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 255 I will Defend You

16 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 255 I will Defend You 

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

Aksinya is in a cell under the Rathaus in Wien.  She is awaiting her secular trial.  Father Dobrushin and Ekaterina have come to visit her...

Father Dobrushin’s face displayed great anger for a moment.  He turned toward the wall then back toward Aksinya.  She picked at the bandage on her arm.  Father Dobrushin asked, “What happened to your arm?”

Aksinya stared at the bandage on her forearm and hand, “It was necessary.”

“What was necessary?”

“The clothing must all be marked with crosses or the demon can remove them.  He tried to freeze me to death in the Cardinal’s house.”

“He, you mean the demon?  What does that have to do with your arm?”

“I…I cut myself to mark my dress and blankets so the demon could not take them again.”

Ekaterina asked, “You marked them with your blood?”

Aksinya’s shoulders rose, “They wouldn’t give me anything else to mark them with.”

Ekaterina grabbed the hem of Aksinya’s dress and scanned it.  She looked at the blankets, “Are these the ones you marked?”

Aksinya smiled, “Frau Becker let me keep them.  That was very kind of her.”

Father Dobrushin asked, “Have you seen the demon since you were at the Cardinal’s house?”

“No.  He has ignored me since then, and that makes me very happy.”

“I pray for you every day, Princess.  I want you to be free of this creature.  I also don’t want you to be punished for something you did not do.”

Aksinya’s stared at him wide-eyed, “What do you think I am not guilty of?”

“Whatever your sins, this trial is only about your assault on the Lady Natalya and your debt.  There is nothing else that they will try you for and the outcome and guilt is uncertain.”

“Uncertain.  I did indeed beat the Lady Natalya.  I did allow my household to fall into debt…”

“Princess,” he interrupted her, “Have they assigned a defender to you?”

“Like the Inquisitor Esposito?”

“Yes, like the inquisitor.”

“They have not.”

“I will defend you.”

Aksinya laughed, “I don’t think it will do any good, but I shall permit it.”

“I was not of a mind to give you a choice.”

Aksinya scowled at him, “If the court will allow you, I shall be happy to have you defend me.”

A knock came at the cell door.

Ekaterina touched Aksinya’s arm, “We must leave.  Would you like us to bring you anything?”

Aksinya pressed her hands together, “Yes, please bring me the Greek Bible Father Dobrushin lent me.  I only know the Gospels and Acts.  I wish to memorize Paul’s letters.”

Ekaterina stammered, “Memorize?  Certainly.  I will bring it tomorrow.”

Okay, okay, I admit it.  I've told you before that I intend to repeat important ideas in such a way that you can't miss or forget them.  This is the reason I don't like to "tell" you that one character explained some sequence of events to another character--I'd rather "show" you through the conversation.

In this case, I repeat the incident about the crosses.  The crosses are very important to the entire theme of the novel.  The degree of pain and suffering that Aksinya will go through to be rid of the demon is important.  Plus, I can drown you in the pathos of the situation that Aksinya finds herself in through the repetition.  Therefore, Aksinya picks at her bandage and Father Dobrushin asks about it.  There is more in this than simply repeating the why and the event.  I want you to see Father Dobrushin's concern for Aksinya.  There is something very important in this too. 

Through Ekaterina and Father Dobrushin's reaction, I let you see their minds and the agony Aksinya went through.  To Aksinya, everything was necessary.  Do you see how that sounds to her friends?   This leads to the transition to the demon and then to Aksinya's guilt again.  This leads naturally to Father Dobrushin's question.  “Have they assigned a defender to you?”  The answer is no.  Therefore, Father Dobrushin tells her that he will act as her defender.  Look at the their interaction.  Aksinya is still acting like a Countess, a Princess.  She can't not act in this way.  Father Dobrushin was not going to give her a choice. 

There is much in this that relates to the ultimate theme of the novel.  Aksinya is guilty.  She was found guilty (as were all her friends) in an ecclesiastical court.  She will face a secular court.  She had no defender before, now Father Dobrushin has stepped forward to defend her.  I told you before, this work is a semi-allegory of the book of Tobit.  It is also a novel about temptation, sin, and salvation.  There it has been said.  For Aksinya, salvation is to be free of the demon.  She is indeed guilty.  She does deserve punishment.  We know she is not guilty of many of the crimes she was accused of or found guilty of.  We shall see if she is found guilty of those crimes a secular court can try. 

The ultimate question is her guilt in the ultimate court.  I give you a hint about Aksinya's soul at the end of this piece.  She is not enamored of sorcery anymore.  She wishes to memorize Paul's Letters.  So a simple metaphor for the transition she has made.  There will be more.  Tomorrow, the beginning of Aksinya's secular trial.

A New Novel, Part 239 No One Can Control a Demon

31 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 239 No One Can Control a 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.

Aksinya is a captive in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery.  The Inquisitor Esposito came to speak to her about her defense...

The inquisitor chuckled at the last.  Then his face turned serious again, “There is much to recommend these charges.”

“There are witnesses?”

“Yes, there are, but I am not privy to the case against you.  I act as the advocatus reorum in your trial.  I am to represent you and defend you from the charges of the inquisition.  Both the promotor fiscalis and the judge is the Archinquisitor Gallo.  He does not have to share this information with me, only the charges.”

Aksinya shrugged, “That doesn’t seem to make it a very fair trail.”

“Perhaps it is not.”

Frau Becker sneered, “It is not at all fair.  What might be the punishment for such charges?”

“Excommunication and death could be the punishment, but death cannot be levied by an ecclesiastical court—it can only be recommended to a secular trial.”

Frau Becker wrung her hands, “You would kill her for this?”

“If she is guilty.”

Aksinya cocked her head, “You have not touched the most egregious sin I committed through sorcery.”

Inquisitor Esposito sat back, “And what would that be.”

“I called a demon from the depths of hell to be my servant.”

Frau Becker involuntarily scooted her chair back a little.  Frau Mauer brought her hands up to her face.

The Inquisitor wrote on his pad, “Who was this demon?”

“It is the demon Asmodeus.”

“You have seen him?”

“He was the one who took my clothing from me in the cell.  He was the reason I had to mark my clothing and the blankets with the crosses.  He still torments me.”

“But he is your servant?”

“No one can control a demon.  I brought him out of hell to protect my family.  He ensured that they all died.  He tempted me to take the Lady Natalya and to seduce Herr von Taaffe.”

“You called this demon into the house of the Cardinal?”

“I did not call him here.  I can’t be rid of him.  He comes and goes as he wills, but I am guilty for bringing him back to the world where he can tempt and harm others.”

The Inquisitor Esposito tells Aksinya there are witnesses to her crimes.  Through this, I get to explain something about an ecclesiastical trial to you.  The Inquisitor Esposito is the advocatus reorum, basically the defense attorney.  The prosecuting attorney is the promotor fiscalis.  The Archinquisitor Gallo is acting as both the judge and the prosecutor.  The rules of an ecclesiastical trial are exactly as I have laid them out to you.  As Aksinya notes: “That doesn’t seem to make it a very fair trail.”  Frau Becker agrees with her. 

Frau Becker wants to know the punishment that Aksinya might face.  Excommunication and death we are told, but an ecclesiastical trial may not levy death.  This is great for Aksinya except, after this trial, she will be arrested by the Austrian policemen for a secular trial.

Then the honest Aksinya (she has become disconcertingly honest--did you notice?) confesses to her greatest crime--she contracted a demon.  Listen to Aksinya's new found wisdom: “No one can control a demon.  I brought him out of hell to protect my family.  He ensured that they all died.  He tempted me to take the Lady Natalya and to seduce Herr von Taaffe.”  Aksinya confesses to all the charges--do you note.  To the inquisitor, this is unimportant, because the trial is indeed rigged against her.

So, Aksinya is in a pickle.  She confessed to the charges.  Things don't look bright for her.  Tomorrow, more charges.

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.

A New Novel, Part 191 Do You Hate Me?

A New Novel, Part 191 Do You Hate 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 confessed to the priests and Matushka at the Ecclesia in Wien.  She wakes the next morning and is greeted by Matushka Ekaterina...

Ekaterina smiled, “You may call me Ekaterina, Countess.”

Aksinya’s lips didn’t exactly smile, but they turned up a little, “I wish you would call me Aksinya.”

“You know that isn’t possible, Countess.”

“It would please me, Ekaterina. Because of what I really am.”

“We all have our own problems… and sins… even the nobility.”

“Perhaps you don’t understand…”

“I heard it all last night.”

“Oh…then you hate me.”

Ekaterina laughed, “Not anymore than anyone else. It depends on what you mean by hate… and love. You know your Greek?”

Aksinya nodded.

“I am called to love you with the love only God can have—that is agape love. I think I can love you like that. I don’t not love you like that. There is also phileo, the kind of love between people who trust each other.” She smiled to take away the sting in her words, “I don’t know you well enough to have phileo love toward you.”

Aksinya look up from the sides of her eyes, “How might you come to love me like that?”

“By sharing together in work. By companionship and pleasant conversation. By sharing thoughts and ideas.”

“I see… I told you I murdered my lady-in-waiting. I know she loved me. I’m not certain I loved her.” Aksinya shook her head, “What is wrong with my eyes? They have been damp since I woke.”

“Let me look at them.” Ekaterina inspected Aksinya’s eyes, “What do you feel, Aksinya?”

“I feel very sad, and I feel great pain.”

“Your eyes are filled with tears.”

“I don’t remembering ever crying before.”

“But you are crying now.”

Aksinya laid her head on the table top, “Natalya cried all the time. I didn’t understand it. Do you think she was always sad? I think she loved me. Do you think she was that sad because of me?”

“I don’t know. Did you make her sad?”

“No, I think I loved her, but I killed her.” Aksinya let out a sob, “Why did I make that sound? What’s wrong with me?” Her shoulders shuddered.

Ekaterina moved next to Aksinya. She put her arms around the girl.

Aksinya is a person who does not understand normal human relationships or interaction.  She was raised in a noble family to be a countess.  She had few friends.  We will find that she was ostracised in her own household.  Aksinya chose sorcery and put away all the things of the world because of that.  Now, she is coming to understand what it means to be human.

Ekaterina asks Aksinya to call her by her name.  This is familiar, but not unacceptable or wrong for the culture.  Since Ekaterina is an older woman, she could demand Aksinya call her by her title, but she doesn't.  Aksinya already gave up her title--she just wishes to be Aksinya now.  That is not possible in this culture and especially for the Matushka.  Aksinya begs Ekaterina in the only way she knows to beg--because of what she is.

Then, do you see?  The purpose of a Matushka is to take care of the women in the Ecclesia.  Ekaterina is well equipped to aid Aksinya.  Listen to her words and response.  Perhaps few will ever have the opportunity to look after a person as broken as Aksinya, but Ekaterina knows what to do and how to respond.  She reminds Aksinya that she knows all Aksinya's confession--everything Aksinya told the priests.

Aksinya's response: “…then you hate me.”  Aksinya spent a while being rejected physically by the church--she expects to be rejected by those in the church.  Ekaterina's answer is classic.  It depends on what you mean by love and hate.  Love comes in many flavors--this is a new lesson for Aksinya.  Agape vs. phileo the love of God compared to the love of man.  Aksinya wishes to be loved, but we knew that.  She has been seeking love since the beginning of this novel.  She sought it from her family who unfortunately died and could not know the benefit she tried to purchase for them nor the cost of that benefit.  She sought comfort within herself.  She sought love through luxuria, sorcery, and lust.  It all comes down to the same thing.  Aksinya wishes to be appreciated for who and what she is; therefore, she is very interested in how she might win love like that. 

Those thoughts turn Aksinya's mind to Natalya.  She believes she murdered her lady-in-waiting.  Aksinya doesn't know what love is; she only knows that Natalya told her she loved her more than once.  Aksinya wants to know what is wrong with her eyes.  Aksinya has been crying.  We realize, with Ekaterina's words, Aksinya has been crying since she woke.  Her eyes are filled with tears.  Natalya cried all the time, was she always sad?  Was she sad because of me?  Aksinya is really thinking for the first time about someone else and about her own effect on another person.

This is the first time Aksinya showed this kind of emotion.  She couldn't cry for her family.  She couldn't mourn them.  She couldn't cry for Ernst or for Natalya--not before.  Aksinya is so unaccustomed to emotions, she doesn't realize what is happening to her.  Notice, there is very little description in this scene.  You are experiencing almost 100% of the scene through conversation.  This piece ends with Ekaterina consoling the sad Aksinya.  Tomorrow, more of this interaction.

A New Novel, Part 184 Confess 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 beat Natalya until she was bloody and motionless and ran out of her house.  She ran through the streets of Wien until she could not run any further, and she falls before a door.  The door opens...

The darkness enveloped her and she fell again. The cold ground was hard against her burning cheeks. She lay there panting for a long time. Then before her, a door creaked open. Light streamed through the opening. Aksinya raised her face from the cobbles. A voice called out in the darkness, “Who’s there? Who is it?”


Aksinya thought she recognized the voice. She couldn’t immediately place where she had heard it. She squinted into the light, but she couldn’t make out anything except a dark silhouette. Without much thought, without much more than a whisper, Aksinya cried out, “Save me. Please save me. I’ve nothing left. I’m dead to everything.”

A step came next to her ear. Someone knelt beside her. The voice came to her again, “Who is it?”

“Aksinya. It is Aksinya.”

A hand grasped her arms and lifted her up, “Are you alright, Countess?”

Aksinya didn’t answer.

Another voice came from the doorway, “Father Dobrushin, what is it?”

“I think it is the Countess Golitsyna.”

“Here? At this time of night? Do you need help?”

“No, Father Makar, she isn’t heavy.”

Aksinya felt herself lifted from the ground. Father Dobrushin held her close and carried her through the open doorway. Aksinya heard the door shut behind them.

Someone touched her face and felt her forehead. The hand was soft and gentle, it brushed the hair away from her face. A woman’s voice this time, “Is she ill? I don’t think she has a fever.”

Aksinya couldn’t speak properly. Her voice was rough and torn, “Father, father, please confess me. I must confess, for I am guilty of much evil.”

The woman’s voice chuckled, “Confess you, Countess. Let us take you back to your house.”

“I have murdered. I can’t go back there. They will be coming for me soon, and I must confess now before it is too late.”

“Murdered?”

Aksinya’s eyes flashed open. The light was too bright and she closed them again. She panted still in a hoarse whisper, “I am a murderer. I must confess.” She held out her hands.

“They are covered with blood…”

Now you know, Aksinya's steps took her straight to the Ecclesia, the Orthodox church in Wien.  If you remember, I told you, the Ecclesia was a ways straight down the street where Aksinya lived and Sacré Coeur is.  I set this up from almost the beginning.  If you remember, the Freiherr and Freifrau took Aksinya and Natalya to the Ecclesia.  You have been there with them at least 4 or 5 times.  You know they went there regularly.  I introduced the two priests and the wife of the archpriest to you.  You know they are Father Makar, Father Dobrushin, and Matushka Ekaterina.  The reason I so carefully and painstakingly brought in this place and these characters was for just this moment.  This is how you develop and set up such a situation so it is not cliched or a deus ex machina.  The trick is to place, populate, and familiarize your readers well before hand.  If Aksinya rushed out of her house and ran through the streets to the only Orthodox church in Wien, some of you might buy that, but I hope not.  On the other hand, if the enraged, grieving, and obviously guilty Aksinya rushes straight down the street to a place she has been many times before and happens to arrive at exactly the place she needs to be, that is almost expected.  It certainly isn't surprising.  It is artistry instead of accident.  That's the point, in your writing, few if anything can appear as if it is an accident.
 
So, from yesterday,m we have this delightful metaphor about darkness.  The darkness, the door, the opening of it, the light from it.  These are all metaphor and analogy.  Their import should be obvious.  Aksinya is seeking.  Someone has found her.
 
Aksinya thinks she recognizes the voice.  This is to produce excitement and tension in the reader.  As of yet, we don't know where Aksinya is, and she doesn't know either.  This is an example of not knowing anymore than the main character.  Listen to Aksinya's words.  She hasn't practiced them.  They come from the depths of her soul.  Isn't this the words you knew she would say?  Listen again:  “Save me. Please save me. I’ve nothing left. I’m dead to everything.”
 
The person who called out to her comes to Aksinya's side.  He asks her who she is, and her reply is simple.  The person immediately recognizes her.  Aksinya doesn't answer because this is completely surprising to her.  She came here, but she didn't expect to arrive here.  Then we find out where Aksinya is--where else could there be a Father Dobrushin? 
 
Then we can identify Father Makar.  Notice, nowhere do I tell you they are at the Ecclesia in Wien.  Isn't that tricky?  I make an entire setting in place without telling you where you are.  I'm happy to share this writing technique.
 
At the same time we and Aksinya are learning where we are, the priests are discovering who is at their doorstep.  Already Father Dobrushin has lifted Aksinya.  I tell you that, but Father Dobrushin's response tells you more "She's light."  Then the father lifts her in his arms.  I don't tell you how, but you know he lifted her into his arms and held her close as he carried her into the building.  All this time, I'm trying to let you sense the world through Aksinya's experience.  Her eyes are closed.  All these events are happening around her and to her.
 
Next someone very gently touches her face and forehead.  You know Ekaterina is checking for fever--just like a mother.  I don't need to tell you this, it is obvious from the context and then the dialog shows you.
 
When Aksinya knows where she is and who is with her, she croaks through her injured throat: “Father, father, please confess me. I must confess, for I am guilty of much evil.”  Is this so unexpected?  We know Aksinya wanted to confess since she came to Wien.  Do you remember the demon?  He told her not to confess.  Ekaterina makes light of it.  She can't imagine what Aksinya might wish to confess.  Isn't that like many people?  They have a great need to confess, but when they finally can, their friends try to tell them there is no need.  But we know Aksinya has a great need to confess. 
 
The unbelievable (to the priests and Ekaterina) comes out of Aksinya's lips.  We know what she has been through and what she has done.  They don't have any idea.  Aksinya reaches out, and Ekaterina sees the blood on Aksinya's hands.  This is an important metaphor--there is blood on Aksinya's hands.  It happens to literally be on her hands right now.  We continue in the Ecclesia tomorrow.