Scenes - Scene Setting, Revelation

7 April 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Revelation

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are lots of approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

Revelations come in all kinds of varieties.  In this case, it is a small revelation for the theme and for the plot.  It is about "love."

Father Dobrushin smiled, “In spite of that, I shall always honor you, Princess.”

“You are very kind to me, thank you.  Please sit, as I have no other defenders.  I’m glad Matushka Ekaterina chose not to come.”

“She would have come except Father Makar would not permit it.”

“Have I caused another problem?”

“It is not you…”

“Then the demon?”

“Father Makar has not been happy with you since you escaped to the Ecclesia.”

“He believes I am insane.”

Father Dobrushin’s brow creased.

Aksinya lowered her eyes, “I overheard…”

“So I guessed.”  Father Dobrushin pulled a stack of papers out of his briefcase, “Princess Aksinya, I intend to defend you to the best of my ability.  I don’t wish you to go to prison or the workhouse.”

She crossed her arms, “I asked before, why would you care?”

He folded his hands, “Because you think the way you do, that is difficult to explain in a way you might understand.  A normal person would not ask why, they would simply be grateful for the assistance.”

“Do you think I am insane?”

Father Dobrushin took her hands, “Look at me, Aksinya.”

She raised her eyes to his.

“I do not think you are insane.”

“Then would you tell me why you are helping me?”

He laughed, “You are a Russian Princess.  That should be enough for any honest Russian.”

“Father Makar doesn’t think so.  Does that mean he is not an honest Russian?”

Father Dobrushin drew in a deep breath, “Father Makar is an honest Russian, but he thinks your problems are all mental.”

“If they are all mental, doesn’t that mean he should show me even greater sympathy?”

Father Dobrushin smiled, “Sometimes you astound me.”

“Is that good?  Is that why you are helping me?”

He cleared his throat, “I am helping you because you are a Russian and a refugee.”

“I know you have helped many refugees, Ekaterina told me, but is that the only reason?”

“You confessed to Christ through me.  Since that time I have been determined to help you.”

Aksinya smiled, “You are my priest and confessor.  I am glad you haven’t given up on me.”  She glanced away, “Ekaterina has also been a great help to me,” she finished quickly, “but I am glad she is not here to see my shame.”  She brought her eyes back to Father Dobrushin, “Do you love me like she loves me?  Do you think she loves me like a friend now?  Is that why you are helping me?”

“About that, you’ll have to ask the Matushka.  She does love you, and I love you.  I’m not certain I am your friend, but I would like to be.”

“Because I astound you?”

“That and many other things.”  Father Dobrushin pulled out a fountain pen and began to organize his papers. 

Aksinya is very bright.  She is not so good with people or social interactions.  She is ignorant of them. She asks a question that is very important to her--it is probably less important to the readers and likely of great important to Dobrushin, but which he doesn't want to address.  The question is simple: why are you defending me?  The answer is not so simple and Aksinya wants an answer--sh demands an answer.  The answer is not given completely because Dobrushin doesn't really want to touch it.  I really wanted the readers to get this point--it has been on going since Aksinya was in the Ekklesia.  The question is about love.  Aksinya doesn't really understand love.  Ekatrina tried to tell her about one type of love, but there are many types of love.  Aksinya knows this and is seeking this in a larger sense.  Dobrushin basically tells her he is defending her because he loves her, but the reader catches the conotation--like Ekatrina loves Aksinya.  The question is still on the table: why is Dobrushin defending Aksinya?  We still don't know the degree of suffering Dobrushin has gone through to defend her.  We will eventually find out.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.

For more information, you can visit my author site at www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Courtroom

6 April 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Courtroom

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are lots of approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

Back to basic scene setting.  We start with characters and place.  The descriptions are all of real Austrian courtrooms from the period.  My novels are exact in their historical accuracy.  I strive to have every detail in place and every incident properly and exactly described.  The courtroom is the place, and it is described in detail.

Captain Gerber and Sergeant Nagel escorted Aksinya into the courtroom on the main floor of the Rathaus.  Aksinya beamed at the configuration of the room.  Unlike the chapel in the Cardinal’s house, this was the proper courtroom of Aksinya’s experience.  The roof was tall and impressive.    A tall and wide solid desk, the judge’s bench sat at one end.  Behind it was a large raised seal of the nation and emperor of Austria.  The seats for observers and witnesses within the courtroom were also light brown.  A rail with a center opening ran across the front between the desk and the benches.  Directly in front of the opening was a single chair that faced the solid desk, and behind the chair at either side, was a table each with a couple of regular chairs.  It all reminded Aksinya of her adopted father’s court when he sat in judgment of his people.  At that thought, her smiled turned down.  

Captain Gerber led Aksinya to the table on the left.  She sat.  He and Sergeant Nagel stood behind her.  After a few minutes, Father Dobrushin entered the courtroom.  He wasn’t dressed in Orthodox robes today.  He wore a dark suit without a priest’s collar.  He paused a moment and glanced around as though he was very familiar with the setting and felt very comfortable there.  The Father noted Aksinya and proceeded to the table where she sat.  Captain Gerber and Sergeant Nagel nodded to the priest.  At the table, he bowed and spoke in Russian, “Princess Aksinya, good morning.  Would you permit me to sit at the table with you?”

Aksinya almost did not recognize the priest.  He had trimmed his beard into the close rakish style worn by many Austrian men.  It looked very pleasant on his face.  Aksinya felt a twinge of desire that she hadn’t known for a long time and felt a little ashamed.  She mumbled, “Good morning, Father Dobrushin.” The volume of her voice increased slightly, “You should not show me so much deference otherwise the nobility of Austria and the Church will rise up against you.”

Father Dobrushin smiled, “In spite of that, I shall always honor you, Princess.”

The most important charcter description beyond Aksinya is Dobrushin.  We have a new charcter, so to speak.  Dobrushin isn't wearing his priestly robes.  He has trimmed his beard.  He looks much different than before.  There are precise reasons for each of these changes and the description.  I won't tell you here.  This is foreshadowing that you might be able to figure out.  The tension and release is obvious in this scene (chapter).  It is the result of the trial.  In a trial, as I've mentioned before, you have the biuld up to the verdict--that is the release.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.

For more information, you can visit my author site at www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

A New Novel, Part 274 I Have No Household

5 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 274 I Have No Household

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.  The presiding judge found Aksinya not guilty of the fraud charges against her.  He did so because her debt had already been paid.  The judge released the court for lunch, where Aksinya and Father Dobrushin have an interesting conversation.  Following lunch, the court reconvenes.  Aksinya and Father Dobrushin return to the courtroom...

Just before one o’clock, Sergeant Nagel escorted them back to the courtroom.  They returned to their seats and waited for the rest of the court to gather.

Directly at one, behind the large desk, two judges came through the door at the right and two judges through the door at the left.  The bailiff of the court struck his staff against the floor, “Hear ye, hear ye, this Schöffengericht is reconvened in the name of Emperor Charles the first of Austria and the Republic of German Austria.  I present again The Honorable Gustav Richter, The Honorable Artur Kuester, Lay Judge Albert Vogler, and Lay Judge Oscar Amsel.  May the justice of the Lord God Almighty reign in all the affairs of men.” 

Judge Richter started up immediately, “The focus of this afternoon are the charges of assault and battery against Princess Aksinya.  The first witness whom I wish to call is the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.  Sergeant Nagel.”

In a couple of minutes, Natalya followed Sergeant Nagel into the courtroom.  She walked with excellent posture, but one of her shoulders drooped a little lower than the other.

Aksinya gave a little cry when she saw Natalya.  Natalya’s eyes lit up.  She ran to Aksinya and curtsied to the floor.  Aksinya took Natalya’s hand and lifted her up.  She stood and embraced Natalya.  Aksinya kissed Natalya’s cheeks.  They were wet with tears.

Judge Richter cleared his throat a couple of times.  He rolled his eyes.  Finally he said something, “Herr Lopuhin, this is highly irregular.”  He paused, “But…yes, I understand.”  He sighed and slumped back into his seat.

Natalya cried, “They wouldn’t let me see you.  I begged and begged, but they said you were in jail.”

Aksinya laughed, “I was in jail.  I will likely go to prison.  I love you so much, and I am so sorry.  I missed you.”

“And I you, mistress.  I wish to join your household again.”

Aksinya looked down, “I have none.”

Father Dobrushin took Aksinya by the arm, “Princess, that is enough.  The Lady Natalya must testify.”

“Yes, you must testify and ensure you tell the truth, Lady Natalya.”

Natalya nodded and presented a very worried look on her face.

Sergeant Nagel led Natalya to the witness chair. 

What kind of reunion did you expect to see with Aksinya and Natalya.  Aksinya loves Natalya.  Natalya worships Aksinya.  Natalya would gladly die for Aksinya--she almost did.  The kind of love and worship Natalya has for Aksinya can't be harmed by any amount of pain and suffering.  The same is true for the Sister Margarethe.  Aksinya's powerful personality gathers followers like a mother hen gathers her chicks. 

Does Aksinya deserve any of this worship.  She saved Natalya more than once.  She was a reluctant actor who acted in every case for Natalya--except once.  This novel is not about those things which are deserved.  This novel is about those things which are entirely undeserved.  Therefore, when Natalya sees Aksinya, she runs to her and curtsies to her and adores her.  Aksinya shows her love too.

Did you notice, Natalya walks with one shoulder lower than the other.  She is permanently crippled from Aksinya's attack.  Natalya didn't deserve this either--or did she.  As I wrote, this isn't a novel about what is deserved, but what is not deserved.

The judge is moved by Natalya and Aksinya's reunion.  Notice, I don't tell you about it--I show it to you.  The judge gives up and lets the ladies greet one another.  That's where I carve out a piece of dialog for you to show you their thoughts--thoughts through dialog.  Did you note, Aksinya said she loves Natalya.  At this point, Aksinya likely understands what love really is.  Natalya wishes to join Aksinya's household again, but Aksinya has none.

Father Dobrushin finally separates them.  Doesn't he chime in at an interesting point in the conversation?  The point about a household.  Listen to Aksinya's order to Natalya: “Yes, you must testify and ensure you tell the truth, Lady Natalya.”  This makes Natalya worried because she does not wish Aksinya to go to prison--you do see that, don't you?  Natalya would do anything for Aksinya including lie.  She was perhaps prepared to lie.  She disobeyed and betrayed her mistress before because of her love.  Tomorrow, Natalya's testimony.

A New Novel, Part 265 I Beat Her Until Blood Soaked Her Dress

26 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 265 I Beat Her Until Blood Soaked Her Dress

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.  The judge balks at Aksinya's claims about the demon.  Still, the ecclesiastical trial prosecuted her on just this point, and she was found guilty.  Aksinya is not in charge here, but she is making points, and they are points Father Dobrushin will take advantage of....

Father Dobrushin stood again, “Your Honor, it was established by an ecclesiastical court that Princess Aksinya was guilty of sorcery and of calling a demon.  Any statement she should make concerning this issue has been established by a court acknowledged though not accepted by the state of Austria.”

“Yes,” Judge Richter breathed, “Yes, I understand.”  He glanced at the other judges to his right and left and pronounced, “I instruct the other judges to take this into consideration.  Although unprecedented, this may be considered a fact in finding for this court.”

Father Dobrushin bowed, “Thank you, Your Honor.”

The judge let out a deeper sigh, “I also postulate that we will not be able to interview this creature who contracted the house and the goods.”  He shook his head in anticipation of Aksinya’s answer.

Aksinya looked confused.

Judge Richter didn’t pause any longer, “Princess Aksinya, I would like to move to the second charge.  Concerning the Lady Natalya, would you tell us what happened the night she was injured?”

Aksinya looked down, “It is very embarrassing for me.  The Lady Natalya was my only and best friend.”  She looked away in the distance, “Isn’t it enough to know that I took a fire iron and beat her with it.  I beat her until she did not move.  She didn’t fight back.  She covered her head, and I beat her until blood soaked her dress.”  Aksinya glanced around, “I’m sorry.  That’s all there is.”

The judge opened his hands, “Surely there was a reason?  Why did you beat the Lady Natalya?”

Aksinya glanced up suddenly, “I will not say.”

Judge Richter stared at her for a moment, “Very well.  Those are the questions from the bench.  Prosecutor Trauen, do you have any questions you wish to ask the Princess?”

The prosecutor stood, “No, Your Honor.”

Aksinya is being questioned by the presiding judge in her trial.  He is establishing the basis for the charges and Aksinya's witness.  The first point made was the charge of fraud.  Father Dobrushin gets a very good point in Aksinya's favor--the existence of the demon is acknowledged by the court.  They may not believe, but it is a finding of the court.

The judge makes the statement, it is somewhat in humor, that the will not be able to interview the demon.  We will see that his opinion changes later.  The judge's position is what makes Aksinya confused.  She knows the demon exists and she can't recognize that others might not also know he exists.

The judge moves to the second charge--that of assault against the Lady Natalya.  Listen to Aksinya's testimony.  Aksinya tells the truth without any frills:  “Isn’t it enough to know that I took a fire iron and beat her with it.  I beat her until she did not move.  She didn’t fight back.  She covered her head, and I beat her until blood soaked her dress.”

The judge is no fool.  The obvious question is why Aksinya beat the Lady Natalya.  The judge may already know the answer from the press, but he doesn't let that out.  The prosecutor doesn't have any questions.  What else could he ask--Aksinya has basically incriminated herself already.  She has stated she is guilty.  Tomorrow, Father Dobrushin asks his questions.

A New Novel, Part 263 I Am Guilty of Many Wrongs

24 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 263 I Am Guilty of Many Wrongs

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.  We have arrived at the charges against Aksinya...

Judge Richter continued, “Now Bailiff, read the charges against the Princess.”

The Bailiff stepped to the front beside Aksinya and read, “Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov also known as Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna you are charged with willful assault and battery against the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.  You are further charged with engaging in deceitful loans and business practice that did result in the theft of over a hundred thousand marks sterling.  The exact amounts and specific items are listed as an appendix in the court documents.”

Aksinya sat with a strange expression on her face.  She stared expectantly at the Bailiff.  A slight tremble shook his paper.  Aksinya asked, “Is that all?”

The courtroom laughed again.

She glanced around.

Judge Richter held his hand in front of his face.  After a moment, he choked, “If it isn’t enough, I suppose we could add a few more.”

Aksinya turned toward Father Dobrushin.  He covered his face, “Princess, those are quite enough.”

Judge Richter gave a sigh, “Yes, I was making a joke.  That is all the charges.”  His voice became stern, “Princess Aksinya, do you understand the charges?”

She nodded.

“You must speak, Princess.”

“I do understand them, and I am sorry for them.”

Father Dobrushin whispered to her, “This is not a confession.  Just answer the judge’s questions.”

“Now, listen closely, Princess Aksinya.  Do you plead guilty, not guilty, or do you wish to remain silent.”

She sat up straight, “I surely am gu…”

Father Dobrushin stood, “The Princess wishes to plead not guilty.”  He took a step to her side, “Please, Princess.  If you plead guilty, the court will have no other recourse than to immediately sentence you.  This is not a question of sin—it is a question of civil and criminal law.”

She whispered, “I don’t want to do anything wrong.  Are you certain I should say not guilty?  I am guilty of many wrongs.”

“If you are uncertain, just say you remain silent.”

“Very well.” Aksinya faced the judge, “Of guilt I am certain that I am guilty of many sins, but of this trial, Father Dobrushin tells me I should at least remain silent.  He is my priest, and I follow his commands in this.”

So, we hear the charges.  We could have guessed them.  They seem almost an anticlimax.  Thus Aksinya's reaction.  She expected many more charges.  If you remember, in the ecclesiastical trial, there were many charges.  The judge's purpose is justice and not vengeance.  He laughs at Aksinya's naivete.  We get the point of speaking aloud again.

Aksinya understands the charges, and she is sorry for them.  You know she really is sorry.  Father Dobrushin has to remind her this is not a confession or an ecclesiastical trial.  Next, Aksinya has to answer if she is guilty or not guilty.  Father Dobrushin has to help her.  She remains silent.  The conversational interaction between the Father, Aksinya, and the judge is very complex and fun.  These are three people where Aksinya doesn't understand at all and the judge and defender see everything that is going on.  Aksinya follows Father Dobrushin's advice.  If you wondered at her lack of knowledge of this type of trial, note that she if a noble.  A noble trial is similar to this type of trial, but much more like an ecclesiastical trial.  Tomorrow, the facts of the case.

A New Novel, Part 256 The Courtroom

17 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 256 The Courtroom

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 secular trial is about to begin.  We see the setting of the scene and the transition...

Captain Gerber and Sergeant Nagel escorted Aksinya into the courtroom on the main floor of the Rathaus.  Aksinya beamed at the configuration of the room.  Unlike the chapel in the Cardinal’s house, this was the proper courtroom of Aksinya’s experience.  The roof was tall and impressive.  The colors of the walls and accouterments were light brown with accents and details in grey-blue.  A tall and wide solid desk, the judge’s bench sat at one end.  Behind it was a large raised seal of the nation and emperor of Austria.  The seats for observers and witnesses within the courtroom were also light brown.  A rail with a center opening ran across the front between the desk and the benches.  Directly in front of the opening was a single chair that faced the solid desk, and behind the chair at either side, was a table each with a couple of regular chairs.  It all reminded Aksinya of her adopted father’s court when he sat in judgment of his people.  At that thought, her smiled turned down.  

Captain Gerber led Aksinya to the table on the left.  She sat.  He and Sergeant Nagel stood behind her.  After a few minutes, Father Dobrushin entered the courtroom.  He wasn’t dressed in Orthodox robes today.  He wore a dark suit without a priest’s collar.  He paused a moment and glanced around as though he was very familiar with the setting and felt very comfortable there.  The Father noted Aksinya and proceeded to the table where she sat.  Captain Gerber and Sergeant Nagel nodded to the priest.  At the table, he bowed and spoke in Russian, “Princess Aksinya, good morning.  Would you permit me to sit at the table with you?”

Aksinya almost did not recognize the priest.  He had trimmed his beard into the close rakish style worn by many Austrian men.  It looked very pleasant on his face.  Aksinya felt a twinge of desire that she hadn’t known for a long time and felt a little ashamed.  She mumbled, “Good morning, Father Dobrushin.” The volume of her voice increased slightly, “You should not show me so much deference otherwise the nobility of Austria and the Church will rise up against you.”

Father Dobrushin smiled, “In spite of that, I shall always honor you, Princess.”

“You are very kind to me, thank you.  Please sit, as I have no other defenders.  I’m glad Matushka Ekaterina chose not to come.”

“She would have come except Father Makar would not permit it.”

“Have I caused another problem?”

“It is not you…”

“Then the demon?”

“Father Makar has not been happy with you since you escaped to the Ecclesia.”

“He believes I am insane.”

Father Dobrushin’s brow creased.

Aksinya lowered her eyes, “I overheard…”

“So I guessed.”  Father Dobrushin pulled a stack of papers out of his briefcase, “Princess Aksinya, I intend to defend you to the best of my ability.  I don’t wish you to go to prison or the workhouse.”

The built in transition is the break between the visit to Aksinya's cell and the trial.  This is a method to make time move ahead.  Then the scene setting for the courtroom.  We start with two characters you have already bee introduced to.  They aren't that important of characters, but I give them to you as a connection to the scene where Aksinya was captured in front of her house.  This reminds you of her house, the capture, and the idea of the secular trial.  The characters are Captain Gerber and Sergeant Nagel.  After that, we get into the scene itself.  This description is a comparative description, but it is used in reverse.  The reverse is that the comparison is to a courtroom you have not seen before--the courtroom of Aksinya's father. 

The description of the courtroom is for an Austrian court of the time.  The comparison is to a Russian noble court of the time.  This courtroom is set up as an Austrian judicial court.

The Captain and Sergeant seat Aksinya.  Notice particularly Father Dobrushin.  He isn't dressed in Orthodox robes.  He doesn't have on a priest's collar.  His beard is trimmed.  With this description many Orthodox individuals will be able to determine what has happened.  I won't tell you know--this will be revealed later.  Aksinya doesn't get it.  She almost didn't recognise the priest.  She feels a twinge of desire--this is a foreshadowing.  Note that she is ashamed at her thoughts now.

Then I give you another hint about what has happened.  Ekaterina is not at the trial because Father Makar would not permit it.  Yet, Father Dobrushin is there.  Then we get the short discussion about Father Makar's feelings about Aksinya.  Father Dobrushin will defend Aksinya.  Tomorrow, more about Father Dobrushin.