ where the much-feared Leech Lords hold sway. Ellie is being trained as a steward‚ administering for the town‚ and warding off the insistent interest of the church. When her grandmother dies suddenly‚ Ellie’s cousin Audra rises to the position of Briar Witch‚ propelling Ellie into her new role. As she navigates fresh challenges‚ an unexpected new ability to see and speak to the dead leads her to uncover sinister family secrets‚ stories of burnings‚ lost grimoires and evil spells. Reeling from one revelation to the next‚ she seeks answers from the long dead and is forced to decide who to trust‚ as a devastating plot threatens to destroy everything the Briar witches have sacrificed so much to build.     1 My great-aunt takes the knife to my wrist. Maud means well. I catch glimpses of my cousins and grandmother behind her‚ four figures not too close‚ but jostling for a peek. Hoping to catch the moment when what’s meant to happen does. All of us equally anxious—gods know the others proved themselves well before this. At eight‚ I’m a very late bloomer. Around us‚ the stone circle‚ the sacred place‚ deep in the woods. If it’s going to happen‚ it will—must!—happen here. Above‚ bright blue sky‚ summer-solstice warm. Beneath me‚ the cool smoothness of the sandstone altar. Birds singing somewhere‚ the murmurings of my cousins‚ the jingling of Maud’s silver chatelaine at her waist‚ our grandmother Gisela calling her sister’s name. However: nothing. Still. Buy it Now My forearm’s littered with cuts‚ mostly shallow‚ all red. I feel no pain and I’m urging Great-Aunt Maud on because I share her belief that if I just surrender enough blood to pay the red price‚ my magic will—finally—manifest. That I will be like my family. That I’ll belong. And she slashes again—a little frenzied by frustration—and I think she’s done it because I’m getting dizzy. The menhirs are beginning to spin‚ I’m light as a feather‚ lifting up‚ flying‚ and at last—at last!—I’m a witch. Except Gisela isn’t calling anymore; she’s yelling and doesn’t sound relieved. Sounds panicked. ‘Too deep‚ Maud! She’s bleeding too much!’ And after that I don’t remember a thing about the days that followed‚ nothing except the cold and miserable disappointment of knowing I’d failed yet again. *** The autumn sun on my face is gentle‚ shining red through my eyelids‚ and the scar on my wrist feels like thick silk under my fingertips. Such a deep cut‚ no less noticeable than it was eleven years ago. Malice was absent from the act—or mostly—although vexation at my lack of ‘development’ ran high. Maud had been trying‚ I believe‚ to shock something out of me. Or into me. To awaken the magic that should have been lying just beneath my skin‚ or deep in my bones‚ or growing at the roots of my light- brown hair—but was clearly missing from any part of me. It serves as a reminder of my basic flaw‚ that ridge of healed flesh; hastily pulled together with cousin Eira’s neat stitches even though she was only a year older than me—because everything’s a learning experience—but her magic wasn’t quite good enough to leave no cicatrice. Every morning‚ my family take their fine silver knives and make small cuts in arms and hands and thighs‚ release a little blood‚ offering the red price‚ the crimson tithe for any magic they might do during the day. A ritual from which I’m forever excluded. Out past the hedge-fence that surrounds the Briar House‚ Silverton bustles at its usual afternoon pace‚ the particular sort of babble a town of almost two thousand souls makes. People going about their days‚ working hard‚ preparing for what comes next. For life. For tomorrow night. Not me‚ though. Not at this very moment‚ no. I think about Great-Aunt Maud’s little office with its shelves filled with account books‚ banking records‚ rules and regulations and procedures‚ letters patent of the guilds‚ applications and permissions for various activities‚ records of censure and acclamation‚ maps‚ schedules for civic maintenance‚ rolls of citizens and their businesses and what they owe to the Briars‚ lists of those who wish to access the communal stores in the tithe- barns‚ and what others have contributed to them. Neat as a pin with everything in an ordered fashion‚ notebooks and pens aligned perfectly on the large blotter‚ two stained-glass desk lamps perfectly positioned at each corner for symmetry. And her leather-bound grimoire in green and gold lying on the carved wooden lectern in one corner—admittedly with a covering of dust because I’ve not been near it since she died. I do my best to keep it as Maud did. A perfect little office for a steward. The little office that’s been mine for the past six months‚ give or take‚ and has been suffocating me in the days and weeks leading up to tomorrow night. Which is why I took the opportunity—when the banker’s clerk had delivered a message that Mr Aberwyn was unwell and could we reschedule?—to sneak outside and hide in this corner of the garden. And to contemplate my major failing‚ wondering if it will lead to A Terrible Thing. It was lovely and quiet for all of ten minutes before an avian screech came from above and almost immediately after a screech from Grandmamma Gisela. From the clarity of the sound‚ she could only have been standing on the front veranda. ‘Ellie Briar‚ where are you?’ I stay very still and quiet. Gisela may well be a witch—the witch—but she doesn’t know everything and can’t see through hedges or walls‚ nor can she sense the presence of those who might be staying out of sight for reasons of their own. ‘It’s no use hiding‚ Ellie Briar.’ She mutters‚ ‘I know where you live.’ Indeed. Still‚ I keep my mouth shut. Eventually‚ there’s the clip of footsteps and a door closing. My fingers seek the scar again. Forcing my muscles to soften‚ relax‚ I lean back on the bench. Another five minutes‚ I think‚ calculating how far I can push it. Ten. Fifteen at the most. *** ‘The letters‚’ begins Grandmamma Gisela‚ but I’ve heard this all before and am staring out the library window. The owl is large‚ with a tawny lace pattern for camouflage‚ limned with gold; the feathers appear delicate as spider webs. My grandfather‚ on one of the rare occasions when he told me anything interesting‚ said they have no oil on their plumage; this makes their flight silent‚ much to the detriment of mice and rabbits and even runty lambs. This one‚ early roused‚ sits in the yew tree that’s grown up too close to the house. Round eyes wide in a blankly pretty face. It notices me at the open window‚ shivers‚ chest puffing‚ doing a discontented little dance on the branch. Doesn’t take off‚ however‚ merely calms its feathers‚ gives me a haughty stare. It had best hope Nia’s not around with her hunting bow. ‘The letters‚’ repeats Grandmamma Gisela loudly from her desk‚ ‘are very important. They keep the ecclesiastical wolf from the door. After I’m gone‚ make sure they continue.’ ‘Uh huh.’ Behind me is a room lined with books (far more interesting than those in the steward’s office next door)‚ and in it the grandmother I adore—she who raised me—but I’m staring out the tall broad window because she’s talking about matters I don’t want to discuss. ‘Ellie‚ are you paying attention?’ A sharp tone‚ something I seldom hear because—unlike some in this house—mostly I am biddable‚ mostly obedient. Mostly because I feel a need to make up for what I lack. ‘Not really‚ no.’ An honest answer which makes Gisela laugh. The heavy polished ebony chair scrapes on the floor − almost a throne‚ with roses and apples carved across its arched top − then her steps pad light and sure as she crosses to me. ‘My mother‚’ says Gisela fondly‚ ‘insisted on politeness to the owls because they might be more than they seemed. She didn’t hold with shifters—rash creatures‚ most like to get themselves and others killed − and you never knew with whom you were dealing until they revealed themselves. Owls‚ she said‚ were wiser than most‚ though they are knowledge thieves. Mind your manners around them until you know if they are feathered both inside and out.’ Proper witches‚ Gisela’s always said‚ don’t take other shapes—although I’ve read of some who do—and shifters are our cousins at best‚ generally with no inherent ability to cast spells. They’re too close to the beasts they turn into‚ inclined to either fight or flight‚ nothing in between. As a result‚ they are most commonly caught. And yet still closer to true witches than I. The owl gives us one final flickering glance—strangely irritable—then unfurls its wings and takes off with a great displacement of air and evergreen leaves. I feel a quick tug of envy‚ though I can’t say precisely why: its freedom? That it might take another form? I press the ache down‚ shove it under my other jealousies‚ all the things I know to be foolish and pointless‚ and watch the bird’s flight. Over our front garden‚ over the high hedge-fence‚ then the market square busy with customers‚ stallholders and shopkeepers clustering around the fountain and its bronze sculpture of the Three Brothers Bear. Over the roofs of the shops (butchers and bakers and candlestick makers)‚ businesses like solicitors and coffin-makers‚ fabric merchants and carpenters‚ tiny modistes‚ perfumiers and jewellers‚ and the church‚ the townhall‚ the bank‚ the papermill and one of the flourmills‚ the smithy and the tearooms and coffeehouses. The big houses of grey stone and black wood and thick shining glass‚ the smaller ones and smaller still until they become tiny cottages out at the edges before Silverton bleeds into fields and the forest that hides the stone circle. The owl‚ no more than a speck now‚ continues on towards the deepest part of the mountains where the river begins. I wish my resentments onto its back‚ that they’ll be taken far away‚ dropped into a ravine‚ lost somewhere I’ll never find them again. My grandmother nudges my shoulder with her own‚ nods downward. A small‚ neat figure darts from Prothero’s in Butchers Byway around a corner and into Eldin’s Bakery. Beres Baines in a bright pink dress‚ wicker basket hanging heavy‚ filled with treats. Not for the festival‚ I suspect‚ but to tempt an appetite that’s fled. My stomach swoops. Once more I’ll try; once more before I admit defeat and speak to Audra. Ask for help. Gisela pulls the windows to‚ not completely closed‚ the pigeon’s egg ruby ring glinting on her wedding finger—no promise to a husband‚ but to her family and home. The symbol of the Briar Witch. There’s a fire in the grate but Grandmamma has begun feeling the cold more and more. A sign that time is marching on her‚ when we’d have it otherwise. We must prepare‚ she keeps saying‚ for a passing of the old and a herald of the new; we insist she’ll be with us for many years. It’s also the reason I’ve come to hate these conversations‚ these preparations for when she’s no longer here. Gisela wishes to make me consider things I cannot change. And in truth‚ the loss of Great-Aunt Maud is still too fresh. ‘I trust you’ll listen to me now it’s gone‚ lovely distraction though it was?’ Gisela asks mildly. I smile. ‘Of course‚ Grandmamma. The letters.’ Except whenever Gisela mentions the letters I feel adrift and uncertain; the clicking of the grandfather clock in one corner doesn’t help‚ feels like a reminder. Tempus fugit ‘Heed me‚ Ellie Briar. No matter what else Maud forgot or ignored‚ she always sent the letters.’ For all the good such diligence did her. Gisela purses her lips as if reading my thoughts‚ then gestures to the sofa. It could fit four comfortably and is set in the middle of a colourful silk rug that’s been worn by too many feet; until there are actual holes in it a replacement is considered an unnecessary expense. As if we are paupers. We sit‚ and I nod‚ show her I’m taking it seriously‚ just as I do every time she mentions Maud and the missives. She doesn’t mention other things about her sister‚ however. ‘Have you been practising?’ Unconsciously‚ she plucks at her long‚ thin fingers. A small silver vial of unguent hangs from the chatelaine at my waist (once Maud’s‚ but unlike her I wear it to the side‚ tuck it into my pocket so the jingling doesn’t give me away)‚ and I take her hand; the ointment helps with the arthritic chill. Blood warms beneath her papery skin as I massage. She smiles. ‘Thank you‚ sweeting. But: have you?’ ‘Of course. Maud had me write the last few. She trusted me.’ The letters are a twice-yearly annoyance. Reports to the Archbishop of Lodellan‚ written in the script (or an excellent approximation thereof) of Father Tobias‚ the last god-hound to grace Silverton with his presence. He was also‚ by the by‚ my grandfather and Gisela’s paramour for quite some time. Such reports assure said exalted princes of the church that the Briars are behaving themselves. ‘Never fear‚ Grandmamma‚ I’m well- trained and careful with my calendar. I may not be a witch‚ but I am a clever little steward. I’ll not fail in this‚ nor in any other task you set me.’ I sound sulky. I am sulky. She’s beautiful still as she smiles‚ with silver hair and violet- blue eyes‚ cheekbones sharp and high‚ lips with no sign of wrinkling or subsidence of the teeth behind them. Though none of us are by any means ordinary-looking‚ only Audra can truly hold a candle to her. ‘I nag‚ my dear‚ because this single task is the one to keep us safe. You are sensible‚ if stubborn‚ and your cousin will need you‚ when the time comes‚ Ellie. Audra has talent for many things‚ but administration is not one of them. She can be hot- headed as you well know and a little autocratic’—a little!—‘but I’m teaching her to lead. Audra’s had her wild times‚ but she’s settled now. However‚ it will be you who keeps the wheels of Silverton spinning. People need to know her power is here for their protection‚ but you’ll be the one who makes their lives bearable.’ She clears her throat‚ corrects: ‘You already do so. You’ve stepped into Maud’s shoes admirably.’ When the time comes‚ we cousins (Nia and Eira and I) will bend to Audra’s will as those before us bent to Grandmamma’s‚ and so on back to when Gilly Briar was the very first Briar Witch. When the time comes‚ I will toil away with no more acknowledgement from Audra than Gisela gave Maud in her lifetime; in death‚ Gisela’s praise of her sister is effusive. I’m the steward and I’ll serve with nary a glimmer of glory. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if Audra wasn’t already so favoured… I love her and know bitterness is foolish when I could never have been the Briar Witch anyway—not without any kind of eldritch power. I’m good with brewing potions‚ making medicaments‚ my powders can calm fevers‚ cure headaches and coughs‚ speed up recovery‚ even drag the sick from the doors of death. Yet no matter my intent or how closely I adhere to a spell-ritual‚ I can’t make any sort of enchantment work‚ cannot perform miracles of any stripe‚ either good or ill‚ small or large. There’s not a scintilla of magic in my bones. Gisela changes tack: ‘Did you hear‚ Ellie? Edgar’s tale this morning?’ The tinker—or ‘gentleman-merchant’ as he prefers—had recounted it as he laid out his wares on our kitchen table‚ fine and strange things from far-off places. Gisela adores histories of ill- fortune visited upon the godly: a fire in an abbey that hoarded its profits and let peasants starve; a cathedral collapse while a grand prelate delivered a fire-and-brimstone mass; a bishop’s palace overrun by rats and locusts (‘There’s one of our kind behind that‚ you mark me!’). Best of all‚ some crashing catastrophe such as the one Edgar shared. The Monastery of Saint Ogg’s-of-the-Way (far from us‚ close to the tiny hamlet of Jago’s Rise) would allow nothing female within its walls‚ neither human nor animal. The hens and nannies and geese‚ the sows‚ cows‚ ewes and mares were all penned outside the compound and attended to by three laymen from the nearby village so the holy brothers would not be tainted by contact. When word came of a fearsome group of bandits bearing down upon the area‚ the villagers presented themselves at the monastery gates‚ seeking sanctuary. Men and boys were admitted; women and girls were left outside to await inevitable violation and death that accompanied such events—because compassion could not be allowed to bend the rules. However‚ something unforeseen happened: the rogues and ruffians had other ideas‚ perhaps because‚ to a man‚ they were women. Retribution was their intent—the abbot was notorious for giving absolution to murderers‚ rapists and men who denied their own children—and these women came with fire. As the monastery burned with each and every heartless monk‚ each and every traitorous man and boy inside‚ the leader of the troupe made an offer to those who’d been left to fend for themselves: Join us. And if we do not? asked one of the newly widowed. The robber-in-charge shrugged. Then do not. Go your own way; if you must marry again‚ be more particular in your choices. The raiding party‚ Edgar reported‚ was much augmented that day. We’d all laughed heartily and Audra had described the loss of priestly life as a good start.   Excerpted from The Briar Book of the Dead‚ copyright © 2023 by A.G. Slatter.

Black Pearl is a Legendary Cookie and deals damage worthy of that title. This Cookie is so strong that she could become your team’s primary damage dealer. If you want to get the most out of this unit‚ let me show you the best Black Pearl Cookie Toppings in Cookie Run Kingdom (CRK) Related: Best Epic Cookies for PVE in Cookie Run Kingdom Best toppings to use with Black Pearl in Cookie Run Kingdom  Black Pearl is an Ambush-Type cookie‚ which means she excels at dealing damage and causing chaos among enemy ranks. To aid this‚ I recommend a full set of Swift Chocolate Toppings. Swift Chocolate grants cooldown reduction‚ which means Black Pearl can use her devastating Duskgloom’s Sovereign more often. Duskgloom’s Sovereign is a deadly ability with a ton of different effects. Upon activation‚ Black Pearl dives under the enemy team and creates a whirlpool‚ which lingers and deals periodic damage. Enemies caught b...

It’s been unusually quiet in Destiny 2 for several weeks now and that’s because we haven’t received a new TWID‚ or This Week In Destiny‚ from Bungie. Here’s when you can expect the next Destiny 2 TWID from Bungie. Destiny 2 January TWID release date and time The next TWID will come on Thursday‚ January 18‚ 2024. In my experience‚ the time of TWIDs isn’t as consistent as something like the weekly reset‚ but count on it arriving sometime around noon PT‚ give or take. Related: All Destiny 2 Dungeons ranked easiest to hardest It was very easy to miss‚ in fact‚ I missed it upon first inspection‚ but Bungie stated at the very bottom of their last TWID of 2023 on December 14 that the next TWID would be on January 18. This is how we know for sure that we’ll get our next scoop of Destiny 2 info via TWID on January 18. TWIDs used to be called TWABs‚ This Week At Bungie‚ which was changed because Bungie is now working on...

Buckshot Roulette has been blowing up on TikTok and other social media platforms because of its gritty art style and lethal premise‚ but there’s much more to it than a simple game of chance. There aren’t many clues‚ but there’s a lot to learn about the sinister Dealer. Does Buckshot Roulette Have a Story? There isn’t a major story in Buckshot Roulette other than the protagonist showing up to take part in the Dealer’s deadly game of chance‚ but there’s a lot of background lore that we can learn from the short snippets between rounds. The setting and premise are obvious. The protagonist is in dire need of some cash‚ so they visit the underground nightclub where the game of Buckshot Roulette is played. While there’s loud music and bright lights filling the rusty building‚ it’s clear that the club is nothing more than a front for the game. Screenshot: Mike Klubnika The starting bathroom with the quest...