A New Novel, Part 320 What were the Words?

20 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 320 What were the Words?

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.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married.  Aksinya and Dobrushin are in Boston, and Aksinya has come to an Orthodox girl's school looking for a job.  She is waiting for the headmistress to call on her, but she happens to be sitting next to a student... 

The maid turned a stern look at the girl then pointed to the seats.  Aksinya sat next to the girl.  The maid knocked at the office, entered and closed the door behind her.  She exited just a moment later, “The headmistress will call for you in a moment.”

Aksinya answered “Thank you.”

The girl beside her stared at Aksinya.

Aksinya stared back, “I’m Aksinya Andreiovna Lopuhin, and you are?”

The girl answered, “I’m Anastasiya, but everyone calls me Stacy.”  Her Russian was from Moscow, but the name Stacy was said purely in English.

Aksinya laughed, “Do you speak English?”

“Not well.  We’re supposed to learn it here.”

“Are you?”

“Too well.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“My brother taught me some words and the Sister didn’t like me to say them at all.”

“What were the words?”

Stacy motioned for Aksinya to lower her head a little and whispered into her ear.

Aksinya blushed, “Is that why you are here to speak to the headmistress?”

Stacy nodded woefully.

“You have a Nun teaching here?”

“Yes, she is Orthodox but not from Russia.”

“What does she teach?”

“English, German, and French, but mostly German.”

“I see.”

All right, here is an advanced method to show you about a character.  I set up a situation.  Here is a girl who is being punished for some misdeed.  I sit Aksinya next to her.  The ensuing conversation allows me to tell you something about the school, but even more about Aksinya.  This is a method to get across information to your readers without telling them anything.  Plus, you can use this type of conversational scene to get under the skin of your character a little. 

The first glance is interesting enough--the girl stares at Aksinya.  Aksinya looks odd enough for a child to stare at her.  We will discover why, but the point should be made that the girl feels comfortable about Aksinya--comfortable enough to stare.  Aksinya stares back--that's just Aksinya.  She introduces herself, and the girl, Stacy responds. 

The point I wanted you to get here is that the girl is from Moscow, but she is acclimating to America.  Stacy is certainly not a Russian diminutive for Anastasiya.  Stacy was pronounced so well in English, Aksinya asks about is, and we learn that part of this school's focus--English and assimilation.  Then we learn why Stacy is waiting to speak to the headmistress.  Notice, I never tell you the words--don't have to.  Your imagination provides them for me.  This also lets me bring up the point of a nun teaching at the school.  This is a foreshadowing, and one part of the reason I wanted to put in this scene.  We get a little information about this nun.  Tomorrow, more about Stacy.

A New Novel, Part 178 Your Attentions the Other Evening

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 time has come for the climax of this novel.  We had a rousing beginning, a long series of rising action that foreshadowed and hinted toward this very moment.  Now, we are here.  I hope this is as much a surprise to you as it is to Aksinya...

Monday after school, Aksinya and Natalya awaited in the parlor for Herr von Taaffe’s arrival. A wood and coal fire warmed the room. Natalya sewed and Aksinya read a Russian novel. Sister Margarethe sat in a servant’s chair at the side of the room near the door to the hall. Aksinya kept glancing up from her book. She hadn’t turned a single page in an hour.


When they heard hooves outside, Sister Margarethe stood. The two novice nuns must have waited just outside the door, they rushed into the parlor.

Aksinya smiled. Her face filled with joy.

Natalya glanced at Aksinya then bent more diligently over her sewing.

When the bell rang, Sister Margarethe and the novice nuns ran into the foyer. Aksinya heard the door open and Sister Margarethe greet Ernst. She heard the rustle of Ernst’s great coat as they took it from him. In a few moments, Sister Margarethe led Herr Ernst von Taaffe into the room. Aksinya rose to greet him, and she almost fell backwards into her chair. Just behind Ernst stepped Asmodeus. The demon grinned at her, but he didn’t say anything. A whiff of sulfur followed him into the room. Natalya glanced up at Ernst and the demon. She colored, but immediately lowered her eyes back to her sewing.

Ernst’s face was radiant. He stepped to Aksinya and embraced her. His lips touched hers in a light but fervent caress. Aksinya returned his kiss for a moment, then thought better of her response and pushed him slightly away. Ernst didn’t seem put off at all. Sister Margarethe took a step forward as though she was about to intervene, but then she stepped back again.

Natalya stiffened.

Ernst pulled Aksinya closer, “Dearest Aksinya, I know your answer before you speak it, and I’m here to take you home with me.”

Sister Margarethe gave a gasp. The novice nuns gasped.

Aksinya pushed him back again, “My answer? You know it before I even speak it? You are a bit too forward and presumptuous, sir.”

“Today, I received your letter in response to mine, and the joy of my heart knows no bounds. But your attentions the other evening spoke more strongly than any letter or any words you might say.”

Aksinya’s voice raised, “My attentions?”

Ernst stared at her with a puzzled look, “Yes, your attentions.”

Asmodeus grinned.

The ladies form a sweet circle of friends and servants to the Grand Countess Aksinya.  This should be her greatest moment.  She is about to make her decision known to the famous and handsome, Ernst von Taaffe.  Aksinya has reached the pinnacle for an unmarried woman in this culture and society: she is sought after and she is treated like a true princess.  Who might imagine that in a single moment she should fall from that pinnacle.  Or that her fall should cause the fall of many, many, many others. 
 
So it begins, in this small circle that we know is a circle of secrets--the ladies await the arrival of Ernst.  The wealth of Aksinya's household is indicated by the coal and the wood in her fireplace.  Natalya sews.  Aksinya reads or tries to read.  Sister Margarethe looks after them both.  Aksinya is excited--notice, I don't tell you that she is excited, I show you--she hasn't turned a single page in an hour.
 
What do you think the answer Aksinya will make to Ernst?  It should be obvious.  The moment they hear Ernst's arrival, everyone begins to act.  Sister Margarethe and the novice nuns move to greet Ernst.  Aksinya's face is filled with joy.  Watch Natalya--what's with Natalya?

We hear the sounds as the Sisters greet Ernst--the excitement is building.  These are advanced writing techniques to allow you to experience the moment, the excitement.  You hear the entry and movement with the expectation of Aksinya and the ladies.  You experience with Aksinya, your desire, Ernst von Taaffe will soon be here.

Aksinya rose to greet Ernst.  This is a great boon.  The Countess rises for her love (remember how she treated him before), but just behind Ernst, comes Asmodeus!  The demon doesn't speak.  Why could he be here.  Watch Natalya, something is up.

Ernst's appearance is like Aksinya's--he is full of joy.  He goes directly to Aksinya and kisses her.  This is a huge cultural issue.  Only a husband would kiss a woman like this--and maybe not a husband--a lover and not a discrete one.  Ernst is intoxicated with love.  Aksinya is intoxicated with desire.

Aksinya realizes she has made a mistake.  She pushed Ernst away, but it is too late.  Sister Margarethe has already seen it.  The novice sisters have already seen it.  Everyone knows her answer--it has to be, yes.  Ernst's actions are certainly something Aksinya didn't expect.  Natalya's reaction was to stiffen--what does she know?

Ernst brings more mystery into the situation.  He pulls her closer, possessively: “Dearest Aksinya, I know your answer before you speak it, and I’m here to take you home with me.”  You can't misunderstand this statement.  Even if you don't understand the culture, you can't misunderstand Ernst's statement.  The response of the nuns should tell you--they gasp.  Ernst is here to take Aksinya to his house where they will live together.  He knows her answer already--how could that be?

Aksinya is getting angry now.  No one knows her mind before she speaks it.  She uses very strong language for the times.  She calls Ernst forward and presumptuous, which he is.  Ernst gives a reason for his actions--he received a letter, oops.  Remember the post?  Then we get the coupe de gras: "But your attentions the other evening spoke more strongly than any letter or any words you might say.”

Your attentions the other evening?  Aksinya knows nothing about this.  Can you guess what attentions means in this culture.  The demon grins.  Tomorrow, we see more about these attentions.

A New Novel, Part 109 Before You Fall

We begin chapter 10 with the setting.  I throw you directly into the action this time.  The pacing requires it.  In the last chapter, we had an exciting beginning and a resolving end (little resolution, but releif).  Now, we begin again with a little action (not much this time).

“Natalya! Natalya!” Aksinya called from her room while she rang the tiny servant’s bell. Her voice was ten times louder than the bell, and it formed a soft counterpoint to her cries.


Sister Margarethe and the Lady Natalya came running.

The moment they were through the door, Aksinya pointed at Sister Margarethe, “You, sister, prepare my breakfast. I shall have tea and something more substantial than the school provides. Sausages with eggs would be fine. Please scramble the eggs in butter.”

Sister Margarethe’s brow rose, but she just curtsied and went down to the kitchen.

Aksinya waited a moment, then she raised her chin and spoke loudly, “Natalya, please draw my bath.” Then she whispered, “First come here—beside my bed.”

Natalya didn’t hesitate, “Yes, mistress.”

“Yes, Aksinya.”

Natalya blushed, “Yes, Aksinya.”

“Next time, I want you to drink tea with my guests as well. I did not embarrass you when Lady Bockmann and the Sister Margarethe were in my room, but I will next time.”

“Y…yes, Cou…Aksinya.”

“Now, close and lock the door.”

Natalya ran to the door and locked it.

“Come over here.”

Natalya stood at the side of the bed.

Aksinya grabbed Natalya’s arm and pulled her down to the bed. She put her arms around the girl and kissed her cheeks, “Nata, you saved me yesterday. I didn’t have a chance to tell you before. You saved me. You are truly my best friend, and I love you. You don’t know how important you are to me.”

Natalya held Aksinya close and sobbed in her hair, “Mistress, Aksinya, I was so afraid I would loose you. I love you. You are like the sister I never had.”

“And you are much more than the sister I lost. I can’t shed a tear for her either, and I don’t know why.”

Natalya’s embrace tightened, “Let me shed your tears, mistress. That is something I am very good at.” A laugh tinged her sobs.

Aksinya kissed Natalya’s tear streaked cheeks again, “Yes, dear Nata, you are very good at that, but you are an especially great person. I pray you learn that before you fall as I have.”

Aksinya calls for her help.  Remember, they have not spent their days in the house--they always snuck back to the school.  They usually ate breakfast at the school.  Aksinya wants breakfast and, as an aristocrat, she knows how to get it.  She has her bell and her voice.  This is supposed to give a little levity and a little realization of the culture of the times.  Aksinya isn't used to the Austrian methods of calling servants.  Don't you wonder who gave her the bell?  Either the Freifrau or the Sister obviously.
 
About setting the chapter.  You can guess where we are going with this chapter.  You'll get more tomorrow.  Hint: where is the book.  The setting is simple, I use what the reader already knows.  The bedroom in the house is reasonably well known.  We understand from the breakfast order that it is likely the morning.  The presence of Sister Margarethe tells us the same.  Unless the Reverend Mother gave her the day off from teaching.  We will find out more.  In setting the scene, especially when the reader is familiar with the setting already, you can ease into it with some revelation.  I like to use this technique, that is, the world exclusively through the eyes of my character, and I have used it to drive entire novels before--not so much with this one.
 
When Natalya and Sister Margarethe come to her, Aksinya gets rid of the sister.  It is a distribution of duties, but it serves Aksinya well.  Aksinya speaks loudly because Sister Margarethe might be listening.  Once Aksinya has Natalya in her grasp, she lays down the rules of her house.  There wasn't any need of rules when there was just the two of them--now they need rules.  First, Natalya must call Aksinya by her name (in private, of course).  Second, Natalya isn't a servant, she is a lady in the house.  She will be served tea, and not have to serve the tea.  We are already seeing what Aksinya will do with the Sister.  Then Natalya must lock the door.  It would be improper for a Countess to show such tenderness to her lady-in-waiting.
 
Aksinya is a kind person, but she does not show much emotion.  We get a repeat of her response at the death of her family.  Aksinya can't cry for herself or others.  This is a critical marker in her personality and in the novel.  She can express herself, but Aksinya can't let out her emotions.

Natalya and Aksinya share a tender scene, and we have a foreshadowing--I hope you learn how great a person you are before you fall as I have.  This statement is prescient and important.  There is more, but it will have to wait until tomorrow. 

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.

A New Novel, Part 95 The Note

Aksinya lied again.  She told them she was nauseous because she had not eaten.  She is bothered by Dobrushin's remarks.  Her mind is embroiled with the book of sorcery.  Then Aksinya and Natalya return to the school, but all is not well there either.

Aksinya couldn’t eat anything at luncheon. She took Natalya’s tea. She was unaccountably bothered by Father Dobrushin’s candid assessment, and she was preoccupied with thoughts about the book the demon had given her. She wanted to finish memorizing it. That was the main desire she felt. Eventually, Natalya dressed her for dinner, and they went down together. The weekend ended when Freifrau Bockmann delivered the two of them back to Sacré Coeur. She left them in the hands of the Reverend Mother with the promise to pick them up on Friday so they could begin preparations for the Advent party on the Saturday after next.


Aksinya and Natalya returned to their rooms and prepared for bed.



Monday morning brought more problems for Natalya. Aksinya had spent the entire night with her new book and would not wake up. Natalya finally dragged Aksinya out of bed and dressed her in her uniform. They were too tardy for breakfast and chapel, and they came in late to German class. Sister Margarethe just gave them a glance. There was no animosity in it. Before the class was half done, Aksinya fell asleep at the desk she shared with Natalya.

Natalya couldn’t ignore her, but she tried to not draw any attention to Aksinya.

Sister Margarethe came by with a look of concern and made a couple of notes. She glanced over Natalya’s work and spoke German with her for a while. The sister was obviously preoccupied in her concern about Aksinya. She kept looking over at the Countess. At the end of German class, Natalya shook Aksinya awake and led her to their next class. It should not have been a surprise that Aksinya slept through most of each class. Or that the sisters were perturbed. They dared not treat a countess like they would their normal students with a swat from a ruler or a thump from a book. They felt helpless to do anything other than keep a careful eye on her.

The Reverend Mother heard about Aksinya’s sleeping and lethargy that afternoon. All the teachers wanted a conversation with her about it. Yet, after the Reverend Mother heard from them, only Sister Margarethe sent a note to Aksinya through Frau Drescher.

A knock came that evening at Aksinya and Natalya’s sitting room door. Natalya answered it. She addressed the Frau in German, “Good evening, Frau Drescher.”

“Good evening, Lady Natalya. Your German is improving.”

“Thank you.”

“I have a note for the Countess from one of her teachers. Would you please give it to her?”

Natalya didn’t understand half of what the lady said, but she accepted the folded piece of paper from her and nodded.

Frau Drescher took a long look around the sitting room she could see from the door then stated, “Good night.”

Natalya closed the door and brought the note across the room to Aksinya. Aksinya was memorizing the brown book the demon had given her. Natalya handed the note to her and went back to her studies. Aksinya ignored the note for a while then finally opened and read it.

Dear Countess,

I have been asked by the Reverend Mother and your other teachers to talk to you about your classes today. She has allowed you to come to my cell and office in the convent tonight. Please come at eight and be on time. We will also go over the German you missed during class.

Sister Margarethe

Aksinya looked up from the note to Natalya, “Nata, we’re going over to the house early tonight. You should bring your books.”

Natalya stretched, “Will we study together?” Her eyes moved excitedly toward the brown book.

Aksinya sighed, “Yes. I shall start you with some Latin, but only a little. We can work mostly on German.”

They put their regular cloaks over their uniforms and snuck down to the back exit from the dormitory. It was still unbarred, but Aksinya had to open the lock. They went over to the house and stayed there until late. They didn’t see Asmodeus anywhere.

Many things irritate Aksinya.  She has a lot to think about and a lot that disturbs her.  Still temptation holds her trapped, and that temptation is what is driving everything in her life. There is also still the Advent party in the near future.  Aksinya is spending all her time with the new book of sorcery.  Natalya couldn't wake Aksinya in time to make breakfast or get to chapel.  Aksinya sleeps through her classes.
 
Sister Margarethe gives Aksinya attention that isn't in proportion to normal teaching.  When we compare the attention the Sister gave to Aksinya, we can see some degree of truth to the demon's assertions.  The sisters all want to do something about Aksinya, but only Sister Margarethe is given permission to confront Aksinya.  We also see that Natalya is learning to understand German better, and Aksinya receives a note from the Sister.  Aksinya knows what is in the note.  She takes her time to read it.  We know why Aksinya doesn't want to be alone with the Sister Margarethe.  The demon wants Aksinya to seduce the Sister, and we assume the Sister might want to seduce Aksinya--this is what Aksinya thinks.  Aksinya believes the best thing to do is run away--she may be right. 

The Lady Natalya sees the opportunity to study sorcery with Aksinya.  Her reaction is to glance at the book of sorcery.  You can taste her desire.  They went to Aksinya's house and stayed late.  We will see the Sister's reaction tomorrow.

A New Novel, Part 72 The Demon's True Purpose

We heard yesterday that Asmodeus has procured the house across the street for Aksinya to practice her sorcery.  Now we get a little more of his plans.

“I don’t want the Lady Natalya involved in this.”


Asmodeus lay on the bed and idly wrote with his clawed finger on her pillow, “You are too late to stop that also. She has such a strong desire to be like you, just like you. She is your apprentice. You will teach her sorcery.”

Aksinya held her head in her hands, “She must learn Latin first.”

“She is a very adroit study. You will find that she will master the language quickly. You are good to have concern for the Lady Natalya. She might have problems in this German school, this gymnasium.”

Aksinya raised her lip, “Why is that?”

“She doesn’t speak German. If you wish her to succeed and not be left behind, you need to help her.”

“To help her study?”

“I would suggest a little help in what you are the best at. That will go a long way to meeting all our goals.”

“You mean use sorcery to help her? Can’t you understand? I don’t want to meet your goals.”

Asmodeus voice was tinged with false despair, “Why should you meet your goals, and I not meet mine?”

“I have no goals…”

“Other than to be rid of me. I understand you perfectly, Countess. Now listen to me and listen well. You experienced the suffering of your soul in the church today. That guy rejects you. The church will eventually vomit you out. I suggest not going at all—otherwise your secrets will be revealed to all the world. Your sweet helper won’t be spared either.” Asmodeus turned his eyes on her, “Second, do not confess to anyone, anything. It might do your soul well, but it will cause you immense suffering.” The demon sat up, “I do have an instruction on a positive note. The Sister Margarethe is a special person whose attention should be encouraged. She will help you and she will help the Lady Natalya because of you.” The demon gave Aksinya a large fang filled grin.

“Is that all you have to tell me, demon?”

“Do you want more? I can certainly give you more instructions. I really wanted to wait a while.”

“You infuriate me. What if I won’t do as you ask?”

The demon examined his claws, “You have already proven to me, a little pain and suffering goes a long way to encourage your compliance. Beyond that, the Lady Natalya is a very gentle girl who has faced much suffering. You haven’t made her suffer much, yet. That can quickly change. Then…this school is filled with mostly innocent beings whose only guilt was to be in the wrong place with a sorceress as their classmate. The sisters of this convent’s peace is also at risk. Frau Drescher is a sour woman whose life has been very unpleasant for a long time. She hides the excesses of the students because she is truly indulgent and kind—she could change. You see, Countess, I brought you here to this place at this time to give special attention to your and my special abilities. We shall work together to promote evil and we shall bring much evil to these innocents.”

In answer to the demon's demand that Aksinya teach sorcery to Natalya, her apprentice, Aksinya responds, that she doesn't want Natalya involved.  The demon his been working hard at his temptation.  He already set up a situation that Aksinya can't control or stop.  Aksinya set up Natalya as her apprentice and Natalya expects training.  We will later see how much Natalya expects.  Aksinya caves into the demon's expectation, but we shall see she fights him to the bitter end on this issue.
 
Then the demon brings in a new temptation.  He hasn't been so direct or conniving, that we have seen, but now, temptation is back and it is ugly.  The temptation is to Aksinya's sense of duty.  If she doesn't help Natalya, Natalya will fail at school.  The demon suggests Aksinya use sorcery to help Natalya.  All he really wants is for Aksinya to cause herself problems by spending all her time teaching Natalya.  If Aksinya uses sorcery so much the better, if she doesn't...we shall see.
 
The conversation turns to Aksinya and all the things she has been thinking or exposed to that is to be rid of the demon.  The demon reminds her that God has rejected her and the church has rejected her.  He threatens that her secret sins will be revealed and that Natalya will be harmed.  He tells her to not confess to anyone, then he adds something that should make you and Aksinya wonder.  He tells her to cultivate friendship with Sister Margarethe.  We will find out later why this is so.  It should worry you.
 
So Aksinya throws down the gauntlet again, and we get a complete statement from the demon.  He lifts up Natalya, the girls in the school, the convent, Frau Drescher all as potential targets for his attacks.  Aksinya, we know, can't face the suffering of others.  We know she will abide by the demon's decrees.  More tomorrow. 

A New Novel, Part 69 German Class and Sister Margarethe

Important person and important interaction, today we get to meet Sister Margarethe for the first time.  Also, here is Aksinya and Natalya's first class at the school.

The first class was German. The room was filled with ten younger and older students. The teacher was a middle aged nun with a very friendly and elfish face. She greeted Aksinya and Natalya at the door pleasantly in French, “Good morning Countess and Lady Natalya. I am Sister Margarethe Traugott. I teach German, both beginning and advanced. I understand the Lady Natalya doesn’t understand any German and that you, Countess, wish to improve your understanding of the language.”


Aksinya smiled, “The Reverend Mother must have spoken to you.”

The Sister Margarethe gave her a very large smile, “Yes, she told me about you, and we discussed your curriculum. You seem a wonderful young woman to have faced such suffering.” She stared at Aksinya and didn’t give a glance to Natalya. Suddenly, she reached out her hand and touched Aksinya’s face then brushed the tips of her hair, “I’m very glad you are in my class. I hope we can be good friends.” She pointed, “Please take the seats near the window at the front. I will assign you your books.”

Aksinya and Natalya sat where they were directed. Natalya pulled out notebooks and pens for both of them. Natalya began with a primmer, and Sister Margarethe spoke with Aksinya for a long time in German before she handed her a book of advanced German studies. At the end of class, the sister let them out of the classroom with a comment, “Countess, I’ve given you an advanced course of study. If you find your studies difficult, please come to my office. I would be happy to help you.

Aksinya grinned, “Thank you, Sister Margarethe.”

As always, we need to set the scene.  I could give you more on the classroom setting, but I already told you about the school, the rest is your imagination.  Plus, classrooms in 1918 aren't that much different--just more wood and less metal (no plastic).  You know the rooms are small and the classes have about 10 girls.  We see the German class is a mixed class (young and old)--you want to bet the students are not Austrian.  Maybe I should tell you this, but it doesn't drive anything in the novel, so the knowledge would just be gratuitous.

The important point isn't the class, it's the teacher.  Sister Margarethe Traugott is a very important character.  Traugott means "trust in God" and Margarethe means "pearl."  There is a significance to the last name.  Her first name is one of the most popular for girls in Austria and Germany when she was born 1860s.  You don't see much more than her face since she is a nun and wears a habit, so the description I give you is about her face.  By leaving the rest out, height, etc, I leave you with the impression she is average--that's what I want you to conclude.

Right away we see Sister Margarethe is very interested in Aksinya.  Then, we should be surprised.  Out of the blue she remarks on Aksinya's suffering.  I prepared you with Aksinya's comment about talking to the Reverend Mother.  That is obviously the only way Sister Margarethe could know so much about Aksinya.  The Reverend Mother obviously received her information from Aunt Brunhilda.  Then the very surprising part: she reaches out her hand and touches Aksinya's face, then her hair.  It's the hair.  If you didn't get it before, you should now.  The hair is an indicator and indicates that Asmodeus has in some way touched Sister Margarethe.  You get then, the words, "I hope we can be good friends."

Next I also give you description in dialog--there is a window in the room and Aksinya and Natalya are directed to sit at the front by it.  Teachers pet and by the window, could a student wish for more?  You should ask, why.

Natalya takes care of business.  She doesn't get any attention, but Aksinya does, plus an invitation.  We also get that Aksinya likes the attention.  We know she is attention starved.  She is looking for something, she called a demon from the pit for it.  So the first class, we know something is up with Sister Margarethe.