Fevered Fuse * Serialised * Four

January 22, 2026 by Roland Clarke

After a few delays, I’m posting the next two chapters on consecutive days, as together they’re over 2,000 words… short chapter today.

I’m still juggling life problems, so it’s been tough writing my next Freedom Flights episode. I’m aiming to post it by the end of the month.

Now enjoy another Fevered Fuse chapter. Links to previous chapters can be found via my updated Snowdon Shadows page on the left-hand sidebar.

*Comments and constructive criticism are always welcome.

FEVERED FUSE

A Snowdon Shadows Mystery

Roland Clarke

(Police Procedural Fiction)

***

Chapter Four

Revenge

Friday 1st April 2016

Images, memories flicker on the edge of my mind as I skim stones.

The smell of musk and jasmine.

A name hovers out of reach as warmth floods my chest, and invisible fingers tease my body.

Someone I loved. I stare at a white mark on my finger. From a ring? Am I married?

My first love?

I tap my bracer, and letters tumble out.

Gwawr had signed ‘Enigma Code’. A nudge – a clue.

C for Cryptology – my Cryptograph. My weird juggling of the initial letters of clues to get an acronym.

But who hovers in my past?

B for Bran Blevins – my secondary school’s star rugby player.

Sunlight scatters across the llŷn.

Bran was not the first. Not musk and jasmine.

N for Nerys.

Nerys Jernigan kissed me – another girl. We fell in love. Shared lips and secret fondles.

Faced our fears and the taunts. Who realised? I knew how to stay low-key – as a Goth. My identity – at first.

Nobody discovered my first tattoo – or even the second. Except Nerys.

But we were outed by the bullies. C for Cadell.

Cadell Pryce, the choirboy-look-alike from Hell with the manic smile. He wielded the school bullies like a gang leader. They called us ‘dykes.’ D for Dykes and Degenerates.

A threat we thwarted. O for Outsiders and Organised.

My defiant words echo in my head.

“We have to stand up to them, resist—”

R for Resist and Rebels.

Nerys persuaded me to teach our friends Jiu-Jitsu.

At first, the situation didn’t escalate.

The bullies were suspicious. They sensed the change. We stuck together whenever we could – deterrence. Created a Goth patrol. Stalemate for a few weeks.

Our black garb spread, as did our concealed thorny-rose tattoos.

Mine is visible now on my naked ankle. I caress my rose, remembering fingers tracing its leaves. My caresses climb up my legs, between my thighs – until I shiver.

A chill wind stirs the lake, fractures the peace, shatters the calm. It disturbs my lonely urges. I tremble and glance around.

Can’t I have such drives? What do I need?

Water calms me – cools my confused feelings. Another swim.

Swimming in a lake is safe – safer than a pool.

The stink of chlorine makes me shudder and remember.

Bodies bomb me, hands grab me, push me underwater. That acrid taste fills my mouth. I lash out. Wriggle free – but no escape.

Dive deeper and away.

They follow. Trapping me with their bodies and arms. I can’t breathe. Water engulfs me. My vision glazes – after I see a leering face.

A black arrow darts past – grapples with an attacker. Then another arrow shoots past.

Hands pull me onto the side. Lips reviving me.

Is that a tongue?

Focus through the fog. Musk and jasmine disperse chlorine. The tongue is teasing and tasty. I want more.

We made time for more – three weeks of passion on the beach. Secret and forbidden.

Forbidden in the Welsh chapel eyes of my nain and taid.

Something, someone, forced us apart. Changed us.

I shudder and clutch my body, pressing my left breast to calm my pounding heart. Through tears, I remember my taid’s words. ‘In the eyes of the Lord, we can’t be the judges. But our reputation in the community.’ I perjured myself in the eyes of God. I pretended to like a guy.

Did one weakness destroy another? The shakes don’t settle. My pounding blood floods my head.

The ‘C-O-R-D-O-N’ I let divide us. C for Convert. O for Organised. R for Resistance. D for Degenerate. O for Outsiders. N for Nerys.

Was my enforced ‘change of heart’ so easy? Did I conform? Get married?

B for Bran Blevins. The perfect match in my family’s and God’s eyes. Leaving Nerys as a doomed first love. A schoolgirl crush – betrayed.

But R is for Revenge. Whose? Nerys? C for Cadell?

I stare across the llŷn needing answers.

***

657 words

Cregennen Lakes © Ian King – http://snowdonia.info/

Fevered Fuse * Serialised * One

January 12, 2026 by Roland Clarke

In my 7^th January IWSG post, I discussed what I was considering doing with ‘Fevered Fuse’, the first of my Snowdon Shadows novels, featuring Sparkle Anwyl. Having pulled back from the traditional publishing route after a few reactions/comments to the first rejection, I began looking at serialising it on Substack, but I only have four followers. Here I have 980, even if the number drops for most posts.

Therefore, I have decided to post ‘Fevered Fuse’ on Writing Wings in serial form, starting today with Chapter One. However, as soon as I realise fewer people are interested than the numbers reading Freedom Flights, then I’ll no longer bore you. The next episode of Freedom Flights has been delayed due to personal issues.

Comments and constructive criticism are always welcome.

FEVERED FUSE

A Snowdon Shadows Mystery

Roland Clarke

(Police Procedural Fiction)

Chapter One

Shadow Assailant

Friday 25th March 2016

Was the text a trick?

‘Urgnt meet @ SA. Plz. CU1900. C’

My tattoos tingle, so I tap on a random rivet fastening my leather wristband. My mind imagines the initial letters of clues to get a anagram. One tap for each letter. My Cryptograph habit is as constant as my wrist bracer.

T for Text and Talsarnau. C for Cadell or Carys?

Neither come inside the Ship Aground. Not Cadell the manic offender, nor Carys the disarming importer. Both need me sometimes. Why here in Talsarnau?

But nobody approaches me as I remain drinking and watching. Listening to Welsh gossip. Reading lips slurring our language.

Do people know what I am?

Tattoos tingle and fingers tap out letter clues on my black biker bracer.

N for No-show. M for Mystery. O for Offender and I for Importer.

Are these clues I should pursue?

S for Ship and Secrets. A for Aground and Absent. C for Cadell and Carys. R for Reason and Ruse.

I leave.

Nobody follows as I trudge to my motorbike in the shadow of a tree. Moonlight glints on metallic black, and I mount, easing on my helmet.

NARCOTICS.

C for Cryptology – my Cryptograph. Are my weird acronym mind-games misleading me? But the childhood quirk has kept me ahead and alive – and some say indispensable.

Who sent the text?

Cadell, who bullied and stole, but never touched drugs.

Carys, whose brother dealt in replica art. She has a way with everyone – especially us girls.

ROMANTICS

My phone rings.

I answer on my earpiece. ‘Sparkle Anwyl.’

A moving shadow makes me duck. But the blow smashes me off the bike.

Darkness engulfs me as the words lime-green is not cool swamp my throbbing brain.

295 Words

#IWSG – Inspired Creations

July 5, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Before I tackle this month’s question for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group post , there’s time and space for the latest news updates:

Welcome WINDSONG BLONDELLE PHOENIX better known as Blondie, our new Companion fur baby. She will never replace my unique Quetzal, who remains irreplaceable and I’m still mourning her. Blondie is full of energy and tries so hard to play with Treeky. But the old man only wants to bark and bark. As for this old man, I’d love our new fur baby to share my bed – without stepping on my catheter – but the three times she’s been on the bed, her visits have been brief. She prefers getting Juanita’s attention by chewing her shoes. Luckily new toys are on order.

2. One minor problem is chewing through my computer cable, which left me unable to check my emails, write this post until Tuesday, or keep up to date on Ukraine. So, I’m being briefer than usual.

3. Health continues to plague me. I’m meant to be going on respite at the end of the month so Juanita and the dogs can go camping. Should be interesting… if I can take my laptop to write.

For now, Ukraine is still one of my two writing priorities. As I’ve said a few times, I will continue my Ukraine stories until a just peace is reached and the reconstruction has begun. The next episode is due around August 16th to 18th 2023.

Slava Ukrayini

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/p/challenges-2023.html

Every month, IWSG announces a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

July 5 question – 99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?

Remember, the question is optional!

I must be brief this month, but I can start by saying as a teenager and in my twenties, dreams were often my inspiration.

But that gradually changed to echoing real-life events as with my two current projects. My Snowdon Shadows police procedural series reflects Welsh issues with touches of the history and folklore. Likewise, my Ukraine Night Witches historical shorts are fiction set against ongoing events… not forgetting the initial short echoing the Firebird legend.

I’ve even used Norse mythology for some WEP/IWSG flash shorts.

The awesome co-hosts for this July 5 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Kim Lajevardi, Gwen Gardner, Pat Garcia, and Natalie Aguirre!

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

Quetzal Tribute

June 25, 2023 by Roland Clarke

Our beautiful Cavachon fur-baby Quetzal was born on February 13^th, 2014, in Garndolbenmaen, North Wales, U.K.

I had already seen photographs of her parents and some siblings but knew my choice. So, when Juanita brought her out to show me, it was ‘love at first cuddle’.

Although the breeder’s son called her ‘Curly Sue’, we chose the name Quetzal after a game which Juanita was playing ‘Quetzal Quest’ about the search for a jewel likeness of the exotic Quetzal bird, whose feathers were prized by the Central American natives.

Likewise, we prized our gorgeous fur-baby, who has left us with a wealth of memories, from dashing around in the rain, to trying to catch squirrels. When she was a puppy, she liked to climb via my lap, onto my desk between the keyboard and my monitor. However, one of our cats loved this spot as well, so, every day became a race for this prime location. Fortunately, my lap was almost as good… and came with a stroking bonus.

Over time, Quetzal outgrew the desk. Plus, she had a new privilege: walking in the forest at the mountain biking centre, where she was treated to a venison burger – yes, dogs were allowed in the cafeteria.

Her other sport was chasing tennis balls… inside… and destroying them. By now, we had our second dog, Treeky. We also replaced tennis balls with rubber ‘kongs’ that fooled both dogs by bouncing erratically.

When we moved to America, Quetzal & Treeky travelled in style on the liner Queen Mary II, with two Kennel Masters for all the dogs, and a Poop Deck for walks with a UK lamppost and US fire hydrant.

Sadly, as my health declined and I became bed-bound, I could no longer walk Quetzal. She could though, use steps to climb onto my bed and snuggle. Most nights she slept cuddled on or beside me.

I won’t forget her squeezing herself between me and my bed-desk to reach me and curl up. Every time I was trying to eat, she would bob and weave behind the desk to get tidbits, or a hopeful face would appear from under the desk.

Last photo of Quetzal sharing love and attention

An adorable face I will never forget, to infinity and beyond.

TO BE CONTINUED – QUETZAL GOES CAMPING

#IWSG – Originality

August 3, 2022 by Roland Clarke

I’m aiming to get ahead by writing this monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post a few days ahead.

Our house is still in chaos, although my wife’s son and his girlfriend move out next week. So, then our office will get set up, and I can stop writing one-fingered on a laptop barely in reach. The flash-drive with my current novel did appear, but revision is postponed until the office makes writing easier.

My health is declining, but we have hopefully found a way to afford care using insurance and a family trust. My brother, who controls the purse strings visiti on Sunday – my 69^th birthday – so I’ll have to behave 😉

However, I must reassure the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh that this announcement is not ‘ffarwel’.

Anyway IWSG. Remember, the question is optional!

August 3 question – When you set out to write a story, do you try to be more original, or do you try to give readers what they want?

Initially my stories are original in inspiration, even if there’s a prompt, as with the WEP/IWSG Challenges.

However, there comes a point where the favourable responses mean re-visiting places and characters. That’s why I keep writing my Snowdon Shadows stories set in North Wales and starring Sparkle & Kama.

Do my Ukrainian stories fit this pattern? Originally written to an IWSG Anthology prompt, continued due to the current war, I’m now working on one for the next WEP/IWSG Challenge as readers wanted to know what happens next.

Good question, which real events will decide.

Slava Ukrayini.

+++

Finally, don’t forget to visit more active writers via the IWSG site:

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the August 3 posting of the IWSG are Tara Tyler, Lisa Buie Collard, Loni Townsend, and Lee Lowery!

#IWSG – Shire Dreams

July 6, 2022 by Roland Clarke

My apologies for this ‘late show’ on the monthly Insecure Writer’s Support Group post.

Our move has proved a nightmare with no disabled features to the house like wide doors or wheelchair ramp, a low toilet I have to be transferred onto by a trained carer, plus weeks without internet. My desktop is still in storage as no office imminent, so I’m writing this one-fingered on a laptop barely in reach.

And the new wheelchair keeps dying on me at inconvenient moments.

The flash-drive with my current novel went AWOL during the move, and other backups are proving elusive.

My health is suffering and paying for carers will cripple us… unless my brother acts out of character.

However, I must reassure the Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh that this announcement is not ‘ffarwel’.

Anyway IWSG. Remember, the question is optional!

July 6 question – If you could live in any book world, which one would you choose?

A few come to mind from Narnia to Earthsea to a galaxy far, far away. But as Tolkien is my early writing inspiration, I choose Middle Earth… well, a safer region, The Shire.

Is that my yearning for rural England on which The Shire was modelled? Home?

Except my heart is in North Wales, where my Sparkle stories are set. Can I live there, please?