SABakelar - A Dragon for Darius on Backerkit

@sbakelar.bsky.social

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Thinker of thoughts, writer of dreams. Gamer, teacher, author, just trying to make it through life...it takes a certain type of insanity to do what I do. |She/her | sbakelar.com | https://linktr.ee/SABakelar

Sale banner for In My Time of Dying
Graphic depiction of the influences for A Dragon for Darius, with the tagline Where do you get your ideas. The pictures are of a hummingbird, traditional Chinese art, Jade dragon carvings, the anime Ghost in the Shell, the television shows Firefly and Supernatural and the artwork Satan's Fall by Simon Bisley, which was inspired by John Milton's Paradise Lost.
Flyer for a local market in Kearns, UT. It reads, Karns Community Market by Ashes to Artistry Markets. Rise and Gather a new chapter for local makers and Kearns Community Save the Date August 22, 2026 10 am to 3 pm at the elements Event Center, 5658 Cougar Ln, Kearns UT 84118. The image is green and gold with medieval street market vibes, green crystals, and a full moon and stars in the background.
“Your friend has a car?” Drake asked. “Yeah, we have to take a smuggler’s tunnel into the city. That’ll keep you away from prying eyes. When we get there, we should be able to make a break for California. There’s a route through the mountains.”
Myrth’s glare would have withered Marco or anyone who knew him well. DJar appeared unfazed by it. “I thought he couldn’t work,” Marco spat, closing the distance between them so that he stood one step closer to the Nura than the others, but still behind Auros-Gado. “He didn’t,” Myrth grumbled. “That wasn’t magic?” Marco asked, incredulous.
D'Mique nursed her ale at the bar while Burl and Trillip collected the supplies they would need for the journey. There was no way of knowing for certain where they would follow the kidnappers and no way of knowing how long they'd be gone. They needed stout, long distance ponies for the road ahead so Tekalo, sitting down the bar from her, was arranging for their Palace Blacks to be escorted back to the Fanterra Plain. The best he'd been able to arrange so far was Hawkethorne Valley. Listening to their conversations, it became apparent to D'Mique that the Mortaks generally did not like going down to the Fanterra Plain. The "Mage Kings" were unpredictable and one wrong step would endanger them all. There was no one in the town who would willingly set foot anywhere near Sea Spray, home of the "Giant Water Mage Nepo." She smiled at the two men freely discussing the Water Master and their loathing of mages with the Chosen of Water. Yet, Tekalo appeared unfazed by their conversation and nodded along with the two Mortaks. Hawkethorne Valley, at least, was populated by normal people, they said.
"Now off back to bed with you," she said, waiting for the young man to leave before she patted Jacks on the shoulder and stroked his nose. He leaned into her gently, happy to see her, nickering low. "We have to go north, Jacks." Ebony whispered, adding silently, "For a bit longer." The horse bowed slightly, helping her clamber onto his back. Once she was sitting in the saddle, she wondered briefly if her need to scramble up the side of the horse as if he were a cliff face, reaching the top of his shoulder before unceremoniously throwing a leg over and wheezing as she straightened, betrayed her true status of not being an Outrider. "Surely," she chided herself, "those creatures just leap into the saddle, unfazed." She said aloud, "Come on, Jacks." She nudged the horse and turned him toward the alley where she'd last seen Jorin.
“And, does…does it glow…often?” Pahaliah asked. Darius shook her head no, chewing on her lower lip. “It glowed now….” They trailed off before continuing, “May I borrow it? The dragon might be close by.” Darius snorted derisively. “Dragon? Really?” Pahaliah remained unfazed, hand hesitantly outstretched. “Knock yourself out,” she said, taking the amulet from her neck and passing it to the Priest.
The Church of the Flame had not passed over California. Despite laws in the nation-state that forbid forced conversion, a significant number of Californians found the All Father’s messages of peace and unity comforting both during and after the Evernight.
“Is it still night?” “Yes,” he said, lying next to her. She curled into his chest, sighing. He kissed her head, then her nose, when she turned her face to look at him. He pulled her warmth into him, holding her in his arms. Just enjoy the now, Yu, he chided himself. Closing his eyes, he focused on the smell of her hair and the feel of her skin against his.
Portrait of a man with long black hair in a topknot, with light gray eyes. Dress well in light blue and white.
“You know, Drake, we’ve been doing so much for Pahaliah. I’ve been thinking that I just want to get this done so that I can get back home. Like some mad homework assignment.” Drake nodded in the dark. Darius continued, “Part of me didn’t think we’d actually do it and part of me thought we’d die trying.” Drake scoffed. “With me as your bodyguard?” Darius giggled. “Part of me wonders if we’re really doing this for something more. Are we doing it for them?” she motioned to the orangutans, “or that little boy in California. Do you remember him?” “The one who drove the truck?” Darius nodded before saying, “Yes. And even the children in the sky. The ones who play in the library cafe and don’t even know the ground is hundreds of feet below them because their lives are built on the plates.” “The homework’s almost finished.” Drake shifted and moved closer to Darius, collecting her into a hug. He kissed the top of her head.
A Tropes graphic for A Dragon for Darius with the following tropes: Reluctant Hero's journey by train, dragon and ebike, fallen angels and flying macguffins, love triangle with open door spice, aroace and non-binary rep, ancient magic vs. religious cult, cyberpunk dystopia to solarpunk utopia. the cover of the book is brown with a rust/bronze hummingbird. It reads Placeholder Cover. A Dragon for Darius a novel by Sherrie A. Bakelar. Zhu Que, The Vermillion bird of the south. It has the number one in kanji.
Clip of a partial paragraph about a shit situation. At the bottom, the bottle has typed 00n0] "ooh no!"
This is the most dangerous time. “How many rebels are there?” Darius whispered. “You said you’d never have enough for an attack.” Pahaliah shook their head and sighed. “Maybe a dozen.” “Out of seventy-two,” Darius whispered. “Out of one hundred forty-four.” Pahaliah corrected.
A finely manicured hand appeared in front of her, holding a folded umbrella. Darius looked up at the noodle shop’s last patron. His lips formed a small, kind smile above a neatly trimmed soul patch. She stared, unthinking for a moment, caught by his white eyes. Not the blank white that suggested blindness, but a blue so pale it was white. “It’s an umbrella,” he said with a cultured, Japanese accent. “Take it, don’t take it. But there’s no reason to get wet when someone is offering you an umbrella.” Darius pulled her eyes away from his face and down to the umbrella. Numb, she took it from him. “It’s a rainy night. A good night to have a friend,” he continued, holding out a take-away bag. “Food,” he said. “You both look hungry.” Darius took the food and the patron studied them a moment more, measuring them. “There are friends out here in the rain with you,” he continued, holding out a final object that glinted metallic in the amber light from the noodle shop. “I like walking in the rain but it’s a long walk to Bangkok. You should drive.” Darius gasped as a set of car keys fell into her hand. The last patron turned away, opening another umbrella—pink with white chibi wolves—and started back the way Darius and Drake had come.
Image shows a man and woman in silhouette at sunset, hugging. The text reads: "I was so worried I'd lost you," he whispered, just loud enough for her to hear. "When I saw the blood fly and felt the knife, I thought you'd been gutted." "That makes two of us," she admitted, kissing him.
Sunny/wintery graphic that reads smashwords july summer/winter sale smashwords.com/sale
Image of a man in uniform being handcuffed by police on the steps of the US capital above a photo of Trump. The text reads "The man accusing the president of shredding the constitution left the capital in handcuffs. He had no vote to cast and no gavel to bang. He walked up to the most powerful government on earth with a scrap of cardboard, and an oath he wouldn't break, and dared it to arrest him for reading the Constitution back to its face. It did."
The air around them grew heavy. Darius knew the sensation from growing up in the Mire. Priests were passing overhead, pressing their consciousness outward, scanning the world around them. Quiet meditation and the blank mind and slow heartbeat that came with it, offered the best shield from the Priests. Even if you weren’t who they were hunting, a racing heart called to them, inviting them to visit justice upon you. Surely, if you have done nothing wrong, you do not need to fear the Priests and the All Fathers. Darius closed her eyes, took a long slow breath and pressed down mentally, willing her heart to slow, her mind to still. Beside her, Pahaliah fell into the same stillness.
The souls started buzzing in her head, a panicked rasping sound. Then the pressure of a scan built around them. Shit! Here? Darius took a long, deep breath and withdrew into her mind. A pool formed behind her eyes, stone walls built up from a flagstone floor. The water in the pool glistened black, reflecting the lilies that floated upon it. She studied the water lilies, and the perfect glass surface until it was all she thought of. Beyond the pool, she felt Drake lean over her and grow cold. The souls quieted as he did so, and the scan hit right after.
Beyond the outer wall, a barren, defensive space set the pyramidal inner building apart. Looking to her right and left as she crossed it, Delvayr picked out four more pairs of gloomstalkers patrolling at various intervals. Along the walls, more pairs of Nura also stood guard. Delvayr reached the inner sanctum and presented herself to the guards at the gate. “I was called to my Mate’s side,” she told the nearest guard. He studied her then nodded and opened the wrought iron gate to let her in. Within the pyramid, the walls formed a series of claustrophobic branching paths and Shadow-filled alcoves. Centering herself, Delvayr stepped out of the Nether and back into the physical realm.
When there was no reply, Marco pressed, “Temeres is still unconscious. We’re going to take him to the nearest town and find a healer.” He felt Myrth withdraw without another word. Shaking his head, he sat thinking, staring down at Temeres. At last, he said aloud, “We need to save him or Almira will have my head.”
“You will be punished,” he snapped, hitting our mattress with an open palm. Punished later or killed now. I smiled and turned away from him, certain he wouldn’t make it from the bed. As before, it was an invitation to him to close the distance, to touch me. Anticipation built in my shoulders as I waited for his hands or his fangs. Instead, a heavy thud. I turned back around and sighed, keeping my smile small. Raffaele giggled from the floor. “You knew I couldn’t stand.”
Drake chuckled. “They embody young energy, rallying new life, cutting away dead weight. I’m sure being here for the last few days has been torture for them.” “For them?” Darius laughed, drawing the eyes of others. “I’ve had to listen to them almost non-stop in my head. We need to leave soon, Drake.”
Graphic shows three books in a series. Lady Warrior, Mage of man, The Land-Nymph Child, Honor Bound. the blurb reads: Why is it always D'Mique? Her name was D'Mique. She grew up in a small, walled village in the middle of a dark forest but her dreams were bigger than that. The only way she could fulfill them was to leave her home and join the military. Once there, she seems to always be at the center of things when trouble begins to brew.
“Ah,” Pahaliah breathed. “He’s here.” Drake followed the Priest’s gaze, eyes landing on a nondescript figure. The newcomer wore a dark gray hoodie, all but his sharp chin lost in the shadow of the hood. He’d jammed his hands into the central pocket at the front. A neon green smiley face with X’s for eyes adorned the garment. “Pursan,” Pahaliah greeted. The figure bowed at the waist and remained low for a full beat.
Graphic advertises a summer book sale on Itch.io https://itch.io/s/187395/summer-is-for-reading Five books for five dollars. The sale is happeing from June 14th through June 26th. The books are titled Lady Warrior, Mage of Man, The Land-Nymph Child, Honor Bound, Slipping Silver, and Great Danes Don't Hunt Werewolves
The PageBound.co discover screen showing a list of books in a clean window.
cover art for the book Plaguewalker by Dorian Rondo. Features a knight contorted in pain atop a pile of corpses.
The graphic shows five books for sale on itch.io. The titles are Lady Warrior, Mage of Man, The Land-Nymph Child, Honor Bound, Slipping Silver and Great Danes Don't Hunt Werewolves.
“It’s not that I hate the desert it’s that the desert hates me,” Pahaliah thought, staring at the large twisted mass of wood before them. The guidebooks all claimed it was alive. “Some sort of tree,” they thought. “There’s power here; I can feel it,” Pahaliah said aloud, glancing at the Priest beside them. Micael had a pair of binoculars to his eyes and was scanning the valley far below the cliff where the twisted mass of wood grew. His partner, Mizrael, had dropped him off at the top and then retreated to the valley, looking for any sign of the human and her dragon passing by. The dragon had been quite a shock to the Priests when he appeared at the caldera. Pahaliah had to swallow the smile that tripped across their features at the remembered cursing and shouting Micael had let loose upon the world when the jade beast spoiled his final shot.
Graphic shows a person reading on the beach. Advertising the books Lady Warrior, Mage of Man, The Land-Nymph Child, Honor Bound, Slipping Silver and Great Danes Don't Hunt Werewolves.
Graphic shows a person reading on the beach. Advertising the books Lady Warrior, Mage of Man, The Land-Nymph Child, Honor Bound, Slipping Silver and Great Danes Don't Hunt Werewolves.
Graphic shows a person reading on the beach. Advertising the books Lady Warrior, Mage of Man, The Land-Nymph Child, Honor Bound, Slipping Silver and Great Danes Don't Hunt Werewolves.
Today’s spectacle was no exception. The guards with their needle-sharp swords and ceremonial polaxes covered in beaded sashes, rendering them useless, shifted away from me when I walked through the door. One bailiff—Indigo by name—left his eyes on me too long. I stared him down, daring him to let slip what he really thought of me. Lily-colored eyes, so rare, so beautiful at court, faltered and turned away as he redoubled his grip on the poleaxe, beaded sash be damned. I imagined my thin-lipped smile was just the right amount of menacing.
He paused and leaned closer to Pahaliah. “This is going to hurt, Priest.” “Don’t pretend you’re not enjoying this, Dragon,” Pahaliah panted around the pain. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen black blood on a blade,” Drake lowed. There was a large pop and Pahaliah screamed once again.
the graphic is advertising the books Lady Warrior, Mage of Man, The Land-Nymph Child, Honor Bound, Slipping Silver, and Great Danes Don't Hunt Werewolves.
“Do you have a job?” Pursan asked, beginning to type on his laptop. “I babysit hummingbirds and throw them into volcanoes...on occasion.” The clacking of the keyboard stopped, and Pursan’s red implants flashed. “He’s a smuggler,” Darius added. “Ah-ah-ah, not just a smuggler,” Cal complained. “I’m a, well, a… a jack-of-all-trades.” “This is you?” Pursan spun the laptop around to show a picture of Cal smiling at the camera, his reticulated vehicle, Annie Oakley, behind him. “It says you’re a wilderness guide.” “Yes, I do that too.” Pursan closed the laptop and set his elbows on top, resting his chin in his hands, mouth covered by his long, thin fingers. He stared long at Cal.
“We’ll raid the stacks while you’re gone,” Pursan said as Cal and Darius stood. The devil reached into the pocket of his hoodie and produced a key, which he handed to Darius. “Knock three times when you return.” She left the key with Drake after opening the vault’s door. Drake took it then laid a heavy hand on Cal’s shoulder, stopping him at the door. “Nothing happens to her,” he hissed, his voice sharp enough to cut. “Nothing.” “Relax, Drake, I’m on duty,” Cal said, his smile never faltering. He patted Drake’s chest. The dragon stepped back, letting them out, glaring as he closed the vault.
Ray returned then, offering the group a hopeful smile. “I’ve spoken to Julianna, the head researcher, and told her we are on our way and that I have a special guest I’d love her to meet.” His smile faltered. “That was presumptuous of me, wasn’t it? I should have asked the Priest if they’d be willing to meet with Julianna.” “Pahaliah will do it,” Drake assured him. “If they don’t want to, I’ll have a word.” Ray paled as Drake smiled.
The in-game sprite of Gilgamesh, a boss from Final Fantasy 5. It is humanoid with 8 arms and two legs. It is holding several weapons including a gold sword, a morning star, a spear, an axe, and spiked knuckles.
The candy-haired Land-Nymph was angry, lost, uncertain. Tekalo was free but T’Pani would be coming back to the tree daemons. “If I go with them,” D’Mique said, “the others can find T’Pani, and bring her to us.” She swallowed around all the fear and anger she was feeling. She focused on that truth. “I do not want to be alone with the daemons.” She held up a hand to Puko as he shifted toward her. “But I will go,” she finished and sheathed her sword. Head bowed, she turned to fall in line with the others. Indecision danced through Trillip for another moment as the Gorath followed D’Mique and the line of tree daemons. Trillip grasped Tekalo’s hand and pulled him into a fierce hug. “If I go, I can reunite with T’Pani once she’s here, I can help D’Mique,” he whispered. “If I stay, I can help find T’Pani.” “We’ll find T’Pani,” Tekalo said. “I do not know what is going on but there’s some sort of plan.” He grasped Trillip by the shoulder. “I promise you, we will find her. Come, we need to get Marco and Temeres through the tear.” Trillip shook his head. “I will see you again,” he whispered, parting from Tekalo with a soft kiss on his cousin’s cheek. “What?” Tekalo gasped, startled. Trillip turned to hurry after D’Mique before she disappeared through the Rend, leaving Tekalo alone with Marco and Temeres, who were just beginning to stir.
The next time she opened her eyes, the window across from her bed was dark. A single light lit the room with a warm glow. Darius sensed someone behind her and sat up quickly. Drake sat in the overstuffed chair near the wardrobe, reading a thick leather-bound book. He paused at her sudden movement and smiled. “We were worried,” he said. “Normally I wouldn’t have barged in, but when I knocked, you didn’t answer.” “I was so tired,” Darius admitted. She smiled at Drake and his green eyes danced with their own warmth. “Emma said you were drinking,” she teased. “Cal said you even slept. Does that mean we were safe here?” “We are as off-grid as one can get,” Drake said with a nod. “I took advantage of it.” He set the book down on the vanity behind him. Picking up a wrapped package, he stood and crossed to sit beside her on the bed. “I had the chef save you some food.” Inside the wax paper, Darius discovered a ham and cheese sandwich with more layered vegetables than she could fit in her mouth.
A book cover with a wolf's eyes superimposed over a city skyline. The title is Slipping Silver, Milia of Moonligh, The First Favor by Sherrie A Bakelar. The blurb reads: "Milia returns to begin repaying her favors. The first one is owed to the sorceress Morgana Feralclaw, whose wayward boys keep disappearing. As plots grow complicated, Milia finds herself caught between rival packs and the sorceress. Desperate, Milia turns to the nomadic wolves of the Slipping Silver band for help.
Cal followed her. “Do you want me to stay with you?” he asked. Alarm bells suddenly rang through her. Eyes wide, she stood suddenly, as if the bed had burned her. Hugging herself, she shook her head. “Oh,” Cal stepped back. “No, I’m sorry. That’s a no.” “Cal,” she started. “No, I’m sorry, Darius. We were having fun upstairs. Having a few drinks, having a laugh. You took my hand. I misread the situation.” He smiled, hands still open to his sides. Darius sighed and nodded. “But, for what it’s worth,” Cal continued. “I do like you.” “You are jealous,” she whispered with a smile. “He’s a dragon, remember?” Cal responded. They stared at each other, silent for a moment. “And you’ve been drinking.” Cal took a deep breath. More words waited to be said, but a knock interrupted him.
Graphic reads Now on Kobo, Rakuten Kobo. The link is https://bit.ly/BakelaronKobo. There are six book covers: In My Time of Dying, Great Danes Don't Hunt Werewolves, Slipping Silver, Lady Warrior Mage of Man, The Land-Nymph Child, and Honor Bound.
“I’ve heard that Mr. Top Hat is seeing red and the devil Beleth has been recalled,” Pursan said with a soft smile. “We have an unknown amount of time to leave the city. We have to go quickly, with no souls on display, or Beleth will be back with a small army to turn the place upside down.” He leaned close to Darius, the full side of his body touching her, his curls tickling along her cheek. “And he cares not for architecture, nor humans,” he said near her ear, a secret only she was meant to know. Drake regained his feet, leaving his post at the vault door and grabbing the backpack that Cal had packed. Pursan slid his laptop into a second backpack and then led them from the vault. Hood up, he waved them away as they entered the hallways.
A boy asks, "Is this a kissing book?"
screencap of a reel. Reads County Commission Meetings. The meeting in question is at 11:30 am on the 4th Wednesday of the month. It reads Utah Data Center Call 2 Action!!!
A book showing a horse and rider in silhouette on the cover entitled In My Time of Dying by Sherrie A Bakelar. It is surrounded by a plant, a feather, and a dark egg. There is also a badge reading SPFBO XI. The blurb reads, "When Eloise Fontaine passed away from a heart attack, she left behind a pile of her belongings, a horse, and her unfinished business. It now falls to her twin sister, Ebony, to fulfill Eloise' final Calling, Find the Farm Boy and save the kingdom, before Ebony passes away herself.
“Where’s Cal?” Darius asked. “I do not know, he was gone when I woke up.” Darius’ heart fell and butterflies flipped through her stomach as she sat up. “He was supposed to be keeping watch,” she said. Drake agreed. “Do you think he’s gone gone?” “We aren’t lucky enough for that,” Drake chuckled. Darius echoed him. “But, yes. He was supposed to be on watch and when I woke he was gone.” He sniffed deep. “I don’t smell trouble.” “You can smell trouble?” Darius’ incredulity filled her voice. Drake shrugged and nodded. She laughed. “Maybe he went to find breakfast,” she suggested.
Book Cover reads In My Time of Dying by Sherrie A. Bakelar. There is a horse and rider in silhouette. In the background there is a castle. An emblem in the corner reads SPFBO Semi-Finalist 2026.
“Lead the way,” he said, falling in a half-step behind her. She glanced around the main floor. Children played along the artificial creek while parents and nannies sat nearby gossiping. Families of the overcity who had no idea how hard the real world was, sipping coffee in their artificial parks along artificially clean water and full of filtered air. The cafe where she’d eaten breakfast with the Priest was nearly empty, the lunch crowd gone and the dinner crowd not yet materializing. Darius continued toward the stairs and started to climb.
Another half hour and Evan pulled into a dirt lot near a small round lake. “Come on,” he ordered, jumping out of the jeep. Cal echoed him, leaving Drake and Darius to watch the pair through the dusty windows. “What do you think?” Darius asked. “I’m not happy.” Drake watched Cal wave for them to hurry. Cal’s buddy folded his arms, expertly projecting his annoyance. Drake sighed and closed his eyes a moment. “We’re going to have to deal with the dregs, Darius. We’re not following the rules here.” He met her dark worried eyes with sympathy, “We’re not being ‘good citizens’ even though we’re probably doing what’s right.” “Probably?” Darius asked, shaking her head to signal she didn’t need an explanation.
Cal didn’t answer at first. He slowed as they came to a downhill section, riding the brakes to keep their speed reasonable. “Yeah,” Cal decided. “Give me a few minutes with Ray to see what he’s up to. He’s…” Cal trailed off then tried again. “He’s a believer.” Her heart fell from her body, left behind and beating on the road. “A worshipper?” she squeaked. “We can’t,” she breathed. “Cal!” she shouted into his ear. He flinched. “We have to,” he said. “Look, it’ll be okay.” “How?” When he simply continued to pedal, Darius glanced behind them. Pursan and Drake were several yards away. “Cal, how is that going to be okay?” She flicked his ear. “Ow!” the bike wobbled satisfactorily. “We don’t need to give him the whole story,” Cal snapped. She felt herself giving him that same “you’re doing something stupid” look Drake had given her in the past. His shoulders hunched as Cal pointedly ignored her.
The text reads "Mothers in fantasy are often the villans. If they haven't died or disappeared, they stifle theri children, abuse or neglect them, even plot their deaths! Not this mother. Meet DpMique, a young woman who sets out to save the world. In the process she finds herself sworn to protect a child whose mother died in childbirth. This mother will give everything to keep her child safe." Itchio Mother's Day Sale May 6th through May 14th. Just $1 each. The three books listed are Lady Warrior Mage of Man, The Land-Nymph Child, and Honor Bound.
A crowd of people, most wearing red, the union's t-shirt
Mother's in fantasy are often the villans. If they haven't died or disappeared, they stifle their children, abuse or neglect them, even plot their deaths! Not this Mother. Meet D'Mique, a young woman who sets out to save the world. In the process she finds herself sworn to protect a child whose mother died in childbirth. This mother will give everything to keep her child safe. Itchio Mother's Day Sale May 6th through 14th. Just $1 each for three books. The books are titled Lady Warrior, Mage of Man, The Land-Nymph Child, and Honor Bound.
It wasn’t even Pahaliah’s job to break the news to the All Father. That had fallen to Laviah. Not only did the Angel have to explain the loss of the soul, but also that they suddenly had a guardian dragon to deal with. A dragon that had loosed the soul and escaped into the wilderness. For a brief moment, Pahaliah wondered if Laviah would survive the news, if there’d be cause to elevate a new Cherubim to their position. Pahaliah frowned. “If Laviah is cut down, the chosen Throne won’t be me, it’ll be Iel,” they decided.