A New Novel, Part 287 I Will Trade My Virtue to You

18 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 287 I Will Trade My Virtue to You

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 took Aksinya to dinner.  He told her he is willing to marry her to help her be rid of the demon.  They have reached the end of their discussion--now is the time for Aksinya to decide...

Aksinya sighed, “Your words confuse me, but I am always very simple and direct.  I shall marry you.  I shall do as you ask and require.  I shall pray with you and for you.  All of this to be rid of this demon that eats away at my life and my soul.  It is a fair bargain to trade my virtue to you for all you have done for me.”

“There you are wrong, Princess.  You can desire without sin when the object of desire is appropriate.  You would not give your virtue to me and I would not give my virtue to you.  We would rather retain that virtue together in our mutual desire as husband and wife.”

Aksinya turned a gentle smile to him, “I see.  Sister Margarethe taught me you can love without lust.  Do you intend to teach me that I can love God and still possess desire?”

“I would teach you that you can still love and have desire.”  He smiled, “But you are only allowed desire for me.”

“I see.”

“We should accomplish this soon before the demon can work anymore mischief in your life.  The first step is marriage.” 

“Will Father Makar marry us?”

“I don’t know.” Father Dobrushin lowered his eyes.

“What are you not telling me?”

“It is nothing.  We will ask him tonight.  Perhaps he will do as I ask.”

They quickly finished their dinner and Father Dobrushin hired a carriage to take them to the Ecclesia.

Father Dobrushin told Aksinya that he wanted to see this whole great problem of the demon through because in it he could know the truth of spiritual things.  It made God real to him.  This is one of the subthemes of the novel.  Few patently disbelieve there is some spiritual reality.  Thoughts, emotions, the unexplained are seen to exist in the world of the spiritual.  Most of us seek the truth and reality of the spiritual world.  Because our lives are bound in thought and emotion, we recognize that inexplicable place is real, but we wish proof.  For Father Dobrushin, Aksinya is that proof.  Thus, his words confuse her--she sees them as real, he seeks their reality.  This was the metaphor in the trials.  This was the metaphor in the idea that Aksinya was not sane.  We accepted her sanity as a postulate of the novel.  We ourselves fell for the assumption of a spiritual reality based on the demon.  This is the reality Father Dobrushin wants to experience first hand through Aksinya.  He is willing to give up everything for this.

Aksinya doesn't fully understand, but she is willing to give herself to be rid of the demon.  Listen to her words, she is still in the mindset of a contract:  "It is a fair bargain to trade my virtue to you for all you have done for me.”

And here comes another subtheme explained by Father Dobrushin.  Do you remember Sister Margarethe told Aksinya she could love without desire.  Of course Ekaterina showed Aksinya about the different types of love.  Aksinya has been acting on the preface that to desire is not to really love.  Father Dobrushin is about to teach her about Greek eros.  I don't use the word in the novel because it it so misunderstood in English.  Greek eros is romantic love.  In the Christian worldview that Father Dobrushin represents, marriage is the proper place for eros, phileo, agape, and pathos (sexual love).  A husband and wife don't give up their virtue to each other, they share these loves and retain their virtue.

Father Dobrushin does love Aksinya--he is just a little embarrassed to say it.  This is cultural for the times and place.  He makes a possessive statement to her:“But you are only allowed desire for me.”

There is an element of time here.  They must hurry to see this through.  The demon still prowls the earth and he owns Aksinya through a contract.  They would enact another contract--a contract of marriage.  Of course in the old world and in ancient thought a marriage is not consummated without sex.  That is the point in Tobit.

The large question is where they will be married by contract.  This is normative for their culture and their beliefs.  They must be married in the church (it is a sacrament) before they can consummate it.  The only place they could be married is the Orthodox Church.  Remember, they are not Catholic and the Catholic Church has excluded Aksinya.  They could not excommunicate her--she was not in communion with them.

Then we begin to see there is a problem.  I foreshadowed this problem back at the secular trial.  You know there is a problem in this and Father Dobrushin has not told all.  He doesn't here either.  Soon we will see what this problem is.  Tomorrow, will Father Makar marry them?

A New Novel, Part 283 Why Would You Want to Marry Me?

14 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 283 Why Would You Want to Marry 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.

Father Dobrushin took Aksinya to dinner.  He told her he is willing to marry her to help her be rid of the demon.  Aksinya is speaking...

“If I marry, I don’t intend it to be for less than life.  Do you think you could put up with me for that long?”

Dobrushin leaned back, “You ask that and you don’t even know who I am.”

“Then who are you?”

“You heard my given name in court, and you didn’t recognize it?”

She thought a moment, “Father Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin.  Lopuhin is a name I recognize.  It is a name of Russian aristocracy.”

“My father was also a Count, and I was his third son.  Since I didn’t expect to inherit anything, I studied theology and law.  I was ordained in the Orthodox Church.  I think I told you before, I came to Wien at the request of the church to help the Russian refugees during the war and later the revolution.  I have been here for three years.  I’m twenty-six.”

Aksinya sat up, “You have everything prepared in life for you.  You are educated.  You are an aristocrat.  You are acknowledged.  You are a holy man.  You have the potential to be someone great.  In addition, you are handsome and kind.  You could have any honorable woman you wish.  Why would you want to marry me?”

Dobrushin bent toward her, “Because you need me.  I joined the church because I wanted to help others.  I became a lawyer to help others.  You are a person who was the most needy yet the most powerful and independent I have ever met.”

I know you wanted to know about Father Dobrushin.  Aksinya seems to be ready to accept his offer though she knows absolutely nothing about him.  This is so like Aksinya, but do you also see she is weighing her options in this culture.  She had nothing.  She is like a beggar.  To be given an offer like this is wonderful.  She has nothing else she can count on. 

We find Father Dobrushin is the son of an aristocrat.  We learn that he is 26.  Aksinya suddenly thinks better of accepting Father Dobrushin's offer.  He is a good man.  We find out through her eyes that he is handsome, and she acknowledges all his good points.  They are very good points.  She then brings up the question I hope you asked yourself:  "Why would you want to marry me?”

We find out more about this very subject tomorrow, but for now, we see Father Dobrushin's attraction to Aksinya:  "You are a person who was the most needy yet the most powerful and independent I have ever met.”  There is more, much more to this.

A New Novel, Part 267 Beyond This Trial, I Have No Purpose at All

28 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 267 Beyond This Trial, I Have No Purpose at All

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.

Aksinya is on trial in Wien, Austria.  Aksinya was deposed and the court took a break.  Aksinya and Father Dobrushin discuss the case.  The presiding judge is preparing to call for the first witness....

“In the seminary, like most universities, we study theology.  Post graduate work is in law, theology, or medicine.  I studied law.  One of the reasons the Orthodox Church sent me here was to help in the legal matters for refugees.”

“I see.”

“There is a further problem that will come up in the court.”

“That is?”

“Your immigration status.”

“Am I not legally here in Austria?”

“You are and you are not.  The red Russians sent a letter to the court requesting they extradite you for the murder of your family.  The extradition is not part of this trial, but will become an issue at sentencing or your release.  The white Russians wish you back to help rally the war effort.  The same issue concerns your sentencing or release.”

Aksinya pouted, “I do not wish to return to Russia.” 

“I understand that.  Where do you wish to go?”

“I don’t know.  Beyond this trial, I have no purpose at all—other than to be rid of the demon.”

“Yes, we shall see about that.”

The spectators began to return to the courtroom.  They hurried to their seats.  Right at the specified time, the judges’ doors opened, and the Lay Judges then the Professional Judges entered the courtroom and took their seats.

Judge Richter shuffled his papers for a moment and made a decision, “We shall hear particulars about the theft of the house and goods first.  Call the owner of the house, Herr Tauber as the first witness.”

 Herr Tauber was an elderly and balding man.  He wore a tight black suit with a split white cravat.  He was thin and nervous.  He sat tall with his buttocks perched primly at the front of the witness chair.

Yesterday, we learned more about Father Dobrushin.  He is a lawyer whose job is to aid Russian refugees from the civil war there.  Father Dobrushin brings up an important matter.  Since he is an expert in immigration law, he is obvious privy to the information and knows what it means.  This is a deliberate foreshadowing.  I am introducing the idea to you.  You realize the worst event that could happen to Aksinya is to be returned to Russia.  In the hands of the red Russians, she will be tortured and murdered.  In the hands of the white Russians, she will face eventual defeat and then torture and death at the hands of the red Russians.  The demon couldn't ask for a worse end.

I remind you about the demon and the contract in the comments Aksinya shares with Father Dobrushin.  When the judges return to the courtroom, the judge has decided to hear the case of fraud first.  I define the first witness to you.  Tomorrow, the first witness testifies.

A New Novel, Part 227 I am Christ’s, Not Yours

19 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 227 I am Christ’s, Not Yours

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.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien.  Asmodeus comes to visit Aksinya in the depths of the night...

Aksinya was breathless, “You let them murder my family?  You were sworn to obey me.”

“Never sworn to obey you.  I swore to do evil in your name.  You are such a fool, little girl.  You tried to negotiate with a demon.  My purpose is temptation and evil.  I have no other purpose in heaven or earth.”

“So… I see.”

“Too late.  Always they understand too late.”  Asmodeus stretched to his full height, “Ah, evil is so liberating, but you have chosen a different path, haven’t you.”

“I have chosen.”

“With all the pain and suffering you will know.  I could offer you life, liberty, freedom, sorcery.”

“It wouldn’t help my friends.”

“I could continue to lie to you and tell you it would.  Would that change your mind?”

“I have chosen.”

“I must be completely clear because I don’t wish to lose all the potential of evil within you.  If you determine to follow me, I will save you from all this pain and suffering.”

“But you won’t help my friends.”

“I will not help your friends or your enemies.  I offer you evil and only evil.”

“You offer me relief now and eternal suffering later.  Christ offers me suffering because of my own actions now and eternal life later.  In either case, I can’t help my friends…or my enemies, and I don’t wish to bring any more evil into the world.”

At the word, Christ, the demon cringed.  He frowned, “Very well.  You will not know peace until your dying day, and I shall reap your soul in any case.”

Aksinya’s teeth chattered, “You will not have my soul.  I am marked by Christ as His own.”

Asmodeus snarled, “Shut up, Countess.”

“I am His.  I am Christ’s.”

“Shut up.”

Aksinya hugged her naked body more closely.  The rosary pressed solidly against her chest.  She pulled it out and raised it up, “In spite of all the pain and suffering I might face because of this decision, I choose Christ.  You can’t do anything about that.  My mind is free of you.  I am Christ’s, not yours.  I can swear, and I can hold onto the promise that is mine.  I only wish I knew this before I knew you.  Begone.” 

At that moment Asmodeus was gone.  All that was left was an acrid stink.  Aksinya wondered if her confession had sent him away or something else.

Asmodeus, the demon, is tormenting Aksinya.  He told her he killed her family.  He restates his purpose--evil and temptation is his only purpose.  Then we get to the choice.  Aksinya has chosen something other than evil.  The demon tries to tempt Aksinya again.  The demon wants to be certain of Aksinya's choice--and I want you to hear it too.  The choice, to Aksinya, is Christ.  The demon promises that she will not know peace until your dying day.  He claims that he will reap her soul anyway.  Then we get the whole confession from Aksinya: “You will not have my soul.  I am marked by Christ as His own.”

This irritates the demon because he knows it is true--except the question of who owns her soul.  This question is still up in the air.  Aksinya confesses again (I don't want you to miss it): “In spite of all the pain and suffering I might face because of this decision, I choose Christ.  You can’t do anything about that.  My mind is free of you.  I am Christ’s, not yours."

At Aksinya's claim, the demon retreats.  Like I said, the question of the ownership of her soul is still in the air.  Further, the demon could still tempt her back to evil.  They still have a contract--it has not been negated.  Tomorrow, the morning.

A New Novel, Part 182 I Did It All for You

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.



Aksinya struck Ernst and ran him out of her house.  He was shamed and defamed.  Next the demon turns his attention to Natalya...

Asmodeus inspected his claws, “He got off easy. If he had taken you, he would be dead. There is still the problem of your handmaiden.”


Aksinya whirled around. She stared at Natalya as though seeing her for the very first time. Natalya was so beautiful. She was so much more beautiful than Aksinya. Aksinya wondered why she hadn’t noticed before. No wonder Ernst or any man would choose Natalya over her. Aksinya moved slowly toward her lady-in-waiting, “Natalya, you took him from me. You took away the only man who ever loved me.”

Natalya crumpled in on herself, “I did it for you, mistress.”

Aksinya’s voice rose to a scream, “For me? For me? How could you do such an evil a thing for me?”

Asmodeus smacked his lips, “Actually, it was my idea.”

Natalya cried, “I didn’t want you to lose it.”

Aksinya’s voice rose again nearly inarticulate, “Lose what?”

“Your sorcery.”

Asmodeus smirked, “I told her that if a man took your virtue, you would lose your power to accomplish sorcery. The Lady Natalya knows how important that is to you.”

“But that was all a lie. I could have loved him.” Aksinya’s furious features were distraught.

Natalya raised her eyes, “But not any more. Now, you can do what you love the most. You can have what you love forever. I love you, mistress. I could not see you hurt like that.”

“Hurt? Hurt?” Aksinya’s eyes were wild she sought anything around her that she could take into her hand. She ran to the side of the fireplace and removed the poker from the implements there, “I will let you know how much this has hurt me.”

Aksinya struck Natalya’s side, and she fell to the floor on her face. Natalya put her hands over her head and Aksinya struck her shoulders again and again with the poker. Aksinya’s blows were so wild half of them hit the floor. Curses and cries flowed from Aksinya’s lips, and bright blood suddenly appeared on Natalya’s dress. At each blow, a breath burst from Natalya’s lips. Dark red stains drenched Natalya’s back, but the girl didn’t make any other sound. While Aksinya raised feral and shrill screams, blood began to streak the floor. Sister Margarethe rushed through the door. She grabbed Aksinya’s arms and wrestled the poker from her. Aksinya fell back. She cursed the nun with her remaining breath. After that Aksinya’s mouth only opened and close without a sound.

I told you this novel is a semi-allegory to the book of Tobit.  I mentioned before about what happened to the men who tried to bed Sara, the heroine in Tobit.  All seven of them were murdered by Asmodeus.  Thus, the statement by the demon: "If he had taken you, he would be dead."  This is an important foreshadowing. 

Something important to note here is what would this situation be like if the demon was not present?  There is another question; what would have happened if there was no demon at all?  If there was no demon to tempt each of the players, do you understand, they might have done the exact same thing.  The demon is a wonderful tool that I use in this novel to personalize temptation, but the novel could still proceed without him.  It wouldn't be as well developed or tied together.  The demon is like glue that binds everything with his brand of temptation--luxuria (lust).

We see, the demon has not finished his work: "There is still the problem of your handmaiden.”  Do you see how the statement of the demon could easily be the prompting of thought in the mind of Aksinya.  The demon is tied (contracted) to her.  The demon is like an extension of her.  His thoughts in many ways are hers.  This is similar to the statements of Paul in the New Testament: "I do those things I don't wish to do..."  Aksinya is tempted, and she falls into evil because she listens to the tempter (the tempter is her own mind).  I use Asmodeus' words to directly show you this temptation.

Then within Aksinya herself, the temptation drives her thoughts: She stared at Natalya as though seeing her for the very first time. Natalya was so beautiful. She was so much more beautiful than Aksinya. Aksinya wondered why she hadn’t noticed before. No wonder Ernst or any man would choose Natalya over her. Aksinya moved slowly toward her lady-in-waiting, “Natalya, you took him from me. You took away the only man who ever loved me.”  I repeat this paragraph because of its importance.  We have seen this before, but I haven't pointed it out so directly, and I didn't make it so direct before.  This is a different type of temptation driving Aksinya.  Aksinya never thought this way before.  She never placed another person above herself.  Note, that Aksinya didn't say, "You took away the only man I ever loved."  She doesn't love him, and she knows it.

Natalya did everything for Aksinya.  We observed and know what suffering Natalya went through to seduce Ernst.  I didn't show you the gory details, but the side conversations and the many hints showed you how much Natalya was disgusted with giving herself to Ernst.  In this moment, to Aksinya all this is meaningless.  The reason for the actions are immaterial to her.  Indeed, Natalya did an evil thing for Aksinya--in the name of Aksinya.  Remember back to Asmodeus' comments over and over--I accomplish evil in your name.  His purpose is to do evil in the name of Aksinya.

The act of seducing Ernst was Natalya's sin, but the demon himself claims to have promoted it--it was his idea.  Then we find the demon lied to Natalya.  He told her that Aksinya would lose her sorcery if Aksinya had sex with Ernst.

Because Natalya loves Aksinya so much she worships her, because sorcery is so important to Aksinya (it is what she loves), Natalya could not let a man stand between Aksinya and her sorcery.  There is much wrapped up in this statement.  I dedicated pages and pages, scenes and scenes to showing you this very important connection--Natalya and Aksinya, Aksinya and sorcery.  So, do you see the irony here?  Natalya gave up everything to protect the sorcery that Aksinya truly loves.  Remember however, that Aksinya hates this part about herself.  Aksinya has been on a path of self destruction through the entire novel.  Natalya has been upholding her on this path, but it is a path Aksinya loved.  Natalya had the bad luck to want to give Aksinya what she really wanted--sorcery.

Aksinya cries out: “But that was all a lie. I could have loved him.” We know Aksinya can't love anyone or anything while sorcery (luxuria) fills her heart.  Remember how the desire for it takes over her mind.  Natalya's statement is precise and exact: "Now, you can do what you love the most. You can have what you love forever. I love you, mistress. I could not see you hurt like that.”  You don't have to have all this information to viscerally understand what has happened here, but Natalya's words explain exactly what I took a few paragraphs to explain.  This is why I love novels and writing novels.  I can build a story, plot, and theme to a point and everything can be made clear in a single statement.  It is indeed clear that this is Aksinya's love.  This why what follows happens.  Natalya touched the raw nerve that is the core of Aksinya's being.  The claims about Ernst are secondary and even unimportant to this. 

At this point, Aksinya is completely out of control.  We have never seen her like this.  She has been provoked by her own actions and own thoughts into a murderous rage.  Do you remember from the very beginning, the demon desired Aksinya to personally murder and sin.  He murdered in her name, but he wanted her to take the actions herself.  This indicates the true state of everything.  Only Aksinya can answer for her own sin and own faults.  Asmodeus knows this.  He has driven her to the point where Aksinya is willing to act in a murderous rage, an uncontrolled rage that might achieve the demon's goals.

And so Aksinya beats Natalya with a poker until the floor is red with blood.  The world has come full circle.  Aksinya called the demon to prevent the deaths of her family--now she is murdering a member of her household.  Aksinya accepted Natalya as her friend to rescue Natalya from abuse--now Aksinya is beating her friend and confidant.  Aksinya was determined to fight the demon--she has succumbed to the demons' temptation and is murdering her own friend.

The only thing that stops Aksinya is Sister Margarethe.  Still Aksinya curses the nun for her actions.  She has screamed so much and so long, she can't speak anymore.  Tomorrow, the aftermath and more.

A New Novel, Part 173 The Way You are Sitting!

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.


When Natalya came to wake Aksinya, Aksinya is naked and asleep on her bed.  She holds a rod of enchanted light in her hand.  It is a new enchantment from the book that came from Ernst...

Natalya didn’t want to take her eyes off Aksinya. She replied without turning her head, “The Countess was up late studying. I don’t wish to wake her yet.”

Aksinya moaned. Her eyes snapped open. She glanced at the rod of light in her hand then turned her face quickly from it. She started to say a Latin phrase, Natalya touched Aksinya’s lips with her outstretched finger, “Don’t make it go away yet. Let me look at it a little longer. It is so beautiful.”

Aksinya yawned and stretched. She clasped the light a little more tightly in her hand. She pushed herself up and sat cross legged on the top of the bed then she held the light out to Natalya, “Would you like to hold it?”

“May I?”

“Take it in your hand,” Aksinya placed the rod of light in Natalya’s outstretched palm.

“It isn’t hot. It’s cold. It’s beautiful, mistress. Do you have to make it go away?”

Aksinya giggled, “No, why don’t you place it in the schrank then you can take it out whenever you like.”

“May I take it to my room?”

Aksinya’s lips turned up into a smile, “You may do whatever you like with it, but you must not let anyone else see it.”

Natalya’s eyes lit up, “Thank you, mistress.” Natalya cupped the rod in her hand and carried it to the schrank. She placed it inside and closed the door. When she turned around Aksinya sprawled with her legs open on the bed, “Mistress!” Natalya colored.

Aksinya turned her face toward her.

Natalya did everything not to point, “The way you are sitting. Everything…”

Aksinya laughed and stretched again. She scooted to the edge of the bed and hopped off, “Draw my bath, Nata. I didn’t sleep very much last night, but I feel very refreshed.”

Aksinya wakes.  Her eyes are obviously attracted to the light in her hand.  It is so bright.  Aksinya's first thought is to unbind the spell she made.  Natalya sees Aksinya's sorcery as beautiful and wonderful--remember Natalya worships Aksinya.  Aksinya's sorcery is indeed beautiful and wonderful.  Satan is depicted by Milton as an angel of light.  Satan, according to Milton is beautiful.  This is a metaphor for the evil in Aksinya.  It is also a metaphor for the way Natalya views Aksinya.
 
Watch Aksinya's physical actions carefully.  She is naked and sits cross legged.  She hands the light to Natalya.  She offers it to Natalya.  Aksinya places the rod of enchanted light in Natalya's hand.  Natalya is entranced.  I give you a description of the rod of light through Natalya's conversation.  Aksinya giggles--she's giddy.  Aksinya rarely giggles.  When she does, she is either drunk or otherwise intoxicated.  Aksinya gives the enchanted light to Natalya.  There is a precaution, but that would be expected.
 
I show you how Natalya respects the gift by the way Natalya handles it.  She carefully hides it.  When Natalya turns around Aksinya is sitting in such a way that she exposes herself.  This is completely out of character for Aksinya.  Aksinya is a perfect aristocrat.  She is the kind of woman who sits properly and gets out of a vehicle properly.  She would never show off herself.  She is sitting in such a way that is indecorous and improper in the mind of Natalya.
 
The reason for this display is to show the mind of Aksinya without telling you anything.  Aksinya was once so concerned about her appearance she didn't want to look at herself.  The demon used her nudity against her more than once.  This Aksinya is different than the one we first met.  We could see her transformation.  At this point, Aksinya doesn't care.  She lost hope.  She has no hope, and she has allowed herself to be tempted by sorcery again.  She has reached the point where she doesn't care anymore.  When a person has reached this stage, anything is possible.  Aksinya could be capable of any evil.  She has been tempted and lost to the point where desire is everything.  She has no compunction anymore.  She has no control.  I will show you more of the indications of her descent, but none of this should be a surprise.  None of this should be unexpected.  Aksinya has slowly changed to what she is now.  At the end of this piece, Aksinya feels refreshed because she has completely given into her desires.  Tomorrow, back to school.

A New Novel, Part 141 I Love You; I Won't Deny You

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.

Ernst returned Aksinya and Natalya to Aksinya's house.  Aksinya is inhebriated, but not yet asleep.  Natalya prepares her for bed...

Inside Aksinya’s room, Aksinya lay across her bed. Natalya undid the buttons and hooks on her dress. Aksinya was still awake, but her eyes were closed. Natalya pushed against her side, “Roll over Aksinya.”

Aksinya rolled with Natalya’s help. Natalya undid the rest of the buttons. She pulled the dress up and over Aksinya’s head. That was a struggle. The petticoats and underclothes came off more easily. When Natalya tried to put on Aksinya’s nightgown, Aksinya fended her off, “I’m hot. I don’t want to wear anything.”

“That’s the wine. You’ll be cold soon enough.”

“Just wait a bit. The room’s spinning.”

“That’s the wine too. Put your feet on the floor.”

“I’m dizzy. Why did you let me drink so much?”

Natalya snorted, “I didn’t have any say in it. You may remain like you are for the time being.” Natalya washed Aksinya’s face while she lay on the bed. She tugged Aksinya to sit and leaned against her back so she couldn’t flop back down. Natalya began to brush Aksinya’s hair, “Your hair is finally growing out a little.”

Aksinya clumsily brought her hands to her face, “Are you certain?”

“Yes, it is almost to your shoulders at the very back. It is beautiful hair—why did you cut it? You never told me.”

“I thought I did.”

“You didn’t. Was it part of your sorcery?”

Aksinya trembled, “Is it that obvious to you?”

“It was cut with a very sharp knife, snick-snack. Your aunt told me your hair once reached down to your waist. She said you used to put it in a long single braid and that it was the most beautiful hair she had ever seen.”

“My mother would brush it for me every night. She kept her hair short—I was never certain why. She loved to let my hair cascade through her fingers.”

“She loved you very much.”

“She loved my hair—me, not so much.”

Natalya tugged a little harder on the brush than she needed to, “Why would you say that?”

“Because I think it is the truth. Why do you brush my hair?”

Natalya smiled, “Because I love you.”

“Do you love me because of who I am or because of what I did for you?”

Natalya brushed a little harder.

“Ouch, you don’t have to be so rough.”

“If you weren’t drunk, I’d hit you with this brush.”

Aksinya didn’t turn, “Why are you crying?”

“Why does love have to be like a contract with you?”

Aksinya didn’t reply.

“I do love you because you rescued me, but there is much, much more. I love you because you were the first to look at me as if I was a real person.”

“Then you should not love me at all. Asmodeus found you. He convinced me to take you as my lady-in-waiting and… and… as my apprentice.” Aksinya clutched her hands to her small breasts, “He forced me to take you into my household. I would not have done it without his temptation.”

Natalya leaned her face against Aksinya’s back. Her hot tears trickled down Aksinya’s cooling skin, “But you did. You made me your friend. You let me go to school with you. You told me you loved me. I can offer you nothing, but still you do love me.”

Aksinya’s response was a mumble, “Yes, I love you, Nata.”

“Then why do you think I love you with any less love?”

“I’m sorry, Nata.” Akisnya’s voice was slurred, “There is a time when I know everyone will deny me.”

“I will not deny you.”

Her speech slowed a little more, “If you don’t deny me, then you will betray me. You see, I am not allowed love, and I am not allowed friends. I am only allowed suffering.” At the end, Natalya had to strain to hear her.

Natalya clasped Aksinya around her naked shoulders, “I will try my hardest not to deny or betray you, Mistress.” She held her tightly for a while. Aksinya’s breathing came slowly and regularly. Aksinya sagged in her arms. Natalya realized Aksinya was asleep. Into Aksinya’s lengthening hair she whispered, “I love you. I will never deny or betray you.”

Aksinya is in a state we have never seen her before.  All her defenses are down.  She doesn't care abut what she is saying.  She doesn't care what she says.  Natalya has taken control again.  The indication of this is that she easily uses Aksinya's name while she undresses her. 

Remember how embarrassed Aksinya was about her body.  She is at the point that she doesn't care.  She lays naked on the bed.  This is a clear indicator.  Do you see how experienced Natalya is with drinking and drunkeness.  She knows all about it and all about what to do: put your feet on the floor.  We learn more about Natalya.

Aksinya blames Natalya for her drinking.  Aksinya knows that isn't true.  She is out of control, and she realizes it, but like all of us, she grasps at someone else to blame.  Natalya knows it is just the wine.  She washes Aksinya's face and gets her ready for bed.  Then...the hair.  Did you catch that?  Natalya says that Aksinya's hair is finally growing out.  This goes directly back to the contract with the demon.  Aksinya's question is our quesiton--does that mean she might be able to break her contract with Asmodeus.  Look at Aksinya's reaction.  Natalya has no idea the scab she is picking right now.  She blunders directly into the place even the inhebriated Aksinya will not go.  Aksinya lies--she knows she never told Natalya about her hair.  Natalya rips the scab right off--she talks about what Aksinya's aunt said about Aksinya's hair in the past.  This is a double slap to Aksinya: her aunt and her sorcery.  Rembember Aksinya's hair was the thing she thought was the most beautiful part of her.  Her aunt thought so too.  This rubs everything in Aksinya's face on so many levels: her beauty, her sorcery, the contract with the demon.

Aksinya does the only thing she can, she can't let the idea of her hair go.  She can only remenisc about it.  She speaks about her mother.  And Aksinya reveals another scab to us and to Natalya--her mother.  Natalya knows all about mothers who desert you, but Aksinya's mother seemed to love her.  Natalya's reaction is predictable.  Aksinya doesn't know when to keep quiet either.  Then the absolute truth.  Natalya will not be able to handle it.  Aksinya can only do one thing attack.  She attacks her friend.  If Aksinya doesn't attack, she will have to face the truth about herself.  Natalya's reaction is the only way she can fight back.  She threatens and she weeps.  She fights back: “Why does love have to be like a contract with you?”  We know the reason.  We know how Aksinya thinks--Natalya doesn't.  Natalya's whole life is centered around Aksinya.  She has nothing else in life.  She literally worships Aksinya, but Aksinya is denying her and all her trust.  Aksinya absolutely rejects the entire salvation of Natalya.  Yet, in spite of everything, Aksinya does love Natalya.  This truth has never been a secret.  This has always been part of Aksinya since she took Natalya into her household.  She loves Natalya, and Natalya loves Aksinya with all her soul.

Then we get the full revelation--Aksinya knows exactly what Asmodeus has planned for her.  The truth can only come out when all her defenses are down.  She can only admit it to herself under these circumsatnces.  Aksinya knows what will happen, but Natalya can only deny the facts.  Natalya has no idea what she faces.  She has no idea a demon is in control of Aksinya's life and being. 

Aksinya is right, she is not allowed love and she is not allowed friends.  She is only allowed suffering.  At the end, I give you a kicker.  Into Aksinya's lengthening hair, Natalya weeps: “I love you. I will not deny or betray you.”  We know she will.  We know eventually everyone will deny and betray Aksinya.  Tomorrow, a hangover, of course.  

A New Novel, Part 114 Love without Desire?

Aksinya is really too nice a girl to be a sorceress.  She has a weak spot for people.  Her next question to the demon indicates this weakness.  She doesn't get an answer...

“What happened to the men at the tavern?”


This time the demon did smile. Aksinya could detect his humor before he spoke, “They are all dead.”

“I did not kill them.”

“They are dead anyway.”

“You are lying.”

“Perhaps you should ask them yourself,” the demon let out a great laugh.

“Then they are alive…”

He chuckled, “I meant in hell.”

“Go to hell, yourself.”

“I’ve been there, Countess.”

“You tempted them…”

“I did not give them anything more than they wished themselves—such is the way with temptation. You, more than anyone, should realize that, Countess.”

“I’m tired of arguing with you. Leave me.”

“Ah, it is time for me to leave. I have just one thing to tell you, Countess.”

“I knew there was more to this visit than pleasantries.”

Asmodeus bowed, “I just wanted to warn you. You have chosen to defy me. None of my other masters ever did such a thing. It is incomprehensible to me. Still, your choices do promote evil. Yet, because you defy me, they will bring you much sorrow. A final warning from your servant, it is a threat. Don’t give away too much of your heart. What you give away may never be returned, and when it is, it will result in great sorrow.”

“You spout stupid platitudes…why should I expect wisdom from a demon.”

“Why indeed, Countess.” The demon bowed out of the room. Before he shut the door, he called sweetly, “Good night.”

Under her breath, Aksinya whispered, “One can love without desire, without lust, Asmodeus. That is the secret that causes all your evil to crumble.”

A soft hiss answered her, “But love without desire is not as sweet, Countess. Just look at how you love yourself.” The words seemed to echo within the closed room.

Aksinya covered her head with her blanket and put her hands over her ears.

Aksinya is really concerned about the results of her sorcery.  She planned for no one to be hurt.  If you remember, Asmodeus was obviously trying to point Aksinya toward ordering him to kill the men outright or to wait after the rape and then torture and kill them.  Aksinya did something the demon wasn't expecting.  She still isn't certain that she didn't harm them--this is how powerful her spell was.  Aksinya wasn't sure if she harmed the men.  After hearing the demon's response, she still doesn't know.
 
This gives me the opportunity to give a small joke by the demon about hell--this is his personality and his affliction.  Then we get back into the meat.  The demon comments about temptation, and indeed, Aksinya should realize this more than anyone--she faces temptation all the time, in every variety.
 
Then, we finally get to the whole point of the visitation.  The demon was simply playing with Aksinya, now he tells her his message.  This is so important I will repeat it: “I just wanted to warn you. You have chosen to defy me. None of my other masters ever did such a thing. It is incomprehensible to me. Still, your choices do promote evil. Yet, because you defy me, they will bring you much sorrow. A final warning from your servant, it is a threat. Don’t give away too much of your heart. What you give away may never be returned, and when it is, it will result in great sorrow.”  This is all foreshadowing and prediction on the demon's part.  How much is truth?  I will reveal to you: it is all truth.  This was the message the demon waited to give to Aksinya.  There is much in this message I will not expose to you yet.  Most will become obvious as we progress in the novel.
 
Aksinya's answer is more pointed.  She realizes her danger and what is happening.  She has opposed a demon.  The result...who knows the result, but the one and only one lesson Aksinya has learned is this:  “One can love without desire, without lust, Asmodeus. That is the secret that causes all your evil to crumble.”  Actually, that is not the secret that causes the demon's evil to crumble, but it is almost the only idea Aksinya can hold on to as truth to fight her own temptation and the demon.  Then, the final words from the demon remind her that she does not really understand at all.  That is the rub and that is the problem for Aksinya.  She is still trying to save herself.  Just as she perversely loves herself, likewise, she can't separate love from desire or lust.  Her luxuria drives her forward.  Tomorrow, the beginning of the Advent party.

A New Novel, Part 101 The Great Enchantment

Natalya and Sister Margarethe are about to be raped in the streets.  The demon has proposed multiple solutions most of which will not work.  He is driving Aksinya to some course of action.  The obvious solution is what the demon told Aksinya he could do for her a long time ago--I can murder in your name.  Aksinya is driven into a corner.  She is fighting against the demon and has had a tiny success when he could not strip her to do his will.  Now we will see what Aksinya has decided to do...

Natalya and Sister Margarethe writhed on the ground. Their attackers just now reached for the buttons on their pants and knelt on the hard cobbles before the two women in preparation to violate them. Aksinya lifted up a prayer as a great cry. She grasped the crucifix around her neck through her clothing and dropped her book. It fell at her feet.


The demon leaned toward her. His sulfurous breath touched her face, “That will do you no good. That guy isn’t listening to you. He never did before, and He certainly isn’t going to start now.”

Aksinya’s cries turned into a Latin curse. She began to shout in Latin. Her words flowed faster and faster.

The demon stepped back, “You can’t do that spell without preparation.” He reached for her. The smell of sulfur increased.

The young man stood helpless with his arms at his side. We stared at Aksinya. Natalya and Sister Margarethe stopped moving and stared at Aksinya. Her words were strange and a glow began to encompass her.

The men around Natalya and Sister Margarethe stopped and turned to stare.

Asmodeus’ clawed hand nearly touched Aksinya, but he flinched and pulled it back, “You can’t do that spell without a magic circle. It will bring the force of the world back on you. It may kill you. I can’t allow you to do it.”

Aksinya ignored him or didn’t hear him. She raised her hands and cried out a terrible word in Latin. The world stopped for a moment. All the passion in every person there suddenly disappeared. In that moment, the men from the tavern were gone. They were no longer there. It was as though they disappeared with all the passion and lust and emotion that had encompassed them in that moment.

As if it was an afterthought, the demon was suddenly gone too.

Aksinya let out another cry. She screamed. She felt something powerful around her, suffocating her. Then the pain filled her from head to toe. She heard a snapping like brittle sticks being broken, and fell to her knees. The crucifix on her chest seared her skin. She thought she smelled scorched silk and flesh. She doubled over and heaved and heaved again. She lost her breath and sucked in a lungful of vomit and choked. She collapsed to the street in agony. She couldn’t breath and in a moment blessed oblivion caught her.

Now we have reached the climax of this scene and a pivotal point in the novel.  The men from the tavern are about to rape Natalya and the Sister Margarethe.  Aksinya cries out a prayer.  She drops her book of sorcery.  She grasps her crucifix.  The demon taunts her about her prayer and Aksinya turns her prayer into a "great" enchantment.  This is why I told you all about "big" sorcery and "little" sorcery yesterday.  You didn't really need my explanation to understand what is going on, but with that revelation, everything should make sense (remember, I don't like to tell my readers everything, but I'm reveling trade secrets to you).
 
The demon explains everything to you--you can't do that spell without preparation.  He can't stop her.  Everyone's attention is suddenly on Aksinya.  Her words and her power course through the place.  They all watch her. 
 
The demon gives you more of the revelation, a small piece, you can't make that spell without a magic circle.  The power of the world will be reflected back on you and you might die.  If you wondered why a sorcerer requires a protective circle--this is it.  Aksinya doesn't listen.  We know she wishes to die, but that she is too afraid to die.  We know she wants to be free of the demon.  She has opposed him once with the crosses.  She thinks she can do it again with this spell.  Note that she still opposes God.  She is using her own power and her own knowledge to fight the demon.  She realizes she might die, but she will take that risk.  The demon's fear is interesting.  He doesn't want her to die--will he then be in default?
 
Aksinya's spell is successful.  Suddenly, the passion of the men is gone, and they are gone.  I don't give you a lot of details about what exactly happens--that will be partially answered in the future because Aksinya doesn't know exactly what happened.  This is part of the point I've made before--don't tell your readers everything.  Don't let your readers know more than the main character knows--that's one way you build tension and mystery.  The rest of the answer will be to a degree given in the novel, but not here.  The demon is also gone--for a while.
 
Then we see the results of Aksinya's enchantment as it affects her.  The power of the world hits her.  This is the power of God in the world.  The protective circle protects the sorcerer from the backlash of the power of God, and Aksinya is struck by it.  The sounds of snapping twigs are her bones.  Her injuries are great and we shall see tomorrow the result of her actions.
 
On another note, I finished the third rewrite of the novel and am still working on it.  Yesterday, I put it together for the first time as a single document.  I write in chapters and make each chapter in the document a separate file.  This is for protection in case of loss, and a habit from the days when a full novel wouldn't fit into a single file.  I put the entire novel together in a single linked master outlined document and format it there.  I still work on the individual chapters as single files.  In any case, the novel is about 121,500 words, and is still a very tight novel.  There isn't an extraneous scene in it.

A New Novel, Part 97 Every Evening, a Transition and a Kicker

I set up the situation of Aksinya and Natalya traveling to Aksinya's house for at least two nights.  Asmodeus took them the first time, and the second, they went to escape Sister Margarethe.  What I want to do now is end this chapter with the impression that the two ladies are going to the house daily.  Aksinya, at first, was reluctant.  Now she is encouraged.  Note, all of this was at the demon's suggestion.  Although we know Aksinya is trying to fight the demon, she is like putty in his hands.  The setup of the circumstances around Aksinya are detailed and unexpected.  This short piece is the end of chapter 8.  It has a transition and a kicker.  The entire situation is set up for the next chapter.  Chapter 9 is a pivotal chapter where we see the culmination of the setup begun from the entry into Wien.

Each evening after the dormitory was quiet, Aksinya opened the lock at the back door. She cast a spell to prevent observation. Then she led Natalya out of the dormitory and across the street to her house. The place was comfortable to Aksinya. It was filled with her family’s ancient possessions. She could make magic circles to protect herself and Natalya there. She could work the sorcery she found in her new book there. She could study whatever she wished. She could sleep in her own bed whenever she wished. She could work in very comfortable conditions in a place that seemed completely familiar to her. She literally had her own place.


As an excuse, Aksinya helped Natalya with her studies, and sometimes she worked on her own studies. She taught Natalya a little about Latin, but she was very slow and deliberate about it. She never wanted to teach Natalya anything about sorcery, but she didn’t want to bring on the attention of the demon or the ire of Natalya, so she taught her just a little. Enough to give the appearance of teaching, but nothing that had any real meaning. Aksinya reasoned the Latin itself could be helpful to Natalya anyway.

They didn’t see the demon the entire time.

Before the night was over, they returned to the dormitory and went back to bed. No one was the wiser, so they thought.

Note the language.  Each evening... Aksinya (used sorcery) to open the lock.  She additionally cast another spell to hide Natalya and her movements.  Aksinya has moved from resisting the demon to adding to her sorcery to hide her secretive actions.  Further, look at the description of what Aksinya does in her house.  Her temptation of luxuria is satisfied by her expensive possessions.  You know that includes her dresses, but more than that she has her sorcery books and implements.  She can do as she likes.  She can practice sorcery.  The new book has encouraged her interest in sorcery--just as the demon planned.  If you look carefully at the language I use, each item was what Asmodeus used to tempt Aksinya.  She is following the demon's purpose.  Even more, she is practicing sorcery--that was the whole reason the demon brought her to Wien.  Did you notice this before I told you?  If you did, I communicated it well.  If you didn't then I really achieved my goal as a writer.  I wanted you, like Aksinya to miss the fact that she was directly acting as the demon called her to act.  The end of the paragraph: She literally had her own place.


That isn't all.  As an excuse--Aksinya's excuse is that she is helping Natalya.  She is teaching Natalya sorcery.  This is just the thing Aksinya didn't wish to do.  She is doing it to placate Natalya and the demon.  Though Aksinya has convinced herself that her teaching has little meaning, she is teaching the rudiments--in Latin to Natalya. 

Then the kicker--all chapters must (should) end with a kicker.  Here is the kicker.  First, they didn't see the demon--the reason is that Aksinya is following the demon's instructions (almost).  She isn't following all of the demon's instructions.  Oh my, what might the demon do?  Second, the final sentence is the kicker for the chapter end.  It wraps up everything and sets the tone for the beginning of the next chapter.  The driver into it is the completion of this transition scene.  The scene began with the girls going to Aksinya's house.  The end of the scene is that Before the night was over... and the kicker: No one was the wiser, so they thought.  The point here is the idea that someone does know they are sneaking out of the dormitory.  You want to make a guess who is watching.  The trick is that Aksinya and Natalya don't suspect anything.

A New Novel, Part 90 A New Book of Sorcery

Now we get down to business.  Asmodeus does indeed have something for Aksinya.  He has more than one thing for her.  Everything has been set up and the demon is beginning to move forward.  Asmodeus is speaking.

“And you would die. That comes of losing an arm or an eye.”

Aksinya was breathing hard, “Why do others forget you so easily? My aunt and uncle didn’t even ask after you. It is as if you were a ghost or something.”

“I am no ghost, only a demon—a spirit, nonetheless. You know exactly what I am and who I am. You know I am not made corporeally of the material of this world. I am an eternal being like your eternal soul. You shall be with me for an eternity. You might as well get used to my company.”

“I am sleepy now, disturb me no longer.”

“Have you forgotten? I have work for you to do.”

“Get out!”

“I shall not.”

“I shall scream. See how that fits with your plans.”

“Dear countess, you may scream and scream and scream, no one will come. Just as I manipulate the world around us, I can change the sounds and the words as I will.”

Aksinya leapt off the bed and began to draw a circle in her special chalk on the floor. The demon stepped over to her and grasped her by the hair. Asmodeus shook her, “A magic circle will do you no good tonight. I will deliver my instructions and expect you to follow through with them.”

Aksinya writhed in his grasp.

“I know what you are thinking. You will make a circle before you go to bed. That will only stop me for a while. You should realize you can’t hide from me. I await your pleasure eternally. Now listen to me.” He shook her again, “Countess, I have a present for you.” He dropped her to the floor, and a heavy brown book fell beside her.

Aksinya crept away from the demon and the book.

The demon cracked his knuckles, “That is a new book for your collection. You read about it in one of the earlier tomes…and lusted for it. It is yours now.”

“Where did you get it?”

“What does it matter where it came from? It is yours now. I grace it to you to use the knowledge as you see fit.”

Aksinya couldn’t say anything back to the demon. She wanted to read the book. She longed to read it. She couldn’t say anything to him. She was too embarrassed to do anything at the moment.

Our closing comment yesterday from the demon.  If you are rid of me, you will die--is this a lie?  Aksinya doesn't know.  She asks the question that has plagued her mind this evening.  He doesn't answer her question, but he gives us a lot of information that defines a demon and a human soul.  The answer to Aksinya's question is within the framework of the demon's answer.  The demon is an eternal being like a human soul.  We knew than intrinsically.  The point is that like a soul, the demon is not corporeal.  The interchange becomes an argument and Aksinya threatens to scream--she will awaken the house.  The demon's response is exactly what Aksinya knows, the demon can change sounds and sights.  She also knows the solution that prevents the demon from acting on her.
 
She immediately jumps off the bed and begins to draw a magic circle.  She certainly didn't expect the demon's reaction.  He has never physically accosted her before.  Now he does.  The demon grabs her hair--do you get it.  He has not touched her before except to help her.  Now to punish and physically threaten her, he grabs her hair.  He can do this because she gave him her hair as a surety.  He can't harm her otherwise, not directly.
 
The Demon gives Aksinya a gift--he graces it to her.  The word grace is very important in this context.  It is a free gift of temptation.  It is a book of sorcery.  I don't tell you it is a book of sorcery, you figure it out from the context and Aksinya's desire.  Note the end of this piece--the only thing Aksinya can think of is to read the book.  The book is a book of sorcery and it is a focus of her lust.  The demon read her right.  He knew exactly the way to tempt her.  Now he has her attention and now that he does...we shall see what else he wants from Aksinya tomorrow. 

A New Novel, Part 89 The Arm that Offends You

During the weekend, the demon visits Aksinya at her Aunt and Uncle's estate.  Every time he visits, he brings instructions to Aksinya.  What does he have in mind this time.


When the house was dark and quiet, Aksinya heard a knock on her door. She called out, “I don’t wish to speak with you demon.”


The voice behind the door was low and filled with a hiss, “But I wish to speak with you mistress. May I come in?”

“No!”

The door opened, and Asmodeus strode in, “Next time I won’t ask.”

Aksinya rolled away from him and pulled her covers around her, “I’m tired, and I don’t wish to speak to you tonight.”

“You are wide awake, and you have been longing to speak to me for days.”

“You are mistaken.”

“Why not speak to me, now. You’ve had your fun for the evening.”

“Zatknis'!” Aksinya was suddenly breathless, “You probably encourage it.”

“No, I don’t need to. You are filled with lust all on your own. So therefore I have an easy thing for you to do.”

“Don’t you feel lust?”

“Trying to turn the conversation? It won’t do you any good, Countess, but I will answer your questions. I feel great lust, but I can’t act on it. I rely on you to consummate my sin.”

“But you sin.”

“I don’t sin, Countess—you sin. I told you that before.”

“You stole the bookstand…”

“At your behest.”

“You killed all those people…”

“Because you ordered it. I am simply your tool, your arm, your eyes on the world. I am the eye that offends you. I am the arm that causes you to sin.”

“I wish I could cut you off. I would do it right now.”

“And you would die. That comes of losing an arm or an eye.”

Aksinya is still awake.  You guessed it, so did Asmodeus.  The demon is unhappy.  He is back to demanding and confronting.  Aksinya doesn't want to speak to him, but still you know she does.  The demon understands too.  The demon may not be able to read her mind, but he knows human nature and he knows her nature too well.  He taunts her with her lust, and forces a confession from her lips.  This is his technique and his trick.  Then we learn something about the demon--or how he thinks.  He believes (or lies) that he doesn't sin at all.  He is a vessel of temptation.  The target of the temptation sins, not him--he claims.
 
He says he is the tool not the sin.  Then he makes a reference to Christ's sermon on the Mount.  He claims to be the eye that offends and the arm that causes you to sin.  Christ told his followers to discard them, and the demon rightly notes, if you do, you will die.  His claim is that if Aksinya could get rid of him, she would die.  The opposite is that if you die, you will be rid of the demon.  That isn't the only reason the demon came to speak to Aksinya, but we will see the rest tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 76 The Rosary

Asmodeus left Aksinya's mother's jewelry box on Aksinya's bed.  We get a description now of the box.

Aksinya lit the gas lamp. Her mother’s jewelry box was a piece of art itself. It was handmade by a craftsman from the late fifteenth century. The box was decorated on the sides with the four seasons of their estate in Russia. The top showed the house of the Counts of Golitsyna. The façade was almost unchanged from that time to this. The box had been a wedding present from her father to her mother. It was locked, and the heart-shaped key was in the lock where her mother always left it. She remembered the first time she saw the jewelry box when she was a child. She had stared at it for a long time—until her mother finally opened it.


With shaking fingers, Aksinya unlocked and opened the jewelry box. Inside were all her mother’s beautiful things. They were literally a princess’ dowry of gold, silver, and jewels. On top lay a fabulous jewel encrusted crucifix and rosary. It was her mother’s favorite piece. Aksinya always remembered her mother wore it on Sunday, every Sunday. It was too large and fine a piece to wear everyday.

Beside it lay a smaller crucifix and rosary made of intertwined white and yellow gold. On it, the body of Christ was yellow gold and the cross white gold. The tiny adornments, the loincloth, the crown of thorns were white gold. The prayers and decades were white and yellow gold. It was the most beautiful rosary Aksinya had ever seen. Her mother let her wear it on Sunday, but had put it away during the week. She told Aksinya it was her wedding present when the proper time came. Aksinya lifted it in her hands. It was warm to her touch. She bit her lip and quickly put it over her head. It fell around her neck and immediately the crucifix became hot. She felt the heat against her breasts. The heat rose through the prayers and decades and irritated her neck. She felt slightly nauseous. Still, she promised herself she would not take it off. If she lost to this, she felt she would lose to everything. The demon might make her do the most horrible things in the world, but in this very little part she could fight back. She knew at least one of his weaknesses now. He could not move an evident cross. Unless the demon was playing a game with her, he had not taken her sister’s jewelry box, it was decorated with crosses. He had not taken her cross decorated bookstand. He had been able to move her mother’s jewelry box even though it was filled with crosses and crucifixes.

Aksinya didn’t let herself feel encouraged by this little piece of knowledge. It was much too early for that. She simply filed the information in the back of her mind—it was a little more information about the demon and his weaknesses. She would use it, if she could, against him.

Aksinya was asleep and the lights were off when the demon brought the jewelry box to her.  Therefore, Aksinya had to light a gas lamp again.  Perhaps I should have given you a little more description of the little light from the gas lamp.
 
We see that the jewelry box is truly a piece of art.  It is ancient and beautiful.  We learn it was a wedding present and had a heart shaped key--a symbol of love.  The house depicted on the box is Aksinya's family home.  In this, it represents her home.  Remember, all her family were murdered outside the house.  The box is locked.  This scene is set up to be almost like the first time Aksinya saw the box opened--that is the image I give you.  In this case, Aksinya represents her mother.
 
The box, like the home is filled with wealth.  Notice, it is a "princess'" dowry.  The first thing on top is her mother's rosary.  It was the rosary Aksinya's mother wore every Sunday.  Beside this rosary is another.  It was the one, Aksinya's mother promised her as a gift for Aksinya's wedding.  You might ask who would get the larger and more beautiful rosary.  Aksinya instinctively goes for the rosary she always admired as a child.  When she touches and wears the rosary, Aksinya feels nausea and pain.  The cross, a symbol of God and Christianity, causes her nausea and pain.
 
By this, we are to understand a cross will also affect the demon.  Aksinya puts this together--she had before.  If you remember, the jewelry boxes were a test for the demon.  Aksinya noticed Asmodeus couldn't move her cross decorated bookstand.  He couldn't move Aksinya's sister's jewelry box because it was also decorated with crosses.  This is the answer to one question about the weaknesses of the demon.
 
Aksinya is already preparing to oppose the demon.  The crosses she had Natalya sew into their clothing is meant to affect the demon--we shall see how effective it is.  And we shall see what Aksinya does with this knowledge.  Don't you admire how methodical Aksinya is--this is perhaps the best part of her personality.  You can see how she could become a powerful sorceress.

A New Novel, Part 32 Questions and more Arrival at Wien

I haven't answered questions for a while.  Here are some comments from a reader.  I'll include the next installment at the end.  My comments are in italics

Enjoyed your recent installment on Daemon. Though wondered a few QS about the story's timeline, travel to Záhony, dev of 2 women's relationship, and Q's about the demon... lurking in the background: observing, orchestrating, manipulating, etc.


Q's regarding timeline:
Based on your hint,"The old order of White Russia still reigned", and, your winter scenery, I'm wondering about about the story's exact date (month). Is the rail travel to Hungary occurring in late Feb/early March 1917, after February Revolution of 1917, or, 8 months later, after the October 1917 revolution. (Can't remember; maybe you provided clues already.)
I originally set the story in the summer/fall of 1917.  I later moved it to November 1918.  The reason was to put the story in the middle of the Russian civil war and just after WWI.  I didn't want the characters to have to travel during WWI.  Plus, this gives me an opportunity to tell a little more about the Russian civil war--it lasted longer than many think.

Also curious about travel to Zohony? As I recollect, is that the small town in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county, in north-eastern Hungary, bordering modern Slovakia, Ukraine and Romania...which back in WW1, was bordering the Russian Empire?
Yes, according to my maps and research, it was a major railhead at the time and a natural triple point of the three nations.

I'm guessing it's late Feb/early march 1917; ie, after abdication of Tsar Nicholas II, still in early stages of 1917 progressive collapse of Imperial Russia..ie, pockets of White guard loyal to Tsar N. out in the countryside;Tsarism, yet be replaced by the Russian Provisional Gov under Prince Georgy Lvov, yet to be see political fighting/drama/massive bloodshed in Russia, in October 1917.
A little later--see above.
Regarding train travel:
Enjoyed your descriptions of rail travel westward across part of Russia to Hungary; seemed very authentic. Particularly liked the physical dialogue, and descriptions of rail car & environment.
I had a chance to ride the rails in Europe.  I take my experiences and project them.  The rest is based in research on travel during the time.

Also thought the dialogue/relationship btwn women was very interesting....excellent character & plot development. Liked the underlying tension, with demon lurking in the background; listening, planning, conniving.

Liked the way you employed the 'prayer beads' & old lady prayers, in A's travel disguise, to hint at the power of the spoken prayer, which both girls voiced w/out full comprehension, and the impact on the demon; prayers, which he sought to stifle, silence, etc. But A cleverly described as part of her costume; I suspect, feigning ignorance on the affect it has on the demon.
Thanks for pointing that out, so I didn't have to.  I miss some of the revelations.  I'm glad you pick up on them.  That is a good sign for the basic writing.
Q's regarding Zohony & Hungarian reception of travelers:

You said: "Zάhony was a city being rebuilt. And, indicated the town was war torn and weary. And, said the old order of White Russia still reigned.
This is obviously something I need to clarify.  I meant that the Russian side was where they left the train and went through customs.  Both sides were rebuilding, but the Hungarian side is where the city is.

Is that 1st part, "city being rebuilt", accurate? And, why would the 'old order' of White Russia still reign in Hungarian town? A metaphor for (local Hungarian society) deferring to (old) tradition, ie, Russian aristocracy. Or, does White Russia actually have political/juristicional influence in that railway border town, in Hungary, And, why would they be afforded a reasonably good or safe reception...in consideration of their inbound travel from Russia?
Sorry need to clarify in the writing.  The Russian customs and "White" Russia is on the Russian side.  Russia is in a civil war and neither side is winning--at the moment.

My recollection: after the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, when the dual Monarchy of Austria–Hungary was in effect, large parts of the backward Hungarian economy (probably including around Zohony) were being rebuilt; maybe extending into early 1910s +/-.

But, than, WW1 comes around. And, the situation changes. Remember, it was with great difficulty, that the Central Powers (German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Kingdom of Bulgaria) stopped and repelled the attacks of the Russian Empire.
Now, I'd think that means, that there would be heavy WW1 fighting along the front lines where Hungary bordered Russia; and, especially fighting for control of the rail-lines btwn Russia/Hungary.
Further, my understanding, circa 1917, the Austro-Hungarian Empire was busy withdrawing from all defeated countries; not rebuilding cities, or towns...especially along the Russian border.
So than, if Zohony is indeed a small railroad town right on the border region of Russia (Ukraine), and the characters in the story are arriving there in 1917, near end of WW1, shouldn't it be more impoverished, destroyed; certainly not being rebuilt.
I need to clarify.  This is why I reset the time to November 1918.

And related question, shouldn't we expect to have more tension between the Hungarians soldiers & local citizenry, and arriving travelers (heading westward) from inside the Russian Empire? Whether dressed in disguise as gypsies or poor Russian folks (under spell) or, later, dressed as Russian aristocrats? Pretty clear, they are inbound from Russia. Just curious?
Same as above.

Is it an important or unimportant railway town? A layover, only? Can't recall hint in earlier postings; are you heading towards another Hungarian town, (modern) Romania, or Western Europe...for girls to integrate w/ aristocracy, and practice their sorcery? FYI, I did like the use of 'French' as spoken language, very clever hint of aristocracy, etc..
Thanks.  French was the official language of the Russian aristocracy.  That's why I used it.  One of the characteristics of my writing is to use language as an indicator of culture.
Regarding neighborhood/environment they travel thru:
As previously said, like your descriptions of their travels; but, wondering about the historic authenticity, ie, post WW1, Hungarian town, probably part of the front, in Hungarian fight against Russian Empire. And, are you going to delve further into the circa 1917 historic context (in Hungary, and Russia). ie, era's economic, social, military & empire upheavals? Is that central to the story, or not?
For example, why didn't you have an episode with them directly encountering a revolutionary, or another person on the train? Could have added interesting tension, and plot or character development. Now that they are into Hungarian territory (Central power) will they encounter any retreating Russian White troops along the border? Or, any Austrain-Hungarians, or Germans? Could such an encounter be useful, in developing your storyline, or ancillary?
This is a good point.  I may add this in the next edit.  I really wanted to downplay the travel and give only a taste of it.  The reason was to not detract from the main storyline.  Sorry, because of the time, the war had been over for a few months and longer if you count the Russian pullback.
Regarding dialogue between N & A:
Also, very fascinated by depiction/dialogue highlighting t the 'class' distinction' and evolving relation btwn Natalya & Aksinya...the former, holding Aksinya off (imploringly), and the latter, wanting (demanding) a friendship. Is, or has Aksinya already decided, she needs to confederate w/ Natalya, against the demon...or, just her desire for friendship? Also, looked the way you had Natalya keep her back away from Aksinka, too....to hide the shame of scars from past whippings, etc. Can't figure out yet if Natalya is (truly) beaten down, or playing a role...with ambition of her own.
Finally, Regarding Demon:
Very surprised the Demon hasn't sought to use Natalaya's shame (of her whippings) to directly manipulate her; but, instead is concentrated on working thru/on Aksinya. Any reason why?
Thanks, yes, the demon is slowly playing them because he has no need to press Aksinya yet. Notice, he doesn't go after Natalya directly or obviously. The focus of the demon is Aksinya. We will see how he uses Natalya in the future. I do plan to use the whipping threat, but mostly against Aksinya--she fears the idea of hurting Natalya.  This is an important revelation.


Here is the next bit:
Just as Lady Natalya finished dressing Aksinya, the demon pulled open the door again, “Countess, lady, if you will follow me, I have everything prepared for you.


Aksinya raised her eyebrow, but she stood. She stumbled and Natalya steadied her, “Thank you, Lady Natalya.”

The lady smiled. She placed the wonderful green hat with a slight black veil on Aksinya’s head. It masked her poorly cut hair. Natlaya picked up her sewing and the dress she was working on. Asmodeus reached out to take them both from her. He touched the shoulder of the dress and his expression changed. He almost dropped it.

Aksinya took a startled breath.

Natalya yanked the gown away from the demon’s hand, “Only I handle the countess’ clothing. It is my duty.” She stopped a moment to tuck the dress away with the sewing. The demon grasped the sewing case and it disappeared into his chest.

Aksinya slowly let the air out of her lungs.

Asmodeus turned toward her, “Is there something wrong, countess.”

Aksinya shook her head.

The demon smiled slyly but continued out of the compartment. The ladies followed him.

I thought you would like this short piece where we see Natalya's automatic reaction to her small responsibility being taken by the demon.  Does the demon suspect anything.  I leave it open.

A New Novel, Part 28 The Disguise

Here we see a neat technique to describe a person through the eyes and conversation of another.  Likewise, we see a means to describe a change in appearance that isn't actually physical.

Natalya stared at Aksinya. Her hands reached up to touch her own face, but it felt no different than before.


Aksinya smiled, “You may speak now. The enchantment is finished.” She turned away a little, “Put away my things, demon. I did as you wished.”

Natalya stuck out her hand, “Countess, you look so different. Like an old grandmother. Your beautiful dress is now rags.”

“Look at yourself in the next dark window glass we pass. You are an ancient granny yourself. You will find you smell like one, look like one, are dressed as one, and sound like one. In time, our appearance and clothing will turn back to what it should be. That is, unless I make a second enchantment. Unfortunately, we can’t change our clothing until then.”

“You will not be able to bathe.”

Aksinya muttered under her breath, “It is simply another torment from my personal demon.”

Natalya might not have heard her, “I’m sorry, countess.”

Aksinya didn’t turn toward the demon, “Asmodeus, I did as you wished. We are ready to go.”

“You performed well, countess. Are you certain you don’t want to wait for the young, drunken Bolsheviks?”

Aksinya half turned her head and scowled.

The demon continued, “I know you are feeling that desire.”

Aksinya bit her lip then she began to pray. She had made a rosary as part of the costume of the old women they had become. She couldn’t truly touch the rosary at her fingertips, but by every appearance, she touched it. She began to pray it, and her desire decreased. Asmodeus frowned. He lifted his lips so his fangs showed clearly.

Natalya laughed, “Certainly, old women would pray. They pray continually.” She began to tick off the prayers by counting her rosary. She was completely caught up in the amazement of having something that appeared to move in her hand, but that had no real substance. Even so, the rosary reacted as though she touched it.

Aksinya took Natalya’s arm and together, both praying in almost synchronicity, they walked toward the train station. Glumly, Asmodeus followed behind them with the heavy chest on his shoulders.

We also get to see another small act of rebellion by Aksinya.  We will see that her rebellion comes with repercussions.  The demon is not obvious with his attacks, but we will see the results--remember they are tied directly and indirectly to her actions.

A New Novel, Part 27 Abuse and Disguise

The last time the demon tempted Aksinya, he used physical discomfort and threats to "win" her over.  If that works, why not use it again.  As I mentioned, the "puppy" method is very effective.  One of my readers noted that the demon and Aksinya have a classical abusive relationship going.  Ah, yes, so it is.  Is temptation any different than such a relationship.  If you think about the similarities, you will see amazing parallels.  There is much more in the writing that I have not revealed to you.  That wasn't intentional or unintentional.  It's just that I am really busy and sometimes I have more and less time to spare on "revelations."  Plus, some of the revelations of the multilevels of the writing should be obvious.

They only had to walk about a block before the railway station came into sight. It was brightly lit and filled with activity. They approached the station from the rail side. At the sides of a set of tracks, the demon stopped suddenly. He laid down the chest and turned, “The trains are especially dangerous for you, countess. They will be equally dangerous for your lady-in-waiting.”


“Then why did you bring us this way, you fool?”

“I brought you this way to give you yet another opportunity.”

Aksinya’s head dropped, “What do you want me to do this time?”

“My request is simple. I wish you to make an enchantment that changes both of your external appearances. This way you may travel in safety and comfort.”

Aksinya put her hand over her eyes, “If I won’t do it?”

“If you don’t make this magic, you could walk all the way to Austria. Or, I could strip you like I did before.” The demon grinned around his fangs, “I could strip your lady in waiting. Perhaps I could tempt you to whip her. That would be something she is very used to.” Asmodeus leaned against the chest, “In any case, if you don’t make an enchantment, a group of young Bolsheviks will soon come along these tracks. They have been drinking since noon. They will rape your lady-in-waiting and attempt to rape you. I will have to step in to protect you and do your bidding. I suspect you will be so mortified you will ask me to kill them. For rape, I can even torture them in front of you before I kill them.”

“You are cruel, demon.”

“I have been called that many, many times, so it must be true. Quickly, what is your decision?”

Aksinya whispered, “I will do as you ask.” She spoke more loudly, “What of Lady Natalya? Didn’t she hear what you said to me? How you threatened me?”

“Only what I allowed her to hear. She will be very pleased to see you make such a great enchantment. And it must be great. You must make it strong enough to last seven days.”

Aksinya spat at the ground, “Get my things and my book. The great brown one.”

Asmodeus obliged. Natalya stared as Aksinya drew a magic circle large enough to encompass them both. Aksinya placed candles at the five corners of the pentagram. She gathered wax and clay then bits of cloth from a box. She shaped them a little with heads and arms and legs then stuck sprigs of an odd herb in them. She lit the candles and a brazier of incense. When she was done with her preparations, she sat in the center of the circle with Natalya beside her and the book on the stolen stand before her. She closed her eyes, “Listen, Lady Natalya, you must not say anything. No matter what you hear or what happens, don’t make a sound from your mouth, from your vocal cords. This is very important. I will be speaking in Latin. The forms and the words are very important. It is like a word and sacrament in the church. The words are those I must say for the enchantment to work and the implements are sacraments. They are the corporal things that will cause the world to change. Remember don’t say a word.”

Natalya nodded.

Aksinya began to speak. The great book was opened to the correct page, but she didn’t need to look at it. She knew the words to say, knew them by heart. This was one of her favorite enchantments. She could make herself look any way she wished for a long time. The enchantment could easily last at least a week if she desired. She had done that before—tweaked her clothing and her face. She once changed the color of her hair for over a month.

Aksinya moved her hands and touched the clay and wax models she had formed. The words she spoke endued them with the clothing and characteristics she wished to place on herself and Natalya. She picked up her dagger and nicked her finger. She let a heavy drop of blood fall onto one of the wax models. Aksinya grabbed Natalya’s hand. Natalya had been holding it out to her, ready. Aksinya cleanly sliced the lady’s index finger and gently milked a drop of blood from it. It fell on the other piece of wax, clay, and cloth. When Aksinya released her hand, Natalya stared in amazement at the newly healed cut.

Aksinya lifted both wax models and placed them in the brazier. Immediately it began to pour out heavy smoke. She censed Natalya then herself. The scent of the incense was thick and cloying. It smelled of cheap perfume and age. It was heavy like the scent of an old woman. Under that was the smell was sweat and dirt. Aksinya repeated the censing and impressed the words on them both. The brazier suddenly stopped and slowly the thick smoke rolled away.

The demon uses threats this time.  He doesn't even have to force her.  Aksinya acquiesces on her own.  This is the primary teaching of resistance training: don't let your antagonizer, your torturer have easy victories.  Aksinya has given the demon an easy victory.  We will see that this a prelude to some of her resistance.  Don't forget the sewing case. 
 
I also hope you like the revelation of the way sorcery works.  This is designed in the classical understanding: words of power and items of sacrament.  In this we have a reference to the Church.  Obviously, what propels the demon and Aksinya is the world with God.  How would the sorcery work, if it was not a rejection and sin against God.  How can there be demons if there isn't God.  This is the obvious logical conclusion--Aksinya even said it once before.  We will continue to see this theme--it is the point after all.