Knowing it would add an air of mystery to the Inn, formerly known as the foreboding Pierce House, Abigail and Ethan set the stage for their guests by having them approach the house overlooking the bay in a modern day, state-of-the-art, two-masted schooner. It was up to Ethan and Tony to mesmerize them with tales of Abigail's and their own ominous beginnings in the house, and how the Inn came to be. The stories included: the relic of the Royal Knight, the significance of the special Land Grant displayed in a frame on the wall, the haunting strains emanating from an elusive Stradivarius, and the legend surrounding Adam's Point. And, of course, there was the possibility of becoming entangled in a web the Inn might weave. Ethan brushed over the fact that he was the first person who dared sail into the Bay of Death alone. And announced that the guests now had the honor of being the first full ship's complement to break the curse on the bay leading up to the old Pierce House, now officially known as The House On The Bluff.

* * *

Abigail smiled inwardly wishing she could see the looks on their faces while held in the grip of the stories. She was afraid her first guests might take one look at the place, even though it was all the publicity said it was, bolt and change their minds once the Abigail dropped anchor. Then Ethan and Tony would have to turn around and take them back to Caleb's Cove, and she would be alone again on Adam's Point. Well, not really.

The brochure assured those who sought a new and different vacation that they would not be disappointed. It trumpeted a vacation hideaway that had no electricity, no running water, pumps only, no central heating system, no phones and no television. It also boasted of fabulously appointed rooms, fireplaces, breathtaking ocean views, swimming, underwater caves, sailing, and a touch of suspense and intrigue.

The beautiful crystal clear bay had a special attraction. For centuries, it was noted, no ships, sail or otherwise, had ventured upon the waters leading to the House On The Bluff, due to the nefarious blot upon it. Since the time of the pirates, the sound had been known as the Bay of Death, not only for the ships who were ensnared within but also for those who sailed aboard them. Now, however, any brave soul who cared to dive beneath the sea, properly attired in protective gear, could take the time to wander among the wreckage of the ships that lay scattered on the bottom of the bay. Ships that had in times past attempted to sail into its waters - that is, if one had a mind to venture forth -at their own peril.

- ISBN-1-59431-451-9 Legacy : Book II Gatekeeper's Realm Chapter 1 : Excerpt About me: I am an author who writes in several genre's including: futuristic science fiction, and mystery romance novels that have a touch of the paranormal running through them. I started writing fiction seriously during my lunch hours at work. I needed the diversion since most of my writing at that time was devoted to technical writing. With my first published novel, I guess it started with my smoking. Yes, I used to smoke. I don't now, haven't for many years. But one day while sitting in my office during a break, after a real rough morning, I lit a cigarette. I watched the curled smoke from my cigarette rise toward the corner of the office disappearing into a crack in the wall. I watched this for several minutes wondering where the smoke was going. Was it just being swallowed up into the wall, or did it vanish into the nooks and crannies that were hidden from view and led to God knows where. Needless to say, my imagination took hold and before I knew it I was writing the first chap