Interlude - more Khione

29 January 2014, Interlude - more Khione

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

Khione, my new novel, follows with my other Enchantment novels.  They haven't been published yet, but they also follow on the ideas presented in Aegypt.  Th Aegypt novels are a set of eight interrelated books concerning two unknown Egyptian tombs and the ramification of their discovery.  My Aegypt novels are either on contract with my publisher or are in consideration, and my publisher has already given me a couple emails that they want the entire series.  They are currently working on the overall marketing of the novels.  I don't really like -ogies.  I like true series.  A true series is a set of novels that are interrelated, but each novel is a whole and complete.  You can read each novel in the series without reference to the others, but if you read the series, you can be happy with the continuity and the characters.

My Enchantment novels are not really a series at all.  If anything, they are a series of a theme.  The theme is similar, but the plots and characters are not.  In Khione, I didn't originally intend for the novel to follow Hestia, but it just worked out that way.  The characters and the plot fit perfectly into the world and the ideas of Hestia.  They did so well, I went back to Hestia and added the two special characters in Khione, into Hestia.  They and their names appear for just a moment, but enough to create continuity across the novels.  I didn't have to add them into Hestia, it just made since to fit them in with their descriptions.  My publisher has shown an interest in the Enchantment novels, and I hope they will contract Hestia and Khione.  Khione may be a difficult sell.  It is a very complex and edgy novel about the negatives of modern morality, but it is set within that modern morality.

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

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

Interlude - Khione

28 January 2014, Interlude - Khione

Announcement: There is action on my new novels.  The publisher renamed the series--they are still working on the name.  I provided suggestions as did one of my prepub readers. Now the individual books will be given single names: Leora, Leila, Russia, Lumiere', China, Sveta, and Klava--at least these are some of the suggestions.  They are also working on a single theme for the covers.  I'll keep you updated.

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/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

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

I just finished writing my 22nd novel, Khione: Enchantment of the Fox.  I haven't put up a website for the novel yet, and I haven't finished the marketing materials.  I'm working on them now.  I did send a copy to a coupe of prepublication readers.  I heard back and made corrections to the manuscript. 

Khione is a really fun and a really serious novel.  It is a follow-on to Hestia and fits in the Enchantment novels.  It is a stand-alone novel.  I set it at Boston University, one of my alma maters.  This was for thematic and not just locational reasons.  The novel fits in the unique space I've been defining my novels, but it has some philosophical twists like Hestia.  The novel asks some very difficult questions about God and modern morality--that's why I set it on a modern college campus.  It is a fun story and a very unusual one.  Still, my prepublication reader liked it, and she is very difficult to please.

Khione is the protagonist's helper and a being out of my current novel themes and plots.  This means she is a demigoddess of some type.  Pearce, the protagonist, is a hardworking ethical graduate student at the University.  A large part of the novel is a revelation theme.  It is centered around the mystery of just who Khione is.  The second part of the novel is based on just what it means that Khione is who she is.  Like most of my novels, the conversations drive the plot and the action simply punctuates the storyline.  In general, the fun of the novel is in the situations and the conversations.  How interesting is it to speak to a person, like Khione, who is out of time. 

More tomorrow.

Also remember, I'm trying to show you and give you examples of how to write a science fiction theme statement and turn it into a plot.

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

Getting the File Together for Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon

26 August 2011, Getting the File Together for Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon

Yesterday, I showed you how I set a title.  I'm not totally happy with this one, but for now, it works.  The next step is to get the files together.  If you write into a single file, this isn't a necessary step, but If you are like me and save each chapter separately, this is a required step. 

First, let's assume you've edited the first copy about five times.  That's the minimum number that I do before I'm ready to move out with a manuscript.  All of the steps I'm mentioning are accomplished at the same time. 

So, after the first cut of the novel, and a few editing run throughs, I'm ready to prepare the complete book file and a pdf.  I write in chapters and save the chapters individually.  For example, Aksinya (Daemon) has 22 chapters.  Each one is an individual file.  I use the outline view in Word to bring the chapter files into a single document.  I get the word count and format this document for presentation to publishers.  Then I cut the files loose from the individual files and produce a file that includes all of the novel.  This is the file I send to a publisher who wants the entire manuscript. 

I turn the file that includes the whole novel into a pdf, and I make the first chapter into a pfd.  So, when I was done with Aksinya (Daemon), I had 22 chapter files, a Word outline file that linked the 22 chapter files, a normal Word file of the complete novel, a pdf of the complete novel, and a pdf of the first chapter.

Each of these files has a purpose.  I'll write about that tomorrow. 

A New Novel, Part 180 You Had Her Maid

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 have arrived at the climax of this particular novel.  This is the climax I envisioned from the beginning.  Because this is a commentary about the writer's craft, I will not be shy to tell you what you don't fully comprehend yet.  This incident will lead to the degradation of many in Wien.  It is just as the demon wished and predicted.  Already we see the beginning of the end for a couple of characters.  Aksinya is confronted by a letter she supposedly wrote to Ernst concerning the night they spend together...



Aksinya was suddenly breathing hard, “I did not write this letter. After the opera, I did not spend Wednesday night with you.”


Asmodeus laughter filled the parlor.

Aksinya stared at him, “What do you have to say about this demon?”

Asmodeus’ lips rose over his fangs, “Ask your handmaiden where she was on Wednesday night.”

Aksinya’s voice rose in volume, “Natalya, what do you know about this?”

Natalya cringed. Then she raised her eyes and met Aksinya’s angry glance, “I could not give you to this man. He would take away your virtue and your sorcery. So I gave him mine.”

Aksinya rushed forward and threw the letter at her, “Did you write this?”

Natalya jerked her head to the side and shook her head.

Asmodeus laughed again, “I wrote it. I wrote it in answer to the impassioned missive from this stupid young man.” He glared at Aksinya, “It is all true.”

Aksinya pressed her hands over her ears, “It is not true. None of it is true.”

Asmodeus wrinkled his nose at her, “This evening, you were about to answer Herr von Taaffe that you would wed him. You were planning to give up your virtue to him. You would have gladly lain in his arms and moaned out your every desire. You would have pleasured him already if you had the courage. You would have loved him just as he foolishly loves you. Do you think I could allow that?”

“Don’t you want me to sin?”

“I want you to do evil. That is your purpose and my purpose, and the evil you created in your wake is truly breathtaking. Can you not appreciate it? I would help you bed him now, but you realize he has already been taken.”

“What do you mean?”

“Didn’t you hear your lady-in-waiting? Ask her again. She already told you.”

Aksinya’s hand slipped to the side of her face, “Natalya, what did you do?”

Natalya wailed, “I could not let you do this thing. So I did it for you.”

Aksinya spat at her, “You did what for me?”

“I seduced him for you and gave him myself in your place.”

Ernst stepped beside Aksinya and grasped her arm, “What does she mean? I slept with you, Aksinya. I did not sleep with her. I saw your face. I touched your body. I heard your voice.”

Asmodeus cackled, “The Countess herself made the Lady Natalya appear like her. While she was in a drunken stupor, the Countess made her favorite enchantment. She made the Lady Natalya appear exactly like her and befuddled the Sister Margarethe’s thoughts. I sent the Lady Natalya to your bed. You did not sleep with the Countess.” He crossed his arms, “You had her maid.”

Aksinya shook off Ernst’s hand. She moved away from him—toward the demon, “You did this horrible thing?”

The demon sneered, “I didn’t do it—you did.”

I don't know what else I can tell you here.  I wrote this section to be exact and precise.  I didn't want you to miss any of the details.  I want every single point to be out in the open.  Still, I don't tell you everything, so perhaps there is some benefit in showing some of the rich details and to explain the writing techniques.
 
Do you see the piece of evidence.  There is hard evidence that Ernst has in his hands--it is the letter.  We will discover more.  The accusation or rather the testimony of the letter says that Aksinya spent the night with Ernst.  This, in itself, would be a terrible thing in this culture, but if Ernst married Aksinya, the indiscretion could be easily forgotten.
 
This is an era and an age preoccupied, as most of human history, with sexual purity.  The demon stands in directly contrast to this.  He tempts into sexual sin and luxuria.  Whether you agree with the opinions of the culture is immaterial.  The culture is as it is and this makes this scene even more ironic and tense.
 
We might have guessed who spent the night with Ernst.  The demon almost tells us.  We had hints.  We knew Natalya brought back the books from Ernst.  We know she was missing until Thursday morning.  There was a certain smell about her.  There was a certain air about her.  Do you remember Thursday morning--the scent of sulphur and incense in Aksinya's room?  We know already the outcome of that event.  Aksinya might have guessed, but she is overwrought and overcome.  Her world is crashing around her.  It is out of control and she is losing any control she had left.
 
Listen to Natalya's words:  “I could not give you to this man. He would take away your virtue and your sorcery. So I gave him mine.”  Aksinya completely ignores Natalya's speech.  She is more concerned about the writer of the letter.  The letter impugns Aksinya--that her pride can't abide.  But Natalya didn't write the letter--Asmodeus did.  He was taking the post.  He was checking and reading the letters between Ernst and Aksinya.  We fully realize that now.
 
Aksinya is right, the letter is not true, but the demon is also right.  Aksinya wishes it were true.  If Akisnya had more courage, she would have seduced Ernst.  She doesn't love him, but she desired him.  She was about to answer "yes" to Ernst this evening, but she didn't love Ernst, she only desired him. 
 
The demon's point is very specific.  He is Asmodeus, the demon of luxuria (lust) and also the demon from Tobit who murdered Sara's husbands one by one before they could consumate their marriage with Sara--therefore Aksinya is in the same situation.  The demon will murder anyone who attempts to comsumate a marriage or sex with her.  In the ancient world sex is marriage and marriage is sex.  I have not told you before, you might have guessed it, but this novel is a semi-allegory of the Apocryphal book of Tobit.  I won't go any further right now with this information, but get out your Book of Tobit and see what I am talking about.
 
Aksinya asks the demon: “Don’t you want me to sin?”  His answer is very important: “I want you to do evil. That is your purpose and my purpose, and the evil you created in your wake is truly breathtaking. Can you not appreciate it? I would help you bed him now, but you realize he has already been taken.”  There is much in the demon's statement.  This is a foreshadowing.  The later is the point about the culture and about the demon.  He is lying.  If Aksinya attempted to bed Ernst, the demon would murder him.  The demon's point is cultural.  The man has lost his sexual purity and this is evident to everyone there.
 
Aksinya missed the point about Natalya before.  Aksnya doesn't think much about others, the demon rubs Aksinya's face and mind in the ideas he wants to convey.
 
Get this, this is very important.  To protect Aksinya and Ernst, Natalya seduced Ernst.  Natalya offered herself in the place of Aksinay.  This is an important redemtive idea in Natalya's actions, but it is twisted.  The demon and Aksinya have twisted the mind of Natalya.  Natalya was not tempted by Ernst, she was tempted by Aksinya.  She did it for Aksinya.  Natalya's words: “I seduced him for you and gave him myself in your place.”
 
This is news to Ernst.  He thought he slept with Aksinya.  Then everything is made clear by Asmodeus.  The events of Thursday morning--everything becomes clear.  I prepped you for this very moment from the beginning of the book.  Remember Aksinya's favorite great enchantment--it was the changing of appeaances.  Remember the ease Aksinya made this sorcery.  The sorcery Aksinya trusted came back to cause her all this misery.  That is the great irony here.  Aksinya trusted in sorcery and the sorcery not only failed her, it betrayed her.  This is a very important point--sorcery betrayed Aksinya. 
 
The demon cruelly baits Aksinya, Natalya, and Ernst:  "I sent the Lady Natalya to your bed. You did not sleep with the Countess...You had her maid.”   Then, the coupe de grace: “I didn’t do it—you did.”  Indeed, Aksinya did cause it.  Aksinya was the one who made it all possible.  Natalya, Ernst, the demon all had major roles to play--it is all their sin together, but Aksinya was the catalyst.  She did it. We ultimately can't forget that Aksinya tried to fight against the demon and this is his revenge.  Tomorrow, more of this revelation--could it get worse?  Oh yes, much worse.

A New Novel, Part 173 The Way You are Sitting!

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.


When Natalya came to wake Aksinya, Aksinya is naked and asleep on her bed.  She holds a rod of enchanted light in her hand.  It is a new enchantment from the book that came from Ernst...

Natalya didn’t want to take her eyes off Aksinya. She replied without turning her head, “The Countess was up late studying. I don’t wish to wake her yet.”

Aksinya moaned. Her eyes snapped open. She glanced at the rod of light in her hand then turned her face quickly from it. She started to say a Latin phrase, Natalya touched Aksinya’s lips with her outstretched finger, “Don’t make it go away yet. Let me look at it a little longer. It is so beautiful.”

Aksinya yawned and stretched. She clasped the light a little more tightly in her hand. She pushed herself up and sat cross legged on the top of the bed then she held the light out to Natalya, “Would you like to hold it?”

“May I?”

“Take it in your hand,” Aksinya placed the rod of light in Natalya’s outstretched palm.

“It isn’t hot. It’s cold. It’s beautiful, mistress. Do you have to make it go away?”

Aksinya giggled, “No, why don’t you place it in the schrank then you can take it out whenever you like.”

“May I take it to my room?”

Aksinya’s lips turned up into a smile, “You may do whatever you like with it, but you must not let anyone else see it.”

Natalya’s eyes lit up, “Thank you, mistress.” Natalya cupped the rod in her hand and carried it to the schrank. She placed it inside and closed the door. When she turned around Aksinya sprawled with her legs open on the bed, “Mistress!” Natalya colored.

Aksinya turned her face toward her.

Natalya did everything not to point, “The way you are sitting. Everything…”

Aksinya laughed and stretched again. She scooted to the edge of the bed and hopped off, “Draw my bath, Nata. I didn’t sleep very much last night, but I feel very refreshed.”

Aksinya wakes.  Her eyes are obviously attracted to the light in her hand.  It is so bright.  Aksinya's first thought is to unbind the spell she made.  Natalya sees Aksinya's sorcery as beautiful and wonderful--remember Natalya worships Aksinya.  Aksinya's sorcery is indeed beautiful and wonderful.  Satan is depicted by Milton as an angel of light.  Satan, according to Milton is beautiful.  This is a metaphor for the evil in Aksinya.  It is also a metaphor for the way Natalya views Aksinya.
 
Watch Aksinya's physical actions carefully.  She is naked and sits cross legged.  She hands the light to Natalya.  She offers it to Natalya.  Aksinya places the rod of enchanted light in Natalya's hand.  Natalya is entranced.  I give you a description of the rod of light through Natalya's conversation.  Aksinya giggles--she's giddy.  Aksinya rarely giggles.  When she does, she is either drunk or otherwise intoxicated.  Aksinya gives the enchanted light to Natalya.  There is a precaution, but that would be expected.
 
I show you how Natalya respects the gift by the way Natalya handles it.  She carefully hides it.  When Natalya turns around Aksinya is sitting in such a way that she exposes herself.  This is completely out of character for Aksinya.  Aksinya is a perfect aristocrat.  She is the kind of woman who sits properly and gets out of a vehicle properly.  She would never show off herself.  She is sitting in such a way that is indecorous and improper in the mind of Natalya.
 
The reason for this display is to show the mind of Aksinya without telling you anything.  Aksinya was once so concerned about her appearance she didn't want to look at herself.  The demon used her nudity against her more than once.  This Aksinya is different than the one we first met.  We could see her transformation.  At this point, Aksinya doesn't care.  She lost hope.  She has no hope, and she has allowed herself to be tempted by sorcery again.  She has reached the point where she doesn't care anymore.  When a person has reached this stage, anything is possible.  Aksinya could be capable of any evil.  She has been tempted and lost to the point where desire is everything.  She has no compunction anymore.  She has no control.  I will show you more of the indications of her descent, but none of this should be a surprise.  None of this should be unexpected.  Aksinya has slowly changed to what she is now.  At the end of this piece, Aksinya feels refreshed because she has completely given into her desires.  Tomorrow, back to school.

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.

A New Novel, Part 113 What is Truth?

Aksinya and Asmodeus are engaged in a very important conversation.  Aksinya wants answers, the demon doesn't want to tell her anything except that which he can use to manipulate her.  We have an argument of lies that comes to Pilate's question in the mouth of Aksinya...

“Then what is the truth?”


“Ah, that is the question. Isn’t it? What is the truth?”

“Tell me, demon.”

“But, Countess, I cannot. The truth is a trade secret.”

Aksinya made a depreciating sound and turned her head, “Just tell me, where is my book?”

“I don’t know. That is the truth. I suspect it will turn up. Why don’t you seek it yourself—you have the skills?”

“I have no desire to trade more of my virtue for so trivial a reason.”

Asmodeus voice rumbled oddly, “That is the rub, isn’t it? You have traded a great deal of your virtue for so little. You knew that to make such a great enchantment without protection would greatly harm you. You knew that without the items as symbols and the proper sacrifice, your body would have to bear entirely both the symbol and the sacrifice. You knew that mixing those new spells with the old would be dangerous. You defied me and that in itself was foolish. You almost died, you know.”

“I almost died. But, I traded all to save my friend, and...” She turned her gaze back to the demon, “I still think you are lying. I want my book. It is dangerous in the hands of others.” Aksinya put her hands down at her side, “Now, why did you disturb my rest?”

“I tried to come late enough that I didn’t disturb your own personal perversions.”

Aksinya just stared.

“Ah, so you have realized that also have you.”

“Your temptation is little more than a discomfort.”

“Because you have surrounded yourself with crosses,” the demon spat.

Aksinya allowed herself a tiny smile. She plucked at one of the petite crosses Natalya had sewn into her nightgown.

“I came to see how you fared. I’m glad you didn’t die. I have not completed all the evil I intend through you.”

“So, why did you come here tonight?”

The demon’s lips slightly rose over his fangs.

Aksinya tapped the covers under her fingertips, “I have another question for you.”

“Ask all you wish, Countess.”

Aksinya snarled, “Because you will not tell me the truth anyway.”

Asmodeus shrugged.

“What happened to the men at the tavern?”

This time the demon did smile. Aksinya could detect his humor before he spoke, “They are all dead.”

Aksinya's question is ours as well--and I don't mean just in this novel.  This is the question Pilate posed to Christ.  You might find it interested as well as illuminating that Aksinya asks it of the demon: “Then what is the truth?”  The demon's flip response is characteristic of him--it is a trade secret.  Of course it is, how would a demon know truth--he can't even swear on anything.  Aksinya realizes this, thus her response and she returns to her important question--where is the book.  The demon half-heartily tries to tempt her into more sin (sorcery).
 
Then, bang, we get a bit of truth from him.  From the very beginning, Aksinya has traded her virtue for very little.  She lost her family.  She has involved herself in great sin.  You know the demon's words in response are true--that is, the words about the great enchantment Aksinya made.  Additionally, can't you feel the anger of the demon.  She defied him and is still defying him.  She goes back to her question about the book.  She hopes he will answer her in truth this time, but she is mistaken, so she gives up on it and moves to the true point--why is Asmodeus here now.  You knew no matter what he says, he has something to tempt her with.  The demon turns the conversation to Aksinya's perversions--again typical of him, but Aksinya has figured this out.  She doesn't bite, but the demon does.  He is irritated about the crosses--they do protect her in some measure.  Just like the crucifix around her neck.  The demon has not finished the evil he desires through her, but he is not ready to reveal all, yet.
 
Aksinya brings up another point that bothers her.  This is about the men from the tavern.  We will have to wait until tomorrow to see what may come out of his response: “They are all dead.”

A New Novel, Part 112 The Book Again and Seduction

Now it comes.  You knew there had to be some resolution with the demon especially in the aftermath of the great enchantment.  Indeed there is a confrontation, but never a resolution.  I like Jack Vance's writing very much.  His confrontations rarely have a resolution, but they do resolve.  If the confrontations in my writing seem to have complete resolutions, either I'm not writing them properly or you are being much to optimistic...

Aksinya and Natalya spent a quiet weekend with the Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann. The Freifrau Bockmann discussed the details of her Advent party with Aksinya and Natalya. Aksinya only listened with half an ear. She wasn’t really interested in a party. She wasn’t interested in much of anything. The last encounter with the demon frightened and yet encouraged her, but she didn’t dare imagine she had been in any way successful. She had given in to the demon. She had used sorcery to save Natalya and Sister Margarethe. Aksinya wasn’t certain what she should or could do next, and she couldn’t imagine what the demon might demand from her the next time. She didn’t have to wait long to hear from him.


Late Saturday evening a heavy knock came to her door. Aksinya caught the scent of sulfur. She rolled over, “I really do not wish to speak to you demon.”

The door didn’t open, “You said that last time, Countess. I request an audience.”

She sighed a great sigh, “And, I do wish to ask you some questions—you may enter.”

The door opened and Asmodeus stepped through it. The smell of sulfur increased slightly. He shut it carefully after him.

Aksinya sat up in bed.

The demon bowed, “Good evening, Countess.”

Aksinya took a deep breath, “Asmodeus, where is my book?”

“You have many books…”

“You know just the book I mean. It was the one I was carrying when you precipitated the attack on my lady-in-waiting and the nun.”

“Ah, you are mistaken, Countess. I did not make any attack on your friends…it was entirely the work of those hooligans from the Golden Adler Gasthaus.”

“Čort poberí , you demon. You confessed to me yourself that you tempted them to it.”

The demon seemed petulant, “I told you before, countess. You can’t curse a being who is already cursed.”

“I don’t care. I want to know, where is my book?”

“I don’t know.”

“You are lying.”

The demon lifted one side of his lips. His fangs glistened in the moonlight, “Ha, why do you think that?”

Aksinya stuck her face forward. Her eyes bore in on the demon’s, “You have lied over and over to me.”

Asmodeus wouldn’t meet her gaze, “How could that be?”

“You lied about Sister Margarethe…”

The demon examined his claws, “I did not lie—she is infatuated with you.”

“You tried to get me to…to get me to…”

“…to seduce her?”

Aksinya lowered her gaze, “Yes, just that. Such a disgusting thing.”

The demon’s fangs were very visible in his face, “Perhaps a misunderstanding?”

“That you fostered. Everything you have told me is a lie.”

“That isn’t so.”

“Then what is the truth?”

We last left Aksinya and Natalya on their way to Grossbock for the weekend.  The Freifrau has nothing but the Advent party on her mind.  I take a slight omniscient point of view to give you a little from the thoughts of Aksinya.  This is part of this easy transition we have been in, you know that can't last.  You should expect the next pacing of the scenes to bring you back into tension.  Tension indeed.  I give you a slight look into Aksinya's thoughts, you might have guessed them already, but I wanted it to be clear.  She has both given into the demon and opposed the demon.  This causes her great distress.  It should.  At Asmodeus next visit we should get some idea what Aksinya's opposition means.
 
In the evening, Aksinya finally receives the visit she had been expecting.  I like the little touch of sulfur in the air with the demon.  When he knocks on the door, Aksinya lies at first.  Notice the consideration the demon shows--he's back to his good demon stage.  Remember for him everything is a show.  The demon is even deferential to her.  He requests an audience.  Aksinya does indeed wish to asks him some questions--they are likely the same ones you have.
 
Aksinya's first question: where is my book...  This is the important question to her.  The book is new and wonderful.  It was a gift from the demon.  Yet, the demon's answer is both equivocal and a lie.  You should wonder, what is it about this book--or better, where is the book, that its presence must be hidden.  Then we get the accusation from Aksinya against the demon--he caused the attempted rape.  You knew it had to be asked.  The demon lies again.  He did confess to the temptation before.  He bragged he set up the entire event.  Aksinya curses at Asmodeus.  Curses always have the same affect on him.  You might wonder if he is proud of the curse and proud that Aksinya curses.
 
Then, again, where is the book.  The demon is indeed lying, but you realized that.  Aksinya knows it too.  The demon is lying--the important thing to learn is why.  It does no good to prove or point out to the demon his lies--it just encourages him.  Aksinya still can't help but argue.
 
The next point she wished to attack the demon about is the Sister Margarethe.  The demon did lie about the Sister Margarethe's lust.  Then again, perhaps Asmodeus simply misunderstood the Sister's desire.  Or, the sister does desire Aksinya just as the demon said and lied to Aksinya about it.  Aksinya believes she has learned a great truth that you can love without lust.  This thought sustains her in some measure--it will be tested in the future.
 
Aksinya claims Asmodeus lied about Sister Margarethe.  He responds that he did not lie.  The sister is infatuated with Aksinya--this is truth.  We heard it from her own lips.  Aksinya's realization goes much deeper.  If she had attempted the bidding of the demon and tried to seduce the Sister, she might have succeeded.  There is much in this conversation that is unsaid in regard to Aksinya.  She has sexual fantasies and infatuations herself, only those fantasies are true fantasies.  In many ways she is very naive.  She wouldn't know what to do with a man or a woman sexually at all.  The idea scares her.  I don't mention this to say she should be willing, but rather to set up your thoughts for what will happen next.  Aksinya is a perfect countess on the outside, but she is very innocent of human interaction.  The demon realizes this and capitalizes on it.  Not everything Asmodeus has told her is a lie, but much of it is a lie.  Therefore, Aksinya's question that leads us into tomorrow: "Then what is the truth?”

A New Novel, Part 106 Love without Lust

The aftermaths of this pivotal scene in the novel are still coming.  The issue of Sister Margarethe is a critical point that must be addressed by Aksinya.  Do you see that she must resolve this point?  The Reverend Mother has given Aksinya into the oversight of the Sister.  If Aksinya can't come to some resolution, she only can envision a horrible end to the situation.

Sister Margarethe’s voice finally returned. It was breathless, “Who told you that?” She reached forward to grasp Aksinya’s hand. Aksinya spoke a couple of words in Latin. There was a flash in the room, and Sister Margarethe sat back in her chair, “I don’t know what you did, but it doesn’t make me love you any less.”

Aksinya raised her chin, “I took away your desire and forced you to tell me the truth.”

“Love isn’t all desire. My love for you has little to do with physical attraction and nothing to do with a sexual urge.”

Aksinya’s look said she didn’t believe a word.

Sister Margarethe glanced at her feet, “Countess, I’ve spent twenty years of my life consecrated as a bride of Christ. I feel no desire for Him. I simply love Him.”

“What about your feelings for me?”

“I think you mistake my actions and my desires. I do love you.” Sister Margarethe turned her face, “And I do admit, I love you in a way I haven’t loved anyone else…”

“There, you said it.”

“I do love you, Countess, but twenty years of loving God has shown me I can love without desire.”

Aksinya’s look was surprised, “You can love without desire, without lust?”

“Yes, without lust. I don’t desire you sexually, countess. I want to be for you in the same way you are for your servant, the Lady Natalya.”

“I don’t trust you.”

Sister Margarethe sighed, “I understand.”

“There is much more here that you don’t understand.”

“Then tell me. I will be your confessor.”

“I’m afraid I am not ready to be confessed yet…”

“I know you are involved in great sin.”

“You have no idea how great.”

“I saw what you did in the street…”

“Then you know?”

“I do not know. I have no idea what you did, but it is obvious to me, that you bled your heart and your soul to save me and the Lady Natalya. When we brought you here, you were dying. The doctor who examined you was astounded. The way we described your injuries, he was certain you would be already dead when he arrived. Instead, you were and are the picture of health.” She stared at Aksinya, “How do you explain this, Countess?”

Sister Margarethe is shocked by Aksinya's accusation.  She can only respond with a question.  This is the sister's greatest secret.  She tries to cut off the situation by making the biggest mistake those who love with a one sided love can make--she tried to touch Aksinya.  Aksinya's response is a small enchantment.  Remember "big" enchantments change the world.  "Small" ones affect the appearance or the symbols in the world.
 
Sister Margarethe's reaction is peculiar: “I don’t know what you did, but it doesn’t make me love you any less.”  If you were looking for a confession, there it was.  The why is answered by Aksinya in her next statement: “I took away your desire and forced you to tell me the truth.”  The truth is that Sister Margarethe does love Aksinya.  The question is in what way does she love...  The Sister must tell the truth.  Whether she wishes to or not, she must.  By the way, this is obviously what she desires to do.  She wants to tell Aksinya the truth.  Aksinya's reaction is odd--she made an enchantment to know the truth.  She, of anyone, should realize that the sister must tell the truth.  This truth is so important, I will repeat it for you: “Love isn’t all desire. My love for you has little to do with physical attraction and nothing to do with a sexual urge.”  The Sister's reasoning is enlightening too.  She compares her love of Aksinya with her love of Christ.  This is a hidden comparison, but it is obvious in the text.  The Sister does love Aksinya in a way that is unusual or that is different than the way she loves others, but Sister Margarethe's love is a love without lust.  Then the dangerous statement from the Sister--she wants to be as Natalya is.  That can't stand.  Aksinya will not let that be, plus we know that the Sister has a power she looks to (God), Natalya's power is Aksinya.

There is a lot of danger here--there is danger that will not go unpunished and for Aksinya revelations that are necessary.  The conversation turns in an instant to the power that Natalya does look to.  This power is Aksinya's.  This is the part that the Sister doesn't understand, but she will accept because she loves Aksinya.  Watch carefully her response and remember, the Sister loves Aksinya and wants to be like Natalya. 

Within the conversation, the question of confession comes up.  The Sister wants a confession because she wants to understand.  Aksinya is truly not ready for a confession.  Sister Margarethe knows Aksinya is involved in great evil, she just doesn't know what it is, and she doesn't want it to be wrong.  Aksinya was wrong, the Sister has fallen under Aksinya's temptation.  The sister has become part of Aksinya's sin.  Aksinya has seduced the Sister with her sorcery.  She has accomplished the desires of Asmodeus.  The Sister realizes something is up, but she doesn't want to really know it herself.  Tomorrow: “How do you explain this, Countess?”

A New Novel, Part 104 The Great Enchantment

Aksinya is dying and Natalya helps her set up her sorcery.  We have an idea what is being done, but we are not certain, yet.  Natalya knows everything that Aksinya will do--she has obviously been watching her accomplish sorcery...

Aksinya grabbed for the bag of wax and couldn’t reach it. Natalya opened it and put the whole lump in Aksinya’s hands. Aksinya fumbled for the bag of herbs. Natalya opened that one for her too. Aksinya held the wax in one hand and the herbs in the other.


Aksinya motioned Natalya back with her chin. Natalya ran to the other side of the room. She wanted to watch. She could not take her eyes off Aksinya.

Aksinya’s lips moved slowly at first, but then faster. Her hands brought the wax and the dried leaves together. Aksinya didn’t look at her hands, but in them formed a small figure made of wax. Pieces of the herbs filled the lightly transparent material and stuck out in places. Aksinya’s voice almost increased to the level that Natalya could hear her, but it rose and fell in volume and the words were strange.

Finally, Aksinya grasped all around her. She nearly fell, but kept upright. Natalya didn’t know what to do. Aksinya’s hands moved slowly but frantically on the floor at every side. Natalya knew what Aksinya wanted, it was the dagger. She saw it just to her side.

Natalya called out, “There mistress. Your dagger is on your right.”

Aksinya mouthed, don’t speak.

Natalya fell silent, but without crossing the circle, she pointed at the dagger.

Aksinya reached out and took the knife by the blade. Natalya grasped, it bit into Aksinya’s fingers. Blood trickled from the fist that held the dagger. Aksinya dropped it and seized the wax doll. Blood covered it.

A low sound filled the room. The wax melted and was gone. The blood was suddenly gone. The tallow candles were out, and a bright flash filled the magic circle. For a moment, Natalya couldn’t see Aksinya. She was about to cry out, but she bit her lip. Natalya blinked her eyes, and Aksinya lay prostrate in the center of the magic circle. Natalya ran to the edge and hopped from foot to foot. She didn’t dare cross the circle. She didn’t dare speak. She didn’t dare do anything. Finally, she couldn’t wait any longer, “Countess.” She screamed, “Countess, are you all right?”

Aksinya raised her head and nodded, “Come, sweet Natalya. All is well. I just must sleep now.” Her head fell back to the floor, and she didn’t move.

Natalya ran across the circle to Aksinya’s side. She put her arms around her mistress and held her close. She listened covetously to her breathing and her heartbeat. She kissed her cheeks. Slowly, tenderly, she dragged Aksinya to the bed and lifted her onto it. They were almost the same weight, but Natalya was determined. Then she cleaned up the magic circle and put away all of Aksinya’s items. She laid back the rug. When everything was perfect, Natalya checked on Aksinya again. She kissed her forehead and went to get Sister Margarethe.

Aksinya is accomplishing a great enchantment.  The circle was properly made and encompasses her.  She takes wax--it is the item that will represent her physical body.  She takes herbs.  The body has form, the wax, and parts of the living earth, the herbs.  Natalya gets out of the way, but she wants to watch everything.  This is an amazing thing in the world--the work of a master sorceress.
 
The words are the Latin that Aksinya has memorized to make the enchantment occur.  With the words and the item properly formed, the last ingredient is the sacrifice.  Previously, Aksinya herself was the sacrifice--that was what injured her (along with the backlash from the power of God in the world).  Natalya helps Aksinya find the dagger.  Since Aksinya can barely manipulate the items, she just grasps the razor sharp dagger and allows it to slice her hand.  With the addition of the blood sacrifice to the wax and herb figure, along with the Latin words, the enchantment is complete, and we see the result.
 
Natalya's greatest concern is for Aksinya.  This is always true.  The enchantment was a success and Aksinya needs to rest.  Natalya takes care of everything--Aksinya knew she would.  She gets Aksinya back into bed and everything is right again in their world, or is it?  Aksinya is whole again, but much has happened.  Sister Margarethe knows about the house, and the sister is inside Aksinya's house.  The demon has been thwarted by Aksinya.  He disappeared, but is he truly gone?  The men from the tavern, are they dead or alive?  What about Aksinya's book of sorcery?  What about the gentleman who was outside the tavern?  What will happen now?  I told you this was a pivotal chapter.  You can see how everything has been brought together to make these events happen at this point.  The world has changed radically for Aksinya and Natalya--the world has changed for many of the participants in this novel.  We shall see how it plays out.

A New Novel, Part 101 The Great Enchantment

Natalya and Sister Margarethe are about to be raped in the streets.  The demon has proposed multiple solutions most of which will not work.  He is driving Aksinya to some course of action.  The obvious solution is what the demon told Aksinya he could do for her a long time ago--I can murder in your name.  Aksinya is driven into a corner.  She is fighting against the demon and has had a tiny success when he could not strip her to do his will.  Now we will see what Aksinya has decided to do...

Natalya and Sister Margarethe writhed on the ground. Their attackers just now reached for the buttons on their pants and knelt on the hard cobbles before the two women in preparation to violate them. Aksinya lifted up a prayer as a great cry. She grasped the crucifix around her neck through her clothing and dropped her book. It fell at her feet.


The demon leaned toward her. His sulfurous breath touched her face, “That will do you no good. That guy isn’t listening to you. He never did before, and He certainly isn’t going to start now.”

Aksinya’s cries turned into a Latin curse. She began to shout in Latin. Her words flowed faster and faster.

The demon stepped back, “You can’t do that spell without preparation.” He reached for her. The smell of sulfur increased.

The young man stood helpless with his arms at his side. We stared at Aksinya. Natalya and Sister Margarethe stopped moving and stared at Aksinya. Her words were strange and a glow began to encompass her.

The men around Natalya and Sister Margarethe stopped and turned to stare.

Asmodeus’ clawed hand nearly touched Aksinya, but he flinched and pulled it back, “You can’t do that spell without a magic circle. It will bring the force of the world back on you. It may kill you. I can’t allow you to do it.”

Aksinya ignored him or didn’t hear him. She raised her hands and cried out a terrible word in Latin. The world stopped for a moment. All the passion in every person there suddenly disappeared. In that moment, the men from the tavern were gone. They were no longer there. It was as though they disappeared with all the passion and lust and emotion that had encompassed them in that moment.

As if it was an afterthought, the demon was suddenly gone too.

Aksinya let out another cry. She screamed. She felt something powerful around her, suffocating her. Then the pain filled her from head to toe. She heard a snapping like brittle sticks being broken, and fell to her knees. The crucifix on her chest seared her skin. She thought she smelled scorched silk and flesh. She doubled over and heaved and heaved again. She lost her breath and sucked in a lungful of vomit and choked. She collapsed to the street in agony. She couldn’t breath and in a moment blessed oblivion caught her.

Now we have reached the climax of this scene and a pivotal point in the novel.  The men from the tavern are about to rape Natalya and the Sister Margarethe.  Aksinya cries out a prayer.  She drops her book of sorcery.  She grasps her crucifix.  The demon taunts her about her prayer and Aksinya turns her prayer into a "great" enchantment.  This is why I told you all about "big" sorcery and "little" sorcery yesterday.  You didn't really need my explanation to understand what is going on, but with that revelation, everything should make sense (remember, I don't like to tell my readers everything, but I'm reveling trade secrets to you).
 
The demon explains everything to you--you can't do that spell without preparation.  He can't stop her.  Everyone's attention is suddenly on Aksinya.  Her words and her power course through the place.  They all watch her. 
 
The demon gives you more of the revelation, a small piece, you can't make that spell without a magic circle.  The power of the world will be reflected back on you and you might die.  If you wondered why a sorcerer requires a protective circle--this is it.  Aksinya doesn't listen.  We know she wishes to die, but that she is too afraid to die.  We know she wants to be free of the demon.  She has opposed him once with the crosses.  She thinks she can do it again with this spell.  Note that she still opposes God.  She is using her own power and her own knowledge to fight the demon.  She realizes she might die, but she will take that risk.  The demon's fear is interesting.  He doesn't want her to die--will he then be in default?
 
Aksinya's spell is successful.  Suddenly, the passion of the men is gone, and they are gone.  I don't give you a lot of details about what exactly happens--that will be partially answered in the future because Aksinya doesn't know exactly what happened.  This is part of the point I've made before--don't tell your readers everything.  Don't let your readers know more than the main character knows--that's one way you build tension and mystery.  The rest of the answer will be to a degree given in the novel, but not here.  The demon is also gone--for a while.
 
Then we see the results of Aksinya's enchantment as it affects her.  The power of the world hits her.  This is the power of God in the world.  The protective circle protects the sorcerer from the backlash of the power of God, and Aksinya is struck by it.  The sounds of snapping twigs are her bones.  Her injuries are great and we shall see tomorrow the result of her actions.
 
On another note, I finished the third rewrite of the novel and am still working on it.  Yesterday, I put it together for the first time as a single document.  I write in chapters and make each chapter in the document a separate file.  This is for protection in case of loss, and a habit from the days when a full novel wouldn't fit into a single file.  I put the entire novel together in a single linked master outlined document and format it there.  I still work on the individual chapters as single files.  In any case, the novel is about 121,500 words, and is still a very tight novel.  There isn't an extraneous scene in it.