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 question of the bills and the post came up yesterday. Aksinya knows something is up about them both, but she is of no mind to worry about them. She has other concerns more pressing. She seeks luxuria to forget these pressing issues. Sister Margarethe now brings up the issue that plagues Aksinya...
Natalya turned Aksinya a strange look that Sister Margarethe and Aksinya both did not see.
Sister Margarethe shifted the cloaks in her arms, “Have you decided what you are going to answer Herr von Taaffe on Monday?”
Natalya cocked her ears.
“I have considered Herr von Taaffe’s proposal very carefully. I think it would be unfair to the gentleman if I told anyone before him.”
“He is a very fine young man. You could not do much better than to accept his proposal. I would hope that I might continue to serve you afterward.”
“Thank you, Sister Margarethe that is very kind of you. I will take your request into consideration. I don’t expect to leave this house or the school for a while even if my decision is to join myself with his household.”
Sister Margarethe seemed relieved, “Then you anticipate a long engagement?”
“I take everything under advisement depending on my answer to the gentleman. I enjoy his company. Perhaps I shall tell him I would like more time to consider his offer, and perhaps I will request a longer time to get to know him. Then again,” Aksinya’s eyes sparkled, “perhaps I shall accept him and his offer and entertain him here.”
Natalya blushed.
Sister Margarethe put her hand over her mouth, “Surely, you would not. The Reverend Mother would not allow such a thing.”
“You have kept my other secrets well, Sister Margarethe. Why should you not keep another one? What the Reverend Mother doesn’t know will not burden her or me.”
“But such a thing…and right across from Sacré Coeur. You wouldn’t be able to keep something like that a secret for very long.”
Aksinya shrugged, “I did not say what I would do, yet. I simply suggested that as a possibility. You would keep my secrets, wouldn’t you, Sister Margarethe?”
Sister Margarethe raised her eyes, “Yes. Yes, you know I would.”
“Very good. Then whatever decision I make, I shall feel comfortable that my interests are guarded by those who serve me.” Aksinya turned toward Natalya, “Isn’t that so, Nata?”
Natalya glanced down, “Y…yes, Countess.”
They heard horses’ hooves on the cobblestones outside and Aksinya stood, “My cloak, please.”
Sister Margarethe moved a little too quickly. She fumbled a little and began to place the mink cloak over Aksinya’s shoulders. Natalya intercepted her and took the heavy cloak from her. She put it over Aksinya’s shoulders herself and lingered a moment too long when she tied it at Aksinya’s neck. She put her face discretely close to the side and took a deep breath.
Sister Margarethe placed the other cloak around Natalya’s shoulders. Then she answered the door.
The driver helped Aksinya and Natalya into the coupe, and the carriage took off with only a slight lurch. Sister Margarethe watched the carriage until it was out of sight.
You get a whole lot in a very tight form. This is a scene truly driven by conversation. The information that flows from the characters involved is very large. I give you the last paragraph from yesterday because I don't want you to forget it. It flows into the next piece of conversation. Natalya is guilty of something. Do you remember Aksinya's conversation with Natalya concerning secrets before. Aksinya's admonition was: don't keep any secrets from me. Natalya is keeping secrets. She knows something about Ernst. She knows something about the demon. She knows something about Sister Margarethe. There are deep secrets circling Aksinya that she does not begin to understand.
Sister Margarethe brings up the one question Aksinya has not wished to answer, but you know it is the question that burdened her--that is until she received the new book of sorcery. Watch the use of analogy. Sister Margarethe shifted the cloaks in her arms. This indicates she is changing the topic of conversation. The cloaks represent Aksinya and Natalya, but you knew that. That is why Sister Margarethe holds them so carefully. She cares for both of them. Then the Sister asks the bombshell question: “Have you decided what you are going to answer Herr von Taaffe on Monday?”
Natalya wants to know too. Remember Natalya's confession to the sleeping Aksinya. Remember her confession to the drunken Aksinya. Natalya does not want Aksinya to chose Ernst and perhaps any man. Natalya has a deep seated mistrust for men. She was used by men.
Aksinya's answer does not answer the question. Her response is gentle and proper. Then Sister Margarethe tells us and Aksinya what has bothered her all along: "I would hope that I might continue to serve you afterward.” She wants Aksinya to accept Ernst's proposal, but she wants to continue to serve her.
Aksinya's answer begins gentle and refined. Aksinya isn't interested in Ernst. She wants her house and to continue in the school. She expects to have these things (luxuria) even if engaged and even, we find, when married. Sister Margarethe is relieved and makes a logical deduction--a long engagement. This is not what Aksinya has in mind at all. Aksinya wants luxuria. She wants everything she can get from Ernst and to have everything as it is now. Her statement that she would entertain Ernst in her own house is cultural speak at the times that she would let him stay over with her--the obvious conclusion is for sex. This is why Natalya blushes and Sister Margarethe reacts as she does. Notice, that I don't have to tell you all about the culture--I let you see the culture first hand through these women and their reactions.
The conversation turns toward secrets. This brings up in our minds how much does Sister Margarethe know. If you will remember from the time of the great enchantment, Sister Margarethe has been keeping some very great secrets about Aksinya and Aksinya's actions. The Sister knows that Aksinya is a sorceress. Sister Margarethe's love for Aksinya prevents her from even correcting her young charge. Aksinya is unkind enough to bring this up. Having Ernst over to entertain Aksinya is just another secret in Aksinya's household.
Sister Margarethe warns Aksinya, but Aksinya has given herself over completely to her desire and temptation. That is why her response. She takes a promise from Sister Margarethe. It is a promise that the Sister should not give and one Aksinya should not request. Aksinya is dragging down those around her. She is like the demon. She has become just like the demon in this. Look at the Sister's response: Sister Margarethe raised her eyes, “Yes. Yes, you know I would.” She raises her eyes. She is proud to keep Aksinya's secrets. If you remember Sister Margarethe is infatuated with Aksinya. She loves Aksinya without desire.
Aksinya then turns to Natalya. She requires a promise from Natalya. We guess that Natalya is lying. She is keeping secrets for Aksinya, but she is also keeping secrets from Aksinya. The coupe arrives just in time. Sister Margarethe moves to place Aksinya's cloak over her shoulders, but remember this is the privilege of Natalya. Natalya will not give her place over to anyone. In this group, Aksinya is the idol of worship and these two worship her, but it is a perverted idol and a perverted worship.
Natalya goes through the liturgy of her worship. She breaths in the incense of Aksinya. Do you see, the incense of the demon is sulphur and a stink. The incense of Aksinya is like a breath of life for Natalya. Sister Margarethe is relegated to serving Natalya. We see Sister Margarethe's dedication. She watches the carriage until it is out of sight. Tomorrow, Aunt Brunhilda.
Showing posts with label perversion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label perversion. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A New Novel, Part 165 I Shall Answer You on Monday Next
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, Natalya, and the Bockmanns are at Steiholtz, the estate of Ernst's Father. Ernst proposed to Aksinya, but she could not make a decision. Still, he kissed her and that excited her mind and body. She wakes on the first day of 1919...
When Aksinya awoke in the late morning, her first thought was the kiss that still excited her imagination and seemed to tingle on her lips. It tempted her and excited her. In spite of a headache, her body was much more responsive now, and she felt less frustrated afterward. She slowly fell back to sleep. Natalya finally woke her near noon.
Natalya had her hands full dressing and preparing the sleepy Aksinya for their departure. The two maids from the evening helped, and together, they assisted the Countess down to the dining room for breakfast. Everyone else had already eaten breakfast and luncheon, and Aksinya took her time. She insisted Natalya eat with her. Ernst was conspicuously absent.
When Aksinya finished her third cup of tea, Natalya was able to bundle her off to the front of the house where the Bockmanns and their coupe awaited them. All their small trunks had been loaded on the coupe and the driver stood ready to assist them into the cab.
Aksinya met the Bockmanns in the great foyer. Freiherr Bockmann bowed to Aksinya, and Freifrau Bockmann curtsied. She took Aksinya’s hand, “Good morning, Countess.”
Aksinya gave a slight nod. That made her head ache.
Just as they were about to pass through the main doors, the Graf von Taaffe came out of a side opening. He was followed closely by Ernst. The Graf tilted his head toward Aksinya, “Good morning, Countess. I pray you slept well.”
Aksinya cleared her throat, “As well as I could after drinking so much.”
The Graf smiled, “Do you have an answer for me and Ernst this morning?”
“I have not had the opportunity to put my mind fully to the question, yet. I will to give an answer in one week, on the Monday following this next.”
The Graf rubbed his chin, “Very good and very well said. I do like the way you plan, Countess. I still wish you would accept the ring.”
“Ring!” squawked Freifrau Bockmann.”
Aksinya raised her eyes to her aunt’s, “Ernst von Taaffe has made me an offer of matrimony. I am contemplating his proposal.”
Ernst stepped forward, “I have met my father’s requirements, and I hope I meet yours as well, Aksinya.”
Aksinya gave him a look that could melt any man’s heart.
Natalya scowled.
Ernst continued, “I’ll pick you up at our regular time for dinner on Wednesday evening.”
Aksinya asked, “What shall we see?”
“The opera is Tristan und Isolde by Wagner. It is a tragedy.”
Graf von Taaffe laughed, “You may kiss Ernst good bye if you wish.”
Aunt Brunhilda put up her hand, “She shall not. A handshake at this juncture is more than appropriate.”
Aksinya pursed her lips. Natalya smiled.
Ernst took Aksinya’s hand and bowed over it.
Aunt Brunhilda commented, “Yes, very nice, Herr von Taaffe.”
When she passed her aunt, Aksinya snarled, “I would have rather had a kiss.”
They stepped into the coupe and the driver started out toward Wien and Grossbock.
Setting the scene is the most important part of the beginning of any chapter. Just as important is setting the chapter. This is the beginning of chapter 14. I use some advanced writing techniques to set the scene for you. The first one, is that I use a direct comparison to place you back in the place we were at the end of chapter 13. At the end of that chapter, Aksinya was in bed trying to pleasure herself. At the beginning of this chapter she is in bed under the same circumstances. This immediately draws the reader back to the place with the new time marker--it is morning.
That's all I really need to set the place, time, and person--the where, when, and who. This single paragraph also sets the chapter. That is its ultimate purpose. You know from this paragraph that this chapter will deal with Aksinya' s passions and desires. There is more, of course, but the point is to give the reader a foreshadowing and foretaste of the chapter.
The next paragraph that describes taking care of Aksinya just reinforces both the scene and chapter setting. Aksinya is at her morning worse. This is a continual motif. Aksinya is acting like a brat, but it isn't just her bad habits--it is her position in life.
The next short transition uses description to show you that everything is ready for departure. While Aksinya slept, everyone else was preparing to leave. The Bockmanns still are courteous to Aksinya--she is a Countess. When Aksinya nods, that makes her head ache--this lets me show you that she has a hangover.
As Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns are about to depart, the Graf and Ernst make their appearance. The Graf is polite, but his second question is what he really wants to know: “Do you have an answer for me and Ernst this morning?” Aksinya has obviously thought much about this. She doesn't hesitate and tells the Graf that she will give her answer in one week.
The Graf's response to Aksinya alerts the Freifrau. She understands very well what a ring means. Aksinya fills them all in. I also remind you of Aksinya's diminutive size here also. Ernst can't help but remind Aksinya of what he has gone through to be able to ask her to marry him. Aksinya doesn't note any irony in Ernst's words, she accepts them as forthright--therefore the look she gives him. I can't let you forget that Natalya is not happy with any Ernst arrangement.
Ernst is still courting. He loves Aksinya. He will pick her up at their regular time on Wednesday. Aksinya asks what they will see. This is a set up for you. The opera is Tristan and Isolde. It is not only a tragedy, it is about a love triangle that was a precursor to King Aurther. Every opera and ballet they have seen that I mentioned were direct parallels to Aksinya's life. What shall this one be?
The Graf remembers from the night before that Aksinya wished to kiss Ernst longer, thus his words that Aksinya may kiss Ernst. This is too froward and Aunt Brunhilda reminds them. That makes Aksinya uphappy and Natalya happy. Did you get that?
Ernst acts the gentleman and that pleases Aunt Brunhilda. It doesn't please Aksinya. She wanted a kiss. The party heads back to Wien. Tomorrow, the arrival at Wien.
Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns are at Steiholtz, the estate of Ernst's Father. Ernst proposed to Aksinya, but she could not make a decision. Still, he kissed her and that excited her mind and body. She wakes on the first day of 1919...
When Aksinya awoke in the late morning, her first thought was the kiss that still excited her imagination and seemed to tingle on her lips. It tempted her and excited her. In spite of a headache, her body was much more responsive now, and she felt less frustrated afterward. She slowly fell back to sleep. Natalya finally woke her near noon.
Natalya had her hands full dressing and preparing the sleepy Aksinya for their departure. The two maids from the evening helped, and together, they assisted the Countess down to the dining room for breakfast. Everyone else had already eaten breakfast and luncheon, and Aksinya took her time. She insisted Natalya eat with her. Ernst was conspicuously absent.
When Aksinya finished her third cup of tea, Natalya was able to bundle her off to the front of the house where the Bockmanns and their coupe awaited them. All their small trunks had been loaded on the coupe and the driver stood ready to assist them into the cab.
Aksinya met the Bockmanns in the great foyer. Freiherr Bockmann bowed to Aksinya, and Freifrau Bockmann curtsied. She took Aksinya’s hand, “Good morning, Countess.”
Aksinya gave a slight nod. That made her head ache.
Just as they were about to pass through the main doors, the Graf von Taaffe came out of a side opening. He was followed closely by Ernst. The Graf tilted his head toward Aksinya, “Good morning, Countess. I pray you slept well.”
Aksinya cleared her throat, “As well as I could after drinking so much.”
The Graf smiled, “Do you have an answer for me and Ernst this morning?”
“I have not had the opportunity to put my mind fully to the question, yet. I will to give an answer in one week, on the Monday following this next.”
The Graf rubbed his chin, “Very good and very well said. I do like the way you plan, Countess. I still wish you would accept the ring.”
“Ring!” squawked Freifrau Bockmann.”
Aksinya raised her eyes to her aunt’s, “Ernst von Taaffe has made me an offer of matrimony. I am contemplating his proposal.”
Ernst stepped forward, “I have met my father’s requirements, and I hope I meet yours as well, Aksinya.”
Aksinya gave him a look that could melt any man’s heart.
Natalya scowled.
Ernst continued, “I’ll pick you up at our regular time for dinner on Wednesday evening.”
Aksinya asked, “What shall we see?”
“The opera is Tristan und Isolde by Wagner. It is a tragedy.”
Graf von Taaffe laughed, “You may kiss Ernst good bye if you wish.”
Aunt Brunhilda put up her hand, “She shall not. A handshake at this juncture is more than appropriate.”
Aksinya pursed her lips. Natalya smiled.
Ernst took Aksinya’s hand and bowed over it.
Aunt Brunhilda commented, “Yes, very nice, Herr von Taaffe.”
When she passed her aunt, Aksinya snarled, “I would have rather had a kiss.”
They stepped into the coupe and the driver started out toward Wien and Grossbock.
Setting the scene is the most important part of the beginning of any chapter. Just as important is setting the chapter. This is the beginning of chapter 14. I use some advanced writing techniques to set the scene for you. The first one, is that I use a direct comparison to place you back in the place we were at the end of chapter 13. At the end of that chapter, Aksinya was in bed trying to pleasure herself. At the beginning of this chapter she is in bed under the same circumstances. This immediately draws the reader back to the place with the new time marker--it is morning.
That's all I really need to set the place, time, and person--the where, when, and who. This single paragraph also sets the chapter. That is its ultimate purpose. You know from this paragraph that this chapter will deal with Aksinya' s passions and desires. There is more, of course, but the point is to give the reader a foreshadowing and foretaste of the chapter.
The next paragraph that describes taking care of Aksinya just reinforces both the scene and chapter setting. Aksinya is at her morning worse. This is a continual motif. Aksinya is acting like a brat, but it isn't just her bad habits--it is her position in life.
The next short transition uses description to show you that everything is ready for departure. While Aksinya slept, everyone else was preparing to leave. The Bockmanns still are courteous to Aksinya--she is a Countess. When Aksinya nods, that makes her head ache--this lets me show you that she has a hangover.
As Aksinya, Natalya, and the Bockmanns are about to depart, the Graf and Ernst make their appearance. The Graf is polite, but his second question is what he really wants to know: “Do you have an answer for me and Ernst this morning?” Aksinya has obviously thought much about this. She doesn't hesitate and tells the Graf that she will give her answer in one week.
The Graf's response to Aksinya alerts the Freifrau. She understands very well what a ring means. Aksinya fills them all in. I also remind you of Aksinya's diminutive size here also. Ernst can't help but remind Aksinya of what he has gone through to be able to ask her to marry him. Aksinya doesn't note any irony in Ernst's words, she accepts them as forthright--therefore the look she gives him. I can't let you forget that Natalya is not happy with any Ernst arrangement.
Ernst is still courting. He loves Aksinya. He will pick her up at their regular time on Wednesday. Aksinya asks what they will see. This is a set up for you. The opera is Tristan and Isolde. It is not only a tragedy, it is about a love triangle that was a precursor to King Aurther. Every opera and ballet they have seen that I mentioned were direct parallels to Aksinya's life. What shall this one be?
The Graf remembers from the night before that Aksinya wished to kiss Ernst longer, thus his words that Aksinya may kiss Ernst. This is too froward and Aunt Brunhilda reminds them. That makes Aksinya uphappy and Natalya happy. Did you get that?
Ernst acts the gentleman and that pleases Aunt Brunhilda. It doesn't please Aksinya. She wanted a kiss. The party heads back to Wien. Tomorrow, the arrival at Wien.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A New Novel, Part 114 Love without Desire?
Aksinya is really too nice a girl to be a sorceress. She has a weak spot for people. Her next question to the demon indicates this weakness. She doesn't get an answer...
“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.”
“I did not kill them.”
“They are dead anyway.”
“You are lying.”
“Perhaps you should ask them yourself,” the demon let out a great laugh.
“Then they are alive…”
He chuckled, “I meant in hell.”
“Go to hell, yourself.”
“I’ve been there, Countess.”
“You tempted them…”
“I did not give them anything more than they wished themselves—such is the way with temptation. You, more than anyone, should realize that, Countess.”
“I’m tired of arguing with you. Leave me.”
“Ah, it is time for me to leave. I have just one thing to tell you, Countess.”
“I knew there was more to this visit than pleasantries.”
Asmodeus bowed, “I just wanted to warn you. You have chosen to defy me. None of my other masters ever did such a thing. It is incomprehensible to me. Still, your choices do promote evil. Yet, because you defy me, they will bring you much sorrow. A final warning from your servant, it is a threat. Don’t give away too much of your heart. What you give away may never be returned, and when it is, it will result in great sorrow.”
“You spout stupid platitudes…why should I expect wisdom from a demon.”
“Why indeed, Countess.” The demon bowed out of the room. Before he shut the door, he called sweetly, “Good night.”
Under her breath, Aksinya whispered, “One can love without desire, without lust, Asmodeus. That is the secret that causes all your evil to crumble.”
A soft hiss answered her, “But love without desire is not as sweet, Countess. Just look at how you love yourself.” The words seemed to echo within the closed room.
Aksinya covered her head with her blanket and put her hands over her ears.
Aksinya is really concerned about the results of her sorcery. She planned for no one to be hurt. If you remember, Asmodeus was obviously trying to point Aksinya toward ordering him to kill the men outright or to wait after the rape and then torture and kill them. Aksinya did something the demon wasn't expecting. She still isn't certain that she didn't harm them--this is how powerful her spell was. Aksinya wasn't sure if she harmed the men. After hearing the demon's response, she still doesn't know.
This gives me the opportunity to give a small joke by the demon about hell--this is his personality and his affliction. Then we get back into the meat. The demon comments about temptation, and indeed, Aksinya should realize this more than anyone--she faces temptation all the time, in every variety.
Then, we finally get to the whole point of the visitation. The demon was simply playing with Aksinya, now he tells her his message. This is so important I will repeat it: “I just wanted to warn you. You have chosen to defy me. None of my other masters ever did such a thing. It is incomprehensible to me. Still, your choices do promote evil. Yet, because you defy me, they will bring you much sorrow. A final warning from your servant, it is a threat. Don’t give away too much of your heart. What you give away may never be returned, and when it is, it will result in great sorrow.” This is all foreshadowing and prediction on the demon's part. How much is truth? I will reveal to you: it is all truth. This was the message the demon waited to give to Aksinya. There is much in this message I will not expose to you yet. Most will become obvious as we progress in the novel.
Aksinya's answer is more pointed. She realizes her danger and what is happening. She has opposed a demon. The result...who knows the result, but the one and only one lesson Aksinya has learned is this: “One can love without desire, without lust, Asmodeus. That is the secret that causes all your evil to crumble.” Actually, that is not the secret that causes the demon's evil to crumble, but it is almost the only idea Aksinya can hold on to as truth to fight her own temptation and the demon. Then, the final words from the demon remind her that she does not really understand at all. That is the rub and that is the problem for Aksinya. She is still trying to save herself. Just as she perversely loves herself, likewise, she can't separate love from desire or lust. Her luxuria drives her forward. Tomorrow, the beginning of the Advent party.
“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.”
“I did not kill them.”
“They are dead anyway.”
“You are lying.”
“Perhaps you should ask them yourself,” the demon let out a great laugh.
“Then they are alive…”
He chuckled, “I meant in hell.”
“Go to hell, yourself.”
“I’ve been there, Countess.”
“You tempted them…”
“I did not give them anything more than they wished themselves—such is the way with temptation. You, more than anyone, should realize that, Countess.”
“I’m tired of arguing with you. Leave me.”
“Ah, it is time for me to leave. I have just one thing to tell you, Countess.”
“I knew there was more to this visit than pleasantries.”
Asmodeus bowed, “I just wanted to warn you. You have chosen to defy me. None of my other masters ever did such a thing. It is incomprehensible to me. Still, your choices do promote evil. Yet, because you defy me, they will bring you much sorrow. A final warning from your servant, it is a threat. Don’t give away too much of your heart. What you give away may never be returned, and when it is, it will result in great sorrow.”
“You spout stupid platitudes…why should I expect wisdom from a demon.”
“Why indeed, Countess.” The demon bowed out of the room. Before he shut the door, he called sweetly, “Good night.”
Under her breath, Aksinya whispered, “One can love without desire, without lust, Asmodeus. That is the secret that causes all your evil to crumble.”
A soft hiss answered her, “But love without desire is not as sweet, Countess. Just look at how you love yourself.” The words seemed to echo within the closed room.
Aksinya covered her head with her blanket and put her hands over her ears.
Aksinya is really concerned about the results of her sorcery. She planned for no one to be hurt. If you remember, Asmodeus was obviously trying to point Aksinya toward ordering him to kill the men outright or to wait after the rape and then torture and kill them. Aksinya did something the demon wasn't expecting. She still isn't certain that she didn't harm them--this is how powerful her spell was. Aksinya wasn't sure if she harmed the men. After hearing the demon's response, she still doesn't know.
This gives me the opportunity to give a small joke by the demon about hell--this is his personality and his affliction. Then we get back into the meat. The demon comments about temptation, and indeed, Aksinya should realize this more than anyone--she faces temptation all the time, in every variety.
Then, we finally get to the whole point of the visitation. The demon was simply playing with Aksinya, now he tells her his message. This is so important I will repeat it: “I just wanted to warn you. You have chosen to defy me. None of my other masters ever did such a thing. It is incomprehensible to me. Still, your choices do promote evil. Yet, because you defy me, they will bring you much sorrow. A final warning from your servant, it is a threat. Don’t give away too much of your heart. What you give away may never be returned, and when it is, it will result in great sorrow.” This is all foreshadowing and prediction on the demon's part. How much is truth? I will reveal to you: it is all truth. This was the message the demon waited to give to Aksinya. There is much in this message I will not expose to you yet. Most will become obvious as we progress in the novel.
Aksinya's answer is more pointed. She realizes her danger and what is happening. She has opposed a demon. The result...who knows the result, but the one and only one lesson Aksinya has learned is this: “One can love without desire, without lust, Asmodeus. That is the secret that causes all your evil to crumble.” Actually, that is not the secret that causes the demon's evil to crumble, but it is almost the only idea Aksinya can hold on to as truth to fight her own temptation and the demon. Then, the final words from the demon remind her that she does not really understand at all. That is the rub and that is the problem for Aksinya. She is still trying to save herself. Just as she perversely loves herself, likewise, she can't separate love from desire or lust. Her luxuria drives her forward. Tomorrow, the beginning of the Advent party.
Monday, January 24, 2011
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.”
“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.”
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