A New Novel, Part 208 She Should Remain in the Ecclesia

30 Apr 2011, A New Novel, Part 208 She Should Remain in the Ecclesia

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.

I promised you a transition--that is indeed what I have been setting you up for.  It follows as well as a very important scene that includes some strong foreshadowing…

This is how Aksinya’s days progressed with only the variation of the domestic work of the rectory and Ecclesia. Every evening, Aksinya asked about Natalya, but she received no information. Father Makar explained every time she asked that he still sought the Lady Natalya, but that no one knew what had happened to her.


On Saturday following the morning prayers, Ekaterina prepared to take Aksinya with her to the market, but Father Dobrushin blocked the door when Aksinya tried to leave the rectory.

Ekaterina pursed her lips, “What’s wrong Father Dobrushin. The Countess can help me with carrying everything. She will be very helpful.”

Aksinya stood silent.

Father Dobrushin answered carefully, “I don’t think she should appear in the marketplace. Right now, until we determine what is going on, she should remain in the Ecclesia.”

Ekaterina glared at him, “I would like her to accompany me, and I’m certain she would like to go out.”

Father Dobrushin sighed, “I will get a Greek Bible for the Countess to study today. That will make up for missing the market.”

Aksinya didn’t raise her head, “I would like to study.”

Ekaterina made a face, but she turned, “Very well. I’ll be back before midday communion. Father Dobrushin, look after my charge.”

Father Dobrushin’s face was very serious, “I shall.” After Ekaterina was out of the sight, Father Dobrushin gestured toward Aksinya. She wasn’t watching. He cleared his throat, “Countess.”

She glanced up, “Yes.”

“Come with me. I’ll give you an old Bible to study. It is a little worn, but you should be able to read it without any problem.” Father Dobrushin led Aksinya to the side of the ark, “Wait here. I’ll get the Bible.” He went between the rails and to the back of the ark. After a few moments, he returned with a large book in his hands. He handed it to Aksinya, “You may read this all you like.”

“May I take it to my room?”

“Yes. If you have nothing else you need to do, you should study it now.”

Aksinya clasped the large book to her chest. The place still stung between her breasts where the crucifix had burned her. She took the Bible back to her room and began to read it. She was so intrigued with what she read, Ekaterina had to retrieve her for the midday communion. Following communion, Aksinya continued to read until Ekaterina called her to come help with supper. Aksinya dragged herself away from the book and went to help.

After dinner, Aksinya begged a taper from Ekaterina and continued to read until the wax and floss was entirely gone. Then she prayed her rosary until she fell asleep. Her last prayer was that she might have light to spare so she could spend enough time to memorize the Greek Bible Father Dobrushin had lent her.

After that, Aksinya’s days were completely filled with her work, prayer, and memorization of the Greek Bible.

We start with the transition right away.  Remember I told you yesterday I was setting everything up for this transition.  The transition is to set you up for the time lapse that will come next.  So, what I showed yesterday was the general day Aksinya lived in the rectory and Ecclesia.  The next (transition) gives you an idea that time is passing.  Tomorrow, more time will have passed.  The purpose is to show you generally what is transpiring in a way that you know what is going on, but I don't have to show or tell you everything.  This is an advanced form of a transition: you start slow and easy and move a little quicker each time.  Eventually, the reader has a feel that time has passed, but also has the impression that they understand well what has been going on in the life of the main character.

Thus: This is how Aksinya’s days progressed with only the variation of the domestic work of the rectory and Ecclesia. Days have passed and each was similar to the last that I showed you.  Also, Aksinya asks about Natalya every day.  It would be redundant for me to show you this every day for weeks, so I give you a short synopsis in the narrative and all is good.  We still don't know what happened to Natalya--just keeping the tension going as well.

Then out of the transition, I give you another scene.  First the setting: when, Saturday; where, the rectory; who, Ekaterina, Aksinya, and Father Dobrushin, the what, Ekaterina wants to take Aksinya to the market with her.  Father Dobrushin doesn't think this is a good idea.  Aksinya is resigned to her role as servent.  This makes their address to her as Countess all the more ironic.  I don't tell you Father Dobrushin is worried or concerned, I just show you.  His statement is a parallel to what he said before--Aksinya should stay in the Ecclesia.  He gives no reasons, but you should be able to fathom his mind.  He is worried that outside the Ecclesia, she will be unprotected from...the police, the authorities,...the demon.  This is a foreshadowing.  You might ask, why all this foreshadowing all the time.  There is foreshadowing in almost every scene--yes.  There is foreshadowing in almost every scene, this is the way to drive a plot.  The foreshadowing is a means to connect the storyline in the scenes.  This along with symbols, analogy, allegory, connected characters, the connections between and among characters.  In a novel, these are the glue that binds the scenes and gives you a rich plot.  If you need more convincing, think about the crucifix Aksinya wears between her breasts and about the demon himself, or Akinsya's luxuria problem.  All these simple elements bring the scenes together and give sense to the whole.

Father Dobrushin then tempts Aksinya.  His temptation is not the same as the demons--it is not a temptation to sin or to evil.  He offers her a Greek Bible to study.  He knows her well enough to understand that this will beguile and intregue her.  Indeed, Aksinya is interested.  You also know from her response that she would have liked to have gone to the market, but she would also like to study the book.  Ekaterina isn't so happy.  She wanted a friendly companion and help.  Ekaterina isn't as interested in study.  She warns Father Dobrushin to look after "her charge."  See how serriously the father takes on that responsibility--this isn't a game to either of them.

In this time, Bibles were still relatively rare and special.  This Bible is very special; since it is from the Ark (in the Ecclesia), it is one of the Bibles used for the readings in the Ecclesia.  Note how Aksinya treats this Bible like she did the books of sorcery.  She wants to read it in her room.  She clasps it to her chest even though that brings her pain.  This is all new for her.  The image of the pain is new in this novel.  Before, Aksinya had pain when she participated in evil and then was exposed to the church.  Now, she gladly accepts pain due to the church--this is very new and another tie between the scenes in the entire novel. 

Aksinya's study of the book is just like her study of the books of sorcery.  She can't put it down, but the new Aksinya tears herself away from the Bible to do her work in the rectory and Ecclesia.  This is a new Aksinya.  She is putting away luxuria.  She reads into the night until her taper is gone.  Her prayers are for light--but note, she doesn't make a light (through sorcery).  This is one of those ties that bind the scenes.  Because of what went before, you can easily see Aksinya in the role she is portrayed.  Then another very short transition.  Tomorrow, another transition.

A New Novel, Part 205 Lady Natalya Never Made Tea Like that for Me

A New Novel, Part 205 Lady Natalya Never Made Tea Like that for 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.

Aksinya is learning how to make breakfast from Ekaterina…

In the kitchen, Aksinya carefully followed Ekaterina’s instructions and stood and stirred the kasha while the tea seeped.  Ekaterina started with fresh tea leaves and prepared a very potent brew.  Throughout the day, she could then make fresh tea by diluting the concentrated tea with boiling water.  Aksinya watched what Ekaterina did.  Finally she remarked, “Lady Natalya never made tea like that for me.”

Ekaterina laughed, “She probably made you English tea.  If we had a samovar, we could have tea any time we wanted all day long.  As it is, we will have to heat water at noon and for supper.  Now put everything on the table.”

Aksinya raised her head.

“Just put it on the table,” Ekaterina smiled.

The moment Aksinya finished placing the food on the table, Father Makar and Father Dobrushin magically appeared.  They sat down in their usual seats and then Ekaterina and Aksinya.

Aksinya is learning.  She is very quick about these things, but you knew that.   She watches and she repeats it.  She follows the instructions.  This also lets me show you about making Russian tea and remind you about Natalya. 

In Russia, at this time, the poor made their tea Russian style.  The wealthy and the aristocrats made their tea European style.  Lady Natalya is a very refined lady indeed because that is the tea she made—but we knew that.  It is important to remind you.

Aksinya is learning to set the table.  She is learning to serve the food.  All this is new to her.  We also see the precedence in the rectory.  Ekaterina may be in charge, but she defers to her husband.  Aksinya follows obediently in this too.  Tomorrow, breakfast.

A New Novel, Part 204 Are You Ready?

A New Novel, Part 204 Are You Ready?

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.

New scene and scene setting.  We know the room where Aksinya sleeps.  We know Aksinya is like a raw nerve.  I remind you with her reaction to Ekaterina…

In the morning, when Ekaterina went to get Aksinya, Aksinya was already awake.  She prayed the rosary around her neck.  The moment the door opened, Aksinya jumped to her feet.  Ekaterina asked, “Are you ready?”

Aksinya nodded.

They walked together to the kitchen.  Ekaterina took a breath, “How is the burn on your chest?”

“It stings.”

“Does it pain you much?”

Aksinya nodded.

“I will check it for you today.”

“Thank you.”

“Today I will show you how to make kasha and tea.  We have milk and honey so it will be very good.  We will eat as well as the patriarch in Moscow.”

Aksinya’s lips curled up a little at that.

Aksinya is praying.  She is following the penance Father Dobrushin set on her.  Ekaterina doesn’t need to remark.  Aksinya is ready to begin her work. 

Another small reminder—the burn.  Ekaterina is worried about her young charge.  I need to remind you that Aksinya is not whole from her last fight against the demon.  We know she is mentally scarred, but she is equally physically scarred. When Ekaterina asks Aksinya about the burn, Aksinya downplays it.  So, Ekaterina asks again.  Aksinya answers with a nod.  Ekaterina still doesn’t fully trust the girl’s answer—she will check it herself.  Do you see how the rosary at the beginning fits directly into the following conversation?

Then about breakfast—they have milk and honey.  Kasha is the morning meal of all poor Russians.  It is a buckwheat groat porridge.  It isn’t very good, but it is nutritious and filling.  Honey and milk will make it palatable.  Aksinya smiles because she had much much better for her whole life at breakfast.  Surely the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church would have something better for breakfast than kasha.  Tomorrow, fixing  breakfast.

A New Novel, Part 203 Let Me Brush Your Hair

A New Novel, Part 203 Let Me Brush Your Hair

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 Makar obviously wishes to discuss the issue of Aksinya and what he learned about Natalya with Father Dobrushin.  He signaled Ekaterina to take Aksinya out of the kitchen…

Ekaterina took Aksinya to the room and shared with Father Makar.  In it was a big schrank, a desk and chair, and a large bed topped with a thick comforter.  Ekaterina led Aksinya to the chair and sat her in it.  She took a brush and began to brush Aksinya’s hair, “You have beautiful hair, Countess.”

“Is it growing out?”

“Very nicely.  Why did you cut it?”

“I gave it to the demon to contract him.”

Ekaterina paused a moment then continued to brush Aksinya’s hair.  She didn’t say anything for a while.  Then she asked, “Countess, do you need anything?”

“I need nothing, and right now, I have nothing.  Perhaps the two go together.”  She turned suddenly in the chair, “Let me brush your hair.”

Ekaterina thought a moment then nodded.  She handed the brush to Aksinya and sat.

Aksinya fumbled a little with the thick braids in Ekaterina’s hair, “I used to be so good with braids, but I haven’t been able to…”  Aksinya ran the brush through the Matushka’s hair.  Ekaterina’s hair was thick and dark with silver streaks.  It wasn’t as fine and soft like Aksinya’s hair, but it was very wonderful to feel. 

Ekaterina closed her eyes, “Are you happy here, Countess?”

“I don’t know what happiness is.”

“Is that so?  Tomorrow, you will help me all day.  We must prepare breakfast and supper.  It is also the day to wash.”

“I have never cooked anything, and I don’t know about washing.”

“Then you will learn.”

“Yes, I will learn.”

We have a small transition to a new scene without much of a break.  Still the scene must be set.  The setting is Father Makar and Ekaterina’s bedroom.  I show you the room through some simple description.  Then give you both barrels of the other subject you can’t forget—the hair.  Don’t you love these symbols?  They are so easy to use and to communicate in a novel.  We have had the hair from the beginning.  It is such a powerful symbol of Aksinya’s sin and attachment to the demon, it can’t ever be forgotten.

Ekaterina has no idea the minefield she steps into when she begins to brush and comment on Aksinya’s hair.  Part of the wonder of the time is this brushing of hair.  In the modern era, we can’t imagine that people would only wash themselves weekly, if that.  Women did not routinely wash their hair.  Brushing was necessary.  Everyone’s hair shown because of the oil in it.  Women brushed their hair until the oil was distributed—it shown.

Aksinya’s concern about her hair growing out provides a very important note to us.  She chose to give the demon her hair because that was something that would grow back.  It seemed slow to grow before, so we wondered that perhaps it would not.  Natalya reassured us that is was growing.  Now, so does Ekaterina.

Ekaterina is very wise—she notes the hair was cut and is growing out. The answer she gets causes her surprise—see how everything leads back to the demon? Look at Ekaterina’s next question—how perceptive she is, and how little Aksinya understands anything.  Ekaterina asks: “Countess, do you need anything?”  Of course Aksinya needs much.  She needs encouragement and help.  She needs to get rid of the contract with the demon.  She needs to know she is forgiven.  Aksinya needs so much, but she can’t perceive this.  Still, Aksinya’s reply is filled with some wisdom and understanding of where she is.  Aksinya does have some perception of her need.  The next demand from Aksinya shows this:  “Let me brush your hair.”  Do you remember the last statement at the table--the one about the priests confessing each other?  This is the equivalent to Aksinya. Ekaterina understands this—that is the reason for her hesitation.  Still, this, she knows, will be theraputive to Aksinya.

With the brushing of Ekaterina’s hair, I can show you more description of her and let you see a tiny part of her life and personality.  Plus, Aksinya has not been able to braid her hair for a while.  Perhaps Aksinya thought she would be asking the questions of the Matushka, but Ekaterina is in control here.  Trough this, I get to show you more about Aksinya.  Ekaterina asks:  “Are you happy here, Countess?”  We aren’t certain about Aksinya’s happiness and neither is she.  She doesn’t know what happiness is.  Remember, to Aksinya sorcery and luxuria were happiness.  She doesn’t have this anymore—so what is happiness.  Ekaterina provides some basis for future happiness for Aksinya, but Aksinya is still dubious.  Does work really bring happiness?  Aksinya is willing to try.  Tomorrow, work in the Ecclesia.

A New Novel, Part 202 Do You Need Anything?

A New Novel, Part 202 Do You Need Anything?

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 after supper conversation showed much concerning the relationship of the priests and Matushka of the Ecclesia.  Aksinya has her own questions to ask…

Aksinya glanced back at the bowl she held.  She placed it carefully on the counter then she stepped over to the table.

She stood silently until Father Makar turned her a stern look, and asked, “Do you need anything?”

“Please, Father Makar, have you heard anything about Lady Natalya.”

He looked her up and down, “No, nothing yet.”  While Aksinya’s face was still downturned, he signaled with his eyes to Ekaterina.

Ekaterina came to Aksinya’s side, “The dishes are almost finished, Countess.  We will leave the rest to Father Makar and Father Dobrushin.  I’ll help you prepare for bed.”

Aksinya clenched her hands together, “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”

Father Makar pushed his chair back a little to get out of Aksinya’s reach, “There is nothing to tell.  No one knows what happened to her.  I…I’ll check again tomorrow.  You needn’t be concerned.”

“But I am concerned.”  Aksinya wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, “I need her.”

Ekaterina clucked, “That’s all right.  You have us, and you have God.  We will help you, and we will try everything to find the Lady Natalya.”  She took Aksinya by the arm and led her toward the back of the rectory.

Aksinya absorbed the information she could from Ekaterina and what Ekaterina spoke about the priests, but she has her own question.  It is the question I will not let you forget and the question Aksinya can’t forget. 

Aksinya has changed.  She is adapting to her new role.  She does not want to irritate the priests and she understands that Father Makar is no happy with her.  I show you her approach to the priest.  She simply stands until he addresses her.  This is the way servants act before their masters.  Aksinya understands her position well.

Aksinya wants to know about Natalya.  Father Makar obviously knows more than he is telling.  Watch him.  I don’t tell you anything.  While Aksinya isn’t watching, Father Makar gives a signal to Ekaterina.  She moves to take Aksinya out of the kitchen. 

Aksinya knows Father Makar is hiding something from her.  Father Makar is afraid of Aksinya—see how he moves away from her.  We can taste the equivocation in Father Makar’s response to her. 

Aksinya still doesn’t fully understand her own thoughts or self.  She is crying, but I don’t tell you.  You understand this by her actions.  Ekaterina reassures Aksinya and removes her form the kitchen.  We can guess that Father Makar wishes to speak to Father Dobrushin privately about Natalya and Aksinya.   Tomorrow, woman talk.

A New Novel, Part 201 They Must Confess Each Other

A New Novel, Part 201 They Must Confess Each Other

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’s first supper in the Ecclesia is a simple one—that’s all they have to eat.  This is a friendly place for Aksinya.   Still, the atmosphere is tense because of Aksinya, and she has questions…

 

After supper, Aksinya and Ekaterina cleaned the dishes and the kitchen while Father Makar and Dobrushin spoke quietly at the table.  Ekaterina pushed the hair away from her face with the back of her hand and whispered, “They would speak until the morning hours if I let them.”

“You will not let them?”

“Makar is my husband.  I have work in the morning and he has work too.  It would be foolish for me to go to a cold bed and foolish for him to not be able to accomplish his work in the morning.”

“I see.”

“You have to look after a husband just as you would look after a boy—they are just older boys.”

“I see.”

Father Makar glanced up, “Just what are you telling her Katyushenka?”

“About how foolish men are…”

Aksinya stared at her.

Father Makar frowned.

Ekaterina put up her finger, “Tut, tut, don’t say a word Makaruska.  You wouldn’t want Father Dobrushin to have to take your confession more than once this week.”

Aksinya still stared at her, “They must confess to one another?”

“Of course they must confess.  They must confess more than anyone.  Everyone sins, but if you wish to help others, you must be first willing to help yourself.”

“I see.”

Aksinya is accomplishing the work Father Dobrushin set her to.  She is helping Ekaterina in the kitchen.  We have moved into an entirely different sphere.  Aksinya has accepted this as completely natural.  She is learning.  She will get more education than she might have expected.  I wish to get you to think about the men and woman who serve in this place.  They are not automations.  We have already seen they have different thoughts especially about Aksinya.  There are more differences and similarities.  These are important to mark—this is part of building characters within a novel.

Father Makar and Father Dobrushin are discussing thing.  The what is not important.  Note that I don’t tell you that they are in a discussion—I show you this.  They spoke quietly at the table.  Then Ekaterina gives you more: “They would speak until the morning hours if I let them.”  We discover the balance of who is in charge of the rectory.  This should have been evident before.  It becomes very evident now.  Ekaterina will not let the men stay up all night even if they wished. 

In this very short exchange and description, the friendship between Makar and Dobrushin is very evident—you don’t stay up all night in discussion with those you don’t like.  Ekaterina is the practical one.  Perhaps this is somewhat stereotypical, but we know it is true.  Ekaterina says much in her simple statement: “Makar is my husband.  I have work in the morning and he has work too.  It would be foolish for me to go to a cold bed and foolish for him to not be able to accomplish his work in the morning.”  You should be able to tease much out of this. 

Aksinya’s answer leaves us unsure of how much she really understands, but Aksinya doesn’t understand much about love or taking care of others.  This is the contrast I want you to see.  First, that of friends, and second, that of lovers.

Ekaterina goes even further in her explanation.  It is certainly something Aksinya has likely never heard before.  Ekaterina’s straightforward way of speaking is in some ways similar to Aksinya and in many ways not similar.  Again, Aksinya’s response doesn’t let us know if she understands at all.

Fater Makar finally notices that Ekaterina is speaking about him and Father Dobrushin.  He uses a Russian diminutive for Ekaterina.  Russian friends and lovers address each other in diminutives.  Ekaterina playfully tells her husband she is telling Aksinya how foolish men are.  Notice Aksinya’s response—she had no idea this is what Ekaterina was telling her.  We guessed this.

Don’t you love Ekaterina’s reply?  She is playful and fun.  She isn’t afraid to tease her too serious husband.  Do you remember that Father Makar called Father Dobrushin too serious when they first met Aksinya?  Father Makar also has a serious side.  Ekaterina is the balance for him—she makes him less serious.  This then allows me to bring into the conversation the main point I wished to make—that of confession. 

The priests confess one another—this is an important and recurring thing they must accomplish.  This is what Aksinya must see and what I wish you to see.  This is part of her learning.  They must confess more than anyone.  If you wish to help others, you must first help yourself.  Tomorrow, Aksinya has questions.

A New Novel, Part 200 Get Father Dobrushin

A New Novel, Part 200 Get Father Dobrushin

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 helping Ekaterina with dinner. It is really a supper and not a dinner, but it is the best they have in the Ecclesia. The war is over, but food is hard to come by. I don’t make a big deal about this, but this is Aksinya’s movement into the real world of the people and the times…

Father Makar entered the kitchen. He stared at Aksinya for a moment, but sat at the table.

Ekaterina nodded to Aksinya, “Please get Father Dobrushin. He will be praying in the Ecclesia.”

Aksinya nodded and stepped through the door and down the hall. She passed through the sacristy with the hanging vestments and into the nave. Father Dobrushin knelt at the altar. His hands were clasped before him so tightly the veins on them stood out. Aksinya barely made a sound as she approached.

She stopped in amazement. Her stomach didn’t bother her. The crucifix between her breasts didn’t burn her. Her body felt light and free. She stood there transfixed. She felt a touch on her arm and started. Father Dobrushin smiled, “Countess?”

“Ah,” she muttered, “I’m to call you to supper.”

“What were you thinking?”

Her lips turned up a little, “How pleasant it was to not feel pain in here. I have lived for a long while with only nausea and suffering when I entered a church.”

“That is a great thing to celebrate. Come to supper. It will surely not incite luxuria.”

“It will not because I had a hand in making it. A small hand…I did peel the potatoes and set the table.”

“That is a good beginning.” Father Dobrushin stood, “Come, let’s go to supper.”

Aksinya followed the priest back to the kitchen. He sat, and she sat across from him. Father Makar said the prayer and they all crossed themselves. They had boiled potatoes covered with bacon grease and flour gravy. Some tiny bits of bacon speckled the gravy. There was also strong Russian tea.

We see Father Makar enter the kitchen, and we note again his animosity. The negative is not strong, but we feel the tension. He does not want Aksinya here—still he allows her without directly acknowledging her. Perhaps this is cruel of him, but we know some of his thoughts about her.

Ekaterina sends Aksinya to retrieve Father Dobrushin. This indicates the priest’s habits in prayer and Ekaterina’s keen observation. Aksinya goes immediately. She has accepted her role and Ekaterina’s authority.

I give you some description of the ecclesia and setting for the scene here as Aksinya moves from the rectory into the nave. We can guess Father Dobrushin’s prayers. I give you a little description to show you the intensity of his prayer. Then Aksinya’s and our realization—she is not nauseous and the crucifix doesn’t heat. All is well between her and God at this moment. She feels light and free. We are pleased with this as much as she is. Father Dobrushin has to break her thoughts. We find that he is sensitive to these things. His conversation in the nave is a direct contrast to his conversation with Aksinya before.

I let you see Aksinya’s new pride in what she is doing, but certainly, this will not excite luxuria—just as Father Dobrushin says. I give you a short description of their supper. It is simple and plain. Note, that the word here is supper and not dinner, because this could never be called a dinner. It is about as simple as you could imagine. Tomorrow, after supper.

A New Novel, Part 199 Do You Know How to Cook Anything?

A New Novel, Part 199 Do You Know How to Cook Anything?

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

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya had their conversation. The Father set Aksinya to her tasks. One was to help Ekaterina…

When Aksinya entered the kitchen, Ekaterina twitched her lips, “There you are, Countess. Do you know how to cook anything?”

Aksinya shook her head.

“Can you make tea?”

Aksinya shook her head again.

Ekaterina brought over a knife, “I will show you how to peel potatoes, yes.”

“Yes.”

Aksinya sat in the corner of the kitchen and peeled potatoes. She wasn’t very fast, but it kept her occupied. Ekaterina attempted to teach her something about cooking. Aksinya listened attentively and tried to remember everything.

When the food was cooked, Ekaterina asked Aksinya, “Countess, do you know how to set a table?”

Aksinya shook her head, “I know where the silver is supposed to go, and if you show me…”

Ekaterina smiled, “We have no silver, but I will show you.” She handed Aksinya a fork and a spoon for each place.

Aksinya placed them on the table while Ekaterina instructed her. Aksinya’s lips turned up, “It wasn’t difficult.”

“Most things are not. You just have to know what to do.”

“Yes.”

We know Aksinya is not trained in any normal domestic work. Ekaterina is not unkind, she just needs to know where to begin. Thus the questions. Ekaterina is very matter of fact about the whole thing. So, she starts Aksinya with peeling potatoes. A good skill for anyone and the beginnings of everything in a Russian kitchen.

Observe the condition of Aksinya now. She is a drudge in the kitchen of the rectory of an Ecclesia. The Countess is little more than a servant. This makes Ekaterina’s address to Aksinya as Countess all the more ironic.

Ekaterina is providing skills in a subject that has not been important to Aksinya at all. Aksinya is occupied and treated as an adult and not a helpless noble. Aksinya herself sees this as a subject she needs to learn. Through this, I show you more about the household: they have no silver, they have no need of knives (no meat), there is not much to it (they have little). Tomorrow, more at dinner.

A New Novel, Part 198 What about the Lady Natalya?

A New Novel, Part 198 What about the Lady Natalya?

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 is having a conversation with Aksinya about her penance and about the demon Asmodeus. There is as much that is not said in this conversation as there is not said. I have not let everything out of the bag so you can enjoy the rest of the novel. About the demon, Aksinya is speaking…

“That is very kind of you, but I think there is nothing you can do. I have sought for months to be rid of him. He still plagues me…”

“Here?”

“No, he detests the church and crosses. He has not tormented me here. I’m not sure he can.”

“Good. Then you should stay here for the time being. You are safe here, and here you should remain.”

Aksinya lowered her head, “Have you heard anything about the Lady Natalya.”

Father Dobrushin shook his head, “We have heard nothing, but I will know more tonight.”

When Aksinya raised her head, tears streaked her face, “What else should I do while I am under your care?”

“You must help Ekaterina in the rectory and in the Ecclesia.”

The sides of Aksinya’s lips raised, “I have been doing that.”

“You should spend time in prayer and study every day. I suggest you pray three times a day. You may join us in the daily prayers, if you wish.”

Aksinya clasped her hands together, “I would gladly do that. I did not think I was allowed. Thank you.” Aksinya hid her face at the side and stood abruptly, “I must help the Matushka with supper, now.” She preceded Father Dobrushin out of the room.

The demon still plagues Aksinya. Father Dobrushin is concerned that the demon might be coming to the Ecclesia. That is, if he really believes in a demon. This is an undercurrent in their entire conversation. Aksinya’s answer is straightforward and exact. Listen carefully to Father Dobrushin’s words: “You are safe here, and here you should remain.” This is good advice and we know it. This is also a foreshadowing, but there is a lot of foreshadowing in this very simple conversation, I just purposely haven’t pointed it all out.

Then to a subject that is very important to Aksinya: “Have you heard anything about the Lady Natalya.” They are asking, but they don’t know anything. Aksinya has given her trust entirely to the priests and Ekaterina. If you wondered at the import of her conversation with Ekaterina before—this is it. You can also see how Aksinya has changed. The most important thing to her is her friend, Natalya. This is why she cries. Notice, I don’t draw your attention to this directly. I show you her tear streaked face. That is enough to tell you how important the subject is to Aksinya.

Aksinya asks what else she should do, and Father Dobrushin gives her a direct answer that would make Ekaterina proud. He gives her specific work to do in taking care of the Ecclesia while under the oversight of Ekaterina. This pleases Aksinya. These simple orders give Aksinya great joy. She can be useful in something. Note, that Aksinya ends the audience—she is still Aksinya, after all. Tomorrow, dinner at the Ecclesia.

A New Novel, Part 197 I Want to Know about the Demon

A New Novel, Part 197 I Want to Know about the Demon

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.

Fathter Dobrushin’s conversation about Aksinya’s problems turns to the demon…

“We will help you.”  He paused a long moment, “I did want to ask you about the demon.”

“Asmodeus?”
      “That was the name.”

“He is tall—over six or seven feet high.  He is wholly black and made like a man but only muscle and bone.  He was fangs and horns.”

Father Dobrushin swallowed, “And you see him often?”

“Often enough.”

“Doesn’t his appearance shock others?”

“He does not show himself to others in his actual form.  Only I see him like that.  To others he conceals his true form and his true words.”

“I see.”

Aksinya’s face fell, “I’m not certain you believe me.”

“Countess,” Father Dobrushin faltered, “This is all very difficult to believe.”

“Yes, I understand.  It never was important to me before that anyone believe me.”  She thought for a moment, “You believe in God, do you not?”

“Certainly!”

“Then why do you find it so hard to believe in a demon?”

“Do you believe in God, Countess?”

“I don’t believe in God.”  She raised her face, “I have seen demons—I know there is a God.”

Father Dobrushin wrung his hands, “This demon, Asmodeus, are you certain he hasn’t given up on you?”

“He is waiting, still waiting.  He seeks to do evil through me.  I promise I will fight him with the last of my strength.”

He sighed, “I will research this demon, Asmodeus, and see what we can do against him.”

“That is very kind of you, but I think there is nothing you can do.  I have sought for months to be rid of him.  He still plagues me…”

The initial conversation was a build up to this very question: “I did want to ask you about the demon.”  Aksinya names him and gives a physical description.  Her description is just like we might expect from folklore.  Father Dobrushin’s question is something we learned the hard way with Aksinya.  She was shocked that the demon concealed his appearance and his words from others.  Aksinya has an epiphany, no one would believe her—only she can see the demon as he looks.  She feels that the priest doesn’t believe her either.  It wasn’t important before that anyone believe her.  Unlike some of my other novels, I don’t let you imagine that Aksinya herself might not be fully sane.  The assumption of this novel is in the sanity of the main character.  This is intentional so you will see her in a positive way.

In fact, Aksinya brings to the forefront a major idea in this book:  if you believe in demons, how can you not believe in God?  The colliery is equally true: if you believe in God, how difficult is it then to believe in a demon?  Father Dobrushin has his own question to ask:  “Do you believe in God, Countess?”  This allows me to place in the mouth of Aksinya one of the main themes of the novel.  Aksinya doesn’t need to believe in God, she knows there is God.  She just can’t trust in Him. 

From Father Dobrushin’s response, you know there is much more that is bothering him.  He can hear the trust in Aksinya’s words.  He knows that she speaks the absolute truth.  He turns the conversation from the subject back to that of the demon—this is intentional on his part.  He obviously doesn’t wish to touch this subject.  The priest already promised to research the demon Asmodeus.  You might guess that he already has begun—you actually know he has begun.  He said so the night before—Aksinya didn’t know this.  Aksinya’s words and thoughts are very transparent here.  She has mostly spoken her thoughts, but here they are especially clear.  Father Dobrushin, not so much.  Tomorrow, Aksinya’s penance.

A New Novel, Part 196 Luxuria is Your Problem

A New Novel, Part 196 Luxuria is Your Problem

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 is having the promised conversation with Aksinya. He entered the room Ekaterina gave Aksinya to use…

Father Dobrushin made a noncommittal sound. Aksinya slowly sat on the edge of the cot.

Father Dobrushin moved consciously to the far side of the room. He turned away from her, “I need to talk to you about your penance.”

“Yes,” Aksinya stared straight at him.

“Dear Countess, luxuria is your problem, therefore you must do everything in your power to fight its grip.”

Aksinya stuttered, “I understand this. That is part of my problem, but what do you suggest?”

“Your clothing…”

“I only have this one dress. Ekaterina loaned it to me. My other one was ruined. I am also eating due to your benevolence. I drank too much before, but I have no money and you have not provided any alcohol to me. As to my body, my desire is no less, but I have less energy now and less temptation.”

Father Dobrushin wasn’t certain what to say. He swallowed, “About the sorcery…”

Aksinya lowered her head, “I do not intend to ever do sorcery again.”

“That is good. But to give up luxuria and sorcery all at once might be difficult.”

“I have no money and no implements to accomplish the sorcery. It is difficult for me to give up, but I am determined.”

“We will help you.” He paused a long moment, “I did want to ask you about the demon.”

Watch carefully Father Dobrushin’s actions. He moves to the far side of the room and turns away from Aksinya. He is uncomfortable being alone with a woman and with this woman. His first question is to the point and specific—her penance. He knows what her problem is because she already confessed it. This should feel and sound slightly contrived on the part of the priest. He is repeating unnecessarily. We can see in this that he is inexperienced. Ekaterina’s approach was much more powerful and helpful. He gives Aksinya platitudes, but they are somewhat necessary platitudes. They fit Aksinya’s need to be very direct.

Doesn’t the priest’s approach seem unnecessary? He tries to help her the best he can, but most of his help is already being done by the very wise Ekaterina. Aksinya longs for beautiful clothing and things. Ekaterina loaned her a plain coarse dress. The food Aksinya has shared with them was almost survival rations. It is nothing like the meals she is used to. Aksinya can’t drink alcohol. She is less tempted sexually. Plus, Aksinya has determined to not attempt sorcery again. All these things she unintentionally preempts Father Dobrushin in explaining.

His observation is correct—these might be difficult for Aksinya to give up all at once. You might wonder why he would give her a way out instead of being more forceful with her. I’m pointing out these things so you might catch them all before everything becomes obvious. This is why Father Dobrushin is himself uncomfortable with his own questioning. Aksinya, as always is very practical. She isn’t completely truthful. We know she can accomplish minor sorcery without implements, but we understand her point—she is determined.

Then, the priest gets to his main point. The first part was exactly what was expected of him, but remember, he was working on Aksinya’s real problem—that of the demon. So he introduces the subject that is very important to him: “I did want to ask you about the demon.” Tomorrow, about the demon.