A New Novel, Part 247 Punish Me Not Them

8 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 247 Punish Me Not Them

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.

The day of Aksinya's ecclesiastical trial has arrived.  Aksinya is acknowledged as a Russian Princess.  Now the Archinquisitor is pursuing the other charges against Aksinya...

“Yes, you are correct Princess.  Then let the court record read that the Princess Aksinya is guilty of theft and that shall be left to the secular courts.  There are other charges.”

“Then proceed, Archinquisitor.”

“This court wishes to establish your guilt of sorcery.”

“I admit it.  What more is there to say?”

“The proof exists, and I wish to establish it.  The other charges related to this are that you did kidnap and seduce the mind and soul of the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska and that you did seduce the mind and soul of Herr Ernst von Taaffe.”

“I admit those grave sins.  Pronounce your judgment.”

“That is not enough.  This court wishes to establish their guilt in this great sin also.”

Aksinya cried out, “They have no guilt in this at all.  It was all my doing.  Punish me, not them.”

“There is also the question of the school, Sacré Coeur, the Reverend Mother Kluge, Abbot Father Abend, and Sister Margarethe.”

Aksinya half stood, “That is enough.  They are innocent of any wrongdoing.  I am the sorceress.  They knew nothing of my evil deeds.  I will tell you, I called a demon from the pit.  They committed nothing wrong.  It was all my own actions.”

The Archinquisitor stroked his chin, “You called a demon.”  He turned to the inquisitor, “Did you know this Inquisitor Esposito?”

The Inquisitor danced from foot to foot, “She…the Princess confessed this to me.”

“This is also a sin of grave consequence.  Inquisitor, call the first witness to her sorcery.”

Aksinya plopped down in her chair.

We see that Aksinya will not be let off so easily in this trial.  Actually, Aksinya doesn't want to be let off at all.  She intentionally infuriated the Archinquisitor so he would find her guilty and only she would face punishment--that wasn't the intention of Asmodeus or the Archinquisitor. 

Asmodeus told her that all her friends and many others would suffer because of Askinya's sin.  The Archinquisitor is only interested in finding out the wrongdoers--even if they aren't.  No one is innocent in the world.  This is important to remember, but not everyone deserves punishment.  Perhaps Aksinya should be punished, but what of her friends?

Aksinya confesses to everything.  She wants the trial to end.  She wants to be the only focus of it--she knows that cannot be.  You can see from the words of the Archinquisitor who he intends to reveal at this trial--these are oddly those Asmodeus would have targeted.  The Archinquisitor mentions their names: Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska, Herr Ernst von Taaffe, Sacré Coeur, the Reverend Mother Kluge, Abbot Father Abend, and Sister Margarethe.  There are, of course, more.

Aksinya knows exactly what is going on even if the Archinquisitor doesn't.  She plays her trump card: "I called a demon from the pit.  They committed nothing wrong.  It was all my own actions.”  This confession doesn't surprise the Archinquisitor as much as we would have thought.  The Archinquisitor wishes to establish Aksinya's guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt--he should be commended, except by his actions, many more will be found guilty.  Tomorrow, the first witness.

A New Novel, Part 243 I Am Not an Alleged Countess

4 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 243 I Am Not an Alleged Countess

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.

The day of Aksinya's ecclesiastical trial has arrived.  Aksinya is seated in the Chapel...

After a few minutes, Inquisitor Esposito entered.  He did not sit.  He nodded toward Aksinya.  Moments later, the Archinquisitor Gallo came in from the door at the side of the altar.  Everyone stood.  The Archinquisitor glared at Aksinya then bowed to the altar and immediately began an ascension prayer in Latin.  He led the court in a general confession and absolved them.  He led them in the Apostolic Creed.  Then he sat down and signaled for everyone to be seated.

The Archinquisitor brought out a paper, “Alleged Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna…”

Aksinya interrupted, “I am not an alleged Countess.  I am the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.”

“You are not allowed to speak until you are called upon.”

“I am not an alleged Countess.  I am the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.”

“Little girl, you are already prejudicing this court against you.”

“That may be so, but I insist that you address me by my proper title.”

“Your identity is one of the questions before this court, but if you fail to hold your tongue, I will have you bound and gagged.”

“That is your prerogative, but I also have the right to be addressed properly by this court.”

The Archinquisitor turned to Inquisitor Esposito, “Instruct the Fraulein in the proper decorum of the court.”

Aksinya glared at him, “This is the first issue before the court.  If you can’t identify me properly then what kind of trial can this be?”

“I warned you once, little girl.  I will have you bound and gagged.”

Inquisitor Esposito stammered, “If it pleases the Archinquisitor, the promotor fiscalis should first establish the identity of the accused.”

I set the scene for you--now it's time to let the characters move around in the scene.  Already, Aksinya and the major players are there.  Many are, as yet, hidden--they will all be revealed.

So the defender enters first.  This is the priest who's job is to defend Aksinya against the acusations of sorcery.  We know he will be worthless.

The accuser and judge, Archinquisitor Gallo comes next.  He leads the group in a morning prayer (that is a type of service).  He already is unhappy to have Aksinya present.  He doesn't want to absolve Aksinya--oh well.

The first question is Aksinya's identity.  The demon, Asmodeus, intends to take away the very person of Aksinya by bringing into question her very identity.  This is not as odd as you might imagine.  The point of many ecclesiastical trials of the nobility was first to allege that they were not nobles.  The reason, real nobles would not do such evil things.

You see, the first issue to Aksinya is her identity.  She will not be cowed.  This is more important than she understands.  The Archinquisitor threats Aksinya like a child--listen carefully to his language.  Do you remember what the demon called Aksinya--little girl?

Aksinya will not be treated like a child.  She insists on the right to be addressed by her proper rank.  Aksinya is correct--if they can't identify her, then everything else is moot.  The defending inquisitor makes an important point.  He may not be very effective or helpful, but he seems honest to some degree.  He, at least, reduces the excesses of the Archinquisitor.  Tomorrow, Aksinya's identity.

A New Novel, Part 174 I Slowly Feed Them the Work

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.


Natalya went missing for a night and returned with two books of sorcery Ernst had in his possession.  Natalya put off Aksinya's questions by giving her the books.  It is evident, now, that Aksinya is afraid to ask.  She has abandoned hope. She made her descent to the point where she no longer cares about almost anything.  Natalya allows Aksinya to sleep late...

Sister Margarethe crossed the street to Sacré Coeur before Aksinya was ready. Aksinya, and of course Natalya missed chapel, but they were just in time for their German class with Sister Margarethe.

In the class, Aksinya slumped in her seat. She yawned. When Sister Margarethe came around to review the work and lessons she assigned, she turned a smile toward Aksinya, “Countess, your work is well done today. Your study last night paid off.”

As usual, Sister Margarethe didn’t spend much time with Natalya. While keeping her eyes on Aksinya, she stated, “Your work, Lady Natalya, on the writing is well done. I didn’t find a single error. Your accent is also improving. Keep at your studies, and encourage the Countess to continue to complete hers.”

When Sister Margarethe was out of earshot, Natalya whispered, “Did you work last night on your German?”

Aksinya cocked her head, “Of course not, silly. I spent all night reading my new book. I just finished some of her earlier exercises the other day. You know that’s what I do for every class—I slowly feed them the work so they don’t get too upset with me. In spite of that, you know I am serious about study—I just have other things I need to study too.”

Natalya nodded at that. She began to study the current assignment Sister Margarethe had assigned her.

This is the first time Aksinya has missed chapel--did you catch that.  I showed you before through Aksinya that she begged Natalya to make certain that she didn't ever miss chapel, yet she missed today.  I know many of these changes and actions are subtle, but since when did great literature smack you over the head?  They made German class.
 
Aksinya is not asleep; Aksinya is bored.  Listen to what happens.  Aksinya no longer gives any pretense of study.  She doesn't defend her actions.  She allows the lies to be full and unapologetic.  She didn't study any German last night.  We know exactly what Aksinya studied last night. 
 
Sister Margarethe is deluded, and she is prejudicial toward her love, Aksinya.  Aksinya does not hide her lies anymore, at least from Natalya.  For the first time, we all get to know exactly how Aksinya has been fooling her teachers.  She is not honest with herself or with others, but we knew that.  What we didn't know before was the level she was going to. 
 
I'm subtly showing you the degree to which Aksinya has fallen.  You know she is really no different than before, but her response to circumstances is different.  Tomorrow, about the post.

A New Novel, Part 84 The Beginning of the Weekend

This is the beginning of chapter 8.  I set up Aksinya in her house.  Now we see the progression of her sin and some very important connections.  The first is the Freifrau...

The week continued for Aksinya and Natalya without great problems. The demon led them every night to the house across the street. As yet, he made no other demands on Aksinya. The cellar workroom remained unused for now. The demon didn’t even ask Aksinya to go down to it again.


Chapel was a daily chore. With Natalya beside her, Aksinya could endure it, but it was not pleasant for her. Aksinya spent her time in the evenings working with Natalya on her German. Aksinya’s work in her classes suffered, but the sisters didn’t seem to expect much from a countess anyway. They didn’t praise her, but they didn’t berate her either. Only Sister Margarethe, in German class, seemed to show Aksinya any special attention. No matter what Aksinya did, Sister Margarethe praised her. Aksinya thought, perhaps her German was truly improving because she worked with Natalya so much.

On Friday afternoon, Freiherr Bockmann’s coupe, the covered carriage, came for Aksinya and Natalya. The Freifrau Bockmann herself sat in the coupe. For the weekend, Aksinya and Natalya had taken clothing from the house across the street. They wore something other than their Sacré Coeur uniforms now. Aksinya was dressed like a countess. Natalya like a lady-in-waiting. Both of their jewelry was much more elegant than that which would have been expected any student to wear.

Freifrau Bockmann’s eyes widened when she saw them. She descended from the carriage and curtsied to Aksinya. Then, she greeted both the girls with a kiss. The Reverend Mother came out of the school to see them off. Frau Drescher stood as an after thought in the shadows near the gymnasium’s door.

The Reverend Mother curtsied to Freifrau Bockmann. It was a deep curtsy that included Aksinya, “Freifrau Bockmann, the Countess and Lady Natalya have started well. We are glad you decided to take them under your wing for their social training during the weekends.”

Freifrau Bockmann was effusive, “Thank you, Reverend Mother. I will return them Sunday evening. Please don’t expect them for dinner.”

“Yes, Freifrau Bockmann.”

With the drivers help, they climbed into the carriage. After they were inside, Freifrau Bockmann tapped the ceiling of the carriage with the top of her cane and the driver started the horses moving.

This is the setup of the entire chapter, and this is the means to convey to you the basis of a continuing of action in the novel.  The week continued... then we see their week abbreviated to show only the important parts.  This is a writing technique to move the writing in time and to give the reader the expectation of what is happening without going into great detail.  Detail is left for important parts.  The key takings here is the cellar remains unused, the chapel, Natalya and German class.  Watch the sister and German class closely.
 
So Freifrau Bockmann comes herself to pick up Aksinya and Natalya.  You can see the small details.  The coupe, the girls are dressed in finery and with jewelry.  This is what gets the attention of Freifrau Bockmann.  They are wearing clothing and jewelry, especially jewelry she didn't expect them to have.  She has no idea about the house.  The Reverend Mother can't miss the opportunity to greet the Freifrau or see Aksinya off.  She is kind, but she is political and wise.  She praises the Freifrau in a manner the Freifrau can't ignore.  The point of all this is so I can detail for you what Aksinya and Natalya are about for the weekend.  At the end of this piece, I give you a little color to show how the world worked at this time.  That is the way to tell the driver to start the horses.

A New Novel, Part 68 Chapel and Spiritual Illness

I put a clue in the title today--I usually don't do that.  I know you'll get the point anyway.  Aksinya and Natalya are ready for school.  They start their first day.  Do you remember, the first event every day at Sacré Coeur is chapel.  I wonder how that will work out?

They went down together for breakfast and more tea. Aksinya was very fond of tea, especially the tea Natalya made for her. They sat together and no one dared to sit with them. After breakfast, everyone marched to chapel in the church. They went through the dormitory to the second floor and entered the nave from the back of the choir. The moment Aksinya stepped through the door, she felt a pain in the pit of her stomach. Natalya took Aksinya’s arm when she faltered and helped her to her seat near the back at the main floor.

In their seats, Natalya put her hand on Aksinya’s forehead, “Mistress, you are pale. Are you well?”

Aksinya bent over a little, “I just feel a little ill. I’ll be all right.”

Natalya bit her lip. She steadied Aksinya when they stood, and when they knelt. The entire time, Aksinya clasped her arms across her chest and couldn’t raise her head. Natalya held the prayer book for her. Aksinya seemed to get worse as the service progressed. She mumbled in Latin, a counterpoint to the priest, but luckily in a throaty whisper that only Natalya could hear. When the bells announced communion, Aksinya gave a groan. Natalya put her arm around her. No one else seemed to notice, or they carefully ignored the two. Natalya and Aksinya didn’t take communion. Aksinya was happy they couldn’t. The very thought made her nauseous. At the blessing, Aksinya slipped out of her seat and hurried to the side door up and out through the choir. Natalya followed behind her.

On the other side of the door, Aksinya doubled over and leaned against the wall.

Natalya held her, “Mistress, you look terrible. What’s wrong?”

Aksinya’s eyes were wild, “I’m wrong. That’s the problem. I’m not sure I can stand this, but I must. I must.” She stood straight and grasped Natalya’s hands, “Lady Natalya, you must ensure I am at chapel every day. This is necessary…for my soul. Please.”

Natalya frowned, “I will, mistress. I promise. Please, I don’t wish you to be ill.”

Aksinya touched Natalya’s face, “Don’t cry, lady. Just help me, I beg you.”

Natalya slipped her arm around Aksinya’s shoulders. Before the crowd of girls came through the corridors, they returned to their rooms, and before the bells announced the beginning of class, Aksinya drank another rejuvenating cup of tea. They walked together to their first class. Natalya carried the official Sacré Coeur briefcases for them both.

The "they" are Aksinya and Natalya.  I don't give you much description about the breakfast room or their breakfast.  In this case, I think a little is enough.  You should have the picture of the school and a little more is generally unnecessary.  If you assume they had breakfast in the dining room or if you assume they had breakfast in a smaller place--either one is good.  The fun information is that no one "dared" sit next to them.

I give you a little more on the way to the chapel.  The entry is through the dormitory, so that is interesting in itself.  Then Aksinya's problem.  This will be a recurring problem until the initial resolution--she gets nauseated when she enters a church.  Sweet Natalya is just too innocent about Aksinya to get it.  This is a recurring theme too.

Natalya thinks Aksinya is ill.  Well she is ill, but her illness is entirely spiritual.  I didn't play this story the way I did Aegypt, but I might eventually.  In Aegypt, the reader was never sure if the main character was completely right about his observations of the events.  In this, I let you see everything, so you assume Aksinya's illness really is spiritual--it could easily be psychological.  Just a minor point.  We get the dialog about the illness, and note, I don't tell you she is nauseous until at the end.  The description is sufficient to give you all the information you need.  I hope you feel her pain.

I also hope you can imagine Aksinya and Natalya in the service.  You should wonder what Aksinya is mumbling--surely not a spell, but is she praying?  I don't tell you.  In any case, the climax comes at communion.  Remember why they can't take communion?  They are Orthodox and not Catholic. 

Aksinya made it to the end.  She almost lost it, but didn't.  Then Aksinya tells Natalya the straight out truth, but we get little comprehension from Natalya.  She still thinks it is a problem of illness.  Then a little trick.  Did you know Natalya was crying.  You might have guessed--she's just that way.  I show you through Aksinya's eyes.  That's a fun way to make a connection.  The important point is the Natalya is thinking entirely about Aksinya, and Aksinya is thinking about Natalya.  That's why Aksinya noticed.

In the end, Natalya cleans up the mess (no literal mess this time)--that is, she helps Aksinya back where she can have tea, and she prepares her for school--again.  At the end of this section, we see Natalya carrying both their books and they are headed for their first class.