Lake Merrin – Samuel Colbran

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 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.

Update For Samuel Colbran; The Creative Side.

Hello all, it has been a while since I have written a blog. Most time I can’t think of anything compelling. There are so many fantasy authors out there, and I am just a drop in the ocean. So I am using this to update everyone, go figure.

So what has been happening in my personal, professional and creative worlds?

Let us start at the creative, I mean I love my creative life, as the stories come to life and blossom into incredible books. I have finished my companion novella to Lake Merrin; it is called The Great Spoon Heist. Pretty much, two weeks have passed since the conclusion of Lake Merrin, and the Rejects realise that Klaus Handwerk, a lumber trader gave them a job. So this is about them discovering the mystery that WayWocket found out in Lake Merrin.

Screenshot_20171116-111351 — Lake Merrin, love writing this!

It was a significant bit of fun writing this, as Lake Merrin is in the present tense and it’s POV is the stream of consciousness, it was hard to go beyond the perspective of Lone Solo. As I wrote this book in past tense and third person, it allowed me to explore my main characters and how Lone’s mindset did not squint their personalities.

I had one of my friend’s model the cover for me as WayWocket, it going to be awesome. He is thinking while licking a spoon (if you want to know why, you have to read Lake Merrin, no spoilers here.) I am going to have him cosplay this character at a future Oz Comic-Con, it will be radical to see my character to come to life.

Here is a basic mockup of the probable cover.

I am also working on book two of Journal of an Adventurer; I am about 10k words in. After finishing this first draft, I will be starting FableLands Fugitive; the first novella will be called Jamila and James: Ardor. This novella will be following the conclusion of Interrogation, as the Arcs split up to escape Doctor Hamill, they find out the police and agents of BPResearch are hunting them. Can Jamila and James find a balance between uncontrollable emotions to survive this organized search of the Arcs of FableLands?

My next one will be talking about my professional life.

For the links to my books head to either www.samuelcolbran.com or Amazon.com.

My Novella, FableLands: Interrogation.

I skipped my blog yesterday as I knew my publisher, Ocean Reeve was dropping off my proof copy of FableLands: Interrogation Part One. Looking though it makes the whole process real! Only months ago did I start writing this short story series and soon I will be at Oz Comic Con as a published author. How time flys!

This isn’t the final copy but having the book in my hand. Seeing my name on its cover is a dream come true. I would never think that two years ago that a book on mine would be on paper.

I have some other great news, next month, the fourth part of FableLands, Sammy Trickster will be out for e-book and a new series Favinonian Tales, titled Rise of the Green: Trinity which is based in the same world as my main novel, Lake Merrin.

I am heading back to expose my readers to the rich history of Favinonia, so they can live and breathe in Amsul (the world Favinonia is set in).

Another thing is that I have been helped by my father to finish Lake Merrin, so fingers crossed that it will be out this year. I have my editors booked in, and away we go!

On the 13th and 15th of September, I will be having a book signing at BELLA’s Bakery in Southport Central from 11 am to 1 pm, see you there if not see you at OZ CON!!!

What is happening?

It has been a while since I have written a blog. Some of it was due to the lack of motivation to write one, being distracted by either my writing or groups that I am a part of. Even typing this seems to be a little hollow and passing the buck. Just need to harden the truck up and do some blogs!

I have thought that Thursday will be my blog day, need to do something once a week. If I can’t do that, then why have a blog!

So what has been happening in the world of Samuel Colbran?

First off I now have a paperback of a superhero fantasy anthology which includes Kayla, Briana and Ciro with an addition of the first three chapters of the newly updated Lake Merrin! I have been ecstatic about this. Soon I will have a book in my hands with my name on it. It will be like book-crack for me!

This came about because I was invited to go to Oz Comic Con in Brisbane! Even a few of my author friends are going to have tables as well. They are Melissa H North and Karen Tyrell. It will be the first time I will have met Melissa, it going to be indeed fabulous!

There is one version on Amazon of FableLands: Interrogation, but you can buy off of me, a special edition of the book! Find out more at www.samuelcolbran.com.

My current working on a short story connected to the history of Favinonia (the country Lake Merrin is set in), called Rise of the Green. It delves into the rise of the fictional religion of Favinonia, in where the first saint rose, Saint Mela of the Green.

Saint Mela—the plague-ender; life-giver; and first saint—represents the Green Aspect. People who follow this aspect give thanks to the first saint for bringing the Trinity to Favinonia.

Discovering her story has been a highlight. It will be the first of three, under the title ‘The Trinity’ from the series Tales From Favinonia. There are about twenty stories to be written under this series name, some of the heroes of the past. A few of these stories will be about the political arena of Favinonia. This is mainly to expand the world of Amsul.

So that ends the first of, (fingers crossed) my Thursday blogs. See you next week!

The new wonderful, marvellous Chapter Three!

Another violent encounter. I always thought to leave the army meant that I wouldn’t have to do any more murdering. Ratface, wish I knew his real name, was the first life I had taken since leaving the military. I should have known becoming an Adventurer doesn’t stop you being a killer.

Just another in a long line of being stabbed, beaten up, or straight up nearly murdered. Some days I think I need a better day job. Still, I committed another heinous act to protect my life, how will the Trinity see me when I leave this plane. Will I be one with It or will I be grabbed by Amordous of Abysuss? I might find out soon.

Enough thinking of that sort of thing. This was the day I became an Adventurer …

One good thing about Lake Merrin, it is not hard to find your way around. Looking down at the dead Dock Boy at my feet and the unconscious brute with his head up against the wall.

“You know Ratty; you do bleed a lot.” Spying a water barrel I wash off the worst of the blood, “You should have just ignored me in the bar, and you still would be kicking.”

Once clean, I look at the unconscious half-breed. I pull my knife out; my hand is shaking. I haven’t committed blatant murder since the army. I did hate being a scout, taking out sentries who were not aware of you was not fun.

Sheathing my knife. “You are lucky today, not starting a day off with an honourless murder.”

Following the smell of the blacksmithy, I look over and think over that fence will take me to the Craftsman District and beyond that is the Bazaar, then one little hop I am at the Hall.

Looking back at my two fallen foes, I give them a salute. Stupid but brave.

As I jump the fence and head back towards the sounds of the crowd, I marvel at the industrious craftsmen who are working. Contraptions being operated on, whirling and buzzing sounds from different workshops. If I walked a different path, I might have become an Engineer. Working with intricate clockworks, or making new materials for everyday use.

Still, I would have to get used to the smell. Walking past a fabric factory, you can hear the clickety-clack of the loom inside or the hissing of molten metal in a local blacksmith for a new house frame. An apprentice powered buzz saw; look at that seat with wood pedals, makes you think, not many woodworkers around but they do make a lot of money, with wood being so rare.

Not many traders in here, most use this area to create and then take it to the shops in the Great Bazaar to sell their goods.

The hustle and bustle of the early market day. The smells of baked goods, the fishmongers yelling out their wares and no Malik or Dock Boys. This is not their territory, it is for the Wilted Flower Gang, and they are more about the subtle approach to thievery. Pickpocketing and the like.

There is a team now, I love seeing them in action. Four walk up and bump. Those pickpocketers always walk away with a poor sods wallet. Been on the end of that a couple of times, until I made them realise why I should not be messed with. Ratty and Dwarf-spawn found out the hard way.

What a beautiful day. Living through that death trap, appreciating life, and now off to the Hall!

Is that a pie cart I spy, and it sells beer too? My lucky day. Lukewarm beer, a questionable meat pie, and if I can join a Charter today as well, it will be the most perfect day ever!

Looking over to the other side of the Market Bazaar, I can see the solid browned bricked building that looks like a tiny fortress in the middle of the city, just lurking on the street, the Hall. That is where I will make my name, and I won’t just be white-bred or a bastard. I would be an Adventurer.

For one of the smallest buildings in Lake Merrin, it reeked of history. This is where the first goblinoid ear was handed in! Where Saint Jara lived for ten years, protecting us from the monsters of the Wild Lands.

I should know about those lands, with its endless forest of trees as a half-elf its part of my heritage. Yet I just think that it is just unnatural, all those trees in one place. Give me a little park or a plantation. Clean, organised and safe.

Walking into the Hall on the corner of Market and Coin, this place always gives me goosebumps. The feeling of history seeping into you. This is where the great heroes who made their names here, and the money to be made. Just being here makes me think I could be one of them.

Ancient banners, relics thought lost to time and bountiful chilled ale. There is always a sight to see. As I look around, some random people are beating on each other in the duelling pit. I like the look of the armoured one. His moves are crisp and precise, far more skilled than his opponent. Maybe a bet is in order? But wait! Is that, no, couldn’t be, Order of the Shield?

What is a member of the Order of the Shield doing in here? I’ve only ever seen them on the battlefield. Once a prat, always a prat! Always ordering us mere soldiers around like we were nothing. I wonder why he is here? When you join, it is for life. Is he a Shield? The armour is a dead giveaway. But still, by the way, he is moving with that fellow with the hammer, I can see he has trained in their ways.

Half-breeds and other scum like me never had that level of training. We were wall-fodder, as long as we could swing a sword and not die, our commanders like Shield-Boy didn’t care. But being a halfie, gave me more opportunities than others. I now know.

Nevertheless, I would still put some slips on him, no matter how much they are up themselves. Their skill with a sword is always top-notch.

Now a travelling Halfling Bard has come in to share his talent—gotta love free music.

Best day of the week is the sixth one. Buy two cups of ale for the price of one. Such a bargain. It might even be cheaper once you are registered. I am so looking forward to that sixth day now! I do love me some beer or an excellent ale, as long as it is cheap or free.

In a wink of an eye, the fight is over, or was I thinking too long about beer? I’m too late to put any money down on the match. If I did, I would have won. The Shield mopped the floor with his opponent. Oh well, off to talk to the administrator.

As I head for the administrator, the big hammer fellow is getting dragged past me by a tough-looking guy and—hold the presses! —It’s Lana from the Travellers. Wow, I’ve only heard stories about them. Are there any other members of that Charter here? Can’t wait to see all of them.

Oh my Trinity, there is a bloody line-up. Now I have to play the waiting game. I played that game a lot in the army. We wait here; then we wait over there.

As long as you looked busy, the Captain didn’t care. But you had to look busy when the Sarge walked around. If you were wasting time, she would find something for you to do. Sarge busted me slacking off all the time! The number of latrine holes she made me dig; marching drills for hours on end, that wasn’t fun; and I never saw her have a drop of grog ever—not even once!

Even if she was weird, I did learn a lot from her. Wouldn’t be here today if she didn’t save me from the wrong end of a sword. From that day, I always have one silent toast in her honour.

After a stroll down memory lane, I can only think of free beer and the sixth day two for one.

I’m just standing here; there is no one in front. Thank you, tired brain, for making the queue go away.

I walk over, and the administrator Royce looks at me with bloodshot green eyes that look like they are cresting the dark bags beneath them and says in a raspy voice, coughing up phlegm, “Come on, lad, been watching you stand there doing nothing for five minutes now. What do you want?”

That was shocking. Five minutes? I shrugged. Oh well, no queue.

“Come on; I haven’t got all day to watch you daydream. If you don’t tell me what you want, I’m going to ask you to leave!”

I shake my head and apologise, “Sorry, was jumped by some goons earlier today. Must be a little frazzled still, or it could be the pie.”

I can see Royce is becoming a little annoyed by the way he’s tapping an idle scarred thumb on the top of the table.

“Sorry. You don’t care. Um, I’m here to sign up!”

He looks me up and down with a professional grade sneer that says he’s seen all sorts. “Do you wish to start a new Charter or do you want to apply for an opening in an existing Charter, if one is available?”

“Just wanting to pay Hall’s dues and put my name down for any open spots.”

I stood there just grinning.

“What’s so funny, boy? You look like some grinning idiot. Take this paperwork and fill it out. The annual fee is four gold slips.”

Every time I come into the Hall and ask about Charters, Royce gives me the same speech and then forgets me. Bloody senile old human.

“This does not guarantee you a spot in a party, just allows you to apply for jobs and covers the administration of your documents …”

Wow, this guy can prattle on. I can’t stand listening to people who think they are smarter than me. Or annoying people. Like this guy.

“And after you are done with that there—”

He suddenly stops and looks at me.

“Did you hear anything I just said, boy?”

“Of course I did! All this paperwork isn’t going to do itself. Here are the four slips, and may I borrow a quill and well to finish this?”

As he passes the writing kit over, I spy an empty table. Time to fill out this unnecessary paperwork. Looking at the forms, there are some interesting questions. Place of birth, okay. Name, I can do that. Skills and ability, well, that will be a short list. I can swing a sword, take orders, march, and scout—can’t forget that one.

Being a half-breed, they just give you the ‘fun’ jobs. Okay, I can see in the dark—so? Bloody typical, racist lowlifes, making me scout out enemy positions in the dark and cold of night! I can ride a horse too. Well, my horse. I loved that horse. The only one that would come near me. Can’t remember its name now. Another typical fantastic trait of my half-breed background.

A bit of sand to help it dry and done! Back to Royce. Such a bothersome administrator.

“With all your lollygagging, I thought this would take you longer.” He smiles and looks down at the form.

“Let’s have a look at this … An army boy, haven’t seen that much action.” He chuckles to himself, flicking through the pages as if they offended him personally. “This all seems in order. Here is your receipt. So, do you want your name in the pool for open Charter?”

“Are no Charters are looking for anyone at the moment? I’m willing to do any sort of job, even if they don’t want a new signing member. Ready to be signed on for a job or two.”

“I have a group upstairs looking for a few members. I can put your name down but …” He pauses to point to a strong Folk and then to an armoured knight from the pit before. “Those men seem to be more experienced than you. You are—no offence—a bit on the ordinary side.”

Wow, try being told that you are pretty much useless—well, average. Mela, Jara, Jenell! When I served, I might not have been the cream of the crop, but I still wasn’t one of those ‘special’ cases, who didn’t know their left from their right. They were good for one thing: following orders, as long as you took the time to explain it to them thoroughly.

“Come on. Okay, I’m not like that knight in shining armour or that savage, but don’t dismiss me. There must be people looking for someone, even just a body to fill a sentry spot.”

“Come back in a few days, see if any other parties are coming through these parts.”

Such a waste of time. I turn to leave, but Royce is still talking. “Well, there is one job on the Board. I don’t think they will mind too much for a solo to petition for this job!”

He coughs a little, and I think, wow, do all older men have a phlegm factory in the back of their throat?

“As I was saying, the town Watch patrol is looking for bodies to fill the ranks for an upcoming tour of the Duke. Three days’ work, good pay, and they aren’t too worried about experience.”

Well, it is a job from the Hall. Beggars can’t be choosers, or is it lazy people like money, hmm?

“This would help me get out of a jam. Put my name down!” I exclaim. “So, what are the chances of me getting this job?”

Royce looks up. “I send over the parties that wish to do the job. I put you as ‘Lone Solo’. Not much of a name, but it will do.” He’s doing that old man chuckle; more phlegm and coughing than laughter. “They seem a bit rushed with this, so your chances are good.”

The revised Chapter Two

…one person I really hate (or persons if you count his second Jimmy), is Malik, that thankless mother-son. During those three months, he made my life a living Abyssus. I’m glad he isn’t around anymore. The Dock Boys who I once feared have now become a source of jokes. I wonder after two years if they are still around?

“Look what we have here, boys.”

Malik, that son of a motherless goat! Even with his steel grey hair and stubbled face, he is still a young-looking man. Healthy muscle on his big frame and thick-knuckled fists he loves to use.

“Where you be going, me boyo? Don’t you owe me boys some money, and interest to boot? Jimmy, how many slips does this fine gentleman owe us?”

Jimmy is Malik’s second, and as black-hearted as his rotting teeth. I’m not sure what sewage pipe he spawned from, but he smells like he looks.

Jimmy starts to speak, and I am nearly knocked out by his putrid breath.

“Boss-man, this white-bred owes you three gold slips, eight silver, and five copper, plus forty percent,” he says, smiling at Malik.

Damn, damn, damn! That’s everything I have on me. Most of it was going to pay for my registration in the Hall today.

“Come on, boyo, cough up now or … well, I don’t need to tell you what will happen.”

Surrounded by these grinning fools, my stomach rebels at the rancid smell of their tightly packed bodies. Need room to think. Wish I was a more quick-witted person. Just need some more breathing room.

I need to keep him talking as I figure a way out. “Do you really want to do this on the street, Malik? There could be an honourable Charter, or a patrol comes along, and they might help me.”

Jimmy laughs at that. “You hear that boss, he thinks ‘heroes’ will save him! A bit of gutter white-bred trash like him.”

Edging a little more away. “That isn’t nice, Jimmy. We have truth-spawn in our gang too.” Malik says.

“Sorry, Boss, just a slip of the tongue.”

“Where are you going, boyo?” Malik noticed me backing up. “We haven’t finished our chat.”

“I’m off to find a permanent job, Malik. Next week you will have everything plus another forty percent.”

Malik scoffs at my request. “Jimmy.”

Jimmy walks up and smiles, then punches me in the gut. I drop, trying to catch my breath. My hand instinctively heads to my dagger, but this is not the time to lose control.

As I look up, everyone is avoiding eye contact. Jimmy and another two thugs pick me up. Malik comes over and brushes off the dirt. “See I let you go, boyo then some other poor sod who owes me money will want a break too.”

Why today of all days? I look Malik dead in the eye. “I do know why you have to bring most of your boys with you. A bit scared of me, Malik?”

All his Dock Boys held their collective breath. Malik looks a little shocked. Even Jimmy has loosened his grip on my arm. This is my chance. Out of the corner of my eye, the half-breed brute and rat-face come out of the alley where I left them. Time to move.

Looking around, the crowd parts, and I catch a glimpse of a watch patrol walking towards me. Oh, what luck! The Trinity smiles upon me today!

Yanking my arm out of Jimmy’s grip I moved toward the patrol. “Malik, I understand that you might have felt I have been giving you the slip, but as you can see I am a poor man and do not wish for any trouble—”

With that, I do what army men call a ‘tactical retreat’, which in layman’s terms is running the Abyssus away.

The closer I am to the patrol; the sooner Malik isn’t a problem. Now they come into sight. Only now I understand why I saw them through the crowd. They are pushing the citizens around, and the large woman looks familiar. Oh no, it is Zlata Madyson! Such a corrupt bitch! That lady’s stare can make a bull stop charging. She would pin me down, allow these lads to kick me within an inch of my life, then throw me in jail and call me a public nuisance.

Being a half-breed like Zlata, I can understand what it feels like to be hated by your non-elven parent. My father was a human merc who knocked up my mother during those magical two weeks of fertility with elves—and voila, me.

Zlata is a half-breed I don’t easily recognise, wish my pedigree wasn’t so slutty. She is broad, as tall as I am, with a nose that some would say is ‘cute’ and upturned, but makes me think of wild boars, framed in a shock of pale yellow hair that trails past her shoulders and hangs from her head like straw slopping up last night’s vomit. I hope she wouldn’t take her aggression out on me all the time—we are both elf bloodline!

As I sprint off, I hear someone yelled behind me. “We’ll get him, boss!”

That voice sounds familiar, I have a quick look back, and it is those two that I accosted in the alleyway, and rat-faced thug joined in too, oh great! Now, where should I go?

After what I did to them, they have the incentive to catch me, but I haven’t done anything to Ratty. Well, there was that one time… Nah, must be something else.

With the people in their way, I have a little breathing space. Guessing plan B is in order, the back streets of the craftsmen’s district. A place is so thick with shops and work areas that walls close in. A great place to get lost in. Saying a quick prayer to the Trinity, I push through the crowd.

I run across Route, dodging where I can, barrelling through where I cannot until I make it into the maze of streets. Turn left, jumping a fence, run down an alley, turn right, and cross another street into—damn it—a dead end. Should this be called Dead-End Place?

When will it be my lucky day?

Some heavy feet are pounding the paving stones behind me. As I turn, I didn’t lose those three Dock Boys from earlier. Why me? They must have been close on my tail. I am not sure of their names, but I can tell that I had an impact on them. Ha, impact, I kneed one and sucker punched the other.

They run down the side street, and they corner me. The grinning brute half-breed in the middle is first to speak.

“It seems you took a wrong turn! I owe you for that cheap shot from before, lucky us that you found such a perfect place.” This gets a laugh out of the other two.

“Come on, dung-head, give us your money, and we’ll let you off with just a beating!”

A beating? “And if I don’t?”

I leave the question hanging. Another of the Dock Boys responds, with a high squeaky voice to match his pinched rat-like face.

“Well, you see, we might just kill you a bit.” Now I remember him, I stole that bar wench from him.

Another laugh.

Help me, Trinity, these thugs are some street jesters.

“So if I give you money, I get a beating. If I don’t, you are going to kill me a little bit. I know this is a stupid question, but how do you kill someone a bit?”

The half-dwarf with a swelling cheek looked at me and drew his knife. Lucky me, the Brute will just go ahead and show me. Such a fortuitous day!

“Okay, okay, let’s slow this down. I really don’t need to see what being killed a little bit looks like,” I laugh nervously. “I have some of the money. I’m heading off—”

The last one interrupts. He is about as beautiful as my morning movement. Yes, now they have all spoken. I wonder if I win a prize … I hope it’s not a stabbing.

“Well, dung-head, I don’t think Malik would be happy with a part payment. We will have to bring him your ear, nose, and … Say, one of your hands as well. How does that sound? That might pay back my issues for the pain you caused.”

Okay, I kicked you in the Hammers, but really! With the other two drawing knives, I think to myself; I’m such a dead man! This blind alley is hopefully not my end.

A glint of metal—I sense it more than I see it. Throwing myself out of the way, the brute still manages to stab me! Not feeling the trickle of blood or lightheadedness, I realise it must have been blocked by the Jack of Plate—my incredible armour!

The half-dwarf boasts with his ridiculous looking beard, “See, boys, he is quaking in his boots! Dung-head, you got lucky that time—”

Seeing an opening, I lunge, smashing the side of his head with a hammer-like strike. He falls to the ground in a stunned heap. Regarding the other two, I growl at them, hoping to scare them off. They counter my growl with more intimidating noises, akin to alley cats fighting over a five-day-old fish.

“You fell for another sucker punch?” I gloated at that white-back.

They weren’t impressed by that line. Drawing my knife. No time to think. It is time for me to go on the attack. Ratface jumps over his comrade at me! Foolish. Something the sergeant taught me flashes in my mind: ‘Always have your feet on the ground!’

Moving forward, I take his attack on my forearm and return a straight stab to his gut. That’s right piggy, squeal! If it weren’t for rat-face, I wouldn’t have wasted an ale!

One dead at my feet, the other slumped against the wall, looking down the alley at Mr Third. I point my knife at last. Heart racing but my knife hand is steady. I show no weakness. I ask him, “So, are you going to use that or just stand there pissing yourself? Or are you just waiting for your Hammers to drop again?” I see his raw anger. I don’t care if he calls my bluff!

Backing off, he says, “Okay, dung-head, you win this one. But next time I won’t go easy on you!” He quickly turns and runs away.

Well, that was easy enough. Then again, it was too close. So, this is what luck feels like. I assess the cut on my forearm. Need to patch this up. It’s not too deep, that’s good. Just a piece of cloth to tie it off.

Looking at the two on the ground, I wonder what they have on their persons. Rubbing my hands together. Spoils of war and all. Two good knives and some slips. Such a lucky day. Enough to pay off Malik and a little more to get a room, so I’m not stabbed while I sleep. Just have to figure out a way to pay Malik without being killed in the process.

Now, where am I? A sudden smell burns my nostrils. There’s nothing that quite compares to the smell of a blacksmith shop. It’s there in the air; a distinct odour that hangs thick, singeing my nostrils with the distinctly industrial stench of coal dust and molten iron.

Good, I am close to Blacksmith Place. Shouldn’t take much to get to the Bazaar and onto Market Place. After that, the Hall.

The future for Samuel Colbran- Author

You might have seen that I have delayed my book, it has been hard to realise why, and I have taken a break from a lot of my promotion and creative work, but now it is time to get back on that horse again.

The first five chapters I have up already will be re-written, I found after listening to the recording of these sections that I knew where my MC was but did my reader? The answer was no. I had some brilliant people helping me realise this, but in the end, it was my decision to delay Lake Merrin.

The things I will be concentrating on will be the delivery of the world and story. This seems to be easy, but due to my use of stream of consciousness, the painting of the world can be a little muddled.

Over the next few months, the updated chapters will be released. I will have a secret page for these and only for my subscribers and pre-orders, so they can comment and suggest what should happen. I really want my readers to be involved in my world as they are it’s life’s blood.

Also for everyone else, I will be writing a series of short stories not set in Favinonia. It is the prelude to my young adult series in which there is are two worlds, one real and the other mythical. My six main characters tap into this mythical world and gain an archetype of a hero, and they will manifest from the legends of yesterday and today. It will be set in Brisbane, Queensland (as this was my primary school days).

I am really excited to write these stories and finish off my book. Keep an eye on this page, exciting things are happening!

Terminology or is it a Glossary?

With my upcoming print and ebook, Lake Merrin n the verge of coming out I thought it was time to ‘spoil’ a couple of things for the book. First off is the Terminology of Favinonia. People have asked me what is the ‘FK’ mean or who is this Jara, Mela or Jenell? Simple these are common words that need no explanation, like ‘Hey, that is a dog!’ or ‘Could you throw a shrimp on the barbie!’ or even ‘G’day mate, how are you goin’?’
So without further ado, here is my Terminology/glossary!

Terminology

Abyssus: This is the dark underworld of Favinonia, where all evil is born. The White Aspect of the Trinity warns of a time the devils and demons of the Abyssus will rise again and take this world. It is also a common swear word used by the crass.

Adventurer: A person specially registered to work within Favinonia’s borders. It carries many responsibilities, including: permission to carry weapons; the ability to take jobs from the Hall; and compulsory enlistment in times of crisis.

Amsul: The name of the world Favinonia resides in.

Beast Races: Description of beast-like humanoids from Havanti. They are ruled by dragon-like Balauron.

Blue: Aspect of law and knowledge. This aspect controls the courts and oversees the libraries. People of an academic background follow this aspect of the Trinity. Saint Jenell—the word-smith; incorruptible; fact-finder—represents the Blue Aspect.

Charter: A group of Adventurers with a mission statement and guidelines for their group. An official record is kept at the Hall that outlines each Charter’s mission statement, history, and reputation.

College of Magi: An ancient order of Favinonian magic-users. All types of magic are learned here, except for necromancy, or ‘magic of the dead’. Their primary goal is to revitalise the knowledge of the arcane, which was lost during the Massacre of Magic.

Common swear words: In polite society, these words are not used (but from time to time, even the most civil tongue will slip). Common swear words include: slip-sucker, copper-pincher, skinflint, tinker’s dam, Jara’s hammer, and son of a motherless goat. Some people may also invoke the saints (Jara, Mela, Jenell) or the Trinity.

Dwarf: Dwarves are the traders and merchants of Favinonia. Family is everything to the Dwarf, as only family can be trusted with commerce. They are open to customers, even friendly, but Dwarves have an underlying culture of profiteering.

Elf: Elves are an uncommon race in Favinonia. Their origins are rife with mystery. Most know that they originated from a large jungle in the south. Most are primitive, but have a knack to evolve and adapt to new environments. As they are not true citizens of the kingdom, most find work as scouts, hunters, and farmers in rural regions. However, because of their selective fertility period, many end up as prostitutes; both male and female. At the Height of Truth, their hair turns the purest white, which indicates they are fertile; conception is guaranteed at that time.

FK: Foundation of Kingdom; how many years since the foundation of Favinonia.

Favinonia: The land of human origin, comprised of seven different states: The Core; Western Duchy; Southern Earldom; Northern Electorate; Eastern March; Northern Colonies; and the Eastern Expanse.

Folk: (also known as Lizard-folk) A scaly race from the great swamp of Favinonia’s southern border. They are related to the Elf race, indicated by their similar features, such as their pointed ears and facial characteristics. Their mane of feathers, akin to hair, changes colour depending on their mood. (Beware of a Folk with bright scarlet feathers!)

Green: Aspect of agriculture and life/death. Toilers of the ground and healers of the sick. Saint Mela—the plague-ender; life-giver; and first saint—represents the Green Aspect. People who follow this aspect give thanks to the first saint for bringing the Trinity to Favinonia.

Gnome: Once this race was connected to the mystical, but now they are enthralled with technology. They have a boundless interest in how elements work together and react to one another; they are also very interested in what makes them explode.

Halfling: The Halflings are a nomad race. Some travel in small houses on wheels or barges that can traverse the multiple rivers in Favinonia. If you are drawn to discover what is on the other side of the next hill, you may begin to understand the need that drives all Halflings to keep moving.

Half-breed: The forgotten children of Elves and the good folk of Favinonia. These individuals have become one of the fastest-growing races in the land. As they are a constant reminder of the indiscretions of many citizens, they are despised by their parent race. Most half-breeds are wanderers, often seen in the most squalid parts of society. Slurs include: white-back, Truth-spawn, white-bred, and she-bop.

Hall: Established around 100 FK to cope with the bounty of the goblinoid races, the Hall has now become the administration headquarters for Charters, Adventurers, and the Job Board.

Havanti: The Eastern land; shrouded with mystery, ruled by ten clans, and the home of the Beast Races.

Lake Merrin: The largest fresh water lake in Favinonia. Also the name of the main town in the northern province of Western Duchy. The current ruler is Count Darel Isenhart.

Massacre of Magic: A period of time in early Favinonian history that caused the indiscriminate slaughter of all magical creatures. The Massacre of Magic spanned over a century.

Months: There are 13 months with 28 days. The months are (in order): Founding; Peace; Builder; Sage; Orange; Iron; Blue; Invention; Green; Harvest; White; Trinity; and Truth.

Orange: Aspect of retribution and protection. This aspect oversees the protection of Favinonia’s wellbeing, and ensures swift retribution to those who hurt the innocent. Saint Jara—the hammer; demon-slayer; husband of Saint Mela; and protector of the innocent—represents the Orange Aspect. The law allows the Orange Holy Order to use whatever force necessary to protect Favinonia.

Order of the Shield: The Duke’s Guard; named after the relics of the past. Most members also have positions as commanders in the Favinonian Army.
The Trinity: The one true God of Favinonia. Everyone worships one aspect of the Trinity: Blue, Green, or Orange.

Western Duchy: (also known as the Iron Dukedom) The land north-west of Favinonia. Its responsibility is to guard the country against the Wild Lands and the Great Wall to the north. Three words to describe the people of Western Duchy: honourable, stalwart, and duty-bound. The current ruler is Duke Trahern Isenhart III.

Western City States: An unofficial alliance of city-states to the west of the Wild Lands. Mainly a seafaring race, the Western City States are run by guilds, mercenary companies, and merchant princes. It has little land to grow food. For many years it was the only trade route to the eastern country of Havanti.

University of Engineers: The most learned place in Favinonia. The great minds of technology gather here to teach and research new and exciting ways to improve life, without the use of magic. Fields of study include: medicine, biology, pharmacy, chemistry, and physics. The newest innovation from the University of Engineers is steam and electricity.

Chapter One | Chapter Two| Chapter Three | Chapter Four | Chapter Five

To buy your copy head to samuelcolbran.com