Meena Mason’s Podcast

Chapter 13 - The Thief's Tale by Meena Mason

Settling into Cyrenean life isn't proving as seamless for Kessa Decora as it would for the average individual. A monotonous, daily routine never stood much of a chance against the restless, emotional, headstrong teenager, and hence, she's already found herself in a heap of trouble. 
 
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
 
Chapter 13 Excerpt:
There were eight of them all together: some brandishing clubs, others unarmed. All of them were eyeing her as if she were the last delicious meatball that had the audacity to roll off their plate. Generally — as with most people in a situation like this — Kessa would’ve been terrified. Right now, though, she was furious; furious enough to rip apart anything antagonistic. Fury left no room for fear or even reality. Invincibility, thy name was Kessa! With a roar as forceful as any lioness, Kessa challenged her aggressors, sizing up which antelope would taste the finest.
 

Chapter 14 - The Thief's Tale

What in the three kingdoms of Nogard has Kessa gotten herself into this time? Has she found a purpose? Has she merely tumbled into something to keep her busy or was it mere tumbling at all? Whatever the case, Kessa has found herself with a choice: keep trudging along day by day at the Cyrenean stables, or take a chance on a new venture. A venture that just might cost her her life, or, perhaps save it.
 
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
 
Chapter 14 Excerpt:
It was dark out, hinting at the extent she’d been there – a while. Was Quinn concerned about her? Would her sister be notified of her absence? If she was, would she be worried about her?
Finally, the man she presumed was the leader, T, flashed a cheeky grin her way, whispered something to his confederates, and said, “Miss Recruit, we are willing to train you, but naturally, we’ve conditions… and rules.”
“Naturally.”

Chapter 15 - The Thief's Tale

Kessa finds herself in a situation she’s not entirely sure her training with Clandestine Services prepared her for. Will she hold true to her oath? Will pain and coercion defeat her?
 
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
 
Chapter 15 Excerpt:
The door hinges squeaked loudly as someone entered the room. Instantly, the tantalizing aroma of fresh bread wafted past her nose. Her stomach was so empty it didn’t seem to have the energy to protest anymore, or perhaps she just couldn’t hear it. Kessa had never been this hungry; it was a torture far more effective than the way she was tied up. She wanted to cry, beg, plead for food, but she knew she could not. If they cracked her, Aquestria, Pantheus, and perhaps even Quinn, would be killed. On the less tragic side, Thomas would be terribly disappointed in her if he found out. He might even be severely punished for commending her. Besides, she’d never been one to break an oath, and she didn’t intend to start now.  

Chapter 16 - The Thief's Tale

On her first mission major mission for Clandestine Services, Kessa certainly makes some waves.
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
Chapter 16 Excerpt:
She was enjoying both a breath-taking view out on glossy, moon-lit waters that spanned as far as the eye could see and an intriguing chess match when something enormous in the water caught her eye. It swam under the ship; there was a loud bang and the boat tipped alarmingly.
“Wrestrook!” the ship’s lookout screamed.
Kessa heard the fear in his voice. Gripping the railing tightly to avoid being tossed into the wrests, she ducked low.
The chess pieces scattered. Captain Covaso and Tragor leapt from their seats and rushed to the deck. The crew sounded terrified as the creature played with the boat like a toy. Kessa held onto that railing for dear life as they tipped and pitched. It wasn’t long until she comprehended the crew’s dread. A creature the size of the boat swam a couple metres out portside and raised a portion of its body above the waves, though the moonlight did a good job of amplifying the terror beneath the waves. Part crocodile, part squid, and part… penguin the creature boasted impenetrable opalescent scales and a belly of coal-black plating. Two parallel rows of ivory horns rippled down its armoured back and massive crocodile tail. It had two humongous flippers on either side beneath which were numerous tentacles that Kessa kept losing count of. Its penguin shaped head almost leant it an adorable aspect if it weren’t for the beak-snout lined with razor sharp, blue teeth the size of her entire body, and two huge, black orblike eyes that glinted with a yellow sheen when they caught the moonlight.
“We’re done for!” Kessa breathed, too frightened to speak above a whisper.
With a deafening cackle that incapacitated every person on the ship, the wrestrook spun several lower tentacles like propellers at incredible speed and launched itself over the whole ship. If it belly-flopped it would rent them in two or crush them completely, but that wasn’t the plan. It dived to starboard. Kessa swore the resulting wave would capsize the ship. It came close.
 

Teaser for Chapter 6 of The Thief's Tale

Teaser for Chapter 6 of, The Thief's Tale, Audio Book read by the author, Meena Mason.

Chapter 17 - The Thief's Tale

Aboard Pastoria once again, Kessa stirs the wrests, so to speak, fishing for anything untoward or suspicious. Investigating the crew brings to light personalities, quirks, and dark, murky secrets that were brewing beneath the surface. Her skills will certainly be tested as the spy casts her net for both advantageous alliances and slippery foes. What will be Kessa’s catch of the day?
 
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
 
Chapter 17 Excerpt:
“Wait here,” Taur quietly commanded.
Placing his box carefully down beside the gangplank, he crept onboard. Spotting, Grain asleep on the crates, he waved to his associates to follow. He retrieved his box and carried it gingerly up the gangplank. Myna, her dark hair tied tightly back in a bun, appeared at the base of the gangplank. Kessa frowned. She’d developed a keen respect for the dark-eyed beauty. She’d be disappointed if she was involved in the scheme.
            Sneaking up the gangplank, Myna withdrew a sword from the scabbard attached to her belt.
“Taur,” she cried. “You scallywag! I knew you were up to no good.”
            Contempt screwing up his already unattractive features, Taur motioned for the other four to surround her.
“Shouldn’t have followed me, Myna,” he said, withdrawing his own sword. “Leastways, not alone.”

Teaser for Chapter 7 of The Thief's Tale

Teaser for Chapter 7 of The Thief's Tale audiobook

Teaser for Chapter 8 of The Thief's Tale

Teaser for Chapter 8 of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason

Chapter 18 - The Thief's Tale

Completed the difficult task allotted her by the council of Clandestine Services, Kessa has headed back to Cyrene for a much-needed rest. But Thomas reminds her there is no rest for the skilled or the secretive. Her next big assignment is ready and waiting, posing a unique challenge but also a unique reward if she can manage it.  
Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason
Chapter 18 Excerpt:
“House shopping, Thomas?” Kessa asked. “If so, I entirely approve. Wouldn’t mind purchasing the property myself if I had the means.”
“What? Tired of the stables?”
 Her need you ask expression was reply enough.
He chuckled. “This property would certainly suit you, kid, your sister, too. It is a fine piece of real estate if you don’t mind living in a home once occupied by a greedy, merciless, deceitful moneylender.”
“Oh! Is this my next assignment?”
                “Was it the greedy, merciless, deceitful description that gave it away?”
                “Moneylenders, in general, have it coming.”
                “It’s easy to condemn the nasty ones; they’re in line for a hefty helping of comeuppance. It’s when we’re required to destroy the lives of the innocent or undeserving that this job stinks.”

Teaser for Chapter 9 - The Thief's Tale

This is a teaser for Chapter 9 of Meena Mason's, The Thief's Tale, audiobook