Scenes - Scene Setting, Confession

19 March 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Confession

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

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

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

Here are my rules of writing:

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

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

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

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

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

Every scene has these parts:

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

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

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

We are building tension.  The immediate climax event should be something the reader can figure out without much trouble--it is an inquisition trial.  The reader should be interested for more than one reason in an inquisition trial--first, because of Aksinya, and second, because of curiosity.  Such a trial is unusual in the modern era.  One of the reasons I chose my subject was to put up this historical information.  I felt that many readers would be interested in it.  Aksinya is imprisoned and we see how cruel her jailer is.

Before the room darkened completely the old woman brought a small bowl to the door and shoved it through the low rectangular hole at the bottom that was made for that purpose.  She pushed a second bowl more gently under the door.  She rose expectantly in front of the lattice, “Don’t be slow, sorceress.  Push the slopjar under the door.  I’ll empty it.”

Aksinya shook her head, “I haven’t used it.”

“I will only empty it once a day.  When you are finished push the bowls back under the door.  I’ll see you in the morning.”  Aksinya noted the old woman’s laughter as she made her way down the corridor.  She heard a heavy door open and shut.  A metal lock turned.

Before every trace of light drained from the room, Aksinya stumbled to the bowls.  One held a congealed mass of thick cooked wheat cereal.  It wasn’t seasoned at all.  The other was filled with water.  Aksinya took a long drink of the water.  She stuck her fingers into the hardened cereal and felt the last remnants of warmth.  She ate it all and washed it down with the remaining water.  Then she curled up on the bench and tried to sleep.

A heavy sound woke her.  She raised her head.  She didn’t dare speak.  Then she heard it again.  It sounded like the slap of a bare foot against stone.  She caught a whiff of sulfur in the air.  In the darkness, a large dark figure stood outside her door.

Aksinya shivered and trembled at the same time.

Asmodeus voice thick with mocking amusement tumbled out of the darkness.  Aksinya was so used to seeing his lips curl up over his fangs, she wasn’t certain if she could see them or she just imagined them in the darkness.  The demon chuckled, “Dear alleged Countess what a terrible predicament you find yourself in.”

Aksinya stared at him.

“Didn’t I warn you not to confess?  Didn’t I tell you to not seek out the Church.”  He spat the word.  “You sought to resist me.  That was a new experience for me.  None of my previous masters ever tried to fight against me before.  But that doesn’t matter.  There is no hope for you now.”

“There was never any hope for me from the beginning, was there, demon?”

“Ah, the little girl finally speaks.  Yes, you are right.  There never was any hope for you.”

“Why are you here now demon.  Have you come to give me more instructions or did you just come to torment me.”

He laughed, “I have no more instructions to give you, alleged Countess.  I’m here to steal all hope away from you.”

Aksinya pressed her lips tightly shut.

“You will never be rid of me, but now, I can torment you as I desire.”

“You lie.  You may only torment the guilty, and I am confessed and forgiven.”

Aksinya heard a slight change in the tone of Asmodeus’ voice, “I warned you not to confess.  I still have power over the world, and the world will do my work for me well.”  He stuck out his hand and pulled it back.

The dress Aksinya wore slipped off her body.  At the door, the demon held it in his fist.

“There, alleged Countess, the night is cold.  Your cell is colder.  This dress shall keep until the morrow.”  He threw it far down the corridor where Aksinya could never retrieve it.  “I can still torment you, but I don’t need to torment you.  That was never my plan.  I sought to bring everyone around you down to your level.  Already my plans have come to a wonderful harvest.  It is a harvest you shall reap for me.  Could you imagine that you would see the ruin of everything you hold dear?  You don’t need to imagine it, because you will soon live it.  Everyone you touched will be harmed.  Little girl, you don’t have any idea the havoc you have wrought in this world—soon you will know all.”   

Aksinya huddled naked and shivering in the corner of the bench and the wall.

“This is usually the time you threaten me, alleged Countess.  Why so quiet?”

“Because speaking will do no good.  It never did any good before.  The only thing that matters anymore is that I am confessed and forgiven.”

“What about your friends?”

“For them…for them.”

“Hah, don’t say you are willing to die.”

Tears trickled down the sides of Aksinya’s cheeks, “I cannot say that.  I am not willing to die for them.  I wish I was able, but I am not.”

“That is your problem.  You were willing to release a demon to protect your family, but you would not have died for any of them.  Let me tell you a secret, alleged Countess.  I killed your family.  I killed them all.  If you wondered at your injuries when you traveled with me from your cellar to your family’s estate, they came about because you helped me bring about the deaths of your own family.  I delayed just long enough between heaven and earth so the Bolsheviks would have the time to do their dirty work.  You were marked with the touch of hell in the place where time has no meaning.  Already you have been to hell; therefore, you should embrace your new home with even greater fervor.”

Aksinya was breathless, “You let them murder my family?  You were sworn to obey me.”

“Never sworn to obey you.  I swore to do evil in your name.  You are such a fool, little girl.  You tried to negotiate with a demon.  My purpose is temptation and evil.  I have no other purpose in heaven or earth.”

“So… I see.”

“Too late.  Always they understand too late.”  Asmodeus stretched to his full height, “Ah, evil is so liberating, but you have chosen a different path, haven’t you.”

“I have chosen.”

“With all the pain and suffering you will know.  I could offer you life, liberty, freedom, sorcery.”

“It wouldn’t help my friends.”

“I could continue to lie to you and tell you it would.  Would that change your mind?”

“I have chosen.”

“I must be completely clear because I don’t wish to lose all the potential of evil within you.  If you determine to follow me, I will save you from all this pain and suffering.”

“But you won’t help my friends.”

“I will not help your friends or your enemies.  I offer you evil and only evil.”

“You offer me relief now and eternal suffering later.  Christ offers me suffering because of my own actions now and eternal life later.  In either case, I can’t help my friends…or my enemies, and I don’t wish to bring any more evil into the world.”

At the word, Christ, the demon cringed.  He frowned, “Very well.  You will not know peace until your dying day, and I shall reap your soul in any case.”

Aksinya’s teeth chattered, “You will not have my soul.  I am marked by Christ as His own.”

Asmodeus snarled, “Shut up, Countess.”

“I am His.  I am Christ’s.”

“Shut up.”

Aksinya hugged her naked body more closely.  The rosary pressed solidly against her chest.  She pulled it out and raised it up, “In spite of all the pain and suffering I might face because of this decision, I choose Christ.  You can’t do anything about that.  My mind is free of you.  I am Christ’s, not yours.  I can swear, and I can hold onto the promise that is mine.  I only wish I knew this before I knew you.  Begone.” 

At that moment Asmodeus was gone.  All that was left was an acrid stink.  Aksinya wondered if her confession had sent him away or something else.

Aksinya's confession is powerful and mature.  It won't do her much good.  This is the way with life, our problems, many times, can't be solved by a confession or be a change of heart or resolve.  Many times our problems can't be solved at all and the end result is our death or failure in life.  This is where Aksinya stands.  She has little hope, but she has chosen to take a stand.  This is a kind of release that still increases the tension.  Notice, we learned a lot about the past in the statements from the demon.  This is revelation without telling.

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

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

A New Novel, Part 250 This Verdict Shall Stand Unless Revoked by Rome

11 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 250 This Verdict Shall Stand Unless Revoked by Rome

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 day of Aksinya's ecclesiastical trial has arrived.  The charges of sorcery against Aksinya have been proven by witnesses--first Herr Mueller then by her friends...

The Archinquisitor tapped his paper, “The innocence of these three is still in question.  I wish to question them.  First, Herr Taaffe, did you know the Princess Aksinya was a sorceress?”

“Princess…?” He glanced at Aksinya, “I knew the Countess was a sorceress. Yes.”

Aksinya groaned, “You need not confess to such a thing.  I will not lie, but I don’t wish them to lie on my account.”

The Archinquisitor grinned, “Herr Taaffe are you lying?”

“No, I knew she was a sorceress.  That is why I sought her out.”

Aksinya collapsed in her chair, “I am guilty and not they.”

“We shall see.  How about you, Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.  Did you know the Princess Aksinya was a sorceress?”

“Yes, I became her apprentice for that reason.”

Aksinya cried, “I tricked them.  I forced them.”

“And you, Sister Margarethe?”

“I knew.  She never harmed anyone.  This I swear.”

“But you knew and never informed your Reverend Mother or your priest, the Abbot.”

“I never told them.”

“Why?”

“Because I love the Countess.  I would do anything for her—to protect her.”

Aksinya let out a great cry.

Archinquisitor Gallo smacked his lips, “Herr von Taaffe, you affianced, the Princess Aksinya, yet you knew she was a sorceress.”

Aksinya yelled, “He never affianced me.”

The Archinquisitor wheeled toward her, “Why did you not?”

Natalya spoke quietly, “Because I seduced, Herr von Taaffe to protect her.”

Aksinya roared, “Shut up, Natalya.  You…you.  Please don’t do this.  I already told you I am a sorceress.  What do you gain by smearing my friends?”

The Archinquisitor smiled, “I think the guilt of all these individuals can be attributed to the Princess Aksinya.  Therefore, I am ready to pronounce my verdict on all of them.  This verdict shall stand unless revoked by Rome.”

Now the case against Aksinya comes all together.  There is no place for lies here.  Although Ernst lied before, he believes by acknowledging that Aksinya is a sorceress he will help her.  Her guilt of sorcery has been determined by witnesses.  Ernst tried at first to keep it ambivalent, but Aksinya's confession is too much.  Her friends don't see anything to gain by lying.  They thing they are helping Aksinya.  Aksinya has already confessed.  They see the truth that Aksinya protected them and that they love her.  They don't understand what is going on in this trial. 

The Archinquisitor knows much about this situation.  He even draws out Natalya's confession that she seduced Ernst.  The press is covering this trial.  Everything will be in the papers tomorrow.  This will mean the ruin of Aksinya, Natalya, Ernst, and Sister Margarethe.

The result of the trial is determined--that Aksinya is guilty.  What hasn't been determined yet is who else is guilty.  This is what the Archinquisitor desires.  He wishes to spread Aksinya's guilt all around.  This was the goal of the demon.  We shall see the result tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 241 Let Me Testify in Her Favor

2 June 2011, A New Novel, Part 241 Let Me Testify in Her Favor

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.  Frau Becker follows the inquisitor out of the room...

The Priest went to the door.  Frau Becker pursued him through the opening.  In the hall outside, she called to him, “Inquisitor Esposito.”

The priest turned, “Yes, Frau.”

“You know this girl is not fully sane.  No one can really do sorcery.  No one can do the things this child has been accused of.”

“She has confessed to them, and I don’t see much that I can defend.”

“Listen to me, Father.  For the love of God, you must not allow them to harm her.  Since she has been here, I have not seen anything in her but an honest and contrite woman.  I hear the papers are following everything.  I know there are reporters outside the gates every day.  This trial will ruin her and many others.  It will not help the Church.  It will not lead to anything good.”

“The Pope himself sent us to seek out a resolution to this matter.  It is not in our hands.  It is in the hands of God.  For better or worst, the result will be what it is.  Additionally, Archinquisitor Gallo is a driven man.  He will not let this go until it reaches the bitter end.  The scourging and discipline of the Church and its members is a critical function that we provide.”

“But this will not scourge and discipline.  It will lead to much harm.”

“So you say,” he frowned down on Frau Becker.

“Let me testify in her favor.  I am a member of the Church and can speak to her sanity and her goodness.”

“That will not be allowed.  You are not a witness to any of the charges to which she has been accused.”      

The inquisitor turned on his heel and left Frau Becker standing with her mouth hanging open.

Frau Becker wishes to help Aksinya.  She has been an angel for Aksinya in the house of the Cardinal.  She speaks what any sane person should know: Aksinya can't be guilty because there is no such thing as a demon or sorcery.  Listen to the inquisitor's response: “She has confessed to them, and I don’t see much that I can defend.”  He will determine her guilt on her own confession.  This is patently not allowed in the Church.  Frau Becker understands this, so she begs for them to show mercy to Aksinya. 

From Frau Becker, we also learn what the demon has done--the press is involved.  Whatever comes out in the trial will come out in the papers.  It will indeed ruin everyone involved.  Do you remember how incendiary the events are around Aksinya.  If you have forgotten, the climax of all the events came on the night Aksinya was to give her answer to Ernst's proposition of marriage.  We discovered that Natalya, with the help of Asmodeus, and by Aksinya's own hand, had seduced Ernst.  In today's world this would be nothing--in the world of Austria right after WWI, this is a feature story.  The nobility has not been ended, yet.  The people are looking for respite from the war and a scandal is the perfect thing to take their minds off their own suffering.  A nobleman who stoops to take the lady-in-waiting of a countess to his bed is an affront to Austria and the nobility.  There are two noble families involved in this mess.  There is a Catholic school and a Catholic church.

Frau Becker is right: "This trial will ruin her and many others.  It will not help the Church.  It will not lead to anything good.”

The inquisitor states his position also--he is there to resolve the issue of Aksinya.  There is a parallel here.  We learn about the main inquisitor, Archinqusitor Gallo.  The inquisitor threatens Frau Becker, but she will not back down.  She volunteers to testify in Aksinya's favor.  She is flatly refused.  Aksinya is guilty, and she will stay guilty no matter anything on heaven or earth.  Tomorrow, the trial begins.

A New Novel, Part 227 I am Christ’s, Not Yours

19 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 227 I am Christ’s, Not Yours

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 locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien.  Asmodeus comes to visit Aksinya in the depths of the night...

Aksinya was breathless, “You let them murder my family?  You were sworn to obey me.”

“Never sworn to obey you.  I swore to do evil in your name.  You are such a fool, little girl.  You tried to negotiate with a demon.  My purpose is temptation and evil.  I have no other purpose in heaven or earth.”

“So… I see.”

“Too late.  Always they understand too late.”  Asmodeus stretched to his full height, “Ah, evil is so liberating, but you have chosen a different path, haven’t you.”

“I have chosen.”

“With all the pain and suffering you will know.  I could offer you life, liberty, freedom, sorcery.”

“It wouldn’t help my friends.”

“I could continue to lie to you and tell you it would.  Would that change your mind?”

“I have chosen.”

“I must be completely clear because I don’t wish to lose all the potential of evil within you.  If you determine to follow me, I will save you from all this pain and suffering.”

“But you won’t help my friends.”

“I will not help your friends or your enemies.  I offer you evil and only evil.”

“You offer me relief now and eternal suffering later.  Christ offers me suffering because of my own actions now and eternal life later.  In either case, I can’t help my friends…or my enemies, and I don’t wish to bring any more evil into the world.”

At the word, Christ, the demon cringed.  He frowned, “Very well.  You will not know peace until your dying day, and I shall reap your soul in any case.”

Aksinya’s teeth chattered, “You will not have my soul.  I am marked by Christ as His own.”

Asmodeus snarled, “Shut up, Countess.”

“I am His.  I am Christ’s.”

“Shut up.”

Aksinya hugged her naked body more closely.  The rosary pressed solidly against her chest.  She pulled it out and raised it up, “In spite of all the pain and suffering I might face because of this decision, I choose Christ.  You can’t do anything about that.  My mind is free of you.  I am Christ’s, not yours.  I can swear, and I can hold onto the promise that is mine.  I only wish I knew this before I knew you.  Begone.” 

At that moment Asmodeus was gone.  All that was left was an acrid stink.  Aksinya wondered if her confession had sent him away or something else.

Asmodeus, the demon, is tormenting Aksinya.  He told her he killed her family.  He restates his purpose--evil and temptation is his only purpose.  Then we get to the choice.  Aksinya has chosen something other than evil.  The demon tries to tempt Aksinya again.  The demon wants to be certain of Aksinya's choice--and I want you to hear it too.  The choice, to Aksinya, is Christ.  The demon promises that she will not know peace until your dying day.  He claims that he will reap her soul anyway.  Then we get the whole confession from Aksinya: “You will not have my soul.  I am marked by Christ as His own.”

This irritates the demon because he knows it is true--except the question of who owns her soul.  This question is still up in the air.  Aksinya confesses again (I don't want you to miss it): “In spite of all the pain and suffering I might face because of this decision, I choose Christ.  You can’t do anything about that.  My mind is free of you.  I am Christ’s, not yours."

At Aksinya's claim, the demon retreats.  Like I said, the question of the ownership of her soul is still in the air.  Further, the demon could still tempt her back to evil.  They still have a contract--it has not been negated.  Tomorrow, the morning.

A New Novel, Part 215 The Bills Must all Be Paid

7 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 215 The Bills Must all Be Paid

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 ran away from the Ecclesia. Two men are taking the furniture out of her house.  She is speaking to them.  One of them has gone to check on the horses...

Helmut’s lips rose over his teeth again. It wasn’t a smile.


Aksinya reached for the paper.

Helmut pulled it back. His frown deepened, “Please don’t touch it. It is an official document.”

Aksinya moved a little closer to the paper. Under her breath, she read the document, “There is a list of litigants and claimants.” Her voice filled with dismay, “The list is very long. It says, that because the alleged Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna is in arrears for…,” she gasped.

“Is there something wrong?”

“The amount is so large.”

The man made a loud huff under his breath, “That is why the directive tells us to take everything from the house. It still won’t be enough to pay for it all.”

Aksinya wailed, “You will take everything I own, and it still won’t be enough.”

Helmut’s nose twitched, “It won’t be enough at all.”

“What about my jewelry?”

“We haven’t seen any jewelry. Perhaps the previous repossessors removed it.”

Aksinya’s eyes widened, “But my father’s money.”

The man’s face twitched again, “I heard it was all Russian. It isn’t worth the paper it is printed on any more.”

“But I have nothing else.”

“I understand there were loans too. They must all be paid.”

“What will I do?”

The man did smile at that, “You? Who are you?”

Aksinya is speaking with Helmut one of the men moving the furniture from her house.  Helmut shows Aksinya a directive that gives him authority to remove the furniture.  Aksinya reads the paper and discovers that it claims she owes a very large amount.  Helmut tells her all the furniture in the house won't be enough to pay the bills.  Aksinya's cry: “You will take everything I own, and it still won’t be enough.”  For a person who was driven by luxuria, this is an exquisite torture.  Aksinya will have nothing left at all.  Aksinya asks about her jewelry, and her father's money--it is all gone.  Aksinya has nothing left and yet, the man tells her there will be more to pay. 

At the end, the man asks who she is.  He guesses, but do you remember what Aksinya appears like?  She looks like a cleaning woman.  Tomorrow, who are you?

A New Novel, Part 213 A Walk in the Cold

5 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 213 A Walk in the Cold

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 has left the Ecclesia.  She knows where she is going, she isn't certain how to get there…

Aksinya knew generally where she was within the city, but she wasn’t certain how she should go. She recalled little of her flight here. She only remembered the stone wall that lay on her left the entire time. Aksinya tentatively placed her right hand on the wall at the street outside the rectory and began to walk up the street.


The morning was cold, and her breath formed gentle swirls in the air. Her clothing was insufficient for the day, but she didn’t have a cloak anymore. She could only imagine with regret her warm mink cloak. As she walked, the morning clouds seemed to descend. They enclosed her, but she kept her hand on the right hand wall and continued along the cold cobblestone street.

Around her, she could hear and smell the city come awake. The rich fragrance of coffee filled the air. She smelled butter and eggs as they cooked. Somewhere bacon sizzled and the scent of the hot grease flowed into the street. Aksinya remembered bacon. Her mouth watered. Her empty stomach rumbled.

The muted conversation of waking mothers and fathers came to her. She heard crying babies. The creaking of harness and wheels moved in and out of the fog. She caught the nicker of horses and their heavy hooves on the cobbles. As of yet, none of this came within her sight. The fog pressed down against her and kept it all hidden from her. She could tell the world was lightening. She could feel a little warmth seep into the cold late winter morning.

Aksinya didn’t stumble. She didn’t falter. She kept moving forward. Slowly shapes began to appear in the fog. A lampman passed her on the other side of the street. She recognized him because he carried a long taper and a tool that he used to cut off the gas at each lamp. The light of the morning already dimmed the blaze from the gaslamps. It was too early for the beggars and too late for the prostitutes to be in the streets.

The only thing Aksinya could remember of her flight to the Ecclesia was that she held her left hand on a wall the entire way.  To return, she places her right hand on the wall.

For the trip, my intention is to put all your senses into play.  The morning is cold.  I show you Aksinya's breath.  She is cold because she only has a light dress.  I want to remind you of Aksinya's past life and her place before--there is a specific purpose in this.  I make the trip slightly mysterious, but I use language that is not creepy--clouds formed, and everything is cold.  Then, the city begins to wake.  You can taste and smell the morning.  You can hear it as well.  The morning is lightening.  At the end of this piece, you see the lampman.  He is the only one about, other than Aksinya.  The beggars and the prostitutes are not out yet.  Tomorrow, the arrival.

A New Novel, Part 212 Leaving the Ecclesia

4 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 212 Leaving the Ecclesia

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

Aksinya heard and understood well that she must face punishment for her actions.  Repentance isn't enough; she must pay restitution for her evil, she must atone for her sin.  Only then can things be made right--perhaps, but how can you pay restitution for murder or sorcery…?

Aksinya woke very early the next morning. She stood in the darkness and folded her blanket. She straightened her dress. She hadn’t bathed much since she came here. She was certain she smelled, but that couldn’t be helped. She tried to smooth her hair. That was impossible. Ekaterina usually brushed it in the morning for her. It was not long enough to braid properly, but it wasn’t short enough to not be a problem. It just touched her shoulders. She had no mirror and was glad of it. She couldn’t stand to look at herself. It was too dark anyway. She brought out her rosary and quickly said the first decade and the last prayer. She would complete them later. She crossed herself then lovingly drew her hand over the leather cover of the Greek Bible. She wanted to take it with her, but she knew she couldn’t. It wasn’t really hers. She had memorized most of the Gospels and Acts. She wanted to begin to memorize Paul’s letters next.


Aksinya turned abruptly and stepped to the door of her room. Although nothing changed, the room seemed to darken. She felt for the handle and pulled the door open. Her hand stretched out to the wall at her right. With her right hand trailing against the wood, she followed the hall to the back of the rectory. The outside door only halted her for a moment—it was bolted but not locked. She went out through it to the small backyard where she and Ekaterina hung the wash every Wednesday. In the predawn night, the low clouds reflected enough light for her to see. Aksinya’s eyes were so accustomed to the dark, it seemed almost bright to her. The thin gate that led outside the yard had a simple wooden latch. She opened it and in the predawn, exited into the street outside the rectory.

Okay, watch how I set the scene for you.  The following is entirely in narrative, but using showing and with very little telling.  The very small areas where I tell you information adds to the scene development--I'll point it out.  

First the when: she woke very early the next morning.  You know she is in her room in the Ecclesia.  I use some showing to give you a mental image of the place and her actions--she folds the blanket.  The telling is interspersed in the text.  I could have had her smell herself, but you can't really smell yourself.  I handled this by telling you, then I show you that Aksinya tries to smooth her hair.  Then lots of information about the hair.  I can't let you forget about the hair.  All this scene setting puts you into the story.  Watch how Aksinya touches the Greek Bible.  Notice, I brought every sense into this description and this scene.  I want to activate every sense of the readers.  Look at the information I give you that completes the previous scenes.  We knew Aksinya was memorizing the Bible, just as she memorized the books of sorcery.  In this narrative, I show you that she has memorized the Gospels and she wants to memorize the rest.  She says her prayers but doesn't complete them because she is in a hurry.

Now do you realize what her decision was.  She steps to the door, and I give you a premonition--the room seemed to darken.  I show you the darkness of the place.  I give you pieces of her life with Ekaterina.  Aksinya makes her way out of the rectory and the Ecclesia.  Tomorrow, Aksinya is on a mission.

A New Novel, Part 211 She Must Face Punishment

3 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 211 She Must Face Punishment

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 priests and Ekaterina are discussing Aksinya and Natalya in the kitchen of the rectory. They have no idea that Aksinya is listening in the darkness by the door…

Ekaterina’s voice was soft, “Hush Makaruska, have you thought, that perhaps we are the only ones who might care for her. She is not like most people. She is a little strange, but she has no place else to go and no one else to turn to.”


“I don’t like having her here. I have a bad feeling about everything connected to her. Her preoccupation with the idea of a demon or with sorcery is just laughable. I think she should be under lock and key in an insane asylum, but Father Dobrushin won’t let me report her.”

Ekaterina’s voice was hard, “I would stop you too.”

“She claimed to kill her lady-in-waiting. Doesn’t that mean something to you? What if she tries to kill someone else?”

“We have yet to determine if what she said was true. We can’t find any evidence that the Lady Natalya was hurt much less killed.”

“If what the Countess said is true, she is a murderer. If what she said is not true, she is insane, but you two still want to keep her in an Ecclesia. If she really is a sorceress and called a demon, she is the most dangerous person to have within these walls.”

Ekaterina’s voice rose, “But she confessed. She has been a great help to me.”

“She confessed to murder. She may be forgiven by God, but she has yet to face the true punishment for her crimes.”

Father Dobrushin opened his hands, “Everything you say Makar is true. I just know there is more to her and this whole thing than we know. She is forgiven, but we will not allow her to escape the just punishment for her crimes. Even she should understand this.”

“She doesn’t know this Dobrushin—she is insane.”

“I hear you, brother. Let’s sleep on it. She hasn’t caused us harm. We can keep her here a little longer. Check with the police again tomorrow.”

Father Makar mumbled.

“I, for one, need to get to bed.”

Ekaterina was dismayed, “What about me. You had me send my helper away, and now I have the entire kitchen to clean. Father Makar and Father Dobrushin stood. Both their voices came at almost the same time, “I’ll help.”

Aksinya crept down the short corridor to her room. She didn’t relight the taper. She didn’t read her book. She lay on her cot under the woolen blanket and thought about everything she heard. Finally, she made up her mind and fell into a fitful sleep.

Now it comes.  I give you the last paragraph from yesterday.  Aksinya has no one else to turn to.  We will shortly find out...well, we shall find out.

Then Father Makar begins his argument.  He speaks his mind because he doesn't know Aksinya is listening.  He thinks she is insane--indeed, in the minds of any reasonable person, Aksinya is insane.  Father Dobrushin doesn't have any power in the Ecclesia, but Father Makar is compassionate--he has not turned Aksinya in to the authorities because Dobrushin has asked him not to.  Ekaterina has her say as well.

Father Makar continues his argument.  Aksinya claimed to have murdered--what if she tries to kill again?  His argument is well made: if what Aksinya said was true, she is a murderer; if what she said was not true, she is insane.  If Aksinya is really a sorceress and called a demon, she is very dangerous.  Ekaterina's response is weak--we can hear how weak (I don't need to elaborate).  Then, the clincher from Father Makar--Aksinya may be forgiven by God, but she still has to face the punishment for her crimes.  This is absolute truth.  Forgiveness doesn't equal pardon--each person must face the judicial punishment for their actions.  Father Dobrushin agrees--this is truth.

Father Makar then makes his ultimate point--Aksinya is insane, she can't know that she must also face punishment.  Do you see the other side of this?  If Aksinya is sane, she would seek the just punishment for her sin.  This is Socrates' answer too.  A man who is sane and realizes his transgression of the law, will seek the just punishment for breaking the law.  This was how Socrates justified dying himself.

Father Dobrushin suggests they take their time and wait and see what happens.  Remember also, he told Aksinya to stay in the Ecclesia to protect her.  Then I give you a little levity.  Ekaterina sent away her helper and the kitchen still needs to be cleaned.

The end is a kicker.  Aksinya heard everything.  She thinks about what was said.  You can guess her thoughts.  She can prove her sanity by seeking just punishment.  She is a danger to the Ecclesia.  She doesn't wish to be a burden.  She is not wanted and even Father Dobrushin agreed with Father Makar.  What other decision could she make?  This is the end of chapter 16.  Tomorrow, scene and chapter setting for chapter 17.

A New Novel, Part 210 Even They Aren’t Looking

2 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 210 Even They Aren’t Looking

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 priests and Ekaterina are discussing Aksinya and Natalya in the kitchen of the rectory.  They have no idea that Aksinya is listening in the darkness by the door…

Father Dobrushin continued, “Whether she is insane or not, is not the main question to my mind. What I want to know is does the Cardinal seek her, and what happened to the Lady Natalya?”


Father Makar hunched over the table, “The Lady Natalya is certainly not dead.”

Father Dobrushin and Matushka Ekaterina stared at him.

Father Makar shrugged, “I went to every funeral in this city since the Countess came to us. I saw the dead. The Lady Natalya was not among them. Unless the Catholics are hiding something more sinister than a lady-in-waiting, I am certain, she isn’t dead.”

“Then where is she?”

Father Makar shrugged again, “If I knew, I would tell you. I honestly don’t know. I’ve checked with anyone who was close to the two of them.”

Ekaterina asked, “What about Ernst von Taaffe?”

“To tell you the truth, I have not been able to approach him. He is in seclusion. From what the Countess told us, I’m sure he would have nothing to do with the Lady Natalya. I was shocked myself when I heard what happened. The poor boy was embarrassed and certainly stripped of his honor.”

“You checked at her house.”

“I check every day. No one answers. No one is there.”

“But no one is looking for her?”

“Not as far as I can tell.”

Father Dobrushin clasped his hands on the top of the table, “I just can’t believe it. Surely her aunt and uncle…”

Father Makar shook his head, “Even they aren’t looking.”

Ekaterina scowled, “Do you think they were so shocked by what happened?”

“No idea.”

Father Dobrushin pressed his hands more tightly together, “I’m not gong to let her out of the Ecclesia yet. For now, I think it is too dangerous.”

Father Makar cocked his head, “If they aren’t looking, then there is no danger for us. Maybe no one wants a crazy woman like her.”

Ekaterina’s voice was soft, “Hush Makaruska, have you thought, that perhaps we are the only ones who might care for her. She is not like most people. She is a little strange, but she has no place else to go and no one else to turn to.”

I start with a repeat of the statement from yesterday by Father Dobrushin.  His questions are also our questions.  Then we get a shocking revelation from Father Makar: “The Lady Natalya is certainly not dead.” This is new news to Father Dobrushin and Ekaterina.  We discover that Father Makar, although he doesn't trust or like Aksinya, he is still thorough.  He is seeking Natalya.  Did the thought come to you that the church in Wien might be hiding something?  Don't worry, they are, kind of, but nothing as sinister as the death of Natalya. 

Father Makar goes on to tell us that he has checked with everyone close to Aksinya and Natalya.  Then Ekaterina asks about Ernst.  Now, you begin to see the destruction Aksinya through the demon caused.  Ernst is in seclusion.  He is stripped of honor.

Then we find again, no one is at Aksinya's house.  This is a portent.  No one is looking for Aksinya.  Isn't that odd?  Then Father Dobrushin brings up Aksinya's aunt and uncle.  Of course they aren't looking for Aksinya.  Do you remember from the very beginning, Asmodeus threatened Aksinya that he would strip the Bockmanns of their honor and position.  The Bockmanns would rather that Aksinya never come back.  They want to forget and ignore the girl who caused them such an uproar.  I don't get into everything yet, you will see it all in its glory soon enough, but you might be able to guess just what is going on under the surface.  

Then, I give you the big one.  I've had Father Dobrushin mention this twice before: “I’m not gong to let her out of the Ecclesia yet. For now, I think it is too dangerous.”  Is is too dangerous, and dangerous for whom?  Okay, if I've given it out 3 times now, you know this is important.  Father Makar answers harshly, that no one may be looking for Aksinya.  Aksinya, we know, has no one to turn to.  She has no place to go--you didn't hear me say that, ha.

Tomorrow, more of the conversation Aksinya isn't supposed to hear.

A New Novel, Part 209 She is Certainly Insane

1 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 209 She is Certainly Insane

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.

What follows is the full transition I promised you.  I first set a day for Aksinya.  Then I gave you a number of days (all similar).  Now, I place the whole before you and this allows us to move to the next scene…

A couple of weeks passed as though they were days. The season of the church was now lent. They all fasted, although Aksinya wasn’t certain they could actually fast more than they did. The food in the rectory of the Ecclesia was filling, but it was nothing like what Aksinya had been used to. At lent, there was less meat, but she ate plenty of potatoes and almost all the tea she wished.


Father Makar came home in a strange mood Saturday evening only two weeks from Easter. Although Aksinya didn’t notice, he wouldn’t look at her at all. His eyes kept shifting toward her all through supper. When Aksinya was finished eating, Ekaterina pushed her toward the door to her room. She placed a taper in Aksinya’s hands, “Here, you might want to read tonight. I’ll take care of the kitchen.”

Aksinya was so happy to get back to her Bible, she didn’t think much, but took the taper in her hand. She stammered, “Th…thank you, Matushka.”

Aksinya headed down the corridor to her room until she heard the Lady Natalya’s name mentioned. Aksinya had asked, like clockwork, but Father Makar hadn’t been able to tell her anything. Aksinya quietly moved back down the hall and snuffed her taper. The door to the kitchen was open. The three sat at that table. Ekaterina wasn’t working on the dishes at all.

Father Makar was speaking, “The abbot won’t reveal anything about the Lady Natalya to me.”

“Does he know the Countess is here?”

“They have no idea.”

“They are looking for her?”

“That isn’t clear either. The Reverend Mother doesn’t know anything.”

Father Dobrushin breathed out, “It’s been almost three weeks. You’d think we would hear something, anything.”

“They may have concluded she is insane too.”

“I’ve watched her all this time. She is odd, but she is certainly not insane.”

Ekaterina added, “I agree. The Countess is anything but insane.”

“She believes she contracted with a demon. She is certainly insane.”

Father Dobrushin continued, “Whether she is insane or not, is not the main question to my mind. What I want to know is does the Cardinal seek her, and what happened to the Lady Natalya?”

The beginning is the transition.  I use two methods to mark the when.  The "when" is critical when moving time like this.  The markers I use are first, two weeks, then the season is now lent.  The use of church seasons is one of my favorite tie markers in these types of period novels.  The time fits and it also gives other markers that provide information and period feel.  Note, that they all fast, but Aksinya isn't certain how they could fast any more than they do.  Here, I let you into the mind of the main character for just a moment.  This is another way to contrast Aksinya's past luxuria with her new found poverty.  She gets as much tea as she wishes, but it isn't the tea she likes best.

Now, another time marker and the actual scene.  The day is Saturday and the evening.  The time is two weeks from Easter.  Father Makar will not look at Aksinya.  He obviously knows something, but Aksinya is preoccupied with other thoughts and doesn't notice.  Ekaterina notices.  She gets rid of Aksinya as soon as supper is over.  She places a taper in Aksinya's hands--this will tempt Aksinya to go read, ha ha.  This is a temptation to Aksinya, but one that is reasonable.

They tried to get rid of Aksinya so they could speak about her, but Aksinya heard Natalya's name spoken, and she decides to listen.  Now we discover Father Makar's connections in the city.  We also discover that Father Makar has been seeking information about Natalya.  He has also been keeping Aksinya secret.  About Aksinya, Father Makar's opinion is direct--he still thinks she is insane.  Father Dobrushin and Ekaterina come to Aksinya's defense.  The ultimate problem with Aksinya is exactly what Father Makar thinks is what the rest of the world with think.

Father Dobrushin caps this piece with his question: “Whether she is insane or not, is not the main question to my mind. What I want to know is does the Cardinal seek her, and what happened to the Lady Natalya?” You should realize that all this is a set up.  I have given you all kinds of foreshadowing and hints.  These bind the scenes together and provide the background for what will happen next.  Tomorrow, more of this important conversation (don't forget, Aksinya is listening).

A New Novel, Part 207 Have You Heard from the Demon?

29 Apr 2011, A New Novel, Part 207 Have You Heard from 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.

The priests form the Ecclesia have gone to conduct morning prayers.  Aksinya and Ekaterina follow them…

Aksinya followed Ekaterina into the Ecclesia. She paused at the door for a moment, but didn’t feel any pain. Instead, she felt her spirit leap when she passed through the doorway. She was surprised to see so many people in the hard seats. Most of them knelt in front of the pews with their heads bowed. Father Makar and Father Dobrushin stood behind the rail at the back and also prayed. Ekaterina led Aksinya to a rank of padded seats at the side. She gave a smile, “Being the Matushka of the Ecclesia has some privileges. She knelt on the padded kneeler in front of the seat, and Aksinya copied her.


Right at seven, Father Makar started the service. They celebrated the morning prayers without communion. Father Dobrushin helped him and lectured the readings. Father Makar gave a very short homily. At the end, they sang a hymn and Father Makar announced the blessing. The people left and Ekaterina led Aksinya back to the kitchen. The water was hot by then and Ekaterina made tea while Aksinya poured boiling water into the dish tub and mixed in some cooler water and lye soup to wash the dishes. Ekaterina put more water on to boil, “On wash day, we get all the tea we want. The water has to keep boiling all day, you see.”

Aksinya’s lips turned up at that. She didn’t glance up, “What do Father Makar and Father Dobrushin do during the day?”

“They visit the parishioners who are sick or have needs. They pray with people and take communion to those who can’t get out. They go to the train station when we hear that refugees are coming in.”

“How would they find out about the Lady Natalya?”


Ekaterina sighed, “They would check with the hospitals and the doctors we know. They would check with the police. The authorities have been very good to us here. They will check with the school…”

“Sacré Coeur?”

“Yes.”

“Do you think they would check at my house?”

“Makar told me he went there first…”

“And?”

“There was no one at home.”

Aksinya let out her breath.

Ekaterina whispered, “Have you heard from the demon?”

Aksinya shook her head.

“Thank God for that blessing,” Ekaterina crossed herself, “I don’t know what I would do if you said you had seen him in here.”

“He would not like it here.”

“That is doubly good for us.”

“Yes.”

They spent the rest of the day doing the wash. They had a break at noon when Father Makar and Father Dobrushin conducted the noon prayers with communion. The Ecclesia was filled. Aksinya and Ekaterina communed, and Aksinya was amazed that she could take the bread and wine mixture without nausea. They drank tea in the afternoon and finished the wash. When all the laundry was hung in the weak sunlight behind the rectory, they cleaned the Ecclesia.

Ekaterina remarked, “Usually, on wash day, I don’t have time to get to the Ecclesia, but today with your help, we were finished early.”

They didn’t finish cleaning the Ecclesia. Around five, Ekaterina took Aksinya back into the kitchen and Aksinya peeled potatoes and cut onions. Ekaterina put the vegetables with some thin slices of bacon in a pot and left it to cook while they went to evening prayers. The Ecclesia was almost as full as in the morning. Ekaterina and Aksinya sat in their seats to the side. She sent Aksinya back once to check the food on the stove. They all ate together after evening prayers and Aksinya went to bed. She fell asleep with the prayers of the rosary still on her lips.

I am setting you up for a time transition.  Plus I am giving you some information about the days in the Ecclesia (among other things).  Note the changes in Aksinya.  Her spirit leaps and she has no nausea, no pain.  Ekaterina has brought Aksinya into the fold of the Ecclesia.  They use the special padded kneelers and seats.  I don't tell you anything.  From what I show you, can't you feel Aksinya's joy in participation.  She gets to help, and she gets to participate in the small joys of a Matushka--tea all day on wash day.
 
Aksinya wants to know about what the priests do all day (other than lead the services in the Ecclesia).  Note the last comment about their work: they go to the train station when they hear about refugees.  These are refugees from Russia moving from one war torn country to another.
 
Aksinya drops a bomb: “How would they find out about the Lady Natalya?”  You knew this was at the back of Aksinya's mind--I couldn't let you forget.  Look closely at the answers Ekaterina gives--especially the remark about the authorities.  This is a foreshadowing.  Then Ekaterina tells Aksinya a bit of disturbing information--no one was at her house.  I leave it at that.  Aksinya lets out her breath--if you think about the ramifications, they aren't good.  Aksinya's house has been abandoned.  This is a foreshadowing.  I won't tell you all the ramifications--you should guess (soon you will know).
 
Ekaterina is more concerned about the demon.  We know the demon would not come into the Ecclesia--or any other holy place.  This is a foreshadowing.
 
Then, the rest of the day.  The purpose in giving you a full day, like this, is to provide information for a transition.  I'll give you the transition tomorrow.  Not only that, I also give you info on the Ecclesia itself.  The description of the area behind the rectory is an intentional foreshadowing.  We get to see their supper and the evening prayers.  Note, in all, Aksinya can participate in the worship.  She falls asleep with her prayers on her lips.  All is peaceful for Aksinya--perhaps too peaceful.

A New Novel, Part 206 It is Time Now for Morning Prayers

28 Apr 2011, A New Novel, Part 206 It is Time Now for Morning Prayers

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.

All the current inhabitants of the rectory are in the kitchen for breakfast.  It is a very fine breakfast for the priests and Ekaterina--not so much for Aksinya…

Father Makar offered a blessing and they crossed themselves. Ekaterina served them from the large pot on the table. Aksinya poured the tea into the large mugs. Father Makar took a long drink of the tea. He ate the kasha with relish.


Aksinya sipped her tea and sniffed at the kasha.

Father Makar asked, “Anything wrong, Countess?”

Aksinya didn’t look up, “I’ve never had anything like this before.” She took a bite of the kasha.

Father Makar finished his bowl, “Well that’s all we have until supper. It’ll stick to your ribs.”

Aksinya slowly devoured the buckwheat groat porridge. She washed it down with the very strong tea. When she was finished, she took her bowl and mug to the dish tub and laid them inside. She put water on to heat to wash the morning dishes.

Ekaterina took her arm, “Let the water heat. We’ll do the dishes later. It is time now for the morning prayers.”

The breakfast begins simply with a prayer.  Aksinya helps serve.  Kasha is a Russian favorite--or at least it is a traditional breakfast food to most poor Russians.  Therefore, it is familiar.  Tea and kasha, what could be better than that?  Aksinya is used to much finer food--the bread yesterday was much better, in her mind, than kasha.  Plus, the tea is not how she is used to drinking it.  Is the old Aksinya coming back out?
 
Father Makar realizes Aksinya's problem--he isn't very helpful, but Aksinya needs a nudge anyway.  Aksinya's statement is ironic--she has not eaten kasha before.  Note, that is all the food they will eat until supper.  This is very typical of the times.  Aksinya has been well trained.  She now knows how to wash dishes.  Ekaterina calls her to the morning prayers.  She was too late the morning before to make them.  Tomorrow, at morning prayers.

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

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

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

Aksinya is learning how to make breakfast from Ekaterina…

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

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

Aksinya raised her head.

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

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

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

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

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

A New Novel, Part 204 Are You Ready?

A New Novel, Part 204 Are You Ready?

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

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

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

Aksinya nodded.

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

“It stings.”

“Does it pain you much?”

Aksinya nodded.

“I will check it for you today.”

“Thank you.”

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

Aksinya’s lips curled up a little at that.

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

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

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