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.
We learned that Aksinya has given up any pretense she had before. The world has changed for her, and she is in a new mode we have only seen small glimpses of in the past. There are more revelations afoot...
That evening before dinner, Sister Margarethe helped Aksinya and Natalya prepare to travel to Grossbock for the weekend. Aksinya was dressed in finery and Natalya not less than a degree below that. Aksinya held the book of Heka wrapped in brown paper in her lap. She wouldn’t let anyone else carry it. While they waited together in the parlor for Aunt Brunhilda to arrive, Aksinya lounged and Natalya sat in the large overstuffed chairs. Sister Margarethe stood and held their cloaks. Sister Margarethe cleared her throat.
Aksinya sat up, “Yes, Sister Margarethe, you wish my attention?”
“Yes, Countess. The novice sisters told me this afternoon that they saw a strange man remove your post.”
Aksinya made a frown, “Ah, that must be my courtier, Asmodeus.”
“Your courtier?”
“Yes, perhaps you have not met him.”
“Then he has been intercepting the post?”
“I expect the bills and any official communications. There were no letters today for me?”
“No, not today, or at least I don’t think there were. So he has been allowing your personal correspondence to go through?”
“Yes, I expect so.”
“They thought they saw him take what looked like personal letters from the box.”
Aksinya froze.
Natalya turned her head away.
Aksinya stuttered, “They were likely letters concerning my business.”
“So your courtier takes care of all your bills and business. You should introduce me to him.”
Aksinya’s voice was suddenly very weak, “The bills…the bills, they have all been paid—have they not?”
“Oh yes, every one. I have heard no complaints and the larder continues to be filled.”
Aksinya’s voice shook with relief, “That is good. It is as it should be.”
“Your courtier must be very efficient and a careful steward. Everything seems to be in perfect order. Everything comes on time and is of the very best quality. He must choose your goods very carefully, and he must tip very well.”
“Yes. I’m certain he does.”
Natalya turned Aksinya a strange look that Sister Margarethe and Aksinya both did not see.
Aksinya and Natalya are both dressed to the hilt. They are preparing to go to Grossbock. This is a reminder of Aksinya's love of luxuria. Sister Margarethe is helping them prepare. Note that Aksinya holds her new book covetously. She will not let it out of her hands. Aksinya lounges and Natalya sits properly in the fine chairs in the parlor. This isn't odd, but it is odd that they are using the parlor. In this culture the parlor is used, not for waiting, but for receiving.
Sister Margarethe brings up a strange topic. The novice sisters saw a strange man remove Aksinya's post. I use this archaic term for mail intentionally here--for the historical significance and to bring the readers attention to it. Remember, Aksinya has not seen Asmodeus for a long while. Asmodeus bought the house for Aksinya. She has been assuming that he has taken care of the bills and the official communications. She has not thought about this subject for a while.
Aksinya assumes Asmodeus has been taking care of her mail and bills. The personal correspondence he has let through because she received and sent letters to Ernst. In this case, the novice sisters thought they saw Asmodeus take personal letters from the post as well as the bills. Aksinya has a sudden thought--that is about the bills. She asks if they have been paid--note, in her concern over the bills, she forgets about the personal correspondence.
Sister Margarethe reassures Aksinya that the larder continues to be filled--therefore the bills seemed to be paid on time and with a little extra because they receive such high quality foods and goods. Sister Margarethe doesn't really answer the question, but Aksinya is reassured.
Natalya's response is odd. She turns both the Sister and Aksinya a strange look they both do not notice. We could assume this is a reference to the bills, but it could equally be a reference to the personal correspondence. We are led to believe that Natalya knows more about this circumstance than either Aksinya or Sister Margarethe. We have already guessed that Natalya has been working or speaking with the demon behind Aksinya's back.
Here is a hint and a revelation both. I won't explain it more than this, but Aksinya does not have the energy to worry about this topic--she should. We know she should. Austria has come out of a terrible war. The people have little food or anything else, but her larders are filled; her house is very fine and filled with wealth. Did you ask yourself how Aksinya can continue to live as she does--it is all completely in the hands of the demon. This is what this little scene is supposed to remind you. With these hints, you might be able to guess what could happen. You will not see the fruition of this short conversation for a while, but it has dire consequences for Aksinya. Tomorrow, Sister Margarethe has more she wishes to know.
Showing posts with label wealth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wealth. Show all posts
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
A New Novel, Part 132 The Scent of Sorcery
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 wondrous 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 Wien, Austria.
Ernst has come to take Aksinya and Natalya to dinner and the ballet. He made it through the first barrier, Sister Margarethe. He made it passed the second barrier, Aksinya took his arm. Now, to the carriage and out on the town...
The horses and driver turned their heads toward Aksinya and Ernst as then exited the house. Aksinya still held the wonderful bouquet in her free hand.
The driver immediately leapt down from the landau. He uncovered his head, bowed, and presented his arm to Aksinya. She placed her gloved fingers on his arm and stepped into the carriage. Herr Taaffe aided from the other side. Both of them handed Natalya into the carriage.
Inside, Aksinya sat facing forward and Natalya took the seat across from her. Ernst entered and sat next to Aksinya. When they were all settled, he tapped on the front of the carriage and the horses started slowly and gently increased their speed.
Almost immediately, Ernst slouched in his seat so he partially faced Aksinya. He laughed, “You have made me a very happy man, dear lady.”
Aksinya frowned, “How have I made you so happy?”
“Why, you accepted my invitation and are now accompanying me.”
Aksinya turned toward him, “I want you to return my book.”
“You aren’t in any way pleased to be escorted by me?”
Aksinya returned her head to the front. She didn’t say anything.
“Ha, I take that to mean, you are not completely displeased that I am your escort.”
“I am not entirely displeased, but I do wish my book returned.”
“If I return your book will you promise to go out with me again?”
“I will take your request under consideration.”
“Then I will take into consideration the return of your book. I want to court you. I am in love with you, and I wish to tempt you on every occasion to come with me to dinner and entertainment.”
Aksinya turned her head toward the outside of the landau. There was no window, only an opening that was covered with a leather flap. She scowled but didn’t look back at him, “I wish the return of my book. What reason could you have to love me or even want my attention?”
“My father isn’t opposed. I admit, I haven’t had much experience with women or love, but only a woman of equal rank would please him. He desires to meet you, but I’m holding that off a bit.”
Aksinya’s voice had a tinge of sarcasm in it, “Why would you do that?”
“Because I don’t think you are too keen on the idea yet.”
“Still, your father’s approval shouldn’t be enough to excite your ardor.”
“Excite my ardor,” Ernst smiled, “You have no idea. I find you dazzling…”
“Because of sorcery?”
He laughed, “Because I am ensorcelled or because you are a sorceress. Does your lady-in –waiting know?”
“Of course she knows. I wouldn’t have brought it up otherwise.”
“Have you ensorcelled me?”
Aksinya snorted, “Do I act as if I wished such a thing?”
“Honestly, no.”
“You are mistaken if you believe I have ensorcelled you.” She turned toward him and her eyes widened. She said a couple of Latin words and leaned back with a sigh.
“Am I ensorcelled?”
“No.”
“I didn’t think so.” He took a deep breath, “The scent of your enchantment is very strong. You are absolutely magnificent.”
Aksinya scooted closer to the other corner of the landau.
A reminder of the times, the driver and the horses. Notice that Aksinya clings to her bouquet--it is likely the only one she has ever received from a man before. The driver acts with perfect decorum. Herr von Taaffe acts like a gentleman. They settle in their seats and the carriage takes off at Ernst's signal. You might not notice, but if you compare the way the Bockmann's coupe started and the way Ernst's landau began to move, Ernst was slow and the speed gently increased. This shows Ernst's driver is an expert and the horses are well trained. All of this indicates how disciplined and well bred Ernst is.
Ernst feels comfortable enough to slouch. This is really the easiest way to face someone in a carriage or an automobile. Ernst can't hide his happiness. He is so happy to finally be able to escort Aksinya; Aksinya just wants her book. Aksinya is melting a little. She doesn't like the fact that Ernst has one up on her, but she enjoys his attention. They are already making arrangements for their next meeting.
Note, Aksinya wants to move her attention away from Ernst. She can't. There is no window in the landau. Because of her irritation, the conversation turns personal. She really wants to know what Ernst sees in her. Ernst is coy and tells her about himself and his father. Already, both Ernst and his father are interested in Aksinya. Aksinya doesn't like herself and sorcery is what she is. Because Ernst professes to admire her because of her sorcery, she sees that as completely negative. Because Ernst is so interested in Aksinya, she comes to the conclusion he might have a spell cast on him--when she checks; she finds he does not. She had worried that the demon cast a spell on Ernst. She should know better than that, demons can't do sorcery. Aksinya moves away from him because he again associates something good with her sorcery. Tomorrow, their conversation continues.
Ernst has come to take Aksinya and Natalya to dinner and the ballet. He made it through the first barrier, Sister Margarethe. He made it passed the second barrier, Aksinya took his arm. Now, to the carriage and out on the town...
The horses and driver turned their heads toward Aksinya and Ernst as then exited the house. Aksinya still held the wonderful bouquet in her free hand.
The driver immediately leapt down from the landau. He uncovered his head, bowed, and presented his arm to Aksinya. She placed her gloved fingers on his arm and stepped into the carriage. Herr Taaffe aided from the other side. Both of them handed Natalya into the carriage.
Inside, Aksinya sat facing forward and Natalya took the seat across from her. Ernst entered and sat next to Aksinya. When they were all settled, he tapped on the front of the carriage and the horses started slowly and gently increased their speed.
Almost immediately, Ernst slouched in his seat so he partially faced Aksinya. He laughed, “You have made me a very happy man, dear lady.”
Aksinya frowned, “How have I made you so happy?”
“Why, you accepted my invitation and are now accompanying me.”
Aksinya turned toward him, “I want you to return my book.”
“You aren’t in any way pleased to be escorted by me?”
Aksinya returned her head to the front. She didn’t say anything.
“Ha, I take that to mean, you are not completely displeased that I am your escort.”
“I am not entirely displeased, but I do wish my book returned.”
“If I return your book will you promise to go out with me again?”
“I will take your request under consideration.”
“Then I will take into consideration the return of your book. I want to court you. I am in love with you, and I wish to tempt you on every occasion to come with me to dinner and entertainment.”
Aksinya turned her head toward the outside of the landau. There was no window, only an opening that was covered with a leather flap. She scowled but didn’t look back at him, “I wish the return of my book. What reason could you have to love me or even want my attention?”
“My father isn’t opposed. I admit, I haven’t had much experience with women or love, but only a woman of equal rank would please him. He desires to meet you, but I’m holding that off a bit.”
Aksinya’s voice had a tinge of sarcasm in it, “Why would you do that?”
“Because I don’t think you are too keen on the idea yet.”
“Still, your father’s approval shouldn’t be enough to excite your ardor.”
“Excite my ardor,” Ernst smiled, “You have no idea. I find you dazzling…”
“Because of sorcery?”
He laughed, “Because I am ensorcelled or because you are a sorceress. Does your lady-in –waiting know?”
“Of course she knows. I wouldn’t have brought it up otherwise.”
“Have you ensorcelled me?”
Aksinya snorted, “Do I act as if I wished such a thing?”
“Honestly, no.”
“You are mistaken if you believe I have ensorcelled you.” She turned toward him and her eyes widened. She said a couple of Latin words and leaned back with a sigh.
“Am I ensorcelled?”
“No.”
“I didn’t think so.” He took a deep breath, “The scent of your enchantment is very strong. You are absolutely magnificent.”
Aksinya scooted closer to the other corner of the landau.
A reminder of the times, the driver and the horses. Notice that Aksinya clings to her bouquet--it is likely the only one she has ever received from a man before. The driver acts with perfect decorum. Herr von Taaffe acts like a gentleman. They settle in their seats and the carriage takes off at Ernst's signal. You might not notice, but if you compare the way the Bockmann's coupe started and the way Ernst's landau began to move, Ernst was slow and the speed gently increased. This shows Ernst's driver is an expert and the horses are well trained. All of this indicates how disciplined and well bred Ernst is.
Ernst feels comfortable enough to slouch. This is really the easiest way to face someone in a carriage or an automobile. Ernst can't hide his happiness. He is so happy to finally be able to escort Aksinya; Aksinya just wants her book. Aksinya is melting a little. She doesn't like the fact that Ernst has one up on her, but she enjoys his attention. They are already making arrangements for their next meeting.
Note, Aksinya wants to move her attention away from Ernst. She can't. There is no window in the landau. Because of her irritation, the conversation turns personal. She really wants to know what Ernst sees in her. Ernst is coy and tells her about himself and his father. Already, both Ernst and his father are interested in Aksinya. Aksinya doesn't like herself and sorcery is what she is. Because Ernst professes to admire her because of her sorcery, she sees that as completely negative. Because Ernst is so interested in Aksinya, she comes to the conclusion he might have a spell cast on him--when she checks; she finds he does not. She had worried that the demon cast a spell on Ernst. She should know better than that, demons can't do sorcery. Aksinya moves away from him because he again associates something good with her sorcery. Tomorrow, their conversation continues.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A New Novel, Part 37 The Fireplace, the Sherry, the Hair
We have to encompass the culture of the times. In 1918, much heating was still done by open coal fires especially in more ancient homes. The poor and the wealthy made due with this kind of heating until electricity made forced air heating more common. The middle class had radiators and boilers. The oddity here, and I will show you more of it, is there is a wood fire. Wood roars; coal burns. Generally, a coal fire might be augmented with wood in a wealthy house especially if they intend to show off. Note the Freiherr and Freifrau do indeed want to show off.
Aunt Brunhilda cleared her throat, “You poor dear.” Aunt Brunhilda guided Aksinya into a large room with an enormous fireplace. In it, a hot wood and coal fire roared.
Aksinya felt drawn to it. She moved to the fire like a moth to a flame. Aunt Brunhilda pulled her back before she could step into the coals. She held tightly to Aksinya. The Freiherr drew a chair close and Aunt Brunhilda pushed Aksinya into it. Aksinya closed her eyes. The heat clasped her in its grasp, and a slight smile stole onto her lips. She raised her arm, “Thank you, Aunt, Uncle.”
Her uncle and aunt pulled their chairs close to her on either side. Her aunt held her hand. The Freiherr sat and a look of concern crossed his face. After a while he clasped his chin, “When you feel better, we can go to supper. Would you like something now?”
Aksinya shook her head.
“I’ll bring you a glass of wine.” The Freiherr stepped to the sideboard. He selected a bottle and filled a glass. He took it and held it near Aksinya’s hand, “Please, countess, drink this. It will warm you and make you feel better.”
Aksinya took the glass in her shaking hand and tasted the dark brown aperitif. The sherry was very fine and rich. She sipped on it while her aunt patted her other hand.
In a while, Aksinya sat a little straighter. Aunt Brunhilda squeezed her fingers, “Do you feel better, countess.”
“Yes. Thank you, Aunt Brunhilda. I have not felt myself for a long time.”
“You were always a sensitive child.” Aunt Brunhilda touched Aksinya’s face then moved her hand a little higher and touched the tips of her hair, “Dear child, what happened to your hair?”
Aksinya took a deep breath, “I lost it with my family.”
“Did you cut it off yourself?”
Aksinya hung her head.
“Yes. It looks like you did. You poor girl.” Her aunt took Aksinya’s hand and held it against her face, “Tomorrow, I promise, my beautician will trim your hair and make it look much better.”
“But I don’t want to trim it. I don’t want to…to… forget…”
“We will not forget. Your mother and father were great friends as well as relations of ours.”
Aksinya could feel the eyes of the demon on her, “Thank you, but I don’t wish to cut it—I insist.”
“Then, would you let me style it for you? If you won’t have it trimmed, we shall make the most of it.”
A servant came to the door and rang a small bell.
There is so much unspoken in this scene. Here, we have three touchstone events. The first is the fire. I told you a little about fire. Fire indicates status. Yesterday, I showed you Aksinya's desire for death. We understood this, but now we see a little of it manifest itself. I will not make a lot of this, her survival instinct is too great--she is not self destructive, but I wanted to let her put on a show for the demon. It is a game, so Asmodeus said. Her aunt and uncle play a part in the game, but they have no idea the rules that govern it or Aksinya. Note, that her aunt pulled her back--a little foreshadowing, but not of great consequence. I just wanted to show Aksinya when she had little control over herself. Remember, this was the demon's doing.
The second is the sherry. She refuses, but her uncle still pours her a glass. He promised her wine, but brought sherry. If you remember, Asmodeus told her to do what her uncle asked. This works on multiple levels because even if you realize Aksinya is acceding to the will of her uncle (whether intentionally or unintentionally), her uncle's action is an indication of his personality and character. Her acceptance just reinforces her own problem--luxuria.
The third is the hair. We cannot ever forget the hair. It is and must be part of the plot and theme throughout the novel. She gave her hair as the surety of her contract with the demon. The ignorant actions of aunt press deeply into the wounds Aksinya bears, yet look at her response. She simply states directly though her aunt can't understand. Do you see the multilevel here too. Part of the act of mourning in many cultures is to cut the hair. Her aunt may or may not recognize this--many readers will see this. For Aksinya, her hair is absolutely a sign of her mourning--the loss of her family. It is a sign of her contract--her greatest anguish. It is the loss of the one thing she thought was beautiful about herself. Talk about pitiful, and Aunt Brunhilda is picking in the wound with a blunt pair of scissors (isn't that a great analogy?). Aksinya is literally rescued by the supper bell.
Aunt Brunhilda cleared her throat, “You poor dear.” Aunt Brunhilda guided Aksinya into a large room with an enormous fireplace. In it, a hot wood and coal fire roared.
Aksinya felt drawn to it. She moved to the fire like a moth to a flame. Aunt Brunhilda pulled her back before she could step into the coals. She held tightly to Aksinya. The Freiherr drew a chair close and Aunt Brunhilda pushed Aksinya into it. Aksinya closed her eyes. The heat clasped her in its grasp, and a slight smile stole onto her lips. She raised her arm, “Thank you, Aunt, Uncle.”
Her uncle and aunt pulled their chairs close to her on either side. Her aunt held her hand. The Freiherr sat and a look of concern crossed his face. After a while he clasped his chin, “When you feel better, we can go to supper. Would you like something now?”
Aksinya shook her head.
“I’ll bring you a glass of wine.” The Freiherr stepped to the sideboard. He selected a bottle and filled a glass. He took it and held it near Aksinya’s hand, “Please, countess, drink this. It will warm you and make you feel better.”
Aksinya took the glass in her shaking hand and tasted the dark brown aperitif. The sherry was very fine and rich. She sipped on it while her aunt patted her other hand.
In a while, Aksinya sat a little straighter. Aunt Brunhilda squeezed her fingers, “Do you feel better, countess.”
“Yes. Thank you, Aunt Brunhilda. I have not felt myself for a long time.”
“You were always a sensitive child.” Aunt Brunhilda touched Aksinya’s face then moved her hand a little higher and touched the tips of her hair, “Dear child, what happened to your hair?”
Aksinya took a deep breath, “I lost it with my family.”
“Did you cut it off yourself?”
Aksinya hung her head.
“Yes. It looks like you did. You poor girl.” Her aunt took Aksinya’s hand and held it against her face, “Tomorrow, I promise, my beautician will trim your hair and make it look much better.”
“But I don’t want to trim it. I don’t want to…to… forget…”
“We will not forget. Your mother and father were great friends as well as relations of ours.”
Aksinya could feel the eyes of the demon on her, “Thank you, but I don’t wish to cut it—I insist.”
“Then, would you let me style it for you? If you won’t have it trimmed, we shall make the most of it.”
A servant came to the door and rang a small bell.
There is so much unspoken in this scene. Here, we have three touchstone events. The first is the fire. I told you a little about fire. Fire indicates status. Yesterday, I showed you Aksinya's desire for death. We understood this, but now we see a little of it manifest itself. I will not make a lot of this, her survival instinct is too great--she is not self destructive, but I wanted to let her put on a show for the demon. It is a game, so Asmodeus said. Her aunt and uncle play a part in the game, but they have no idea the rules that govern it or Aksinya. Note, that her aunt pulled her back--a little foreshadowing, but not of great consequence. I just wanted to show Aksinya when she had little control over herself. Remember, this was the demon's doing.
The second is the sherry. She refuses, but her uncle still pours her a glass. He promised her wine, but brought sherry. If you remember, Asmodeus told her to do what her uncle asked. This works on multiple levels because even if you realize Aksinya is acceding to the will of her uncle (whether intentionally or unintentionally), her uncle's action is an indication of his personality and character. Her acceptance just reinforces her own problem--luxuria.
The third is the hair. We cannot ever forget the hair. It is and must be part of the plot and theme throughout the novel. She gave her hair as the surety of her contract with the demon. The ignorant actions of aunt press deeply into the wounds Aksinya bears, yet look at her response. She simply states directly though her aunt can't understand. Do you see the multilevel here too. Part of the act of mourning in many cultures is to cut the hair. Her aunt may or may not recognize this--many readers will see this. For Aksinya, her hair is absolutely a sign of her mourning--the loss of her family. It is a sign of her contract--her greatest anguish. It is the loss of the one thing she thought was beautiful about herself. Talk about pitiful, and Aunt Brunhilda is picking in the wound with a blunt pair of scissors (isn't that a great analogy?). Aksinya is literally rescued by the supper bell.
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