Tags
Cherokee Indians, gypsy curse, Heidi Vanlandingham, love, murder, obsession, Scrimshaw Doll, The Wild Rose Press, Trail of Hope, Trail of Tears, TWRP
Like my previous two owners, Sophia Deveraux was desperately in need of my special services. My name is Rose, or Rosa—I answer to both. As you’ve learned from the two previous stories, I am a scrimshaw doll. I am not an ordinary bone doll because I carry a gypsy curse, requiring me to protect my current owner in matters of the heart. Although, if my owner betrays me, then he or she could be the one to suffer…but most of them know better.
I met Sophia on her birthday in 1838. Once I got to know her, I decided our story would be a bit different. I sensed a strength of character in her, a determination if you will, to survive no matter the odds. At that point, she had no idea what she would be capable of and didn’t understand why these terrible things happened to her. However, she did know, without any doubts, that the young major pursuing her was definitely not the man of her dreams.
With the major’s first attack, she lost everything—her family, her friends, her home. Thrown into the stockades with the Cherokee, Sophia finds herself on her own until a Cherokee elder takes her under his protection. Good thing too because it was very difficult to help her when she went and got herself kidnapped, leaving me behind.
By the time I caught up with her, she was in dire need of my assistance, so I got right to work. Once our hazardous and deadly journey on the Trail of Tears began, Major Todd had already faced several disasters of my own devising as his bid for Sophia turned into a sinister obsession.
Now, just so you know, with my ever-present gypsy curse, there is no room for doubts. Thankfully, I made the right choice in letting Sophia take charge of her life. Mostly. For instance, the moment she laid eyes on her handsome Choctaw, her heart knew he was meant for her. And yes, I’ve been at this love thing long enough to know love never goes smoothly. Truth be told, she did have a few doubts about Clay Jefferson. Such as, could a man obsessed with finding his family’s killers be able to find room in his heart to love her too? Besides, second guessing myself isn’t allowed. There is absolutely no wiggle room in a gypsy curse. It’s all or nothing. I actually had more fun manipulating things from a distance. It’s difficult being an inanimate object with cursing powers. Timing these little “mishaps” without being caught is really hard to do.
As for the rest of the story—do you think Sophia handles the growing tragedies she and Clay face on the journey to their new home? Or, does Major Todd take advantage of Clay’s doubts and capture her, making her his wife?
The Trail of Hope should have a release date any day, so make sure to visit me at (http://heidivanlandingham.com) — Rose
If you found yourself needing help, would you want a mysterious, cursed gypsy doll by your side?
Native Oklahoman Heidi Vanlandingham is a cross-genre author and writes young adult urban fantasy, adult paranormal, and historical fiction. She has an insatiable love of learning and would rather read a great story than breathe. She lives with her husband and two teenage sons. To learn more about Heidi, please check out her website.
Be sure and friend Rosa the gypsy doll on FACEBOOK!
(photo credits: http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee278/cat021594/Rose-2-122.jpg, http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg76/PitbullChick_photo/Cherokee.jpg )
talesofthescrimshawdoll.wordpress.com 
Ah! the adventures, the mishaps. What is next, I wonder?
Whatever the journey, it promises to be interesting. ~Rose~
Very interesting post, Rose. I would guess, from the way you describe Sophia, that she does handle the tragedies she faces. She seems pretty strong. And, YES, I would want a cursed doll to have my back if I needed help. But, I would NOT want to piss you off!
Getting on my bad side is so not a good idea. ~Rose~
Rose, can’t wait to read how you solve this!
All I can tell you is that my solution was truly brilliant! ~Rose~
I love hearing of your faithful dedication to protect your charges, even when they aren’t aware, Rose.
It’s a hard job but I do so love my work… ~Rose
Rosa, The Trail of Tears! what an incredible journey. I am blown away by the fascinating tales you have been kind enough to share with us. I, for one, think the world just might be a better place because you are in it, ridding the world of betrayal…or at least making the betrayers think real hard about what they’ve done, and even harder before doing it again!
It was a terrible, heartbreaking journey and I, for one, hated every moment of it. I had to constantly console Sophia because of all the death but I also had to keep my eye on that detestable major.
You said: “Thankfully, I made the right choice in letting Sophia take charge of her life.” Rosa, you deal with so many different personalities. I find your wisdom, your affection for your many owners, truly amazing.
My creator, Enzo, was a wise man. He showed me what it means to love and that the capacity for love is infinite. ~Rose
Rose, I was lucky enough to follow your time in Sophia’s company from the beginning. It’s quite a tale and Sophia was lucky to have you! I can’t wait for the rest of the world to read your story.
I’m glad you were. Your wisdom and guidance made my journey with Sophia a bit easier. ~Rose
Wow! From a pirate’s ship to England to The Trail of Tears. You have quite a history Rose. Thrown into a stockade, huh? I’m a little afraid to ask what you did to the person responsible for that.
“Tee-hee.” (evil chuckle) I could tell you but that would ruin the story. Besides, Sophia says bragging isn’t very ladylike. ~Rose