A New Novel, Part 318 I am Mrs. Aksinya Andreiovna Lopuhin

18 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 318 I am Mrs. Aksinya Andreiovna Lopuhin

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  The last we knew, they were contemplating travelling to Boston in the United States... 

Aksinya swung off the streetcar and skipped down the Union Park in Boston.  She wore a tweed dress and a jaunty tweed cap.  She carried a leather briefcase her Dobrushushka had given her at her graduation only a month before.  It reminded her of the briefcase she owned when she attended Sacré Coeur, but she never remembered carrying that one herself.  She was very proud of this briefcase—it held her diploma in linguistics and teaching from Radcliffe College.  Radcliffe was one of the few woman’s college she could attend since all the Catholic ones excluded her.  She had mostly escaped notoriety, but still she and Dobrushushka attended a very small Russian Orthodox Church near his office. 

Aksinya spotted Saint John the Baptizer Greek Orthodox Church across the street and started counting the buildings down from it.

She and Dobrushin had been in Boston for a little over four years.  They were delightful years.  She already wondered what she would do to seduce him tonight—it had been two days already since the last time.  He was already a partner at the law firm.  Everyone in the firm knew he was married, but Aksinya rarely showed her face there.  Dobrushushka begged off officially because of her schooling.  That was a good thing, she didn’t need notoriety.  She didn’t want her Dobrushushka to lose this job.

Aksinya halted when her counting reached the correct house number and glanced at the building.  She stopped skipping and walked carefully up the stairs in front.  The sign was right beside the door: Sacred Heart of Christ, Russian Orthodox Seminary for Young Women and Girls.”

Aksinya smiled.  That sounded like just the place for her.  All the other schools where she applied to teach mistook her for a student.  None of them had called her back.  She luckily heard about this place from a friend at their Ecclesia.

Aksinya pulled the bell.  After a couple of minutes a matronly woman dressed as a chamber maid answered the door.  She was pleasant looking.  Aksinya smiled and announced in English, “I am Mrs. Aksinya Andreiovna Lopuhin.”

This is an entirely new scene and location.  First, I set the scene.  I do this by showing you Aksinya's actions.  She swings off a streetcar and skips down Union Park (that's a street).  I give you a description of her clothing.  Do you remember the type of clothing she wore once before--it was silk and satin.  In the beginning of the novel, she was dressed in a dress fit for a princess--that didn't fit her well.  Now, she is dressed like a Kelly Girl.  She has on wool--it is nice clothing, but not very fine.

I give you another past reminder and some information.  She carries a briefcase that was a gift from Dobrushin at her graduation only a month before.  This tells you that she went to school.  I also tie the briefcase to Sacré Coeur and to Natalya (Aksinya never carried her old briefcase).  I use the briefcase as a tool to tell you her degree and her college.  Then I remind you that she couldn't attend any Catholic colleges. 

I give you more information: they attend a small Ecclesia and near Dobrushin's office.  Do you see how I am bringing you up to date about Aksinya and Dobrushin just using description.  I really haven't told you anything.

Then more of the setting.  The church on Union Park and Aksinya counts the buildings to find the proper address.  More information--they have been in Boston more than four years.  This is mixed with a little of Aksinya's thoughts--to tell you how precious Dobrushin is to her, and how they keep her nobility a secret.  Again, mixed with this is information that Dobrushin is a partner in the firm.  The reminder here is that Aksinya's notoriety could lose Dobrushin his job.

So, Aksinya arrives at her destination.  She stops skipping.  Did you get that before?  Aksinya is so happy, she skips.  She stops intentionally to not give the wring impression.  The name of the school is another connection with the past.  Sacré Coeur means Sacred Heart in French.  The sign is in English (I don't have to tell you).  The name is why it is just the right place for her.  

Then I give you some information--Aksinya's appearance is young and small.  The schools where she applied mistook her for a student, and they didn't call her back.  We also find that Aksinya heard about this school from a friend in the Russian Ecclesia.  This is an important connection. 

At the end of this piece, Aksinya announces herself to the maid.  A maid answering the door indicates the wealth and status of the school.  Tomorrow, the school.

A New Novel, Part 317 I Like to be in Control

17 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 317 I Like to be in Control

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They consummated their marriage and are speaking together... 

“You were much more passionate before.”

“Shall I be passionate again?”

“Yes,” she trembled as she stroked his face, “But I have an important request.”

He tried to make out her face in the dim light, “A request.”

“It’s wet and sticky over here.  Can I sleep on your side of the bed?”

Dobrushin let out a great laugh, “It’s a little damp over here too.”

Aksinya scowled, “What did you do to me?”

“Didn’t you like it?  Wasn’t it what you always desired?”

“Yes, but I didn’t think it would be so messy.”  She pressed herself very close to him, “I want to be on top this time.”

He smiled again and tried not to laugh, “Why?”

“I like to be in control, and the wet place will be on your side and not mine.”  She placed her lips on his and did not remove them.

Aksinya had him twice more and both times she was on top.  They slept very late into the next day.                     

I always wanted to use this kind of scene and event as a kicker.  The point is to show love between married people.  Too often the only passionate lovemaking between people is illicit.  I wanted to show a married couple who were delighted with one another.  I've done this with my other novels to one degree or another, but this novel, because of it's tie to marriage, I wanted to be a little more detailed and intimate. 

The scene at the end is one that plays out often in real life, but I wanted to make the joke stick and drive the point of Aksinya's personality home.  It is a fun end and a gentle conclusion to a novel that has been very tense throughout.  The novel could end here, but I had a much better idea.  I wanted to resolve it a little more tightly, so I have a secondary dénouement.  It's really an epilogue, but I don't like epilogues, so I'll just tie it to the end of this chapter and tomorrow we will see what happens.

A New Novel, Part 316 We Will Go to America

16 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 316 We Will Go to America

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They consummated their marriage and are speaking together... 

When she caught her breath, she brushed the hair away from his forehead, “You gave up your position as priest for me.”

“At this moment that is what you are thinking…?” He smiled at her, “But the answer is yes.”

“You would have given your life for me.”

“But in the end, you saved me.  I don’t think Raphael would have been able to cancel any harm the demon would have done to my body.”

She stroked his face, “Did the demon injure you?”

His voice cracked, “No, but the demon almost stole my beloved, my wife.”

She smiled and kissed him, “Truly your wife now.”  She nestled in his arms, “What will we do in the future?  Where will we go and what will we do?”

“We will leave Wien.  I have been working in immigration law.  The Americas are a place where many of our Russian compatriots are escaping…”

She snuggled closer to him, “We will go to America?”

“To Boston in the United States.  I already made connections.  They are looking for lawyers who can speak Russian.”

Aksinya pouted, “They speak a kind of English there.  How will we communicate?”

“We shall learn English.”

“Yes, I guess.  You’ve thought this through for a long time.”

“I realized early that Father Makar would oppose any help I gave you, and I knew that you would require much help.”

Her pout deepened, “Am I such a problem?”

“Yes, Aksinya, you are a very great problem.  Plus, I don’t think there is a diminutive for Aksinya.”  He rolled to face her, “What will I call you, wife?”

Aksinya wasn’t certain she should frown or smile.  She harrumphed and plucked at her lip, “My father called me Aksyusha, but I would like you to call me, Aksenyushka or perhaps Princess.”

“Very well, I shall call you Princess Akenyushka.  May I kiss you?”

“Yes, you may kiss me all you wish.”  Their lips touched. 

“You were much more passionate before.”

“Shall I be passionate again?”

There is an old joke I will not repeat--it isn't very dirty, but it speaks to the thoughts of women during intimate moments.  Men perhaps are too one tracked--women want to know what is going on.  Aksinya is all woman.  She is thinking about how much Dobrushin loves her.  So much that he would give up his position and his money and his life.  The joke here is that Dobrushin isn't certain why she is thinking these things, his thoughts are somewhere else completely.  Then, we see, he does understand her thoughts.

Then Aksinya wants to know his plans.  Can you see the wheels going around in her head?  If he doesn't have a job or any prospects, how can he take care of her.  Although Aksinya has learned to live with very little, she doesn't wish to starve and this is post WWI Austria. 

You shouldn't be surprised that Dobrushin has everything planned out.  He planned everything from the beginning.  He is a planning type of person.  He knows exactly what he will do--just as he planned out everything in working with Aksinya. 

Aksinya isn't so sure about America.  She will have to learn English!  Listen to Dobrushin's response: "I knew that you would require much help.”  Aksinya is a great problem.  She was a great problem for the demon, for Natalya, for Ernst, for Sister Margarethe.  Aksinya is a person who can't help being a problem.  It is good that Dobrushin understands this.  He uses humor to distract her.  Aksinya can't go any further with this because she knows she is a problem.  The joke is that all the diminutives for Aksinya sound more proper than Aksinya (I picked this name for this reason).

Dobrushin extends this joke and so does Aksinya.  She certainly doesn't want her lover and husband  to call her by her father's pet name for her, but Aksenyushka is just silly.  Dobrushin is just as silly.  He shall call her Princess Aksenyushka.  You can guess that he calls her princess.  Then, a gentleman, he asks if he can kiss her.  This is what Aksinya wants.  She has not been allowed physical love all her life, and she wants to be loved.  We get a little joke here too.  Tomorrow, details of sleeping together.

A New Novel, Part 315 Love Me

15 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 315 Love Me

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They came to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien.  The demon, Asmodeus, appeared and attacked Dobrushin but mortally injured Aksinya. The angel Raphael bound the demon and turned back the harm done to Aksinya... 

Raphael smiled, “Until you are one, there is no marriage in the eyes of God.”  With a flash and a low gonglike sound, the angel was gone.

Dobrushin lifted Aksinya in his arms.  She was chilled.  He laid her in the bed and undressed.  Then he gently tugged the ruined dress off her body.  His heart caught in his throat.  She was slim and wonderfully made, not the full curves of a woman, but the slight form of a dancer.  The crucifix lay between her small breasts and the burn scars caused by it permanently marked her chest.  Dobrushin slipped into the bed and pulled the covers over them.  Dobrushin held her left hand.  Scars covered it.  He kissed each one.  He held her cool body close to his and kissed her forehead then eyelids.  He felt her body begin to warm next to him.  She gave a start, and her eyes flashed open, “Where is the angel?”

“He has gone.”

She felt her body, “And I am whole… and naked.”  She turned toward Dobrushin and touched him, “And you are also naked.  Her breath caught, “Still, that is bad because I had more questions for him, but it is good, because I want you to love me.  Now is the time for you to truly marry me.  Kiss me, Dobrushka.”

He kissed her.

“Touch me here and here.  And kiss me there,” she moaned.  After a while she reached for him, “Can you tell.  I am ready for you.”  She lay back and her arms slipped around him.   He reached around her shoulders.

Dobrushin whispered, “I am as new to this as you.  I can’t find the right place, help me.”

Aksinya laughed, and moved her hands downward.  He pressed forward, and with a mutual gasp, they came together.  Aksinya wrapped her body around his and cried out with amazement.  She trembled over and over and then relaxed.  His body shuddered once then again and again.  Finally he lay still.  Aksinya held on to him and wouldn’t let him move.  She kissed him and kissed him again.  Finally, she let him roll to the side, but she still clasped him possessively.

From the beginning, you might never have guessed this could be a resolution.  In this scene, I produced a second climax to resolve the problem of the demon, and I gave the appropriate solution to Aksinya's desire.  Aksinya lost everything, but she gained Dobrushin.  She gained love and salvation. 

I also wanted to give you a scene that is unusual in literature--simply a scene of lovemaking between a husband and wife.  The novel appropriately resolves on many levels here.  Aksinya and Dobrushin's interaction is both moral and logical.  I also wanted you to see the innocence of their love.  My publisher might not let it stand, but here it is in this cut of the novel. 

In the first part of the scene, the description allows you to see Aksinya through Dobrushin's eyes.  Did you wonder?  He loves her.  She is not build like a model, but rather like a dancer.  I also wanted you to see the permanent marks on her body.  She paid the price for each one.  Dobrushin realizes this.  He honors her for her suffering, but also for her persistence and power.  Dobrushin was allowed to see the spiritual through Aksinya.

Aksinya's first thought is for the angel.  She wanted to speak to it.  I build the tension through Aksinya's conversation.  I show you their lovemaking through Aksinya's words.  She calls Dobrushin by a diminutive.  Almost the entire scene here is conversation, yet it conveys the most intimate of human action.  This is the use of advanced writing techniques to show and not tell.  Tomorrow, plans.

A New Novel, Part 314 Remove the Marks of Satan

14 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 314 Remove the Marks of Satan

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They came to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien.  The demon, Asmodeus, appeared and attacked Dobrushin but mortally injured Aksinya.  With the destruction of Aksinya's surety, the demon disappeared and Aksinya's long hair returned to her head.  Not much later, the angel Raphael appeared.  Aksinya lies dying in Dobrushin's arms... 

Dobrushin raised his hopeless face to Raphael, “Please help her.”

“I’ll do better than that.  Just as her surety returned with the end of her contract, so the spiritual and physical injury caused by that creature can be removed.”  Raphael held his hands over Aksinya, “In the name of God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Remove the marks of Satan from this woman, your servant, Princess Aksinya.”

“Please, God,” cried Dobrushin.

Immediately the horrible wounds across Aksinya’s body sealed.  As thought time turned back, from left to right, her flesh stitched together and the blood returned to her veins.  Her face became less pale and her breathing returned to normal.  In moments, she lay peacefully in Dobrushin’s arms.  Her lips turned up in a gentle smile.  Her dress still bore the claw marks of the demon.  Her pale flesh showed through it.

Raphael shrugged, “I could not do anything about the dress.  It is fully corporeal.”  He stood and backed toward the fireplace, “That creature will not bother you again.  I bound him for a time, and he shall not be released again until that time shall pass.  Ensure you do marry her tonight, otherwise I can’t be responsible for what might occur.”

“I have married her.”

Raphael smiled, “Until you are one, there is no marriage in the eyes of God.”  With a flash and a low gonglike sound, the angel was gone.

I didn't want to leave this novel a tragedy, and I set up within the concept of the novel from the very beginning with this in mind.  A demon or an angel can't heal, but just like the surety returned to Aksinya's head (the entire contract was undone), likewise, the harm which Asmodeus was not allowed to cause could be turned backward.  This isn't healing, but rather removing something which should not exist in the first place.  Just as the angel had the power to bind Asmodeus, he likewise has the power to bind the acts of the demon.

Therefore, Raphael turns backward the evil the demon accomplished.  So, the picture is this that I show you is the wounds going backward.  There is humor here too--notice the dress.  Raphael couldn't turn time back for the dress because it is not spiritual.  This is a little piece of information, I intentionally interject.  The converse is that Raphael could act for her, she is partially spiritual--the dress is not.

Then we get reassurance that Asmodeus has been captured and bound.  He will not bother them again.  I also repeat the concept of ancient marriage through the words of Raphael.  He gives a warning.  The angel is gone.  Tomorrow, the rest of the night.

A New Novel, Part 313 Do Not Be Afraid

13 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 313 Do Not Be Afraid

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They came to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien.  The demon, Asmodeus, appeared and attacked Dobrushin but mortally injured Aksinya.  With the destruction of Aksinya's surety, the demon disappeared and Aksinya's long hair returned to her head.  She lies dying in Dobrushin's arms... 

“Not innocent,” Aksinya coughed, “Only forgiven.”  Blood trickled from her lips down the side of her face.

“Please, dear God, she was forgiven.  She is your child.”

A bright light flashed in the room followed by a low tone like a bell, and another being stood near the fireplace.

Aksinya shuddered, “Did the demon return?”

The creature was tall and bright.  Its features were so bright they were difficult to discern in the darkened room.  Still the being seemed to smile, “Do not be afraid.”

Aksinya’s voice came lower, “It is an angel.  I can tell.”

The angel bowed to them, “Princess Aksinya, Dobrushin Lopuhin, I am the angel Raphael.  I’m sorry I’m late, but Upper Egypt is much further from here than it was from Ecbatana.”

Dobrushin cried out, “Can’t you see she is dying.  Heal her.  Please, in God’s name, heal her.”

Aksinya touched Dobrushin’s face again, “My love, angels can’t heal, only God can do that.”

Raphael opened his hands and smiled again, “Only God can heal.  Or that other thing.”

Aksinya’s eyes fluttered.  She whispered, “I have renounced sorcery.  I would rather die than ever use it again.”

Raphael glowed brighter, “In that case, I am allowed to reverse some of the actions of that demon in the world.  He should never have been able to harm you, Princess Aksinya.”  The angel stepped closer to her. 

Dobrushin raised his hopeless face to Raphael, “Please help her.”

All right, did you read Tobit.  If you did, you might have guessed what would happen next.  In the Book of Tobit, the demon Asmodeus was forced away by the incense and fish organs being burned.  The Angel in the story, Raphael, chased Asmodeus to upper Egypt where he bound him.  Thus, after a proper amount of time, we have a visitation.  The low tone and the flash are my own adds for the appearance of angels.  Seems like a worthwhile image to me. 

Aksinya can't see.  She wonders if the demon returned.  The first words of the angel are: “Do not be afraid.”  These are important words since the messengers from the Greek gods were "hagios" awful beings, it is good to note that in the Greek New Testament and the Apocrypha, Angels announced themselves with: "Do not be afraid." 

Aksinya gets this and thus her response: “It is an angel.  I can tell.”  The angel defered to them both.  Then, to break the tension, I introduce some light levity.  The reference is that from Austria to Upper Egypt is much further than from Upper Egypt to Ecbatana--Ecbatana was where Tobias and Sara were married.  I use Dobrushin's words to escalate the tension in the scene.

Then the end of hope from Aksinya's lips: “My love, angels can’t heal, only God can do that.”  This was one of the points made early on in the novel--demons can't heal.  Likewise, angels can't heal--only God can heal.  Or, if you remember, putting your trust in the world, that is, sorcery can heal.  The angel doesn't want to use the word.  You guess what it is.

The angel seemed to be waiting for Aksinya to denounce sorcery.  The point I am trying to make here is that it isn't enough to say it in your mind.  Words in this sense have power when they are pronounced--thus Aksinya's confession has real meaning.  The angel immediately responds.  We shall see tomorrow what the angel can do.

A New Novel, Part 312 Not Innocent, Only Forgiven

12 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 312 Not Innocent, Only Forgiven

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They came to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien.  The demon, Asmodeus, has appeared... 

The demon took a sniff.  He glanced around, “Your surety.”  He stared at the heart-shaped necklace in the incense and his eye twitched.  Already the flames licked around it.  Already it blackened and glowed.  Aksinya could detect a smell unlike the frankincense.  It was a smell like fresh caviar, but sweeter.  It was the sweetest scent Aksinya had ever known.

Asmodeus cried out, “I haven’t much time.”  He snarled again and took a step toward Dobrushin, “You, man, shall die.”  He raised his arm and rushed at Dobrushin.  Dobrushin stuck out his arms to protect himself.

At the last moment, Aksinya grabbed for the demon.  She jumped forward and interposed her body between the demon and the man.  Asmodeus claws bit deeply into her.  They cut across her thin body and through her dress, through her skin, through her bones.

A veil of blood rose in the air between the demon and the girl.  Aksinya gave a single gurgling scream and collapsed to the floor.  The demon cringed back.  He leapt again to the side of the fireplace.

Dobrushin cried out.  He knelt beside Aksinya and lifted her head and shoulders in his arms.

Her lips trembled.  Her face contorted in pain, “There, demon, you are in default.  You cannot harm me, yet you have murdered me.”

Asmodeus brought his hands to his face.  His features displayed an appearance that had never been there before.  He glanced all around.

Aksinya’s breath came in whispers, “You must return my surety.  You must release me.  I am truly God’s now and not yours.”

The demon shrieked and was suddenly gone.  The incense sputtered then flared up.  The charm within it fell to ashes.  Aksinya’s hair suddenly became a single long braid down her back.

Dobrushin clasped her in his arms.

Aksinya weakly lifted her hand to the side of his face, “You need not shed tears for me, my beloved, because you released me from the demon.”

Dobrushin held her more tightly, “I can’t let you go so easily.”

“Don’t let go of me, just hold me until I breathe my last.  I’m cold already.”

Dobrushin put his face next to hers and sobbed into her hair, “Please God, don’t take this wonderful woman from me yet.  She is the only one of her kind on your earth.  She was innocent and betrayed by a creature of darkness.”

“Not innocent,” Aksinya coughed, “Only forgiven.”  Blood trickled from her lips down the side of her face.

“Please, dear God, she was forgiven.  She is your child.”

Many pieces in the novel suddenly come together in this part of this scene.  The surety is about to be devoured by the incense.  This is the means to force the demon away Dobrushin determined from his understanding of Aksinya's situation and the Book of Tobit.  The demon does seem to be affected by the destruction of the surety.  He sees it is burning and states: “I haven’t much time.”  Then he attacks Dobrushin.  The point is that Dobrushin was right, the destruction of the surety could force the demon away.  The problem is that the surety has not been consumed entirely yet.

The demon attacks Dobrushin, but Aksinya gets in the way.  In this moment, we see the resolution of one of the subthemes in the novel.  Do you remember that Aksinya was unwilling to give her life for her family.  She couldn't give her life for her friends.  The demon taunted her with this more than once and more than once, Aksinya acknowledged that she couldn't give her life for her friends or family.  In this moment, Aksinya offered her life for Dobrushin's.  She did gain the courage to put her own life on the line for another.  It is significant that he is her husband in name, but not in reality.  They are but friends and she offers herself for him. 

There is much more to this event.  The demon harmed Aksinya.  We saw before that he could torment her, but he could not let her come to harm--that was in the contract.  That was why he was so careful before.  He could not let her die or kill her.  He was very careful each time.  This time, the demon launched a killing blow against Dobrushin and hit Aksinya.  He has murdered her.  This was a direct breach of the contract--thus his reaction.

Aksinya realizes this herself and responds:  “There, demon, you are in default.  You cannot harm me, yet you have murdered me.”  Again, the demon reacts.  He realizes he has made a great mistake.  The moment Aksinya makes her claims, her surety falls to dust and the demon is gone. 

Her hair returns to her head.  This is the main evidence of the contract being broken that could be given.  I don't need to tell you what happened--I showed you what happened.  The contract is obviously at this point void and everything is back to the way it was at the beginning of the book--wait, nothing is the way it was.  The demon carved a great path through the lives of many many people.  He did it because Aksinya called him and because she was tempted.  She lies dying even now.  She will shortly breath her last.  This is the just punishment for her actions.

Note, I show you that Dobrushin is crying, but I don't tell you he is crying (advanced writing technique).  Dobrushin's response is a poignant prayer.  Can't you imagine the power of his prayer.  He now knows the truth that Aksinya gifted him.  He has seen a demon, therefore there must be a God.  Also, Aksinya's acknowledgement: “You need not shed tears for me, my beloved, because you released me from the demon.”

Them I give you the reconciliation of another subtheme in the novel.  Dobrushin cries: "She was innocent and betrayed by a creature of darkness.”  Aksinya's response: “Not innocent,” Aksinya coughed, “Only forgiven.”  That is an ultimate point.  No one is innocent or perfect--they can only be forgiven.  Thus with the threat of Aksinya's death, we have to wait until tomorrow to see what happens to her.

A New Novel, Part 311 The Surety

11 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 311 The Surety

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  They came to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien.  The demon, Asmodeus, has appeared... 

Asmodeus took a step toward them, “You forget, puny man.  I have been here before—many times.  I killed Sarah’s seven betrothed one after the other so none were left.”

Aksinya yelled, “But you couldn’t murder Tobias.”

The demon snarled, “Do you think this man is like Tobias?  Tobias had an angel to help him.  This man is nothing.  I will kill him as easily as you crush an insect under your foot.  As easily as you beat the Lady Natalya.  As easily as you tried to seduce, Ernst von Taaffe.”

Aksinya put out her hand, “I am forgiven those sins, and you may not murder my beloved, because he is innocent.”

Asmodeus howled, “No man is innocent.  Especially one who is about to rob you of your virtue.”

“He is my husband.  I gladly give him everything.”

“Your betrothed until he takes your virginity.  But he can’t have you because you are betrothed to me.”

“My surety…”

The demon took a sniff.  He glanced around, “Your surety.”  He stared at the heart-shaped necklace in the incense and his eye twitched.  Already the flames licked around it.  Already it blackened and glowed.  Aksinya could detect a smell unlike the frankincense.  It was a smell like fresh caviar, but sweeter.  It was the sweetest scent Aksinya had ever known.

The demon threatens Dobrushin.  We can only imagine what is going on in his mind--because I certainly won't tell you.  Aksinya responds to the threat:  “But you couldn’t murder Tobias.”  The demon has a very good point, Dobrushin has no angel to help and protect him.  Then the demon begins to taunt Aksinya.  He brings up Natalya and Ernst.  If the demon can't shake Aksinya, he will try to destroy Dobrushin's trust in her.  That's why he reminded them of her sin. 

This is when we begin an argument in logic between Aksinya and Asmodeus.  Aksinya knows the rules that govern this demon--at least, she thinks she does.  The argument is about innocence, virtue, and punishment.  We know, or we believe we know the demon is bluffing.  He told Aksinya he could not murder the innocent, but he perhaps can murder any person because no one is truly innocent.

Then comes the point, I made this before, Aksinya is bound to the demon.  The surety binds her.  The demon gives every indication that the destruction of the surety might have some effect.  At this point, I use description to bring in your senses.  The scent of the burning surety is sweet and yet like caviar. 

Tomorrow, the response of the demon.

A New Novel, Part 310 I Claim Her

10 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 310 I Claim Her

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married--this is part of the plan Dobrushin believes will rid Aksinya of the demon.  For better or worse, they are bound together in this.  We are not sure of the outcome.  They have come to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien... 

Dobrushin pulled her to him and kissed her again.

Suddenly, a great roar filled the small room.  A hot sulfurous wind rushed through the place.  There was a dark flash then a scream like the sound of metal cutting metal, and across the room, beside the fireplace stood a large black shape.

Dobrushin clasped Aksinya closer, and she could feel him tremble.

The demon looked them both up and down and laughed, “Be very afraid."  He sniffed, "What do we have here?  I should have guessed as much.  The contract called me because of this.  I knew your lust would eventually be your undoing.”

Aksinya pushed back a little from Dobrushin, “There is no question of lust here.  This is my husband, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin.”

“Your husband?”  The demon cackled.  “He is not your husband yet.  Not until he beds you.  Haven’t you heard what Solomon wrote about me?  That I am always hatching plots against newlyweds; I mar the beauty of virgins and cause their hearts to grow cold.  Plus, you are contracted to me.  You can’t be the crown of any man while I hold your surety.”

Dobrushin’s voice was strangely calm though Aksinya could feel his hands shake as he held her, “Demon, the surety of the Princess Aksinya is being consumed.  You must return hers and release her to me.  I claim her in the name of the Lord God Almighty.”

Asmodeus spat, “That isn’t that guy’s name.  I know that guy’s name.  You must properly invoke it or your claims are void.”

“You lie, Asmodeus.  I know God.  The hearts of men cry out His name because he is just and merciful.”

Asmodeus took a step toward them, “You forget, puny man.  I have been here before—many times.  I killed Sarah’s seven betrothed one after the other so none were left.”

We knew this would happen--didn't we?  The demon had to appear again.  For there to be a resolution in this novel, the demon had to make another appearance.  We also needed a second climax.  The first climax brought the plot and theme of the entire novel to the tipping point for Aksinya's great change.  This second minor climax brings a completion to another idea in the the novel--the demon himself.

It is proper that the demon appear while Aksinya and Dobrushin share a kiss.  If you note, the description for his appearance is almost the same as when Aksinya first called him.  I did this intentionally.

Dobrushin is afraid.  I show you this--he trembles against Aksinya.  Do you remember, Dobrushin was not certain of his belief--what do you think he feels now?  I also used these words in the mouth of the demon before.  Do you remember the words an Angel almost always speaks in the Apocrypha and the New Testament?  An angel's greeting is, "Do not be afraid."  Therefore, I make the demon's greeting, "Be very afraid."

The demon says the contract called him.  He thinks it is Aksinya's lust that has brought him.  There is an implied point here.  Do you remember, the demon claimed to know her mind?  This shows that he does not.  In fact, Satan and his minions can't read minds--they aren't like God.  Therefore, we see the bounds on the demon in his own confession.

Dobrushin is indeed not Aksinya's husband, yet--I told you for the marriage to be fulfilled, it must be consummated.  This is what the demon is talking about and this is the truth of the ancient world--this is what marriage meant in Tobit.  Then the demon gives us a quote from a mythic medieval book that was pseudographically attributed to Solomon.  The demon's allusions are to the crown of marriage and his claims on brides.

Dobrushin shakes, but he boldly speaks to the demon.  He claims Aksinya as his own.  This claim goes back to the metaphor before.  Dobrushin bought her at a great price.  Aksinya is his pearl of great price.  He gave his all for her.  Dobrushin makes his claims in the name of the Lord God Almighty.  The demon's comment is because that is not the true name of God.  God's true name is YHWH and the pronunciation is lost.  Asmodeus likely knows the true pronunciation, but there is no way Dobrushin could know it.  The demon is baiting Dobrushin.  Dobrushin's answer is right on--the name doesn't matter, the invocation does.

The demon threatens Dobrushin.  Tomorrow, more of this confrontation.

A New Novel, Part 309 Kiss Me, I Want You to Kiss Me

9 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 309 Kiss Me, I Want You to Kiss Me 
For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married--this is part of the plan Dobrushin believes will rid Aksinya of the demon.  For better or worse, they are bound together in this.  We are not sure of the outcome.  They have come to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien... 

Dobrushin pointed to the door on the left in the room, “There is the bath.  It has a toilet.”

Aksinya nodded.

At the last, Dobrushin took an open container of incense and placed it before the fireplace.  He lit it with the taper then fished in his vest pocket for Aksinya’s surety.  He glanced at her and then placed the necklace and locket on the smoking incense.  Aksinya could already smell the gentle bite of frankincense.  Dobrushin returned to the door.  He returned the taper to its holder.

Dobrushin took her hand and blushed, “I’m sorry.  I forgot to get you any nightclothes.”

Aksinya trembled, “I won’t need any.”  She raised her face to his, “Kiss me.  I want you to kiss me.”

Dobrushin took her in his arms and put his lips on hers.  Aksinya threw her arms around his neck, “I don’t understand what this kind of love is, but I want to know it with you tonight.”  She pressed her lips to his and wouldn’t stop kissing him.

Finally Dobrushin finally disentangled her arms from his neck.  His face was red, “Come, my love, we need to ask God to show us mercy and keep us in safety.”

Aksinya’s breath released in gentle pants.  She nodded.

They knelt at the side of the bed, he took her hand, and Dobrushin prayed, “We praise you God of our fathers.  We praise your name forever and ever.  Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever.  You made Adam and also Eve his wife, who was to be his partner and support; and those two were the parents of all human beings.  This was your word: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; let us provide a partner suited to him.’  So now I take this my beloved to wife, not out of lust but in true marriage.  Grant that she and I may find mercy and grow old together.  Amen.”

“Amen,” Aksinya replied, “Do you love me?”

“I love you.  I married you.”

“Help me take off my clothes.”

Aksinya stood before him expectantly.  Dobrushin took off his coat and unbuttoned his shirt.  Aksinya reached up and fumbled with his buttons.  She smiled, “I’m not very good with buttons.”  She undid one after the other.  A golden cross lay against his chest.  It depended from a necklace.

Dobrushin pulled her to him and kissed her again.

Dobrushin gets out the details that are very important to a woman first--perhaps he was coached by Ekaterina.  Then he prepares the protection against the demon.  Do you remember, in Tobit, Tobias burned the part of the fish in the incense?  Now, Dobrushin burns Aksinya's surety in the incense.  I use some advanced writing techniques to bring in all your senses. 

Once the incense is burning, they take the next step--they are going to bed.  Do you sense the usually well prepared and mature Dobrushin's nervousness and inexperience.  He forgot nightclothes.  Aksinya doesn't care--she may be inexperienced, but she understands what is supposed to go on (or at least she imagines she knows).  She demands to be kissed.  That's when I get to make a statement through her about love.  This is one of the major sibthemes.

Dobrushin is getting worked up too.  Aksinya is just too cute.  She is filled with desire.  He knows what must be done, however, do you remember the scene in the restaurant?  They must complete each step like in the book of Tobit.  The next step is the prayer from Tobit.  If you will note, this prayer is whole in the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  It is a simple prayer.  The prayer, like the Book of Tobit is a turning point in Hebrew thought about the nature of God.  The God of Tobit listens to the cries of his people and answers their prayer.  If you look closely in the Old Testament, the prayers are almost always generic and not directed.  There are a few examples that are, but most are not.  In the Apocrypha, we see prayers to God that are direct and answered directly.  These are very much like the prayers we find in the New Testament.

Aksinya's question to Dobrushin: “Do you love me?”  Then with his answer, she wants to get down to business.  Do you remember that Aksinya seldom took off her own clothing or dressed herself.  She asks for help for more than reasons of sensuality.  Dobrushin doesn't care.  Aksinya begins to help him unbutton his shirt.  Do you remember, she has problems with buttons?  With these writing techniques, I want to build the tension and the excitement but for another reason--you will see why tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 308 This is My Wife

8 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 308 This is My Wife

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married--this is part of the plan Dobrushin believes will rid Aksinya of the demon.  For better or worse, they are bound together in this.  We are not sure of the outcome.  The beginning of every scene and chapter is first scene and chapter setting... 

      Aksinya and Dobrushin rode in the carriage to a hotel near the center of Wien.  It was almost midnight, and she couldn’t read the name.  Aksinya trembled with chill and anticipation.  Within the carriage, she sat close to Dobrushin.  The warmth of his body came to her through her new coat and her woolen dress.  They didn’t speak the entire time.  When they arrived, Dobrushin let her down from the carriage and gave her his arm.  He didn’t have to, Aksinya took it automatically.  She held him tightly as if she never wanted to let him go.

They entered the hotel, and he spoke to her, “Princess, I have arranged a room here.”

The lobby was dark with only a single gas lamp over the reception desk.  From what Aksinya could see, the hotel was a fine but not luxurious place.  Is smelled a little of age and was a bit stuffy, but that description could fit most buildings in Wien.  The sleepy desk clerk sat up straighter.  Dobrushin came to the desk and asked for his key.  He introduced Aksinya, “This is my wife.”

Aksinya gave a broad smile.  The word, wife, from Dobrushin’s lips were very pleasant to her.  She held his arm more tightly. 

Dobrushin led her to the left and up the stairs.  Half the gas lamps had been extinguished and the rest were turned low.  In spite of that, the hall seemed bright since the light wooden walls reflected the lamps’ gentle glow.  Dobrushin stopped before an inner door and unlocked it.  The gas lamp directly inside the door had been lit, but it was adjusted to its lowest setting.  They entered the room, and Dobrushin turned it up bright.  He closed the door behind them.  He gently disengaged Aksinya’s arm from his and removed her coat.  He hung it on the hook by the door.  Then he removed his overcoat and hung it beside hers.  With the taper left in the gas lamp fixture for that purpose, he crossed the room and lit the other two gas lamps.  Aksinya stood before the door unsure what to do.  She glanced around the room.  It wasn’t large.  It had a coal fireplace at one side that was lit with a meager fire.  Extra coal sat in a scuttle at the left side.  The ash pot and implements were on the other side of the opening.  Before the fireplace were two chairs and a low tea table.  Beyond them, a wide window sat in the far wall.  Below the window was a wooden table and four chairs.  At the left was a bed and a desk.  The other two gas lamps were on that wall.  Fine oriental rugs covered the area of the fireplace, the table, and beside the bed and the desk.

I very quickly paint the scene for you with the carriage ride.  It is late and dark and I use an advanced technique by letting you know that she can't read the name.  That means the sign isn't lighted, that it is dark, and indicates it's likely a quiet and congenial hotel.  Aksinya trembles--she's cold and she is anticipating--what else could this girl anticipate on her honeymoon.  We know Aksinya and her desires well.  I build this tension with the description in the carriage.  We note that Dobrushin is a little tense--they don't speak.

When they arrive, Dobrushin is a gentleman and Aksinya is still clingy.  She desires him--she is finally free to have someone.  Dobrushin's words are almost unnecessary, but he speaks them.  I give you a description through Aksinya's eyes.  The clerk likely doesn't care if Dobrushin is bringing in his wife or a prostitute, but Dobrushin is nervous and inexperienced enough to say it.  That is a pleasure to Aksinya.

I show you some history with the details on the lamps.  This is the way it was done at the time.  The chambermaid for the room would light the door lamp and leave a taper.  I show you the process of lighting the lamps and this gives me the opportunity to have Aksinya look at the room.  The details of the room are important.  We shall see more tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 307 You Are Worth It

7 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 307 You Are Worth It

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  The marriage ceremony ended.  Dobrushin and Aksinya are now husband and wife, at least by the measure of the Orthodox Church.  Still, the marriage must be consummated, that is the point in Tobit.  This is the end of the chapter... 

Aksinya held tightly to Dobrushin’s arm.  She would not let go.  Ekaterina embraced her, “You are now married.”

Father Makar smiled for just a moment, then frowned, “Yes, you are married.  I wish every peace I can offer you.  I do pray for you.  Especially, you Dobrushin to come to your senses.”

Ekaterina stuck her tongue out at him, “Makeruska, you married them.  They have no senses to come to anymore.  Bless you, I say.  Bless you.”  She glanced at Father Makar, “And no, they will not stay for tea or to talk.  They have better things to do.”  She grinned at Aksinya, who blushed.

“I’ll hire a carriage,” Dobrushin stated.  Aksinya let go of his arm by stages.  Father Makar announced, “I’ll help him.”

Aksinya and Ekaterina were left together in the Ecclesia.  Ekaterina put her hands on her hips, “Do you plan to try it tonight?”

“Yes, we must.  There is no other choice…how did you know?”

“Dobrushin told me what he had in mind.  He asked my advice.”

Aksinya turned her eyes away, “What did you tell him?”

Ekaterina embraced Aksinya, “I told him you were worth it.”

“Worth the loss of his work, the loss of his friend, and potentially the loss of his life?  Am I worth all that?”

“And more, sweet Princess Aksinya.”

“I have been a Princess of darkness, the Queen of the Night.  I intend to be a princess of light.”

Father Makar called from the Holy Doors, “The carriage is here.”

Ekaterina kissed Aksinya’s cheeks, “You are worth this and much much more, never forget that Princess.”

Aksinya kissed Ekaterina’s cheeks in return, “Yes.  I shall never forget, but I’m not certain I believe it.

Aksinya and Dobrushin are married.  I didn't want you to miss that point, so I had Ekaterina say it.  Watch the players.  Aksinya still holds for dear life to Dobrushin.  Although they are married, nothing has really changed.  Father Makar smiled, then frowned.  He was happy that they married, but not happy with what that portends.  How much does he know?  Then some levity--Ekaterina's response to his words.  Ekaterina knows Makar very well.  He would delay with his friend, but again levity.  You can get the joke here--that's why Aksinya blushes.

Makar wants to speak to Dobrushin and Ekaterina wants to speak to Aksinya.  This is an occasion and example of not showing everything.  I never let you know what Dobrushin or Makar spoke about--there is no need.  Aksinya and Ekaterina's conversation is the most important here.

Ekaterina asks immediately: “Do you plan to try it tonight?”  She means more than sex.  She means getting rid of the demon--do you remember Dobrushin's plan?  Do you think it will work?  We discover that Dobrushin asked Ekaterina's advice.  You can guess how much advice he asked.  Likely if he should wed Aksinya.   About how Aksinya might react.  I suspect Dobrushin shared and asked Ekaterina about everything involved with his decisions and actions.  Aksinya is interested in this very question.  She has no jealousy--do you see her curiosity?  She wonders what Ekaterina might have advised Dobrushin.

We get a wonderful answer:  Ekaterina embraced Aksinya, “I told him you were worth it.”  Worth what, but we know the answer to that--in case you might miss it, I place the answer on Aksinya's lips: "Worth the loss of his work, the loss of his friend, and potentially the loss of his life?  Am I worth all that?”  There is much more she could have said--I wanted to remind you of the major parts, but we know Dobrushin gave up much more than that.  The culmination is that he might yet lose his life.

Then I give you a piece from the novel--it is a connection.  Do you remember Aksinya at the opera with Ernst?  Die Zauberflöte was the Opera and Aksinya compared herself with the Queen of the Night.  She calls herself once a princess of darkness, but that now she will be a princess of light.  She has found someone who is willing and perhaps able to turn her into the heroine of the story.

The Father Makar calls from the Holy Doors--Aksinya entered and left by the rectory door before--this time she and Dobrushin will leave by the Holy Doors.  Then Ekaterina's final words to Aksinya: “You are worth this and much much more, never forget that Princess.”  And Aksinya's return: “Yes.  I shall never forget, but I’m not certain I believe it."  She won't forget, but she can't believe.  Tomorrow, the beginning of the last chapter.

A New Novel, Part 306 Amen

6 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 306 Amen

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We come to the end of the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  The prayers continue...

Ekaterina, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed, “God, our God, who were present in Cana of Galilee, and blessed the marriage there, bless these servants of yours also, who by your providence have been joined in the communion of marriage.  Bless their goings out and their comings in.  Fill their life with good things. Take up their crowns…” he took the crowns from their heads and placed them on the altar, “…in your Kingdom, unspotted and unblemished, and keep them without offence to the ages of ages.”

“Amen.”

Father Makar, “Peace to all.”

Ekaterina, “And to your spirit.”

Dobrushin, “Bow your heads to the Lord.”

Ekaterina, “To you, O Lord.”

Father Makar prayed, “May Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the all-holy, consubstantial Trinity, origin of life, the one Godhead and Kingship, bless you and grant you long life, fair offspring, progress in life and faith, and fill you with every good thing on earth, and count you worthy of the promised good things of the enjoyment of heaven, at the prayers of the Mother of God and of all the Saints.”

“Amen.”

Father Makar stated a loud voice, “Glory to you, Christ God, our hope, glory to you.  Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

“Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy Father, give the blessing.  May he who by his presence at Cana declared marriage honorable, Christ our true God, through the prayers of his all-pure Mother, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, of the holy Sovereigns crowned by God and Equals of the Apostles, Constantine and Helen, of the holy great Martyr Prokopios and all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.  Through the prayers of our holy fathers Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us.

“Amen.”

We have reached the end of the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  There is the final blessing and the final prayer.  Father Makar pronounces them married then the final Amen.

Here is the secret in this.  They are not really married in terms of either the church, the ancient world, the Jews, or almost any other religious agency or group.  Marriage is only official at consummation.  This is one of the points of the Book of Tobit and in the ancient world.  The ceremony of the sacrament is a pleasant and important step, but until they become "one flesh," they are not married.  Tomorrow, an important conversation.