For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
Aksinya struck Ernst and ran him out of her house. He was shamed and defamed. Next the demon turns his attention to Natalya...
Asmodeus inspected his claws, “He got off easy. If he had taken you, he would be dead. There is still the problem of your handmaiden.”
Aksinya whirled around. She stared at Natalya as though seeing her for the very first time. Natalya was so beautiful. She was so much more beautiful than Aksinya. Aksinya wondered why she hadn’t noticed before. No wonder Ernst or any man would choose Natalya over her. Aksinya moved slowly toward her lady-in-waiting, “Natalya, you took him from me. You took away the only man who ever loved me.”
Natalya crumpled in on herself, “I did it for you, mistress.”
Aksinya’s voice rose to a scream, “For me? For me? How could you do such an evil a thing for me?”
Asmodeus smacked his lips, “Actually, it was my idea.”
Natalya cried, “I didn’t want you to lose it.”
Aksinya’s voice rose again nearly inarticulate, “Lose what?”
“Your sorcery.”
Asmodeus smirked, “I told her that if a man took your virtue, you would lose your power to accomplish sorcery. The Lady Natalya knows how important that is to you.”
“But that was all a lie. I could have loved him.” Aksinya’s furious features were distraught.
Natalya raised her eyes, “But not any more. Now, you can do what you love the most. You can have what you love forever. I love you, mistress. I could not see you hurt like that.”
“Hurt? Hurt?” Aksinya’s eyes were wild she sought anything around her that she could take into her hand. She ran to the side of the fireplace and removed the poker from the implements there, “I will let you know how much this has hurt me.”
Aksinya struck Natalya’s side, and she fell to the floor on her face. Natalya put her hands over her head and Aksinya struck her shoulders again and again with the poker. Aksinya’s blows were so wild half of them hit the floor. Curses and cries flowed from Aksinya’s lips, and bright blood suddenly appeared on Natalya’s dress. At each blow, a breath burst from Natalya’s lips. Dark red stains drenched Natalya’s back, but the girl didn’t make any other sound. While Aksinya raised feral and shrill screams, blood began to streak the floor. Sister Margarethe rushed through the door. She grabbed Aksinya’s arms and wrestled the poker from her. Aksinya fell back. She cursed the nun with her remaining breath. After that Aksinya’s mouth only opened and close without a sound.
I told you this novel is a semi-allegory to the book of Tobit. I mentioned before about what happened to the men who tried to bed Sara, the heroine in Tobit. All seven of them were murdered by Asmodeus. Thus, the statement by the demon: "If he had taken you, he would be dead." This is an important foreshadowing.
Something important to note here is what would this situation be like if the demon was not present? There is another question; what would have happened if there was no demon at all? If there was no demon to tempt each of the players, do you understand, they might have done the exact same thing. The demon is a wonderful tool that I use in this novel to personalize temptation, but the novel could still proceed without him. It wouldn't be as well developed or tied together. The demon is like glue that binds everything with his brand of temptation--luxuria (lust).
We see, the demon has not finished his work: "There is still the problem of your handmaiden.” Do you see how the statement of the demon could easily be the prompting of thought in the mind of Aksinya. The demon is tied (contracted) to her. The demon is like an extension of her. His thoughts in many ways are hers. This is similar to the statements of Paul in the New Testament: "I do those things I don't wish to do..." Aksinya is tempted, and she falls into evil because she listens to the tempter (the tempter is her own mind). I use Asmodeus' words to directly show you this temptation.
Then within Aksinya herself, the temptation drives her thoughts: She stared at Natalya as though seeing her for the very first time. Natalya was so beautiful. She was so much more beautiful than Aksinya. Aksinya wondered why she hadn’t noticed before. No wonder Ernst or any man would choose Natalya over her. Aksinya moved slowly toward her lady-in-waiting, “Natalya, you took him from me. You took away the only man who ever loved me.” I repeat this paragraph because of its importance. We have seen this before, but I haven't pointed it out so directly, and I didn't make it so direct before. This is a different type of temptation driving Aksinya. Aksinya never thought this way before. She never placed another person above herself. Note, that Aksinya didn't say, "You took away the only man I ever loved." She doesn't love him, and she knows it.
Natalya did everything for Aksinya. We observed and know what suffering Natalya went through to seduce Ernst. I didn't show you the gory details, but the side conversations and the many hints showed you how much Natalya was disgusted with giving herself to Ernst. In this moment, to Aksinya all this is meaningless. The reason for the actions are immaterial to her. Indeed, Natalya did an evil thing for Aksinya--in the name of Aksinya. Remember back to Asmodeus' comments over and over--I accomplish evil in your name. His purpose is to do evil in the name of Aksinya.
The act of seducing Ernst was Natalya's sin, but the demon himself claims to have promoted it--it was his idea. Then we find the demon lied to Natalya. He told her that Aksinya would lose her sorcery if Aksinya had sex with Ernst.
Because Natalya loves Aksinya so much she worships her, because sorcery is so important to Aksinya (it is what she loves), Natalya could not let a man stand between Aksinya and her sorcery. There is much wrapped up in this statement. I dedicated pages and pages, scenes and scenes to showing you this very important connection--Natalya and Aksinya, Aksinya and sorcery. So, do you see the irony here? Natalya gave up everything to protect the sorcery that Aksinya truly loves. Remember however, that Aksinya hates this part about herself. Aksinya has been on a path of self destruction through the entire novel. Natalya has been upholding her on this path, but it is a path Aksinya loved. Natalya had the bad luck to want to give Aksinya what she really wanted--sorcery.
Aksinya cries out: “But that was all a lie. I could have loved him.” We know Aksinya can't love anyone or anything while sorcery (luxuria) fills her heart. Remember how the desire for it takes over her mind. Natalya's statement is precise and exact: "Now, you can do what you love the most. You can have what you love forever. I love you, mistress. I could not see you hurt like that.” You don't have to have all this information to viscerally understand what has happened here, but Natalya's words explain exactly what I took a few paragraphs to explain. This is why I love novels and writing novels. I can build a story, plot, and theme to a point and everything can be made clear in a single statement. It is indeed clear that this is Aksinya's love. This why what follows happens. Natalya touched the raw nerve that is the core of Aksinya's being. The claims about Ernst are secondary and even unimportant to this.
At this point, Aksinya is completely out of control. We have never seen her like this. She has been provoked by her own actions and own thoughts into a murderous rage. Do you remember from the very beginning, the demon desired Aksinya to personally murder and sin. He murdered in her name, but he wanted her to take the actions herself. This indicates the true state of everything. Only Aksinya can answer for her own sin and own faults. Asmodeus knows this. He has driven her to the point where Aksinya is willing to act in a murderous rage, an uncontrolled rage that might achieve the demon's goals.
And so Aksinya beats Natalya with a poker until the floor is red with blood. The world has come full circle. Aksinya called the demon to prevent the deaths of her family--now she is murdering a member of her household. Aksinya accepted Natalya as her friend to rescue Natalya from abuse--now Aksinya is beating her friend and confidant. Aksinya was determined to fight the demon--she has succumbed to the demons' temptation and is murdering her own friend.
The only thing that stops Aksinya is Sister Margarethe. Still Aksinya curses the nun for her actions. She has screamed so much and so long, she can't speak anymore. Tomorrow, the aftermath and more.
Showing posts with label nun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nun. Show all posts
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
A New Novel, Part 178 Your Attentions the Other Evening
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 time has come for the climax of this novel. We had a rousing beginning, a long series of rising action that foreshadowed and hinted toward this very moment. Now, we are here. I hope this is as much a surprise to you as it is to Aksinya...
Monday after school, Aksinya and Natalya awaited in the parlor for Herr von Taaffe’s arrival. A wood and coal fire warmed the room. Natalya sewed and Aksinya read a Russian novel. Sister Margarethe sat in a servant’s chair at the side of the room near the door to the hall. Aksinya kept glancing up from her book. She hadn’t turned a single page in an hour.
When they heard hooves outside, Sister Margarethe stood. The two novice nuns must have waited just outside the door, they rushed into the parlor.
Aksinya smiled. Her face filled with joy.
Natalya glanced at Aksinya then bent more diligently over her sewing.
When the bell rang, Sister Margarethe and the novice nuns ran into the foyer. Aksinya heard the door open and Sister Margarethe greet Ernst. She heard the rustle of Ernst’s great coat as they took it from him. In a few moments, Sister Margarethe led Herr Ernst von Taaffe into the room. Aksinya rose to greet him, and she almost fell backwards into her chair. Just behind Ernst stepped Asmodeus. The demon grinned at her, but he didn’t say anything. A whiff of sulfur followed him into the room. Natalya glanced up at Ernst and the demon. She colored, but immediately lowered her eyes back to her sewing.
Ernst’s face was radiant. He stepped to Aksinya and embraced her. His lips touched hers in a light but fervent caress. Aksinya returned his kiss for a moment, then thought better of her response and pushed him slightly away. Ernst didn’t seem put off at all. Sister Margarethe took a step forward as though she was about to intervene, but then she stepped back again.
Natalya stiffened.
Ernst pulled Aksinya closer, “Dearest Aksinya, I know your answer before you speak it, and I’m here to take you home with me.”
Sister Margarethe gave a gasp. The novice nuns gasped.
Aksinya pushed him back again, “My answer? You know it before I even speak it? You are a bit too forward and presumptuous, sir.”
“Today, I received your letter in response to mine, and the joy of my heart knows no bounds. But your attentions the other evening spoke more strongly than any letter or any words you might say.”
Aksinya’s voice raised, “My attentions?”
Ernst stared at her with a puzzled look, “Yes, your attentions.”
Asmodeus grinned.
The ladies form a sweet circle of friends and servants to the Grand Countess Aksinya. This should be her greatest moment. She is about to make her decision known to the famous and handsome, Ernst von Taaffe. Aksinya has reached the pinnacle for an unmarried woman in this culture and society: she is sought after and she is treated like a true princess. Who might imagine that in a single moment she should fall from that pinnacle. Or that her fall should cause the fall of many, many, many others.
So it begins, in this small circle that we know is a circle of secrets--the ladies await the arrival of Ernst. The wealth of Aksinya's household is indicated by the coal and the wood in her fireplace. Natalya sews. Aksinya reads or tries to read. Sister Margarethe looks after them both. Aksinya is excited--notice, I don't tell you that she is excited, I show you--she hasn't turned a single page in an hour.
What do you think the answer Aksinya will make to Ernst? It should be obvious. The moment they hear Ernst's arrival, everyone begins to act. Sister Margarethe and the novice nuns move to greet Ernst. Aksinya's face is filled with joy. Watch Natalya--what's with Natalya?
We hear the sounds as the Sisters greet Ernst--the excitement is building. These are advanced writing techniques to allow you to experience the moment, the excitement. You hear the entry and movement with the expectation of Aksinya and the ladies. You experience with Aksinya, your desire, Ernst von Taaffe will soon be here.
Aksinya rose to greet Ernst. This is a great boon. The Countess rises for her love (remember how she treated him before), but just behind Ernst, comes Asmodeus! The demon doesn't speak. Why could he be here. Watch Natalya, something is up.
Ernst's appearance is like Aksinya's--he is full of joy. He goes directly to Aksinya and kisses her. This is a huge cultural issue. Only a husband would kiss a woman like this--and maybe not a husband--a lover and not a discrete one. Ernst is intoxicated with love. Aksinya is intoxicated with desire.
Aksinya realizes she has made a mistake. She pushed Ernst away, but it is too late. Sister Margarethe has already seen it. The novice sisters have already seen it. Everyone knows her answer--it has to be, yes. Ernst's actions are certainly something Aksinya didn't expect. Natalya's reaction was to stiffen--what does she know?
Ernst brings more mystery into the situation. He pulls her closer, possessively: “Dearest Aksinya, I know your answer before you speak it, and I’m here to take you home with me.” You can't misunderstand this statement. Even if you don't understand the culture, you can't misunderstand Ernst's statement. The response of the nuns should tell you--they gasp. Ernst is here to take Aksinya to his house where they will live together. He knows her answer already--how could that be?
Aksinya is getting angry now. No one knows her mind before she speaks it. She uses very strong language for the times. She calls Ernst forward and presumptuous, which he is. Ernst gives a reason for his actions--he received a letter, oops. Remember the post? Then we get the coupe de gras: "But your attentions the other evening spoke more strongly than any letter or any words you might say.”
Your attentions the other evening? Aksinya knows nothing about this. Can you guess what attentions means in this culture. The demon grins. Tomorrow, we see more about these attentions.
The time has come for the climax of this novel. We had a rousing beginning, a long series of rising action that foreshadowed and hinted toward this very moment. Now, we are here. I hope this is as much a surprise to you as it is to Aksinya...
Monday after school, Aksinya and Natalya awaited in the parlor for Herr von Taaffe’s arrival. A wood and coal fire warmed the room. Natalya sewed and Aksinya read a Russian novel. Sister Margarethe sat in a servant’s chair at the side of the room near the door to the hall. Aksinya kept glancing up from her book. She hadn’t turned a single page in an hour.
When they heard hooves outside, Sister Margarethe stood. The two novice nuns must have waited just outside the door, they rushed into the parlor.
Aksinya smiled. Her face filled with joy.
Natalya glanced at Aksinya then bent more diligently over her sewing.
When the bell rang, Sister Margarethe and the novice nuns ran into the foyer. Aksinya heard the door open and Sister Margarethe greet Ernst. She heard the rustle of Ernst’s great coat as they took it from him. In a few moments, Sister Margarethe led Herr Ernst von Taaffe into the room. Aksinya rose to greet him, and she almost fell backwards into her chair. Just behind Ernst stepped Asmodeus. The demon grinned at her, but he didn’t say anything. A whiff of sulfur followed him into the room. Natalya glanced up at Ernst and the demon. She colored, but immediately lowered her eyes back to her sewing.
Ernst’s face was radiant. He stepped to Aksinya and embraced her. His lips touched hers in a light but fervent caress. Aksinya returned his kiss for a moment, then thought better of her response and pushed him slightly away. Ernst didn’t seem put off at all. Sister Margarethe took a step forward as though she was about to intervene, but then she stepped back again.
Natalya stiffened.
Ernst pulled Aksinya closer, “Dearest Aksinya, I know your answer before you speak it, and I’m here to take you home with me.”
Sister Margarethe gave a gasp. The novice nuns gasped.
Aksinya pushed him back again, “My answer? You know it before I even speak it? You are a bit too forward and presumptuous, sir.”
“Today, I received your letter in response to mine, and the joy of my heart knows no bounds. But your attentions the other evening spoke more strongly than any letter or any words you might say.”
Aksinya’s voice raised, “My attentions?”
Ernst stared at her with a puzzled look, “Yes, your attentions.”
Asmodeus grinned.
The ladies form a sweet circle of friends and servants to the Grand Countess Aksinya. This should be her greatest moment. She is about to make her decision known to the famous and handsome, Ernst von Taaffe. Aksinya has reached the pinnacle for an unmarried woman in this culture and society: she is sought after and she is treated like a true princess. Who might imagine that in a single moment she should fall from that pinnacle. Or that her fall should cause the fall of many, many, many others.
So it begins, in this small circle that we know is a circle of secrets--the ladies await the arrival of Ernst. The wealth of Aksinya's household is indicated by the coal and the wood in her fireplace. Natalya sews. Aksinya reads or tries to read. Sister Margarethe looks after them both. Aksinya is excited--notice, I don't tell you that she is excited, I show you--she hasn't turned a single page in an hour.
What do you think the answer Aksinya will make to Ernst? It should be obvious. The moment they hear Ernst's arrival, everyone begins to act. Sister Margarethe and the novice nuns move to greet Ernst. Aksinya's face is filled with joy. Watch Natalya--what's with Natalya?
We hear the sounds as the Sisters greet Ernst--the excitement is building. These are advanced writing techniques to allow you to experience the moment, the excitement. You hear the entry and movement with the expectation of Aksinya and the ladies. You experience with Aksinya, your desire, Ernst von Taaffe will soon be here.
Aksinya rose to greet Ernst. This is a great boon. The Countess rises for her love (remember how she treated him before), but just behind Ernst, comes Asmodeus! The demon doesn't speak. Why could he be here. Watch Natalya, something is up.
Ernst's appearance is like Aksinya's--he is full of joy. He goes directly to Aksinya and kisses her. This is a huge cultural issue. Only a husband would kiss a woman like this--and maybe not a husband--a lover and not a discrete one. Ernst is intoxicated with love. Aksinya is intoxicated with desire.
Aksinya realizes she has made a mistake. She pushed Ernst away, but it is too late. Sister Margarethe has already seen it. The novice sisters have already seen it. Everyone knows her answer--it has to be, yes. Ernst's actions are certainly something Aksinya didn't expect. Natalya's reaction was to stiffen--what does she know?
Ernst brings more mystery into the situation. He pulls her closer, possessively: “Dearest Aksinya, I know your answer before you speak it, and I’m here to take you home with me.” You can't misunderstand this statement. Even if you don't understand the culture, you can't misunderstand Ernst's statement. The response of the nuns should tell you--they gasp. Ernst is here to take Aksinya to his house where they will live together. He knows her answer already--how could that be?
Aksinya is getting angry now. No one knows her mind before she speaks it. She uses very strong language for the times. She calls Ernst forward and presumptuous, which he is. Ernst gives a reason for his actions--he received a letter, oops. Remember the post? Then we get the coupe de gras: "But your attentions the other evening spoke more strongly than any letter or any words you might say.”
Your attentions the other evening? Aksinya knows nothing about this. Can you guess what attentions means in this culture. The demon grins. Tomorrow, we see more about these attentions.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A New Novel, Part 102 She's Dying
Aksinya achieved a great enchantment in the streets of Wien to save Natalya and Sister Margarethe. The power of the world flooded back on her and injured her. She is dying...
Before Aksinya fully woke again, the pain overwhelmed her. She gasped out of sleep with a cough that sent blood and phlegm down her cheeks. Warm gentle hands caught her face and turned her head. She felt the relief on her lungs and her body. Liquid flowed down the side of face. She opened her eyes and saw the dark slick trickle that stained her bed and ran across the sheets. A voice called to her. It was soothing and kind. It was in German accented French.
Aksinya focused her eyes away from the side of the bed and saw that Sister Margarethe held either side of her face. The nun’s lips moved with the French words. As yet, Aksinya couldn’t make them out. She moved her eyes and extended her vision. Natalya leaned against the door with her hands over her face. Aksinya knew tears flowed down her lady-in-waiting’s cheeks. That was just her personality.
She turned her gaze back on Sister Margarethe. Aksinya wanted to pull away from the nun, but she couldn’t rally enough strength to move. She tuned her ears to hear the French that flowed from Sister Margarethe’s lips.
“…we think some of your bones are broken, Countess.”
Aksinya couldn’t respond.
Sister Margarethe’s face was tracked with tears. Her hands held Aksinya so tenderly, but she didn’t want this woman to touch her. Sister Margarethe’s voice caught, “Can you hear me, Countess?”
Aksinya nodded and gasped again in pain.
“The doctor is coming. They said he should be here soon.”
Aksinya shook her head. She put every effort she could into a breath without a cough, “Natalya.”
“Do you want the Lady Natalya?”
Aksinya coughed and nodded. A trickle of blood leaked from her lips.
Sister Margarethe didn’t want to move, she called across the room, “Lady Natalya, the Countess is calling for you.”
Natalya let out a sob and rushed to Aksinya’s side, “My Countess. What can I do? What can I do?”
Aksinya grasped her hand and pulled her with all her might down close to her face. She spoke Russian, “Alone…help.”
Natalya whispered back in Russian, “Do you want Sister Margarethe to leave?”
Aksinya nodded.
Natalya half stood. A tiny hysterical pitch filled her perfect but Russian accented French, “Please, Sister Margarethe, you must go.”
“Go?”
Natalya glanced down at Aksinya, “You may wait outside the door, but you must leave us for now.”
Sister Margarethe didn’t want to let go of Aksinya. She stammered, “Are you certain?”
Aksinya’s grasp on Natalya’s hand tightened, and Natalya’s voice strengthened, “You must go. Please leave us alone. I’ll tell you when you may return.”
Aksinya didn’t have the strength or the ability at that moment to say that she did not want Sister Margarethe to return at all.
Slowly, Sister Margarethe stood. She backed toward the door. Aksinya began to cough. Sister Margarethe cringed at the sound, but Natalya put her arms around Aksinya. The nun left the room and shut the door. Natalya ran and locked the bedroom door behind her.
Aksinya wakes and I show you the extent of her injuries without telling you anything about them. I also introduce you to a mystery--who is caring for her. Sister Margarethe is the last person Aksinya desires to see. Aksinya believes the sister is sexually drawn to her--the demon has convinced her of this.
Natalya can't be far away, but Natalya can't face the suffering of Aksinya. Aksinya knows this. Through the sister, I show you what you might have guessed from before. Some of Aksinya's bones are broken. Although the sister seems to be compassionate, Aksinya can't stand to have her around. The person Aksinya really needs right now is Natalya--can you guess why?
Aksinya uses everything she has to express this to the sister. Aksinya needs to be alone with Natalya. Natalya is bright, she gets it. The reason why will be revealed very soon. Every action of Aksinya is to get Sister Margarethe out of the room. The reason isn't that she fears the sisters sexual proclivities right now. Natalya gets it. When the sister leaves, Natalya locks the door. We shall see tomorrow what Aksinya has in mind.
Before Aksinya fully woke again, the pain overwhelmed her. She gasped out of sleep with a cough that sent blood and phlegm down her cheeks. Warm gentle hands caught her face and turned her head. She felt the relief on her lungs and her body. Liquid flowed down the side of face. She opened her eyes and saw the dark slick trickle that stained her bed and ran across the sheets. A voice called to her. It was soothing and kind. It was in German accented French.
Aksinya focused her eyes away from the side of the bed and saw that Sister Margarethe held either side of her face. The nun’s lips moved with the French words. As yet, Aksinya couldn’t make them out. She moved her eyes and extended her vision. Natalya leaned against the door with her hands over her face. Aksinya knew tears flowed down her lady-in-waiting’s cheeks. That was just her personality.
She turned her gaze back on Sister Margarethe. Aksinya wanted to pull away from the nun, but she couldn’t rally enough strength to move. She tuned her ears to hear the French that flowed from Sister Margarethe’s lips.
“…we think some of your bones are broken, Countess.”
Aksinya couldn’t respond.
Sister Margarethe’s face was tracked with tears. Her hands held Aksinya so tenderly, but she didn’t want this woman to touch her. Sister Margarethe’s voice caught, “Can you hear me, Countess?”
Aksinya nodded and gasped again in pain.
“The doctor is coming. They said he should be here soon.”
Aksinya shook her head. She put every effort she could into a breath without a cough, “Natalya.”
“Do you want the Lady Natalya?”
Aksinya coughed and nodded. A trickle of blood leaked from her lips.
Sister Margarethe didn’t want to move, she called across the room, “Lady Natalya, the Countess is calling for you.”
Natalya let out a sob and rushed to Aksinya’s side, “My Countess. What can I do? What can I do?”
Aksinya grasped her hand and pulled her with all her might down close to her face. She spoke Russian, “Alone…help.”
Natalya whispered back in Russian, “Do you want Sister Margarethe to leave?”
Aksinya nodded.
Natalya half stood. A tiny hysterical pitch filled her perfect but Russian accented French, “Please, Sister Margarethe, you must go.”
“Go?”
Natalya glanced down at Aksinya, “You may wait outside the door, but you must leave us for now.”
Sister Margarethe didn’t want to let go of Aksinya. She stammered, “Are you certain?”
Aksinya’s grasp on Natalya’s hand tightened, and Natalya’s voice strengthened, “You must go. Please leave us alone. I’ll tell you when you may return.”
Aksinya didn’t have the strength or the ability at that moment to say that she did not want Sister Margarethe to return at all.
Slowly, Sister Margarethe stood. She backed toward the door. Aksinya began to cough. Sister Margarethe cringed at the sound, but Natalya put her arms around Aksinya. The nun left the room and shut the door. Natalya ran and locked the bedroom door behind her.
Aksinya wakes and I show you the extent of her injuries without telling you anything about them. I also introduce you to a mystery--who is caring for her. Sister Margarethe is the last person Aksinya desires to see. Aksinya believes the sister is sexually drawn to her--the demon has convinced her of this.
Natalya can't be far away, but Natalya can't face the suffering of Aksinya. Aksinya knows this. Through the sister, I show you what you might have guessed from before. Some of Aksinya's bones are broken. Although the sister seems to be compassionate, Aksinya can't stand to have her around. The person Aksinya really needs right now is Natalya--can you guess why?
Aksinya uses everything she has to express this to the sister. Aksinya needs to be alone with Natalya. Natalya is bright, she gets it. The reason why will be revealed very soon. Every action of Aksinya is to get Sister Margarethe out of the room. The reason isn't that she fears the sisters sexual proclivities right now. Natalya gets it. When the sister leaves, Natalya locks the door. We shall see tomorrow what Aksinya has in mind.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
A New Novel, Part 100 Attempted Rape
The demon grabbed Aksinya and pulled her away from the coming action at the tavern. Now they are observing the events there. The demon set this up and is the cause of it.
Natalya screamed. One of the men pushed her to the ground. He lifted her skirt and called to the others, “Here’s a beautiful girl to take.”
Aksinya yelled, “Stop. Stop right now.”
The demon’s smile widened, “Do you wish to bring their attention to you. They would gladly rape you even though you are homely and unwomanly. Look they have Sister Margarethe on the ground now.”
The men eyed Natalya’s body. She twisted left and right and tried to push her dress back over her thighs, but the held it up and another man stepped behind her and grabbed her arms. Sister Margarethe lay on the ground now and one of the men had raised her skirts. Another pulled off her habit.
The demon laughed again, “Now they will rape them. The only thing you can do to help them is to use sorcery to stop them. You know how too.”
“You stop them. Stop them, I demand it.”
“Those men are mostly innocent. I can only stop them after they have raped the lady and the nun. Then I will be able to act in your name. I will torture and kill them for you. That will be on your soul. If you wish, you can kill them now. Then your actions will clearly be murder.”
“Murder in the protection of their virtue. To prevent rape.”
“Do it now. I’ll encourage you. I can’t forget how you hate the cold along with your false modesty.” The demon made a motion as if he pulled something from the air.
The hem of Aksinya’s dress and heavy cloak rose an inch but then settled back.
The demon stood awestruck, “What have you done? There are crosses everywhere on it.”
Aksinya forced a laugh, “You can’t take my clothing so easily this time.”
“Then I must encourage you in a different way. Look around, Countess. No one except you will come help them. Observe that gentleman there.” The demon pointed to the alleyway across from them. A handsome young man stood at the edge of it and watched the others as they held the women to the ground, and as yet, gaped at them and groped them. He trembled, about to move to stop them, but obviously fearful, so he didn’t do anything.
Aksinya screamed at him, “Stop them. Stop them, please. Help my friend.”
The young man walked out of the alleyway toward the men, then halted. One of them pulled a knife and pointed it at him, “It isn’t worth your life is it?”
The young man stepped cautiously toward the men again. His voice was hesitant, “It may be worth my life.”
Asmodeus cackled, “He’ll be killed, you know. Killed or raped himself if they are of that mind. Perhaps both. It isn’t that uncommon after I have touched their hearts.”
The men at the tavern have been excited by the demon to a fever pitch. They attack the nun and Natalya. They prepare to rape them. Aksinya tries to do something, but the demon warns her that the men will turn on her and attack her too. The demon gets a dig at her, and I use the demon's words to tell you what is happening at the tavern--this is a writing technique.
Then the demon tells Aksinya what he expects her to do--use sorcery to stop the men. There is a problem with the demon's demand. I haven't told you much about sorcery, but you may have guessed it. Aksinya had to make a protective circle to do "big" sorcery. What exactly is big sorcery? You might have discovered it from the evidence trail I left, but if you didn't that's still good--I purposely didn't leave enough direct crumbs. "Small" sorcery is sorcery that basically doesn't change the world. "Big" sorcery changes the world (calls demons, changes appearance, heals, makes real changes in the world). Again, "little" sorcery doesn't change the world. The demon asks Aksinya to potentially do "big" sorcery, and she knows it. That's why she demands that the demon stop what is going on.
Asmodeus' response is what we should have expected. He claims he can't act until the women are raped. At that point, the demon can torture and kill the perpetrators. The demon wants Aksinya to do "big" sorcery and murder the men. He has tried to get her to do this before, but not so directly. His desire is obvious--then Aksinya would have committed murder. The actuality is not obvious, but it can be discovered, the demon doesn't want Aksinya to act at all. If she doesn't, the women will be raped, the men will be guilty, Aksinya will likely ask the demon to revenge them, that will result in murder of the men and their torture. This is exactly what happened to Aksinya's family. The demon's plans are not obvious, but they are very specific. If I don't lay it all out like this, many readers might not figure it out, but that isn't important. All the details aren't critical to the novel. The reader will understand many of the reasons and motivations without any explanation.
Aksinya's point is well taken: “Murder in the protection of their virtue. To prevent rape.” She is correct. If she could kill the men, that might be a completely ethical and moral position. The demon seems to agree with her, then he tries some of the motivational force he used before. The demon attempts to strip her of her clothing in the street, and finally, Aksinya has a tiny victory.
The demon thinks of everything. He didn't imagine that Aksinya would be able to resist or successfully plot against him. The demon is surprised, but he has more plans within plans. He points out a young gentleman who is across the street. You might imagine that if the demon set up everything else, he set up this too. The gentleman is somewhat a coward, but Aksinya encourages him. The man has a choice to make--he might give his life to help the women and it might not do any good anyway. The demon makes this obvious. That is a direct discouragement against the man and Aksinya. The demon has backed Aksinya into a corner--the question is what will she do about it?
Natalya screamed. One of the men pushed her to the ground. He lifted her skirt and called to the others, “Here’s a beautiful girl to take.”
Aksinya yelled, “Stop. Stop right now.”
The demon’s smile widened, “Do you wish to bring their attention to you. They would gladly rape you even though you are homely and unwomanly. Look they have Sister Margarethe on the ground now.”
The men eyed Natalya’s body. She twisted left and right and tried to push her dress back over her thighs, but the held it up and another man stepped behind her and grabbed her arms. Sister Margarethe lay on the ground now and one of the men had raised her skirts. Another pulled off her habit.
The demon laughed again, “Now they will rape them. The only thing you can do to help them is to use sorcery to stop them. You know how too.”
“You stop them. Stop them, I demand it.”
“Those men are mostly innocent. I can only stop them after they have raped the lady and the nun. Then I will be able to act in your name. I will torture and kill them for you. That will be on your soul. If you wish, you can kill them now. Then your actions will clearly be murder.”
“Murder in the protection of their virtue. To prevent rape.”
“Do it now. I’ll encourage you. I can’t forget how you hate the cold along with your false modesty.” The demon made a motion as if he pulled something from the air.
The hem of Aksinya’s dress and heavy cloak rose an inch but then settled back.
The demon stood awestruck, “What have you done? There are crosses everywhere on it.”
Aksinya forced a laugh, “You can’t take my clothing so easily this time.”
“Then I must encourage you in a different way. Look around, Countess. No one except you will come help them. Observe that gentleman there.” The demon pointed to the alleyway across from them. A handsome young man stood at the edge of it and watched the others as they held the women to the ground, and as yet, gaped at them and groped them. He trembled, about to move to stop them, but obviously fearful, so he didn’t do anything.
Aksinya screamed at him, “Stop them. Stop them, please. Help my friend.”
The young man walked out of the alleyway toward the men, then halted. One of them pulled a knife and pointed it at him, “It isn’t worth your life is it?”
The young man stepped cautiously toward the men again. His voice was hesitant, “It may be worth my life.”
Asmodeus cackled, “He’ll be killed, you know. Killed or raped himself if they are of that mind. Perhaps both. It isn’t that uncommon after I have touched their hearts.”
The men at the tavern have been excited by the demon to a fever pitch. They attack the nun and Natalya. They prepare to rape them. Aksinya tries to do something, but the demon warns her that the men will turn on her and attack her too. The demon gets a dig at her, and I use the demon's words to tell you what is happening at the tavern--this is a writing technique.
Then the demon tells Aksinya what he expects her to do--use sorcery to stop the men. There is a problem with the demon's demand. I haven't told you much about sorcery, but you may have guessed it. Aksinya had to make a protective circle to do "big" sorcery. What exactly is big sorcery? You might have discovered it from the evidence trail I left, but if you didn't that's still good--I purposely didn't leave enough direct crumbs. "Small" sorcery is sorcery that basically doesn't change the world. "Big" sorcery changes the world (calls demons, changes appearance, heals, makes real changes in the world). Again, "little" sorcery doesn't change the world. The demon asks Aksinya to potentially do "big" sorcery, and she knows it. That's why she demands that the demon stop what is going on.
Asmodeus' response is what we should have expected. He claims he can't act until the women are raped. At that point, the demon can torture and kill the perpetrators. The demon wants Aksinya to do "big" sorcery and murder the men. He has tried to get her to do this before, but not so directly. His desire is obvious--then Aksinya would have committed murder. The actuality is not obvious, but it can be discovered, the demon doesn't want Aksinya to act at all. If she doesn't, the women will be raped, the men will be guilty, Aksinya will likely ask the demon to revenge them, that will result in murder of the men and their torture. This is exactly what happened to Aksinya's family. The demon's plans are not obvious, but they are very specific. If I don't lay it all out like this, many readers might not figure it out, but that isn't important. All the details aren't critical to the novel. The reader will understand many of the reasons and motivations without any explanation.
Aksinya's point is well taken: “Murder in the protection of their virtue. To prevent rape.” She is correct. If she could kill the men, that might be a completely ethical and moral position. The demon seems to agree with her, then he tries some of the motivational force he used before. The demon attempts to strip her of her clothing in the street, and finally, Aksinya has a tiny victory.
The demon thinks of everything. He didn't imagine that Aksinya would be able to resist or successfully plot against him. The demon is surprised, but he has more plans within plans. He points out a young gentleman who is across the street. You might imagine that if the demon set up everything else, he set up this too. The gentleman is somewhat a coward, but Aksinya encourages him. The man has a choice to make--he might give his life to help the women and it might not do any good anyway. The demon makes this obvious. That is a direct discouragement against the man and Aksinya. The demon has backed Aksinya into a corner--the question is what will she do about it?
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