Tag: Industrial Fantasy

Re-writing Lake Merrin

After finishing my first draft for Savage Rebellion, I will return to re-write Lake Merrin. I want to change it from 1st person, present tense, to 3rd person, past tense. This will be hard as it has been a while since I edited/published the novel. 

The main reason why I am doing this is simple: I realised that after Lake Merrin (spoilers), the story will go from an individual to a group. Trying to balance the storyline through the eyes of Ophan/Lone Solo will be hard (well, easy for me as I like writing in 1st) but hard for readers to connect from book to book.

The company novella, The Great Spoon Heist, was in 3rd and had three POVs. I am carrying this into my next novel. It rounds up the story I want to tell quite well.

The first thing I noticed was the amount of thinking dialogue my main character has. I did a lot of inside his head, which made him funny. One is a sarcastic thought with a more measured conversation. Also, Lone/Orphan does not use contractions, meaning he uses does not, cannot, do not, etc. It was pointed out to me by my beta readers, and I considered that his way of speaking. 

So, considering all that, I have to write more descriptions as you can get away with more with 1st person using an unreliable narrator. Lone isn’t unreliable but concentrates on weird things like the street names. My naming convention is simple. I don’t particularly appreciate making big, strange, and fantastical names for street, town, person, city, or country. The name of my world is Amsul, which was a nickname of mine from my sister.

In 3rd, you must paint more of a picture, not just what your main character sees or cares about. You should not go above and beyond but a little more.

For example, in the first scene:

The original:

What a beautiful day on Lake Merrin! That afternoon breeze from the shoreline is why I love this place, though the smells from the tavern downstairs can be a little on the nose.  

Who cares? Time for my liquid breakfast! Splash some water on face and chest. 

Now I just have to try not to wake up my ‘beautiful’ companion. She will only want me to spend more money on her. She can throw back grog even harder than me.

The Re-write:

Another beautiful day in Lake Merrin, thought the Orphan as he awoke. That afternoon breeze from the shoreline is why I love this place, though the smells from the tavern downstairs can be a little on the nose. Who cares? It’s time for my liquid breakfast! Splash some water on your face and chest.

The man known as Orphan was known by a few names; the orphan title came from his years of army life and being an orphan.

The man looked at his ‘beautiful’ companion, hoping she would not awaken. She will only want him to spend more money on her. She can throw back grog even harder than Orphan.

See the difference. 

So, when you want to re-write your novel, don’t do what I have done but realise early that a group of people are better in 3rd than 1st. Have a fantastic day writing #passioninspirecreate.

You can find Lake Merrin at http://samuelcolbran.com or Amazon.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part Nine

Part Nine

If you like to catch up before reading this part, head the the link here.

High White Jessica Pureheart and her acolyte Arcareius walking down the street like there was not a care in the world. After leaving the Cathedral of the Trinity, Jessica had a notion of heading towards the Eastern Watchhouse.

“High White, why are we going to a Watchhouse instead of the Blue’s Gaol?” Arcareius wonders out loud.

“Simple my disciple, the Trinity wants us to go.” Jessica simply replies.

“Shouldn’t we take a carriage instead of the trams?” Arcareius asked.

“This is what I am talking about, the journey to the White isn’t learning from a book. It is going out there and learning.” As she explained while blessing people as they head to the tram stop. “You need to slow down and take in the whole world, Arcareius.”

“Yes, High White.” Arcareius grumbles.

A small group of people stop dumbstruck as Jessica walks pass. She just shows the symbol of the Trinity, “May the Trinity bless you on this beautiful day.”

All five of them bow, show the symbol and in unison. “May the White always shine on you, your Holiness.”

Arcareius watch as the High White blesses everyone who notices her. “It must be hard to leave the cathedral often, you get swamped, High White?”

“It makes them and hence me happy. What sort of High White would I be if I don’t go out and see our people?” Jessica replies. “And call me Jessica, Arcareius and that is an order.”

Arcareius looks at his teacher, her grey hair flowing in the wind. Crows feet bunched up at the corners of her eye, mirroring the massive smile on her face. It has been months since he has left the disciple’s living cells, maybe the White was correct.

“Yes, Hi…” Jessica gives Arcareius a stern look, but the smile lines never dimmed from her face. “I mean, yes, Jessica, I will remember.”

“Good, you are too young to be so dourer. Come on, hitch up your robes and we’ll run to the tram.”

With that, the High White picks up the pace and runs to the tram stop. With a sigh, Arcareius follows her boundless joyfulness.

Breathing hard, Arcareius caught up with Jessica. The tram conductor spotted Jessica approaching the tram and held it up to wait for her to board. Jessica, for all her age, didn’t even get flushed.

Looking at her acolyte, Jessica ponders. “I think I am going to have a chat with Crusader Giles, it seems you are a bit out of shape.”

Arcareius takes a deep breath and wipes the sweat from his brow. “Maybe it was because you sprinted and I barely caught up.”

“Pish, pot. You need a little more harding up.” An aged gentleman stands to give the High White his seat. “No, you take it, sir. May the Trinity smile upon you.”

Elderly gent just smiles and retakes his seat. “May the light of Trinity always shine on you, High White.” Jessica beams at the gent. “May I ask why you bless us with your presence?”

Looking around, Arcareius notices the whole tram was paying attention to the question. Jessica smiles. “Simple, my acolyte seems to be a little scholarly, and I thought a little jaunt would get his blood going again.” She turns to Arcareius. “Isn’t that right, my disciple?”

“Yes, High White.” Arcareius automatically replies.

Shaking her head, Jessica points out to the older gent. “I just told him to call me by my first name, and he has already forgotten. May I ask your name, Elder?”

“It is Albert, Albert Cooper, your High Whiteness.” Albert stutters in awe.

“I will make sure you and your family are in my prayers tonight to the Trinity.” Jessica smiles at Albert.

Albert and the other passengers were frozen in wonderment at Jessica’s announcement. 

Over the silent crowd, a booming voice from the front of the tram. “Eastern city, please wait until we come to a complete stop before disembarking.”

Jessica turns to Arcareius, “Time for us to get off. Maybe we’ll visit the Hall first and then off to the Watchhouse.”

Arcareius nods at his teacher’s new request. He is struck dumb by her simple statement of mentioning a random encounter in her nightly prayers. Some of the wealthiest people in Favinonia would give up their money and fame for a few words to the Trinity by the High White. He notes that he still has much to learn.

As they head into the busy streets surrounding Hall’s city block, Jessica feels a disturbance in reality. Anger, fear, stubbornness are pouring off a group in waves. She could easily see a person towering over the crowd.

“Come Arcareius, we are needed.” As Jessica calls out for people to move. 

All he could do was to follow in Jessica’s wake. At the edge of his awareness was something trying to break into this reality. What could that be? Jessica must have felt this. Arcareius notes to himself as he quickly tailgates his mentor.

Breaking through the crowd, Jessica notices six shining portals; one at each foot of a Watchman. A blue lizard being held by a mancatcher. The tall person was a woman who was armed to the teeth and a young lady with bright purple eyes with wisps streaming from them. 

As she took the whole scene in one instance, Jessica knew what to do. “I beseech the Trinity to come to my aid, banish these creatures to protect your people! In the name of the Saints Jara, Mela and Jenell, I banish you! With the power of the Aspects of Orange of Emotion, Blue of Mind and Green of Soul, I dismiss you! For I am the White, with my voice and will; begone!”

Arcareius dazzled by the billowing of coloured lights being projected by the High White. With her last words, a wave of pure white blasts out of her. He could feel the Trinity cleansing his soul, body and mind. 

Everyone stops to stare at the White. Jessica glides through the last of the masses to stand in front of the confrontation. “By my right as the White, I demand you to tell me what is going on here!” At once all speak out, their words blundered into each other. “No, this will not do. First, let go of the girl.”

The Ruddy Constable points out. “I am sorry your Holiness, but this woman is a witch and needs to be taken to the Blues.”

Arcareius pushes through the crowd to stand next to the High White. He takes in the whole scene and could feel that something was off, and it wasn’t the whole witch thing. 

As he was about to point the wrongness, Jessica holds up her hand. “Excuse me, Constable but did I stutter? I ordered to release, the girl!”

The six Watchmen at taken back to the holiest person in Favinonia ordering them to do something. “Yes, High White.” He turns to the two men holding the night-haired girl. “Release her.”

Jessica changes to her teacher’s voice. Arcareius knows this will turn into a lecture about the Trinity. “So, Arcareius, what do you see here?”

The crowd is silent to wait for Arcareius answer, the large woman steps push the girl behind her to shield her from the Watch. The blue lizard is still being restrained by three Watch.

“Your Holiness, I see six men overstepped their power and apprehending an Incanta instead of summoning a Blue officer or a member of the College Magi.”

Jessica nods at her disciple. “And how can you tell that she, the black-haired girl, was an Incanta?”

With waited breath, the crowd watches Arcareius. “Simple, your Holiness, her magik. It is pure but wild, as she could call six beasts to her service, it could have been one hundred. There could be One creature for each individual in this crowd.”

The Constable calls out. “See she is dangerous and should be chained up!”

With muttered agreements within the populus, Jessica speaks out. “Why should one of the chosen be punished for being born to magik? It would be like proclaiming that I am not within my right to cast down the Trinity’s power to heal and protect. Free her Soulcast and leave this area.”

The blue lizard was then released, and feathery wings flexed out to flap the creature into the air then to land on the girl. It then turned to hiss at the Watchmen, it’s fang-filled mouth was an intimidating sight.

All six of the Watchmen performed the sign of the Trinity and left hastily.

The young girl with the winged lizard wrapped around her shoulders. “How did you know I was an Incanta and this was my Soulcast? Um, your Holiness.”

“Simple, the Trinity told me.” Jessica simply put. “Come now and join us on our walk. I think I would like to learn your story.”

Jessica left a space for the young girl. “My name is Raven, and this is Azraq.”

“Nice to meet you, Raven and Azraq. Your name warrior?”

“Well, your Holiness, it is Natasha.”

Jessica points behind her. “This is my disciple, Arcareius, and I am Jessica. Please call me by my natural name.” As she starts to walk off, all three of them stare. “Come now, I won’t bite…much.”

And with that, Jessica lets out a burst of mirthful laughter, and as a group, they follow in her wake.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part Eight

Part Eight

If you have missed the earlier parts, head to this link here.

Natasha gathered up all her and Slate’s gear, which took a little longer as her adopted brother was a bit messy with his stuff. Not like he served in the army as she did, but that is where is found her huge brother. She was heading downstairs to drop off the key, as in no way will she stay under the roof of a bigot!

She is armed to the teeth with Slate’s bow, hammer and armour strapped to the outer parts of her pack. She was coming up to the sweating man, who was at least a head shorter than Natasha’s impressive build of two hundred centimetres. 

Slamming down the key, cracking the wooden bar slightly. “There is your key, and you will return the rest of my slips or we will have a problem!”

Natasha paid for a week for their room. She and Slate were barely there for a day before this horrid person threw Slater to the wolves with lies.

“Um, no refunds.” says as Jonas Cuvar looks up at the furious woman.

“No, refunds? Let me grasp what is happening here; you lied to the Watch saying my brother has been a thug. Intimidating them in coughing up money and that he also been making passes at your daughters. Which we both know that did not happen, my brother is a kid, barely 15 years old and you demented bigot thinks you can make him into a monster. Trust me; he isn’t the scary one.” Drawing an inch of steel from her scabbard. “I am.”

Jonas swallowed in fear, reached under the desk to retrieve the strongbox. “That was thirty slips, for the rest of your stay.”

It was sixty, which included the food for each day and turnover service for the rooms. Not to push it, Natasha grabbed the money, turned and left. Not worth fighting with the jerk anymore.

As Natasha loaded up with too much gear, it might come off a bit more like an assault. The last thing her brother needs is that they both head to jail. What to do with all the gear? 

Might head to the Hall and see if they have lockers for extra gear Natasha ponders to herself.

Walking down the busy streets, people yelling out for adventuring gear, weapons, armour and food. Being in the neighbourhood of the Hall means there is a lot of business catering to the Adventurers of Favinonia. 

As Natasha was walking down towards the Hall, she notices a commotion with the Watch and a young lady. As her option of the Watch of the Core was at an all-time low, she thought Might go see if this girl needs some help from these corrupt fiends!

The closer Natasha got, she noticed that the girl was angry while two of the Watch had some sort of blue lizard in a mancatcher. 

“Let him go, you are hurting him!” Screamed out the young lady with hair black as night, as she fought to free herself from two Watchmen.

The creature was shaking and thrashing to free itself, as it notices the girl’s restraint. “I am sorry, young lady, it is against the law to have a magical creature let loose in the capital. Unless you have registered the beast with your Adventurer licence, then it will need to be put down.”

That is it! Natasha pushes through the gawkers to the girl, “There you are.” Everyone stopped as Natasha growls out. “Where have you been, I said to meet me at the Hall.”

The head constable, the red-haired man with a ruddy face, turns with a shock look up at the massively muscular woman, dripping in weapons. “Do you know this woman, um, miss?”

“Of course, she has joined my Charter.” Natasha tersely replied.

All six of the Watch thugs looked at each other and Ruddy-face, sweat beading on his sunburnt plate. “She is an Adventurer?”

“Yes, you dumb arse. For Jara’s sake, she is one of my Adventurers, and we are heading to the Hall.” 

Ruddy splutters as the crowd laughs at him. “I might just take you in as well after we kill this creature!” He threatens.

The girl loses it, her eyes start to shine with wisps of purple. With an otherworldly voice, she pronounced. “You shall not harm Azraq!” 

Little circles of light began to appear around her, one opens with a massive claw reaching out to slam the enormous appendage into the cobbled streets.

Fear cascades through the six Watchmen, as things of nightmares, start to emerge from six portals on the ground.

Natasha thinks to herself. I am so going to recruit this woman, damn that is some magik mojo!

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part Seven

Part Seven

For the other parts click on the links Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 6.

Kayden left the den of the Deep Hand and escorted to the local Watch office by Mattrix. As they approached the barely standing shack of the local Watch house of the outer limits of Eastern Favinonia City, Mattrix turned to Kayden.

“Now be a lad, and shut ya trap. The Grownups needs a little chat to get ye straight.” All Kayden could do was nod, “That’s a good lad, a bit of the big house will be good for ya spirit.”

Sure it will, Kayden thought.

With a small push, Mattrix moves into the shack. “Now Kayden, me lad, you plonk down dare, and I mosey over to the head Watch lad.”

Easing his weight down on a stool that is about to collapse, Kayden watched as Mattrix swaggers over to the table with an older gent sitting behind it.

Mattrix tips his hat, “Good day, Mr Watch. I have a little deposit for you.”

The older gent with salt and pepper mutton chops looks up from a pile of papers. “Mattrix, this the one who done the jo… ahem, the guilty party of the robbery from a few days ago.”

“My oath he is, need to watch this one, a slippery fellow. Had to go to some dark and shady places to find me quarry.”

Mutton Chops stands up, “He seems a little subdued to me, you didn’t threaten his family’s life or some skulduggery to his close friends?”

“No, I simply bringing in a lad that my excessive sleuthing uncovered. He is guilty and will do his time.” Mattrix boasts.

Mutton Chops move from around his desk to stand in front of Kayden. “Stand up lad.” Kayden did as instructed. “As Watch Sergent, I will take you into custody from the Bounty Hunter Mattrix. You will be reprimanded to the Eastern Watchhouse and then in the morn will see the local Blue Inquisitor.”

Inquisitor? I am a dead man if I squeal that I am just the fall guy. Sweat beaded on Kayden’s face as he slumped back down on the stool.

Reaching into his jacket, Mutton Chops pulls out a large wallet, “For your bounty, that would be one hundred slips.” Pulling a note out of the bludging wallet, “Now could you used those manacles to lock him to the ground and see you next time.”

Picking up the irons from the desk Mattrix strolls over to Kayden, and whispers. “Sorry boyo, but this is business, and the fellow who did the deed are higher up in the Hand. In a few years of road building, you’ll be welcomed back.”

So I am just meat for the prison. If this is needed to not get shanked, then I will do my duty. Kayden thought.

Locking him into an iron loop in the floor, Mattrix pats Kayden on the back and strolls out of the Watch’s shack.

Mutton Chops puts his head down and starts to scratch at his piles of paperwork. Kayden just looks around, not knowing what to do next, so he gingerly lays his head back on the shack’s wall and closes his eyes.

With barely no time passed, Mutton Chops calls out. “Yeah, I got one in here. Guilty of a robbery of that jewellers down on Otto Avenue.”

A burly man with a massive black beard walks into the shack, “Got the paperwork for the Inquisitor?” Searching his piles of papers, Mutton Chops hands over a piece of paper, which is folded into an oiled leather container. “Okay, see you later at the pub.”

“Looking forward to the beer you owe me.” Mutton Chops replies.

Burly Beard huffs then bend down and unlocks the chains, he whispers to Kayden. “If you are a good lad, I won’t have to smack you with my billy club. Now come easy.”

All Kayden could do was nod, he feels to himself all he has been doing is moving and nodding to everyone.

Leading him outside, there was an armoured wagon with a horse hitched up to it. Leading Kayden around to the back, Beardy grabs a set of keys and opens up the end of the wagon. On each side was a long bench with iron loop every fifty centimetres attached to the bed of the wagon. Bars to the front and the back while sides are iron-bound wooden walls.

As Kayden is pushed in and Beardy just locks his chains to the closest hoop. Then closes and locks the door. As the young thief looks around there is only one other person in the wagon. A man whose head is nearly touching the top of the wagon. With granite-like coloured skin and dreadlocks that look like green vines. He stares at the ground, with tears splatting onto his impressive hands.

Kayden whispers out. “You okay?” The solid rock man doesn’t even stir. Lifting his voice a little more. “Are you okay, mate?”

The boulder looks over at Kayden, his eyes are a piercing blue. His eyes are full of tears, but there is a fierce strength behind those glacial eyes. “I am upset.” Shakes his chains, which were not only thicker than Kayden’s but there are four manicules mounted to parts of his body to the floor of the wagon. “But my sister will get me out of this.”

It might be in my interest to make friends with this big lug. Kayden thought.

“What are you doing locked up so, bashed the heads in of half the Eastern Watch?” Kayden jibes at the big lug.

“No, I was merely trying to stop a fight between me and five guys at my inn I am staying at. Then the Watch came in, and I was arrested for doing nothing.” BL replies.

“So let me get this straight, you didn’t swing a punch and were outnumbered?” The BL just nods. “Then you were whisked into the lockup for what saying some bad words?”

“Yep, it looked more like my sister was going to knock some heads. But the innkeeper didn’t like me much and said to the Watch I had been intimidating the other occupants for money. Which was not true!”

“I know that you look you could rip an arm off or two, but there is no blood on you. Let me guess you went all easy like?” Kayden asked.

“Yep, my sister Natasha said for me to shut my mouth and she’ll come down and bail me out.” With a smile, showing huge squared teeth. “Name is Slate, what is yours?”

“Kayden, nice to meet you, Slate.” Kayden didn’t mind how this day was turning into now. Slate could be the muscle, and Kayden will be the smarts. Prison doesn’t sound so hard now.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 6

Part 6

For the other parts click on the links Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 and Part 5.

With each movement in the fate of the four to converge, the fifth enter the Core of Favinonia City. Raven Rjoko, hair as black as her name has been travelling for many weeks to the Eastern Expansion of Favinonia. The massive Warmachine of Favinonia has been ‘pacifying’ the Disputed Lands for the last twenty years, this causes many to travel east to gain fame and fortune. That is where Raven destination will end.

I wish I could travel with Family Jõgi Thought Raven as the barge’s rope lines to be tied off at the dock. Doubt there will be such lovely people who will travel with me for the rest of the journey.

The vessel that Raven has been travelling on, Fool’s Bounty is run by a family of Halflings. The matriarch Captain Adva Littlewhistle of the Family Jõgi informed Raven that the capital will be their final destination. Meaning, she’ll have to find another mode of travel for the stint to the Eastern border.

From the folds of Raven’s hood, a small broad nose poke her head. Are we there yet? 

Reaching back, Raven feels the scaley brow to scratch in between the ridges of the creature’s boney eyes. With barely a flick of will, Raven sends a thought to the small beast that has been bonded to her since she was a young child.

Azraq Rjoko, I told you that this is a stopover. We will find another berth for the next stage of the journey. Stay in your travel form and hide.

With a snort and a small whine, Azraq cast back. Okay, but I want to eat a sausage later, a big one!

“Okay, I will get you a sausage,” Raven whispers to her Soulcast. Which lead her to think of how far she has come from the witch-girl of her past.

Raven was born an Incanta, people who were born with Magik. Their abilities can manifest at any point the person’s life. They tend to be drawn to a type of elemental magik like fire or air; or the ability to summon an otherworldly creature. These magiks are far beyond what the College Magi.

Her abilities were manifested by splitting a piece of her soul to form a creature of magik and flesh. Being raised by her librarian Aunt, Raven spent many days in the fables of old. What caught her interest was the legends of dragons. Seeing a blue scaled creature with bright blue feathery wings laying on her favourite book about dragons, she knew her life would be blessed.

Little did Raven know was her ‘dragon’ was merely an extension of her soul being magik into reality. With an impression of hunger in her mind from the small creature, she knew that they were one. She named the beautiful dragon, Azraq.

That happiness didn’t last long as other magiks started to manifest, ghostly creature and things of nightmares haunted the library. Little did Raven know this was the other side of her magiks, to bring mind-shapes into reality. Anything she could imagine it, with a little will would appear into the world.

One day, Raven was hunting down one of these nightmares with Azraq’s help, when the mayor’s daughter spied the commotion. This cause horrendous events to unfold. Which in turn causes the exiling of Raven and her Uncle from Briarthorne, the town of her birth.

“Ahem,” Raven knocked out of her remising of the past to see the barge’s Captain Adva trying to get her attention. “Lovely to have you aboard, wish we were still heading east.”

With a smile on her face, Raven looks down at the matriarch of the Family Jõgi, her salt and pepper hair with the tan face peering back up at her. “No, thank you for your wonderful hospitality and may your feet find safety in your journeys.”

“Ah, my dear Raven. Does your wee lizard want a snack before you leave out family?”

Oooo, ask her for a sausage—that nice one from the other day. Azraq urges Raven.

“No, we will find an inn, and then I will feed my little piglet of a lizard.” Raven could hear a whine from her Soulcast.

Adva looks up at the thin black-haired beauty, “You know Dear one, the offer for adoption into Family Jõgi was in good faith, and we would adore you being one of us.”

“Thank you but no, captain Adva, your family was a delight.” As Raven picks up her travel bag, then she jumps off the barge and turns to say “I wish you safe journeys, Family Jõgi.”

“And safe journeys to you.” Calls out the matriarch.

Raven turns into the bustling crowd of the capital’s dock, she turns to walk into Favinonia City with her Soulcast with hope sparkling in her eyes for adventure.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 5

Part Five

For the other parts click on the links Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

Kayden, a common-looking lad from the Core, dull brown hair with similar coloured eyes, just another face in the crowd. That was perfect for his particular set of skills. On this day he was summoned to the Deep Hand, leader of their ‘social’ group. He has just been initiated into the Murky Depths. Kayden knew that the group that oversaw the coming and goings of the underworld in Favinonia City. He had only seen his Sergent Hand as he was just a lowly footpad. But why am I being summoned? Have I done something wrong?

What Kayden didn’t know was that he is a highly prized member. Young but skilled through learning sleight of hand and distraction with a touch of pizzazz from a mummery wizard and a retired locksmith who was the foremost genius of thievery. The Deep Hand has plans for Kayden, just he is too damn small-minded to the greater world, today the Boss will change that.

Kayden was surprised that he wasn’t going down into the sewers or some dark alley pub. It was a well-respected villa on the outskirts of Favinonia City proper. A small estate with an orchid and with small children playing in front of a group of adults. Watching such mirth from children just hammers in the point to Kayden, being an orphan sucks Jara’s balls.

“Oi, no lollygagging boyo, the Boss is ready to see ya.” Calls out Kayden’s Sergent, Mattix. A bald dark-skinned man with a mass of scars etched across his face as he fell into a grinder face first.

“Sorry Mattix, just never seen this much space in my life.”

Kayden sigh as he moves closer to his Sergent, at least one thing he won’t die in some refuge pit. Maybe a shallow grave under one of those apple trees. Not that he has had the opportunity to eat fresh fruit.

“Yeah, I nearly crapped my pant coming ‘ere. The Boss knows how to live, but us folk will never see this sort of thing.” Mattix slaps Kayden on the back.

With a twist and flourish, a knife appears in Kayden’s hand against Mattix’s throat. Lowering the blade, “I am so sorry, Sergent Hand Mattix, I I I…”

With a burst of laughter, Mattix wraps his arm around the young lad. “I am glad to see that ya knife hand is still up to the task of slitting throats,”

With two fingers, he pucks the knife out of Kayden’s hand and as Kayden looks four more blades are in Mattix’s hand. He didn’t even feel them being lifted by the master thief, Kayden still has much to learn.

Mattix tucked the knives into his belt. “Just for this meetin’, I am gonna keep a hold of these, boyo.” He laughs again, “Don’t want you to go stabbing someone who doesn’t have my humour.”

All Kayden could do was nod as he was lead through the villa, so many objects that could fetch a handsome price popped into his thieving gaze. But if he partook on that errant thought, the shallow grave would be inevitable.

With a few more twists and turns, the two obviously out of place thieves come to a chamber that has many comfortable seats and couches. The only one in the room is a woman wearing a weird dress, all puffing out at the hips. Kayden thought That doesn’t look practical. How could you move in it?

Mattix calls out. “Boss, we are ‘ere.”

The woman or Boss, as Mattix called her, turned from the window to look at the two dirty men in the room. Her hair is dark with a few strains of grey streaked through it, with a handsome face but the eyes were unbreakable, and Kayden could see the steel inside her. Gulping, he stepped further into the room.

“Good, you both are here. Please sit.” The Boss Lady said.

Brushing off the perceive dirt from his pants, Kayden sits on the edge of one of the couches as his Sergent just flops down on another. Kayden watched the corners of the Boss Lady mouth turn up a little. Laugh lines to appear on her face but before you could blink they disappeared behind the mask of Judge and Executioner.

Standing still, she leans on the back of another couch, “He doesn’t look like much, Mattix.” As she looks over Kayden, her eyes analysing every part of him. “You sure that this is the one you want to carry out this mission?”

“Yeah, he doesn’t look much but got fast hands, and just back there he nearly gave me another cheery smile,” Mattix says, scratching his face.

A peal of laughter from the Boss, “Truly, this one had the drop on you. Colour me impressed.” Kayden just wanted to leave, or just think get it over with. I’ve lived an okay life no point delaying it. “What did you say, young man?”

Kayden blinked, “I am sorry, Boss, I didn’t say anything.”

“Hmm, you think we are going to kill you. Your thoughts are just screaming out that right now. Good poker face, though, he’ll do.”

She sweeps her dress away from the couch and leaves with Kayden dumbfounded. “What is happening?” Kayden said as soon as the Boss leaves.

“Well, boyo, she just gave you a job.” Mattix smirks at Kayden, “You goin’ to the big house, Kayden’s been a bad boyo.”

Kayden stood there, shocked, as Mattix laughs at his stunned appearance and directs him to the exit. I am being arrested, I never been caught before. What of my crimes did the Blues know about?

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 4

Part Four

While Slate is ‘subdued’ by the Watch, Arcareius the White awakes in acolyte cell in the Cathedral of the Trinity. His life was simple since being found on the altar of the Trinity as a babe. It was deemed by the High White Jessica Pureheart, that he would be trained as one of her successors.

Glancing at the small mirror in his room, Arcareius dons his habit. Most people would say he is beautiful, high cheekbones, soft and full mouth, deep golden eyes with white-blond hair. The only marring he has on this perfect body was six scars on his back, three on each side. He has had them since being a babe, no one knows how he got them.

As much as the calling to Arcareius was easy to hear, the other successors didn’t admire his faith. At the age of only fourteen, he passed the test to be view as a member of the Church while most acolytes don’t complete the examination until their mid-twenties. This caused no end of bitterness in his fellows, but as much as Arcareius was blind to the others scorn and jealously.

Heading to morning pray, Arcareius moves through the white halls of the Trinity’s Cathedral. Ignoring the whispers of his fellows, Arcareius strode into the sub-church as that is what a humble man would do.

Kneeling at the marble pedestal, Arcareius murmurs the words of the White, “We are the holy fires that burn within. We bear the sword of justice with conviction. Our earth is pure as the cycle of life and death, we are Trinity’s light that brings clarity and purity to mind, body and soul.” Taking a breath, he pleads to the Trinity. “In your boundless wisdom would you guide your fragile follower, he doth know what need of him but fears that his path is not a straight line as most claim.” 

An older but gentle voice rings out in the pews, “Maybe It is just waiting for you to figure out yourself?”

How dare someone commits such heresy in the Trinity’s Church, Arcareius whips around to see the High White standing there smiling at him. She has a presence that has not diminished in her later years. Many laugh line surrounding her brilliant green eyes with only a touch of her ruby hair within the mess of grey.

“Oh, High White, I was merely praying to the Trinity to give me some guidance,” Arcareius said as he kneeled in front of the High White.

“Do not worry and rise, my son, in Its light we flourish. As much as we, old folks, prattle on about the Trinity, we know that each one’s path to White is their individual journey.” Jessica explained. “Maybe my old ears lend you a listen, how about it Acolyte Arcareius?”

Looking into the eyes of the holiest person in Faviniona, Arcareius hesitates his next words for only a moment. “I do not know, your Grace, I feel wrong somehow. I listen to the journeys of other Whites, and you all had a full life in each Aspect. Even your Grace did a stint in the Orange Crusaders. I am being moulded to be a White, maybe to be your successor, I am an only twenty-two-year-old, and I don’t know enough to lead the Church.”

With a bark of a laugh, mirth rises in High White Jessica. “Finally, my son, you have realised that your path is longer than you thought. I have never said there is a distinct journey to White, but you have to understand that. We can preach and tell you our stories, but you have to listen to concede that your path differs from your sisters and brothers of the White.”

“Then what should I do?” Arcareius asks.

Standing up, with no sign of age. “Then we go grab a tram and head to the Blue gaol.” As Jessica leaves Arcareius dumbfounded in the aisle of the outer Church, she glances back. “Coming, my son?”

With a rustle of hemp cloth, Arcareius jogs to catch up with his High White. The only thing on his mind is why are we going there? If Arcareius could hear Jessica’s thoughts, he would know.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 3

Part Three

Natasha could hear the comments from the armed thugs that surrounded her brother. Said the balding man with a large gut barely covered by an arming jacket. “Are you some sort of Rock creature? You know your kind are allowed here. I think we might need to escort you back to your district to the other whores.” The rest of the group growled their agreements.

Another called out, his hair greased up to look stylish with a handlebar moustache to finish off his look. “Lookie at these dreads, by Mela they are green like a moss rock. Have you ever seen such rustic shit in your life, at you from the boonies?” As he reaches out to handle Slate’s hair.

From all the way over in the archway, Natasha watched as Slate shook. It was apparent that it wasn’t fear but fury. It wasn’t the first time he was accosted by humans, due to his unique look. With Slate topping over seven-foot and could easily lift a cow over his head, he has to learn not to knock the teeth out of stupid townies.

One thing Natasha dislike is the small-mindedness of her fellow humans, especially ones that treat other races with disdain. Seeing Slate’s shoulders bunch and knuckles whiten, Natasha knew it was time to act.

“What in Saint Jara of the Hammer, is going on here?” Natasha calls out.

Looking around, she noticed that the owner was not anywhere to be seen, more likely he is running to get the Watch. Having this many armed people in your place of business would be cause for alarm.

The one still holding Slate’s hair looks over at the solid armed woman that is Natasha. “And who in the Abyssus are you? And do you know this non-citizen scum?”

“Simple, this is my brother, and we are here for none-of-your-slip-sucker business! Slate come over here.” Natasha called out to her brother.

With a burst of movement, Slate moves like a reed in the wind, for someone as big and gaudy as he put most dancers to shame. As he slaps away the hand holding his hair, Slate flows through the crowd of six as he was akin to water flowing around rocks.

The six thugs barely even notice the movement, the only reaction was the man who was holding Slate’s hair as that small slap caused no small amount of pain to radiate up the thug’s arm.

Natasha whisper to Slate as he positions himself behind her, “I will handle this.”

Slate just nods, as this a regular accordance being non-human, especially in Favinonia City. He has his papers, but at least once per week, he is accosted by some small-minded thug or Watchman. It is better to not resist than to be in even more trouble.

“I was wondering why you are bullying a citizen of Favinonia?” Natasha asks.

The large balding man sorts at the question. “He is no citizen, he’s not even one of the demi-humans. Is he just a little savage you have to warm your bed? If you want a real man, you just have to ask.”

Being nearly a half a head taller than most of the so-called men in front of her, Natasha retorts. “If I was interested in men, you would be the very last on my list.”

“What you some sort of dyke? I would imagine being more looking like a man than a woman.” Said the one with the greased-up pencil moustache.

With a whip of her hand, Natasha grabs hold of her falcata, and with that, the six worms she is facing are just another annoyance.

With a loud crash, the doors to the inn are thrown open, and a booming voice comes from the opening. “Put up your arms, you are under arrest!” Reliquciing her blade’s grip, Natasha breath out. Good, the Watch will figure this out. “Capture that one.”

As Natasha turns around, she watches as eight Watchmen charge towards Slate, billy-clubs high. The last thing she sees before Slate raises his arms in the air and the first crack of a club was resignation in Slate’s eyes. Like this was just a Twosday.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 2

Part Two

Slate was excited for today becoming an Adventurer knowing that he will be finally free from studying at school. His big sister Natasha thought that would be the best way for him to learn how to be a Favinonian, but in his heart of hearts, he is still one with the Mountain.

As to his nature, even though mother nature itself doesn’t exist in Favinonia City, State wakes up with the dawn. As there is no need to find new wood for the fire or even hunt breakfast, Slate doesn’t have much to do this morning.

Heading down to the foyer, he spies the owner of the inn Natasha and Slate are staying at. Looking up from his notes as he hears the creaking of the wooden planks of the stairs due to Slate’s size.

“Good Sir, what can I help you at this hour?” Jonas Cuvar asks, his voice has a hidden catch in it as Slate knows it was from fear.

Inwardly sighing at being called a Sir, Slate steps in front of the inn’s owner. Putting on a smile as he found humans become less fearful of his noticeable size and strength. Being one of the Folks of the Mountain, or Gakk’en in his language, it was normal for people to cower in fear.

Lightening his voice as it can be quite intense, Slate answers. “Oh nothing, just waking up early and wondering when breakfast will be served?”

“Yes, Sir,” Jonas, with a little hitch in his voice. “I will ask my wife to rustle up some for you and your…”

Shaking his head, Slate supplies. “Sister, and before you ask, I am adopted.”

“Um, ah, that was not my meaning, Sir.” With a small whiff, Slate could tell that Jonas peed himself a little.

Nodding and ignoring the palatable fear in the man’s scent. “Have that made I will be down with my sister.”

Maybe it was the eight-foot bow he had on his back when he walked in yesterday or even the colossal stone hammer he held easily held in his large hand. Slate will never relinquish those two weapons as they are his only connection to his people.

He owed everything to Natasha, if it wasn’t for her, he would have died after surviving

the landslide and being incarcerated. As Slate walks towards the stairs, a gruff voice calls from behind. “Look at that, a walking statue. Jara’s balls you are huge, rock boy.”

Just ignore him, not the first or last time you have been thought as part rock

Slate lectures himself.

“What are you too good to talk to me, bah!” All Slate could hear as he walked up to the third floor to wake Natasha up.

Little did he know that that loudmouth had friends and having a peaceful breakfast seemed not to be on the table for Slate and Natasha.

Shadows Bane: Foundation Part 1

Part One

“Natasha! Today’s the day!” yells Slate the teenage youth trapped in a giant’s body. His skin colour of granite, large teeth in his massive grin and green dreads pulled into a warrior’s tail.

Groaning the blond woman, Natasha pulls her sheet over her head. “Slate, it is barely dawn, and the Hall doesn’t open for another three hours.”

Slate dances and prances around Natasha’s room. “I know, but I can’t wait until we are registered. Imagine, we will be Adventurers!”

 As she pulls down her sheets, Natasha’s scarred face looks over at her adopted brother. “Should have stayed in Brick.” She mumbles to herself while rubbing her cropped blond hair. “Have you at least ordered breakfast?”

“Sure, the first thing I did.” Slate retorts, “No mission should start on an empty belly, you taught me that.”

“Well, leave so I can dress.” Natasha quips.

“Sorry, Tash, see you downstairs.” As Slate ducks through the door.

Natasha throwing off her blanket, shakes her head. Only two years ago, she found Slate outside the Wild Lands, dragging a massive stone hammer with a bone bow large than him across his back. Natasha had to stop her fellow mercenaries from killing the boy as they assumed he was a monster. She couldn’t blame them, as Natasha has never seen anyone else the same race as Slate. Not even Slate knows what he is, but by the Trinity, he is growing huge. Already a half a foot taller than her height of six foot four.

Looking over at her armour, Natasha thinks Maybe no today as we are in Favinonia City. Being raised in an orchard burb of Favinonia City limits, Natasha has seen the inner Core only four times in her life. The sight stills overwhelm her as the hustle and bushel of the Capital is like it’s own living organism. Opening the block out curtains, Natasha has a beautiful scene of packed buildings and brick walls. Not wanting to open the window as the smell of ten million souls still permeates the air.

Clothing herself in sturdy hemp clothing, Natasha straps her oversized falcata to her back and walks out the stout oak door. Coming down three flights of stairs, Natasha comes into the inn’s main foyer. Noticing that there were no one at the front desk, she turns to the dining area for her breakfast with Slate.

The first thing she notices walking through the archway was six armed and armoured men surrounding Slate. What has he got himself into now? Natasha ponders.