Excerpt and Giveaway The Windgate (The School of Ministry #1) by Braxton A. Cosby

Description:

TO CHOOSE, IS FATE! 

A young man named Ziv struggles to find his place in life after both of his parents are murdered. Orphaned and alone by the age of six, he bounces in and out of foster homes hopeless and afraid, wondering if he will ever find a path to happiness. He resolves to accept a life of depravity, until one day he discovers he possesses the gift of sight: to see creatures from the afterlife, but not angels...demons! Ziv is recruited by The School of Ministry, a secret society that promises to help him find his best friend Stephanie, who has gone missing. But there is one catch: he must agree to join them in their quest to eradicate evil and protect the weak. Ziv learns that he is a "Conduit," which allow him to cross over into the spirit world and transcend time itself. When he is partnered with two other young men who have similar gifts, the unlikely trio is trained in the mastery of weapons and the art of Shouting, during treacherous challenges of the tortuous Quad in preparation for their mission: to secure the Windgate. Ziv becomes entrenched in a quest of identity, love, and will, until comes face to face with pure evil itself--Akabod, the spiritual prodigal son to the School of Ministry and a master of talents.

EXCERPT:

TOUR SCHEDULE

With my bag packed, I make my way to the garage. Nothing comes close to describing the way I feel. Butterflies died off a while ago. It's more like dancing dragons parading around my gut, shifting organs and the remnants of today's lunch. I tried everything possible to prepare during the walk here. First I completed an equipment cross-check in the room, and then I made peace with the contents of my safe. Everything I need has been tucked away in my bag, along with my staff which hangs off my back, in a sheath strapped around my chest. As for the safe, if I am to perish in the battlefield, it will not be due to an embellishment of my anger, or fear, nor my doubt. Even if they are not fully gone, I will not carry them into the fight. The only thing I anticipate seeing again is the silver box Stephanie gave me. 

But I can't dwell on her today, not anymore. The word 'distraction' pops into my head carrying Maxwell's voice with it. He's right. I must keep a level head. Any losses that I take today will be from either poor technique or just facing off against a superior adversary. Still, the persistent surge of adrenaline pumps through my veins. While inspiring me to excel, it manages to keep me wired and on the verge of insanity. 

One thing drills at the back of my skull and I've been hard pressed to ignore it, albeit unsuccessful. There is an uncomfortable insistence in my spirit to make a choice between two people before I leave. Oddly enough it's not Stephanie and Evan. The focus has turned to Jaythan and Francis. The entire time I've been at the School, they both have shown signs of greatness, haphazardly mixed with glimmers of failures and misgivings. The inescapable images of leopards and peacocks dredge the pits of my mind. 

I imagine Francis as a leopard, unequivocally displaying his blemished body without regard for the subsequent reproach of others. He's like a tempest, blistering into any situation, taking charge wherever he sees fit, uncontrollable yet perfect in his execution. 

The perfect storm. 

Then there's Jaythan. He reminds me more of the peacock, proud and beautiful, only showing his spots when he deems necessary, and only when it fits the situation just right. His presence is more like the rays of the sun, providing only what is required to bring forth life. But if unchecked, it can burn through several layers, pervading even those things assumed invisible. 

The vision harkens me back to the days I used to visit the zoo. I was always fonder of the leopard, admiring its uncanny ability to accept its own differences, while persuading others to do the same. Still, the focus of the mission once again takes precedence and I quickly snap out of my daydream as I round the final corner.

*****

It's Miss Evans! 

I approach the tank and investigate it, looking for signs of movement from Miss Evans. She floats lifelessly in the water. Her hair flows, carried by the waves and her face appears angelic. I notice the softness of her eyelids and the elegant curve of her mouth as she floats. But the beautiful view is interrupted by a dramatic jolt of her body as her eyes open and a cluster of bubbles escape her mouth and nose. She stares at me and thrashes, eyes bloodshot as she slaps at the glass. I gaze back at her powerless, examining the tank for locks or levers; some way to release her from the watery prison. 

I'm helpless as she continues to struggle for air. Then, an image flickers from the corner of my eye as a side door opens and Maxwell walks out, holding a staff of his own. 

"Maxwell," I plead. "It's Miss Evans. Please help her!" 

He shakes his head and lifts his staff in his hands, twirling it in a circle as he begins to slowly walk sideways, circling me like a predator, encasing me in a hedge of danger. 

"Hold your ground. Make a choice: fight or flight," Maxwell bellows. 

Miss Evans' banging on the glass behind me blends with the pounding of my heart. I lift my staff and spread my feet, turning my attention to Maxwell. As much as I'm afraid for my own safety, I find it impossible not to focus on Miss Evans. Her muffled scream comes from the tank and I look away from Maxwell to check on her. Her hands clutch her neck. Her face is bright red with a tinge of blue around her lips. 

"No," I scream, stepping back away from the tank. 

Raising my staff above my head, I crank back and rip it down, slamming it into the side of the tank, as I yell. The water explodes from the crack in the tank and glass shards crash to the floor below. I swing once more and this time the entire tank shatters, launching Miss Evans into the air toward me. I catch her in my arms and the force of the water propels us backward onto the floor. She coughs, gasping for air. I hold her in my arms and caress her head. Her sobbing brittles me and I'm relieved to see her skin color returning to its natural tanned shade. 

We're here, an odd place, an unfamiliar place. But as I hold her delicately in my arms, it makes me feel like I'm heading back home. Not the place where I live now, but the place where I used to live, when mom and dad were still alive. The way she rests in my arms beckons me to a time when I used to hold my kitten, Priceless. She'd climb into my lap during the thunder storms. I was her comforter. Priceless would purr when I did it. And now, so many years later, I find myself feeling the same way as I hold Miss Evans. Her soft body pressing into my skin—warming me—calls me to hug her even closer with each passing second. The times when I needed someone to hold me reflect in my mind like a mirror as I stare at her. Her chest rises as her heart beat quickens, mixing evenly with her breaths. As warmth returns to her body, a subtle tremor comes over her; like a purr. 

I can't resist. I have to do it. I must do it. I hug deeply, ignoring the senseless urge to pull away. 

"Bravo!" praises Maxwell, exiting the room as the lights come back on. 

Miss Evans resting in my arms and I comfort her, caressing her hair. She finally looks up at me and mouths, "Thank you." 

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About the author:

A graduate of the University of Miami, Cosby earned his bachelors, masters and doctorate in physical therapy. He also is certified by the American Physical Therapists and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist.

And now he’s getting you in shape. “I feel that God has given me a calling to help people,” said Cosby. It was through his own injury that taught Cosby about “getting people back to their prior level of function.” He said he want to motivate “people to stay on the course” so they can meet their own individual goals.

Cosby is a personal trainer, nutritionist and physical therapist and is using his talents and knowledge to help bring attention to the health issues and disparities such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

He was the featured keynote speaker at the 2012 Atlanta CARES STEMFest for Children and Young Adults event. He also was a presenter for Mercer College School of Medicine and the Louisiana Medical Society’s Focus on Exercise and Fitness. He has partnered with Emory University as a clinical instructor and worked with a major rehabilitation company in geriatrics.

The host of a weekly radio show – Ask the Fat Doctors, Cosby also is an award-winning author and has been seen on CBS, Fox and Atlanta Live. He’s teamed up with retired offensive lineman and NFL analyst Jamie Dukes to create a workout video for men called Chachersize (C_4).

Ask the Fat Doctors is where Cosby, Dukes and radio personality Tee Foxx where they cover a variety of topics from current events to obesity to disease prevention. Cosby also shares tips on how to lose pounds.

Cosby’s goal is to share information on how to create healthy habits and how they can counteract serious health ailments. His articles can be found in “OMTimes Magazine” and “Skinny Limits”. Cosby also posted regular workout tips on his YouTube page.

As the nephew of actor and comedian Bill Cosby, Dr. Braxton A. Cosby has charted his own path, but embodies his uncle’s creativity and vision for a healthier America. “Of course” he was an influence, the younger Cosby said. “He taught me how to develop a passion for what you do.”

And Dr. Braxton A. Cosby has a passion for fitness.

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