Excerpt from The White Falcon: Taking Flight (also released as The Awakening): They all had black hair and bright blue eyes, just like their father and mother. The boys in the family had wavy hair and olive skin. The girls had straight hair and porcelain skin. 

But Gabriel learned early in life that appearances can be deceiving. 

What happened to Gabriel before The White Falcon? 

Gabriel loved the flurry of packing and household chaos that were sure signs that his family was preparing for their annual trip to the lake house. 

Each family member was allowed one dufflebag and a back pack for their two month trip. 

That was easy for Gabriel since he spent most of his summer in swim trunks. For entertainment he had his baseball and glove, the lake and all it had to offer, and a few good books and a stack of comics to pass away the time at night.

His parents did not allow television, computers, cell phones or anything that needed electricity at the lake house. Gabriel could hear his dad now, "This trip is about disconnecting from modern technology and connecting with family and nature." At the time he hated not having his phone and laptop, but what Gabriel didn't know is this trip and its severe disconnect from modern conveniences would prepare him for his travels from Window World to Window World. 

Over the years he had learned to fish, gut and cook the catch of the day, start a fire, set up a tent and enjoy the simplicity of life under the stars. Being in nature was not a foreign concept, it was part of his life.

Fourth of July was an annual lake house event that the entire family looked forward to. The day would begin with red, white and blueberry pancakes. Then Gabriel, Christian, his brother, and their dad would pack up the boat and set off for a morning of fishing. Gabriel's mom and Erica, his sister, would prepare sandwiches for lunch and set up a picnic at the lakes edge. 

When the men returned, the family would enjoy the picnic lunch and take a swim in the lake. Since the girls prepared the meal they guys would pitch in and clean up. This was ceremoniously followed by a lazy afternoon of lounging in hammocks in the shade of the trees. Eventually Gabriel and Christian would muster up the energy to play catch and Erica and Lucy, her friend from the cabin next door, would join in. The entire family would help prepare a feast of baked fish and sweet summer corn. For dessert they would devour homemade strawberry ice cream. 

After dinner everyone would grab a folding lawn chair and claim a spot on the boat dock to watch the annual firework show. After the show, often as the last shimmer of fireworks still lingered in the air, Christian would playfully try to push Gabriel into the water. It would end with one of them getting tossed in the lake but that was the purpose. Immediately the rest of the family jumped in and joined them for a late night swim.

As Gabriel grew older these would become cherished memories of family, tradition and care-free days in the sun. 

The White Falcon: Taking Flight is available online at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Kobo ebooks. For an autographed copy of the book or to check out our other stuff in our online store.

If you enjoyed this short story share this link with your friends. Like us on Facebook! And, of course, sign up for our newsletter! By signing up for our newsletter, you will get advanced notice regarding upcoming events, contest information, and we will notify you when book 2, TWF: Allies, is available for pre-order. Click here to sign up now.

Click here to read about Sir Zachary a healer and shape-shifter from Giervalk.