Merry Christmas

Have a a very Merry Christmas.

A Morbid Kind of Writing

Stumbled on something cute. A website which compares writing to that of famous authors and determines who the writing style most resembles.

Tales From The Great Sea is 27% like Edgar Allen Poe.

If you're curious about your own writing, here's the link.

Are the Tales Over

I am seriously considering turning off access to this blog and letting it go dormant. I'll make a decision by Thanksgiving. I think. If I choose to continue it I may find myself confronted with the question again later.

Not Dead Yet

For several months now Swords of Fire has sat unlooked at and unworked on. I've been busy writing other stories. Other novels. Those projects aren't generating much more interest than my epic fantasy. A little, but not much.

The truth is, none of my works is of the kind which makes people want to read them. Feel like they need to read them. Not sure why what I write is so dull, but then there haven't been many books in my life which I've read which just demanded I read them. Lord of the Rings comes to mind, certainly. And maybe Well-Favored Man. Those are the two which have spawned many re-reads over time.

Some people make a big deal out of whatever book they're reading. Like teenagers, every book seems to be either the greatest or the worst. While I do tend to categorize books into two groups, the groups are far less extreme. Either I like them or I don't. Sometimes it isn't easy to tell. Sometimes a story has elements which I truly enjoy, while at the same time having other elements which completely annoy me. Ultimately, I will base my decision on the story and the characters.

But back to Swords of Fire.

Swords of Fire has its main story, which crosses over several books. It is the story of Madatar's fight with Shatahar over control of The Great Sea. Not the blog. The place. There will be six books in this series. At least. As the story unfolds I discover some chapters have enough detail and suspense to warrant their own book.

But apart from the main story between Madatar and Shatahar there are literally hundreds of other stories associated with Swords of Fire and The Great Sea. My favorite is the story of Tavaar, which also intertwines deeply with the main Swords of Fire saga.

There are over 6,000 people in Khirsha's family tree. More than once I have thought it would be very cool to write a short biography for each and every one of them. I believe I even gave it a go on this blog at one time. But the process is incredibly time consuming, and it takes away from telling other stories. With 6,000 people you know there has to be more than a few stories in that mix.

Then there are the stories of the Children of Fire, and how they helped shape and fashion The Great Sea in the first place. What of all the creatures they created, most now deemed mythical because they were destroyed in the Great War which nearly destroyed The Great Sea. What of the Dragons and the Unicorns and the Phoenix?

There were Overlords and Mortals. What of their stories?

It's a trap for world builders, I suppose. Getting lost in the background stories of their creations.

Recently, I reread Lord of the Rings again. I've read that story more than 200 times in the past forty years. I used to read it over and over and over again. Now I'm down to a couple of times a year. But in his Foreward, Tolkien says something I didn't understand before, but completely sympathize with now.

"I had little hope that other people would be interested in this work, especially since it was primarilly linguistic in inspiration and was begun in order to provide the necessary background of 'history' for Elvish tongues. When those whose advice and opinion I sought corrected little hope to no hope, I went back to the sequel."

Few people care about a character's background. Or the history of a place. All they care about is the story that's going on now. They don't look back and they don't look forward. I suppose that's ultimately a healthy way to live, but it's an ignorant way, to my thinking. So much of what is now is based on so much of what was then. And certainly the combination of then and now are going to impact the future.

Real stories don't begin at Chapter One and conclude at a book's ending. They began some time before, possibly at the beginning of everything, and they don't end until all is done.

But what I find interesting others find dull. And to a great measure I think the opposite is true, too.

And so I keep writing. My audience is me. There are no others.

Writing Contest

Writtenwyrdd has an October contest in honor of Halloween. Write a horror story in 1,000-words or less. The details are here. And here is a picture of the grand prize. I wouldn't mind winning that. So, even though I am not a horror writer, I wrote a horror story and submitted it.

Things to Do for Fun

I like maps. I use them to help me in world building.

World building is fun. It is personally satisfying. It is also a lot of work, if one wishes to do it well.

Often, for me, the beginning of a new world begins with a new map. Like the one below. The map below only shows a portion of a world. There is a vast mountain range stretching from west to east. South of it is an even greater forest area, and a huge lake with seven rivers flooding it, and one draining.


What I might add next would be something to the north. Perhaps a coastal area? Rivers would flow from the melting glacial ice caps to the sea. There would be others which cut into the forest. After establishing the geography I would begin to add settlements. Coastal towns, and villages along river routes. Perhaps roads would be cut, connecting major villages.Having done all of that, the easy part is over. Now it is time to figure out just who lives in this place. Are they woodsmen? Fishermen? Whalers? Are they warlike? How far have they progressed technologically. Are they one kind of people, or are various races represented?

Eventually what must be determined is the main character. Who is the specific woman (man/creature/being) to develop a story? And importantly, what is their conflict?

But that's what happens when the world begins with a map. Just as often I begin with a character, a conflict, and a need to find a place in which this character can resolve their conflict. When this happens, the actual map is drawn later, if at all.

I like maps. But I don't always use them. Many of my stories have no world map. Some have no map at all. And many of my maps have no story. But I like maps.

From the Quiet of a Forest

So I've not posted here in two months. Sometimes I think about deleting my blogs and just starting over. But it's not that simple.

I think about this blog a lot. I feel bad because it never got the visitors I hoped it would. People just aren't interested in Swords of Fire. Certainly not agents. What a pity. Swords of Fire means so much to me.

Swords of Fire remains on my mind a lot, despite my lately working on stories which have nothing to do with it. That Swords of Fire should not invoke enthusiasm from others is disappointing to the extreme. I suppose I could take the time out and rewrite it yet again. I've lost track of the number of rewrites the story has been subjected to. It's changed over the years. As have I.

It began in 1973 or 1974. I'm never quite sure now. Those were just ideas. In 1976 I wrote the true beginnings of what was to become a life's work. That was called, White King of Ladondo. I don't think that copy exists anymore. The map certainly doesn't. That was drawn on the paper wrapping for a queen-sized mattress. Greatest map I've ever drawn.

I screwed up my life. From the beginning I got everything wrong. And it's cost me. Cost me dearly. The amazing thing about that is, I'm supposed to be a genius or something. Got the I.Q. for it anyway.

But I let others dictate my decisions. I believed them when they told me I should 'want this', 'do that', 'go there'. And I was afraid. That more than anything has just made my life hell. Afraid to say "I love you" to the people I loved. Afraid to really try and be what I wanted to be. Afraid to go where I wanted to go.

And now I'm old.

Too old to do so many things I wanted to do. They are youth dependent. And now I'm also out of money. Too broke to go where I want to go and do what I want to do.

So what about Swords of Fire? If it's ever going to be published I expect it is going to have to be rewritten. Am I too old to get it done? It's getting harder and harder to believe. You know?

Shut Down

Going to be going offline (again) beginning on Monday, August 10th. Part of the losing my home disease which has struck with deadly malevolence of late.

I feel bad about this blog. It's never developed as I hoped. It has a minimal readership. I have neglected it often of late, and now I will be neglecting it by reason of no online service. If/When I come back online I'll have to see what I can do.

In the meantime, I will leave you with a song. Used to have it posted here. Here are the lyrics, and link, in case you'd like to sing along.

Dont think sorrys easily said
Dont try turning tables instead
Youve taken lots of chances before
But Im not gonna give anymore
Dont ask me
Thats how it goes
Cause part of me knows what youre thinkin

Dont say words youre gonna regret
Dont let the fire rush to your head
Ive heard the accusation before
And I aint gonna take any more
Believe me
The sun in your eyes
Made some of the lies worth believing

Chorus:
I am the eye in the sky
Looking at you
I can read your mind
I am the maker of rules
Dealing with fools
I can cheat you blind
And I dont need to see any more
To know that
I can read your mind, I can read your mind

Dont leave false illusions behind
Dont cry cause I aint changing my mind
So find another fool like before
Cause I aint gonna live anymore believing
Some of the lies while all of the signs are deceiving

(chorus)

The Girls

Just an odd poem which came to mind.

Tuwa, Tiva, Wawa and Awentia, four girls of the street
The four were all called pretty, and known by all as sweet

Two of them were sisters, but which they would not say
It was hard to tell at night and no none saw them in the day

The house they kept was small, but a room for each they kept
The beds were soft with down, and that was where they slept

Each morning at the dawn, a young boy named Nibaw
Would knock upon their door, he was the only one they saw

He brought them things they ordered, they paid him off in gold
And whether he got more, Nibaw he never told

The girls were all hated, and shunned by all in town
To speak their name was shame, and met with stares and frowns

And yet each night their came, upon their door soft knocks
From men who in the day spoke of them all with shock

Then Nibaw grew up stately, and was no more a boy
And when he found a gold mine, his heart was filled with joy

He went back to the girls’ house, and knocked upon their door
And told them that for gold they need slave themselves no more

Then did the girls exclaim with joy and open their door wide
And when the knocks came in the night, it was Nibaw who replied

Aislin

Aislin was a pretty girl, warm and sweet and bright
Her hair was thick about her face, and burned red in the light
Without so much as effort, she kept her body thin
When asked how she could do this, Aislin would just grin

Saoirse was plain as paper used to wrap fresh fish
Pudgy, clumbsy, silly, one could hardly call her dish
Yet Saoirse was still friendly, caring and a treat
She treated all else kindly, everyone she’d meet

One day down by the river’s edge, Aislin chanced did spy
The young girl known as Saoirse, who wanted but to die
For Saoirse was lonely, just wanting to be loved
To know that she was worthy, to be someone’s pure dove

There was a boy named Gradin, who’s mind was in his pants
Who offered once to Saorise, the chance with him to dance
She let him have his way with her, she gave him his desire
And when he finished he gave her coins, as payment for her hire

Aislin knelt beside the girl, and held her in her arms
And promised she would love her most, and keep her safe from harm
And when the boy named Gradin, thought again to have his way
It was Aislin’s thought to punish him, in such an awful way

Exactly what she did to him, not ever has she said
But Gradin walked in shame from then, and wished that he were dead
And so the two girls became fast friends, and lovers in the night
And found that love was just enough, and made them feel just right

Putting the Years Together

Have progressed through thirty-two years of military history. Only 320 years remaining to catch up to present.

It's interesting to learn some of my assumptions about who probably held what rank back when are completely unfounded. It just couldn't work out that way. By Year 81 - the year when flameswords became part of the training - I am going to have to make some adjustments to the structure.

The idea is that, by Year 320, the following structure needs to be in place.

There will only be five Marshalls.

For every Marshall there should be four Generals. This is a change from two.

For every General there should be two Commanders. This remains unchanged.

For every Commander there should be two or three Captains. This is down from four.

For every Captain there should be one or two Scouts and six to eight Lieutenants. This is a change from four Lieutenants.

Pretty dry stuff, I suppose, but it's part of the world building process. Not all of world building is creative excitement. Some of it is simply diligence and adherence to logic and rules already set in place. Changing a rule is permitted, but only if it is exatrapolated throughout. This is required if one wishes to maintain credibility and believability.

We've been watching Dinotopia, another poorly made fantasy movie in which the focus is primarily on strange creatures doing strange things. Time and distance are ignored, making the story seem implausible within itself. As a viewer I am willing to suspend disbelief, but only if the story keeps true to itself. Don't show me that people walk no faster there then here and then expect me to believe someone with asthma can climb a 300-step stairwell in ten minutes, or even a person who is fit can walk miles in a few minutes through jungle.

On average, people walk about three miles in one hour. That is on level ground. So, to walk through jungle it is reasonable to believe the pace will hold true. Disbelief can be set aside for speeds of up to five or six miles in an hour (two leagues). This means, walking, a well fit person could make about twenty leagues (about sixty miles) in a day, but that would be pushing it. And that is a ten hour day, not four or six. I just hate it when writers get time and distance wrong. There is no way I can suspend my disbelief.

And that is why I devote so much time, energy, and pure creative thought to things like who was Head-of-Family in Year 30, and who was High Marshall, and who were the acting Scouts. (For the record, Khirbah was still Head-of-Family in Year 30, Daheek was High Marshall [I had been hoping for Jora], and Alanta, Gahbi, Nordahn and Raigur were the Scouts.) It's a lot of work, but it is part of the creative process.

Military Structure

So I'm progressing along with the military history. Up to Year 24. It's kind of amusing how things worked out. Due to the strict adherence in keeping young families together, there actually was a period of several years in which there were no regular warriors in the military structure. Only officers. In fact, in the current year there are only 20 warriors out of a military structure of 74. But it's changing. The first generation born at the Compound is entering military service. Eventually, things will balance out. However, as each generation ages the military force shrinks. This will continue for three hundred years. It will take that long for the family to reach a population in which there is constant military support.

The military structure is as follows:

• Head-of-Family
• Sovereigns
• High Marshall
• Marshalls
• Explorers
• Generals
• Commanders
• Captains
• Scouts
• Lieutenants
• Warriors
• Sub-Commanders
• Sub-Captains
• 2nd Lieutenants
• Officers
• Soldiers

There can be only one Head-of-Family and one High Marshall at any given time. And while Sovereigns technically outrank the High Marshall, the High Marshall reports directly to the Head-of-Family.

Something similar takes place with Explorers and Scouts. Generally, it is accepted that all family members will marry and have children. However, for those few who decline the benefits of matrimony, the position of Explorer is available (unless they are unaligned). Explorers report directly to the High Marshall, although technically they aren't an officer at all. Scouts report to Captains, although they are almost equal with Lieutenants.

The positions below Warriors are all pre-military ranks, for those too young to actively participate in military companies. At the moment I am not dealing with those ranks. Got enough going on as it is.

Familiar Ground

So I've been working on military history for a few days now. Got all of the database records updated as to who was in the military when, and began work on assigning rank and companies. Got to Year 23 before I realized I had mucked something up. So, I've begun anew at Year 1.

It should be okay, though. Made a couple of tweaks to the system to account for Village Defense and Reserve Force. Ultimately, this should speed the process up. I just have to start from the beginning again.

Deja vu. I've been here before.

The Work Goes On - and on - and on - and on

Getting a lot of work done on the military backstory. Some of this work has, in fact, been done for years. Such as a compiled list of all Presiders/Heads-of-Family over 352 years. There have been fifteen.

Name .. Begin Ended
Khirbah....1.....60
Perdisch..60.....85
Daheek....85....105
Alahnta..105....145 female
Dakisch..145....168
Thiona...168....175 female
Rokell...175....210
Chonatha.210....232 female
Soviah...232....251 female
Khirdo...251....293
Kuschone.293....311
Deschone.311....320*
Dezro....320....340*
Kraston..340....340*
Abrin....340.......*

Four of the Presiders have been women. The last four (marked with asterisks) are father-to-son successions. This is the motivation for the treason of Book I.

I also have entered all of the Sovereigns into the database (also compiled years ago). I won't list all of those as they comprise 262 records.

Another thing I've completed (just this week) is the determination of who was in the military during which years of their life. That was fun. I generated 159,710 records encompassing a 352 year period. Everyone has been grouped according to village, and villages have been grouped according to companies. Now I'm going through each year, one at a time, assigning warriors to companies and assigning military rank to warriors. I am on Year 3. This is the tedious part of the project. I see no way to generate records based on logic queries. It is going to come down to me looking at everyone for every year. When I am finished my military history should be quite impressive. Just as my sword skills records are impressive, and my family tree records, and my housing records, and wedding records, etc.

Sometimes this seems so real.

Shoring Up the Background

Well, that idea didn't last long. On just my second random person (Uhahna, an Unaligned born East Village during the year 230) I became confronted by the need to know more background history than I've established. So, I'm taking the big plunge and returning to developing the miscellaneous background information. I'm beginning with military history, but I'm hoping to get some duty work accomplished at the same time.

It's not going to be easy and it is going to be time consuming. I've more than 6,000 characters spanning 3-1/2 centuries of time. What I must do is establish when each and every one of them entered military service, when they received whatever promotions they did, and when they left.

This is complicated by the fact that the family has a policy that parents of children under five cannot serve, and at least one parent must remain at home until children reach sixteen. So, even the best warriors would exit military service to begin their families and not return until their youngest reached the age of five. Then they would return. But in the meantime, they had to have duty. What would it be? It would vary with their line, their village, and their skill with the flamesword.

Lots of work.

I'm kind of looking forward to it. I've already begun. Did you know that there are 22,238 records just for the ARTS line? DEFENSE, the largest line, has 58,279 records. Got these statistics from the Yearly Archive table, which contains no less than 541,348 records.

Like I said. A LOT of work.

Character Bio 0001 - Schago

So, this is my first submission for random stories about the 6,770 characters in my Swords of Fire Archive Database. This hardly a story, though. More a statistical biography than a tale of events. That's how some things begin.

I was pleasantly surprised to be given a character who's first child was Unaligned. The Unaligned play important roles in the Saga. These are the people who are punished for something someone else has done. They are a constant reminder that the culture I created is far from perfect. Prejudices and hateful attitudes exist everywhere, and in every culture a class system evolves to reward some without merit and punish others without cause.

Anyway, the random number generator gave me: Schago.

Schago was born in East Village in the year 161 to Schatuah and Wogo, Healers. She was the third of three children. The only girl.

Schago was born, lived, and died in the same house. At her birth the house was known as Wogo House, to honor her father, who shared healing duties with her mother, Schatuah. They became the village’s only healers the year 150, when they were married. Tantu, the previous healer, left to help start Lake Point West. Wogo came from Gahrem Village, the son of Dayona and Wingroh. Schatuah was Tantu’s grand-daughter.

The house would later be renamed Okar House, in honor of Schago's husband.

Schago was the 85th resident of East Village the day she was born. The day she died, at the age of 125, she reduced the population to 156.

She was a contemporary of Bolar, although from the previous generation. By the time most of the significant characters of “Traitor” were born, Schago was gone.

She shared her birth year (161) with four others, all girls: Kenka, born to Wenka and Katchin, Unaligned; Vewahnna, born to Kizza and Venwan, Unaligned; Rahntua, born to born to Rahnentu and Suchlah, Healers; and Tavadar, born to Tavashar and Jadkur, Outposts. That year five family members died: Deekl of Healers; Seffan of Defenese; Gjahn of Supplies; Foren of Temple; and Raschall of Flocks. There were no marriages that year.

Schago died in 286. That year there were ten births: five boys and five girls. Twenty others died that year, including one baby: Lana, the daugther of Renviska and Trahm of Crops. It was also a big year for weddings, with 53 taking place. Among these weddings was the union of Aberna and Kordan, who were destined to be parents of Klarissa, Khirhsa's mother.

She was not a warrior. At her peak, she only made level four flamesword. That was not particularly unusual. Few healers had the interest to become great warriors. Perhaps the most notable was Bolar, who figures prominently in the final portions of Tavaar’s Backstory – as well in Madatar’s Saga. But as that tale is told elsewhere, no more will be said of it now.

She began training with mock weapons at the age of eight. This was the best indication that a warrior career was not to be her fate. The best warriors generally began at age six, or even five. She was fourteen before she moved on to drained weapons. She began flamesword training in 183, at the age of 22. Again, the latest anyone did. It would take her seven years to reach level one, and another ten to make level two, in the year 200. Levels three and four would also take ten years each. After 220, when she reached level four, Schago quit trying to improve and devoted her time and effort to healing. She was 59-years-old and through with warrior prowess.

When Schago was 19 her brother Woshag married Kahnta, a Healer from Orchard Village. That was in 180. Three years later her brother Wotah married Favta, from West Village. Favta was from Housing.

Deeply interested in the craft of healing, Schago also tended to be – wild. She was attractive and saw no reason to make the best use of that gift. As a result, Schago was never in want for attention. She kept her head until she met Okar, from South Village. Okar was from Arts, the only line less inhibited by sexual mores than Healers. The result was, at age 25, Schago became pregnant. There was no choice. She would be married. She named Okar the father and Okar never claimed otherwise. The marriage took place on Storday Intument 3. Chobey was born 181 days later, on Storday, Algiden 1. He would be constrained to Unaligned status all his life. Chobey would refuse marriage and remain in the military, becoming a professional warrior and attaining level four status.

In 190 both of Schago’s brothers would leave East Village to help establish a new village in the western forests: Deep Forest. This made for a small household, and greatly reduced the village’s healing force.

Schago would have three more children by Okar: two girls and a boy. Okaga would be the first of her children born to a line: Healer. After Okaga came Oschogo, the first male healer. The youngest was Schikar, who would be the only one of Schago’s children to remain with her and Okar. Okaga would marry her near cousin and move to Deep Forest. Oschogo would marry Gratha and move to West Village. In 224 Schikar married Turmord, but they remained in East Village, to take up the mantle of healing after Schago, who was the only Healer (Okar was from Arts).

In 229 Schago’s grandchildren began arriving in Wogo House. Schikar married Turmord and they had three children – all within marriage. Like her mother, Schikar would have two girls and a boy, the boy in the middle.

Schago’s mother, Schatuah, died in 253. The following year Schago's grandchildren begin to marry. In 259 her great-grandchildren begin to arrive. Her father, Wogo, dies in 268, and the house is renamed Okar house. Okar, however, will only live another eleven years, dying in 279. Schago will live until 286. The house is renamed Turmord House.

Born: 161, Seeday Harven 2, East Village, eighth generation
Died: 286, Mid-Winter, East Village
Line: Healer
Mother: Schatuah (healer)
Father: Wogo (healer)

Siblings:
Woshag, brother, born 155
Wotah, brother, born 158

Married: 186, Storday Intument 3, East Village

Children:
Chobey, 186, male, East Village, Unaligned
Okaga, 191, female, East Village, Healer
Oschogo, 194, male, East Village, Healer
Schikar, 199, female, East Village, Healer

Grandchildren:
Okaga:
Togwahn, 224, male, Deep Forest, Healer
Owhana, 226, female, Deep Forest, Healer
Oschogo:
Thogo, 224, male, West Village, Crops
Grothea, 227, female, West Village, Crops
Schikar:
Schimorda, 229, female, East Village, Healer
Gilkar, 230, male, East Village, Healer
Shigrath, 235, female, East Village, Healer

Great-Grandchildren:
Owhwek, 256, male, Deep Forest, Healers, Owhana, Thuwek
Glamahr, 257, female, Northern Gateway, Arts, Grothea, Slahr
Chetoh, 259, male, Santiv Village, Arts, Chesey, Togwahn
Schizah, 259, female, East Village, Healers, Schimorda, Zahk
Gilzak, 260, male, East Village, Healers, Zakalla, Gilkar
Hana, 261, female, Deep Forest, Healers, Owhana, Thuwek
Grishl, 261, male, Northern Gateway, Arts, Grothea, Slahr
Chetow, 263, female, Santiv Village, Arts, Chesey, Togwahn
Zahmor, 263, male, East Village, Healers, Schimorda, Zahk
Thuho, 264, male, Deep Forest, Healers, Owhana, Thuwek
Grazala, 264, female, East Village, Healers, Zakalla, Gilkar
Thamar, 265, female, Northern Gateway, Arts, Grothea, Slahr
Zahnig, 265, male, West Village, Healers, Shigrath, Belzahn
Shogosa, 266, female, West Village, Crops, Sarosho, Thogo
Chewahn, 267, female, Santiv Village, Arts, Chesey, Togwahn
Ghrazah, 267, female, West Village, Healers, Shigrath, Belzahn
Sarthog, 268, male, West Village, Crops, Sarosho, Thogo
Gorthor, 268, male, West Village, Crops, Sarosho, Thogo
Kallakar, 268, female, East Village, Healers, Zakalla, Gilkar
Schinehl, 271, female, West Village, Healers, Shigrath, Belzahn

Sword Progression:
Mock Sword, 169, 8-years
Drained Sword, 175, 14-years
Training Sword, 183, 22-years
Level 1 Sword, 190, 29-years
Level 2 Sword, 200, 39-years
Level 3 Sword, 210, 49-years
Level 4 Sword, 220, 59-years

What to Write About

So, I'm not sure what to post to this blog right now. My life has so much going on (but so little of it meaningful) that it's hard to know what to write.

The problem has to do with being "published". Technically, anything I post to this blog is "published". (Don't you just love reading things in quotes? Or parenthesis?) That poses a problem with anything I would like to be paid for later.

I suppose it doesn't matter. After all, I haven't been paid for anything I've written since I worked at the newspaper.

I would like to continue posting short story-poems here. They write quickly, and they convey what I'm feeling at the moment. Unlike a full novel, in which I have to recapture feelings because it's been weeks since the thing was begun.

Of course, most of my story-poems are same topic, and I suppose they get kind of samey after a while. But not for me. They're all different people. Different stories. To me, these are real people. I enjoy writing about them.

There are also nearly 7,000 characters in my Swords of Fire Saga. I've only dealt with a handful of stories. I could spend a lifetime writing about these lifetimes. Wish I could paid to do it.

Perhaps what I should do is spend some time writing about how The Great Sea became such a complicated place. Write about the process, instead of the result. I don't know. What do you think? Don't get many readers here, so I expect it doesn't matter at all.

Urelvent and Nagasil

Not all of the tales from The Great Sea involve women and love. Here is a tale of a fifth-born P'Lei Dragon. P'Leis were spikey, and of purple color. They were not formidable as dragons went, but any dragon made for a difficult opponent. As a fifth-born, Urelvant lacked the intelligence of older siblings, and he was a non-breeding dragon. Their lust for gemstones often put dragons at odds with Dwarfs.

Urelvent and Nagasil
by Bevie James

The dragon known as Urelvent was a mighty beast of yore
A giant thing of purple hue upon the winds did sore

It settled in the mountain tops near Valdid Village East
And soon made war and faced an army set to kill the beast

Urelvent laughed and killed at will and feared no mortal dart
Until the Dwarf named Nogasil came and pierced his heart

Nogasil was then renown, his name spread far and wide
He said he did not kill the beast, what killed the beast was pride

Oloara

Oloara
by Bevie James

Oloara was a pretty girl, as flowers in a field
The boys would try to lay with her, but ne’er did she yield

Fresh Lips like roses on her face, and breasts so soft and plump
Boys went wild to watch her pass, and see her tight formed rump

She knew that any boy was hers, she had just but to say
But ne’er a word Oloara said, and kept the boys at bay

I was a friend of hers back then, we often talked and played
And when too dark it was to walk, at her house I stayed

Sometimes I’d ask her how it was, she’d resist all the boys
She’s laugh and smile sweet at me, and say there’s better joys

Then she would turn to me and say, you have no boys with you
How is it you should be alone, and that your loves be few

No words had I for her to give, I could not let her know
That love for her was in my heart, how could I tell her so

One evening when a storm raged strong, a book Oloara read
Then later when the lights blew out, she took me to her bed

While outside rain and wind blew hard, in bed all was calm
And kisses that Oloara gave, soothed my heart like balm

For two full years we shared our love, and ecstasy we had
While others in the village scoffed, and said our love was bad

Then came one day to our village home, a boy from far away
He fell in love with Oloara and took my love away

Alone I lived as years flew by, no boy came to my door
And love it faded from my life, I’d know it nevermore

Then after many years had passed, when I was old and grey
Someone at my door did knock, needing a place to stay

When my door swung open I did see, standing in the night
Oloara looking worn and spent, she looked a sadly fright

Into my arms she fell with tears, asking for forgiveness
I held her tight and kissed her brow, my love had not grown less

She ate my food and slept that night, warmly in my bed
Her husband had run off from her, fell and now was dead

Her children they were three, she said, all grown and moved away
For the village where they had grown up, required them to pay

Oloara, though, did not go with, she came home to me
For now she knew she loved me best, and with me she’d be free

That night I let her sleep alone, though my heart had desire
I let her sleep upon my bed while I lay by the fire

Amidst the night I heard her call, I went and kissed her face
She held and pulled me down with her, this now was my place

And so with gentle hands and lips she granted me my flames
I cried and wept within her arms, she was mine again

It’s been three years since she’s come home, we’re happy in our home
And joy is mine forever more, I’m no longer alone

Chalva

Chalva
by Bevie James

When Chalva came to Harbiss, little could I know
That what began as friendship, would grow and grow and grow
She had come from Aliss Harbor, a village by the sea
A dashing girl of twenty, she meant so much to me
We walked together often, and she would tell me tales
Of ships set out on oceans, hunting mighty whales

Then came the night that Chalva, walked me home at night
She put her arms around me, and I began to see the light
Her lips touched mine so gently, and her hand cupped round my breast
I let her come to bed with me, and with her did the rest
I had not dreamed it possible, to love a woman so
But Chalva owns my heart of love, and Chalva is my beau

I like the way she teases me, I like the way she talks
Sometimes I’ll hold her hand in mine, while we take our walks
At whiles she’ll stop and hold me close, in her gentle arms
She’ll giggle and play with my blouse, asking for my charms
And I never can say no to her, she fills my heart with joy
To know that I am Chalva’s love, not just some rough boy

Others in the village, will criticize us two
They say we are not natural, and it’s wrong what we both do
Perhaps they’re right, I do not know, I do not even care
For I love Chalva with all my heart, my life with her I share
And so we two young women, grow older every day
And love each other warmly, in every single way

Tescha

It's been a while since I've posted to this blog. These poems I have been writing are the foundations for actual stories, which is my concern. By publishing the poems on this blog, have I actually published the stories? I don't know. But I like telling these stories. They're all about love, and there's a healing element to them. I think so anyway. They are all written in sudden inspiration. I hope you like them.

Tescha
by Bevie James

Tescha’s love for Willah Spent was steeped with passion and so it went
She tried to court the girl each day, but Willah sent Tescha away
Alone she cried herself to sleep, wanting Willah Spent to keep
She once brought flowers to her door, and was told by Willah, “Return no more”
So Tescha’s heart was broken then, and vowed she would not love again

Willah Spent grew fast and wild, and then one day she had a child
Her pregnancy was all the talk, and followed her when’ere she walked
The other women called her names, and even men would do the same
But the men would come with bold desire, asking Willah to quench their fire
When it came that she could take no more, Willah came to Techa’s door

Tescha let the outcast in, and said no word of Willah’s sin
She fed her love and made her warm, keeping her all safe from harm
The child, too, she took her own, saying, “This is my flesh. This is my bone.”
Together they endure the stares, of others who had other cares
But Tescha lives with Willah her love, they fit together – hand in glove

Kadassa, Tahk and Brills

Kadassa, Tahk and Brills
by Bevie James

Kadassa lived in the lowland hills, with her husband, Tahk, and his sister, Brills.
Her husband worked in the forest deep, while the cabin she and Brills did keep.
Kadassa worked a garden plot, while Brills she hunted and was gone a lot

Villagers seldom came that far, for the lowland hills were very far
Sometimes the women came to town, but Tahk he never came around
Some felt sorry for the women there, alone in the cabin with all their cares

But Kadassa said she was just fine, ‘cause her and Brills could toe the line
Two years later I chanced to come, to their cabin at the setting sun
I told them I was heading west, and they gave me food and a place to rest

I was told about her husband, Tahk, who hunted now and was gone a lot
Kadassa fixed a bed of hay in the barn where she said I could stay
In the morning I was first to rise, and through their window I saw their lies

There was no husband as she’d said, it was just those two who shared the bed
I understood why they should lie, to even me, a passerby
So I pretended I did not know, and spoke no word and prepared to go

But as I turned to walk away, Kadassa had something to say
She thanked me for my manners well, and that she knew I would not tell
I smiled and kissed both her and Brills, and walked off then into the hills

Sometimes I see them in my sleep, and when I do I often weep
How sad that lovers hid must be, it’s like a prison when they should be free
And so they live there in the hills, Kadassa and her lover, Brills

Shabba

Shabba
by Bevie James

Shabba was a farmer and he had a fat old cow
He had a hog and chickens and a horse to pull his plow

He rose before the sunrise and got his morning milk
He wiped his brow of sweat with a handkerchief of silk

He fed his flock of chickens and slopped his lonely hog
Made sure the cat had cream, and fed his loyal dog

Only when his stock had eaten did Shabba get his food
Bacon, eggs, and toast, all tasted very good

When fields needed tending he was right out there of course
With a plow or with a wagon, pulled by his mighty horse

He mended leather harness, and kept his fences strong
His tools were kept well oiled, for rustiness was wrong

Shabba never had much money and so he bought few things
Mostly things for farming, but there was the diamond ring

The ring was for Melahda, the woman that he loved
Who’s beauty was as starlight, who’s voice was like a dove

She was shapely, young, and pretty, a girl for his desires
A woman filled with passion, who would light his inner fires

He went to her one morning, after feeding all his stock
Walked right up to her door, and proceeded then to knock

Her brother let him in, he was just a little lad
Who knew nothing of love’s passion, knew nothing that was bad

So Shabba saw Melahda, who’s breasts were full and bare
And the words he had then left him, to speak he did not dare

He stared and then he fled her, embarrassed to the core
She would think now that he’d shamed her, and want him never more

He returned to his own farm, Melahda in his thoughts
He thought of nothing else, except the look he got

But later in the day, when the sun was going down
When all the stock was fed, Melahda came around

She smiled and she kissed him, and told all was right
And that if he agreed, she’d like to spend the night

She had but one condition, that Shabba take her brother
For the boy was not her sibling, she was in fact his mother

Shabba looked beyond her, where the boy stood far away
And put his arm around her, and said that he could stay

Now Shabba rises early, and takes with him his son
They work the farm together, until the day is done

Melahda tends the house, and things around the yard
They three of them are there, all working very hard

At night when things are peaceful, and the boy is taking rest
Melahda gives to Shabba, the comfort of her breasts

Tortan and Lolura

TORTAN and LOLURA
by Bevie James

Tortan was a farmer in the land of Chira Lee
His brothers all had left him, sailing out to sea
His sisters married quickly, all except Lolura Ann
Who stayed and lived with Tortan, farming in the sand

Now Lolura had no husband, and Tortan had no wife
And so the two they argued, their house was filled with strife
Lolura said to Tortan, we should not argue so
I will be your woman, and you will be my beau

At first he cried against it, and said this can’t be done
But desire pushed back reason, and Lolura bore a son
Their children now are many, and all help work the farm
The family lives in happiness, so tell me where’s the harm

More farmers came in time, to the land of Chira Lee
They knew not that they were siblings, so they let the Tortans be
The children grew and flourished, and married those that came
And Tortan and Lolura, kept hidden all their shame

Then chance one day there came, back from sailing on the sea
One of Tortan’s brothers, who’s real name was Gree
Gree said, “She’s your sister!” But Tortan said, “My wife.”
“I will not give her up. She has become my life.”

So Gree he left in anger, and swore not to come again
But Tortan and Lolura, assured they had no sin
The people of the village, now see them with dismay
For brothers wedding sisters is not the normal way

Tortan and Lolura, have long since died and gone
Their children are the legacy, of what the two had done
But for those who still remember, when the was only the two
To marry and to prosper, what else could those two do

Potential

One of the beautiful things about the creation of The Great Sea is that it allows for a myriad of stories which have absolutely nothing to do with the Main Saga, which is Madatar's struggle to take possession of what was promised him.

There is a Troll story I want to tell, but that is probably going to become part of the Saga. There are tales from the Kingdom of Azua, but they indirectly point to the Saga, too.

But there are other worlds. Other creatures. Did you know that the Deltumler live in the ocean, and that their most hated enemy are the Sharogues? Both actually made an appearance in the original sequel to The Prophecies of Madatar, which was one of the Saga's earliest manifestations.

There are the Centaurs, the Pennans, the Nomads, and the orginal Men who populated the first giant world. And what of the Dragons and the Unicorns? At one time I thought about doing stories for all of these beings. Only I put it all on hold because I deemed the stories without a base if I could not get the Saga published.

The truth is, Apprentice and Quest could very easily take place on The Great Sea. Neither story has anything to do with Madatar.

Renaming this blog has reminded me that I have a host of stories to tell which are not based in any fashion or form upon the epic fantasy of my life's work.

The problem I have is I don't really understand online publishing at all, and that appears to be where short stories are going to have to be submitted in order to receive publication. Perhaps I should continue my Kiahva stories in hopes of finding a place for her. At the same time I could include a story or two about Dragons, Dwarfs, communities of Men on other worlds. All of this would build a base from which even the Saga could rise.

It's something to think about.

The Origin of Trolls and Barbarians

Swords of Fire: Traitor makes mention of Trolls and Barbarians. They become important again in Book IV, which currently has no working title. I thought I would give a short background where Trolls and Barbarians came from.

After The Great War, which nearly destroyed The Great Sea, the Children of Fire were bound to repair as much damage as they could. Part of this restoration process involved close interaction with the Free Peoples, of which there were five: Figgits, Dwarfs, Men, Pennans, and Nomads. The Pennan and Nomad numbers were few, but the other races still existed in huge numbers. This was especially so with the race of Men.

In order to facilitate interaction between the Free People and the Children of Fire, certain members of the Children of Fire took on mortal form, meaning they would share the fate of whichever race they chose to emulate. They were granted long lifespans, but ultimately they would die. Lacking anything creative, the Free People called these Mortals.

Unfortunately, Zenophone encouraged a good number of his followers to also take on mortal form. These did not act in accordance with the rules set forth by the High King. Instead, they used their superior strength to overcome those they were to help and set up kingdoms. Hence they were called Overlords.

The Overlords went further than just seek dominion. They forced members of the races to become to become concubines and sexual slaves. The children born to these unions were deformed in varying degrees. They were known as The Accursed Races.

Accursed Races:

• Goblins: from Figgits
• Gnomes: from Dwarfs
• Barbarians: from Men
• Gargoyles: from Pennans
• Renegades: from Nomads

The Free People shunned these offspring, creating a population of outcasts who learned to hate those who blamed them without cause. Many were hunted and killed. All were tormented to one degree or another. And when the Overlords began dying (or being killed), the surviving mothers took their children to the mountains to hide. And there, in the mountains, in order to fulfill the maturing desires of their sons, mothers committed unthinkable acts. The children from these unions became even more deformed than their fathers, and were shunned even by the outcasts. In time they became known as Trolls.

Trolls from Renegades were the largest. Next in size were Trolls from Barbarians. These are the Trolls of Swords of Fire: Traitor.

Sick? Yeah. It is. That's the point. People - any people - are capable of incredible acts when put in certain circumstances. The harder we deny this, the more likely we would be victims.

Giant Cats: Friend or Foe

In Swords of Fire: Traitor there are only a few references to animals. We know about horses. Mostly, those are used for pulling plows and wagons, although there are a few bred for speed. Avalina is an apprentice horse trainer, and according to the story earns good money at that.

Oxen are used to pull heavy loads, particularly of ore. There is a reference to beef cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. Don't recall if I mention chickens and geese, but they're there. There are (or were) references to cats and dogs. Those may have been cut from the story as I sought desperately for ways to reduce word count. Entire characters had their sub-stories cut.

Regarding wild animals, deer are mentioned, as are eagles, wolves (I think - if not in Traitor certainly in Prophecies of Madatar, where they play an important role), squirrels, fish, and small birds. Maybe I reference dragons. Can't remember. So much was deleted in the last edit.

There are also a couple of references to Giant Cats.

Surprisingly, I have said very little about Giant Cats on this blog. Where more is said is in Tavaar's Backstory - and some place else I can't find right now. The portion where they are discussed in Tavaar's Backstory has not been posted at this time. However, in that portion, Khaiu delivers an infodump about Giant Cats.

“Shadow Cats are ancient creatures from the Beginning,” said Khaiu. “There are three kinds: Fire Cats, Shadow Cats, and Sphinx. All are gifted in speech and knowledge. Their quest is for knowledge. The Fire Cats are perhaps the wisest, able to take in and understand knowledge better than the others. They are mountain and forest dwellers. Their strength is in their ability to focus on an idea. Their weakness is tied to their strength. Because they focus on an idea, their knowledge is more limited. Unlike the Shadow Cats and Sphinx. The Shadow Cars are the balance of Fire Cats. Maybe that is why the two are generally found together. But whereas Fire Cats focus intently on certain areas of knowledge, Shadow Cats are curious about everything. Thus, Shadow Cats are gifted with more knowledge, but less understanding. I do not say this to offend.” This last was spoken to Shadow Mother, who was listening intently. She smiled.

“You only speak the truth, little one. Go on. You are doing well. Tell them of the Sphinx.”

“The Sphinx are between the two. They are less wise, but more knowledgeable than Fire Cats, and more wise and less knowledgeable than Shadow Cats. Also, they do not appear to get along with the others, and so shun the forests and mountains. In fact, they do not appear to care much for anyone or anything.”

“They do not,” said Shadow Mother. “They threaten and bully. They love to torment. Unlike us, they are ever loth to reveal their knowledge. They couch what they know in riddles and deception, misleading the well intended.”

“And you do not?” asked Sashwa.

As you can see, Khaiu is not alone. At least Sashwa is with him. Not only that, but they are in the presence of a Giant Cat. I'll let you know now that there were seven present: Khaiu and Tura, Shello and Klarissa, Tavaar and Wheylen, and Sashwa. This scene is critical in explaining some of what is to come.

So, Who's Reading This Anyway

Getting a lot of visits over the past week. No comments. Just visits. Not sure what's up with that.

Seems to be related to my renaming the blog, so I'm not sure people are coming here because they are interested in the blog contents, or because the new title implies something else to them.

All of that being said, I am curious. Is anyone actually reading the posts?

Just curious. Yesterday, this blog got more hits than the next two added together. But no comments. So I wonder if the visits aren't all an accident.

Sayla

Right now, one hundred percent of what is known about Sayla is revealed in Swords of Fire: Traitor. I have done no further background story on her. Sayla's background story is tied in with Khirsha's. They grew up together.

What we learn early on is that Sayla's parents, her father in particular, very much want Sayla to court and marry Khirsha. Khirsha and Sayla are close cousins, as opposed to near cousins, or just plain cousins.

A near cousin is the offspring of parent brothers and sisters. Close cousins would be those who are offspring of grandparents brothers and sisters - exclusing near cousins, of course. Cousins are all others in the family.

Sayla's grandfather is Abro, who is brother to Abrin, Khirsha's grandfather.

Actually, now that I think on it, my opening statement is not true. I do know things about Sayla which are not in the story, although I guess they are hinted at.

Sayla is one of Khirsha's generation's best warriors. Apparently, only Khirsha, Kelso, and Nivendor exceed her, but that is in fighting skill. As a hunter, Khirsha concedes Sayla's superiority, and Sayla offers no false humility in denying it.

In the year 338, at the age of eight, Sayla wins the eight-year-old sword championship by defeating her best friend and close cousin, Meekel. She will win again at the ages of ten, thirteen, and sixteen. Seven times she will fight in the championship and lose to Kelso, the last time at the age of nineteen. Once, at the age of seventeen, she will lose to Kelso in the semi-finals.

At the age of twenty she will face Khirsha for the championship. And lose.

In the last two years of competition she will face Tavaar's eldest son, Nivendor in the semi-finals and lose both times.

Sayla is an attractive girl, although even Khirsha acknowledges not the most attractive. That honor goes to Laynell, who is sweet on Kelso. Still, it is possible Laynell only appears more attractive because of the effort she puts into maintaining her appearance. Sayla, being a hunter, is more rustic, both in appearance and attitude. Her naturalness is clearly one of the things which attracts Khirsha to her. But - and this is the secret part - there is something else at play. Something I cannot reveal at this time. I believe it is slated to be revealed in Book Six, which currently has no working title.

Suffice to say, Sayla is a very important person.

Abrin

Abrin is the Head-of-Family at the time of Swords of Fire: Traitor. He is also Khirsha's grandfather.

While I know quite a bit about him, I have not actually included him much in any background story.

He is an enigmatic character at times, possessing knowledge, seemingly without a source. But all knowledge must have a source someplace. Thus far, I only hint at it. In Book Three (currently titled Bonds of Love) we learn the source.

Abrin is a man full of plans and secrets. Such is the life of anyone in charge of a large group. He is decisive, able to make hard decisions even when he lacks the knowledge he seeks. He is also able to wait, knowing when waiting for that knowledge is more important than acting out of turn.

At times he can appear to be harsh. Other times he demonstrates great compassion and understanding.

Although nearing one hundred years of age, he is still strong and able. He passes his flamesword test in Swords of Fire: Traitor with honors, although his son, Khaiu, might argue that point.

He is not above bending, or even breaking, rules. Sometimes for selfish reasons. At the same time he accepts responsibility for his actions. He possesses knowledge that few in the family share. This is often a burden, for the others' lack of knowledge affects their decisions as much as his possession of it.

Odelmaar

Odelmaar is something of a heavy in Swords of Fire: Traitor. It is Odelmaar who opposes Khirsha's grandfather in matters of family policy. It is Odelmaar who ever seeks harsher punishments for Khirsha and Kelso.

Swords of Fire: Traitor doesn't give us a lot of background information on Odelmaar. What we know is that he is the sovereign over Mines. He appears to be quite wealthy. He seems to support Prince Johahnen as successor to the Azuan throne. He was second in the competition to be Head-of-Family to Khirsha's grandfather.

There are no current stories devoted to Odelmaar to fill in his background, although if they were I am sure they would be interesting. He shows up at whiles in Tavaar's Background Story. Particularly after Tavaar leaves the military.

In Tavaar's Background Story we see a completely different man. But is that not often the way of stories, both real and otherwise?

When I originally introduced Sovereign Odelmaar into the saga I did not particularly like him. Back then I was creating "good" and "evil" characters. Odelmaar would have to wait nearly fifteen years before I allowed him to become a real person. Same with Khirsha, Abrin, and all the others. But whereas I had to show the failings of Khirsha and the other "good" characters, it was necessary to show Odelmaar as something other than a power hungry sovereign. I did this by writing Tavaar's Background Story. In it, we see Odelmaar dealing with is wife, parents, and children. This shows us his human side. It showed me. Then I rewrote Swords of Fire: Traitor, knowing more about Odelmaar. His character was much more believable.

Hawnka

I haven't written a lot about Old Hawnka. She's a character from Swords of Fire: Traitor. A significant character, even if she is a minor character.

Hawnka is Unaligned. This was the unfortunate fate of everyone known - or suspected to be - conceived out of wedlock. Bastards.

The first Unaligned was Tarska, born to Ashamada and Truschk in the 68th year of the Compound. Ashamada's mother was Alahnta, who was currently the Crops Soveriegn, and who would eventually become Head-of-Family. Alahnta was a hard woman and shamed by her daughter's behavior. She used her influence to prevent Tarska from being assigned membership in the Crops Line. Little did she understand that in punishing her daughter, she was not only also punishing her grandson, but all such children thereafter. In fact, many children born within the rules of family law would also be punished, for no child of an Unaligned could be anything but Unaligned. This made the Unaligned the fastest growing of all "lines", and by the time of Khirsha, the fifth most populous.

I like Hawnka. There isn't much I can say about her here because most of it is going to be revealed in the Saga. Suffice to say that she is very wise, and that she has access to things most of the family can't even dream about.

It's a Complex Place

Converted the blog to a new template and then added a left sidebar. It's a better utilization of space.

Swords of Fire is an amazing saga. To me, anyway. Not only do I have a main story which covers an entire solar system, but I have a hoard of spin-off stories, too.

You already know of Tavaar's Backstory. But what about the backstories of other characters? What about Khirbah and Korbah, the founders of the Compound 333 years before my main character, Khirsha, was born? How did that come about?

The Kingdom of Azua. Who are those people? How vast is their kingdom?

What about Barbarians and Trolls? Why are they so hateful? There has to be a reason. People just aren't born that way. (I do know the reason, by the way.)

Where did the Giant Cats come from? How did Fire Mountain come to be?

What's great is that I have answers to all of these questions. After thirty-seven years it only makes sense.

Why is the Sea there? What is its real purpose?

I know it all. And yet I continue to learn more. Isn't that amazing? That's the wonder and beauty of world building. It never really ends until we do.

Tavaar - 73rd Edition

“Process? What process?” asked Sashwa.

“It is very similar to what we are doing right now," said Khaiu. "Anyone wishing to officially declare a premonition must present themselves at the Temple for examination. A scribe will record all they say, including their own interpretation, while those who are believed to ‘know’ listen. The ‘Knowers’ are those like Sashwa, who do not necessarily see the vision, but somehow can tell if it is real. My guess, Sashwa, is that in years to come you will find yourself sitting and listening to these premonitions. After the premonition has been recorded, the ‘Seer’ leaves, and the Knowers give their impressions, one at a time without the knowledge of the others. The scribe records each in turn. Finally, the report is brought to the Head-of-Family and Chief Temple Keeper, and any sovereign who may be near. If the consensus is that it is real, it is announced. If not, no one hears of it.”

“And you say Gwihnna has done this twice?” asked Shello.

“Yes. In both cases the Knowers agreed her premonition was real, but disagreed with her interpretation. From reading Gwihnna’s accounts, it is clear she does not look beyond the surface. Her judgments tend to be rash, and mostly centered around herself.”

“But they did come true?” asked Tavaar.

“They did. But not like Gwihnna expected.”

“If that is true, then her interpretation of this may also be faulty,” said Wheylin.

“That is more than reasonable,” said Khaiu. “It is what I believe.”

“But Sashwa confirmed it,” said Tavaar.

“Only that it was real,” said Khaiu. “Has she not always had difficulty with Gwihnna’s interpretation?”

“I have,” said Sashwa, looking at Tavaar. “I mean, we like to tease and toy and play, Darling, but I just can’t see you doing this. Certainly not with Shello!”

Laughter, followed by a playful slap from Shello.

“Nor I,” said Khaiu. “I believe Wheylin spoke true when he said you might do it in your dreams, but not while awake.”

“So what does it mean?” Tavaar asked.

“Let us consider what we know. We are hampered because apparently the premonition was short. That opens the way for more possibilities. But what we know is Tavaar is holding two babies. An adult figure in shadow is with her. That is all. Gwihnna chose to accept the obvious: that Tavaar bore the babies to the figure in shadow, and that since it wasn’t Wheylin, Tavaar was going to be unfaithful.”

“And because Kelenbah wanted me, she believed he was the shadow figure,” said Tavaar.

“A pretty big assumption,” said Shello.

“Not when you consider how Gwihnna always sees things centered around herself. That being true, it was only natural she would believe it was Kelenbah.”

“Something since proved to be false,” said Sashwa.

“Correct,” said Khaiu. “So let’s consider the adult in the shadow.”

“He could be anybody,” said Shello.

“Anybody but Kelenbah,” added Sashwa.

“Which means?” Khaiu prompted.

There was a pause while Khaiu waited for them to catch up to his thinking. Tavaar thought she knew what he was implying.

“Why can’t he be Wheylin?”

Tavaar - 72nd Edition

“It seems real," said Tavaar. "It did from the first. That’s why I have been afraid. I don’t want it to be true. Only, I feel helpless. I mean, if it is a premonition, then it is going to happen. Right? How can I stop the future? You’ve told me yourself, Khaiu, I have a destiny.”

“Don’t let that throw you. He’s said the same thing to me. And Klarissa,” said Shello.

“And who knows who else? Is that what you’re saying?” asked Sashwa.

“Maybe. I just don’t see it as something to worry about.”

“That’s because your destiny isn’t to be unfaithful,” snapped Tavaar.

“Neither is yours,” said Khaiu. “You have a destiny, but there is no need to be either excited or concerned. It will fulfill itself in its own time and in its own way.”

“But what about Gwihnna’s premonition?” asked Sashwa.

“Gwihnna’s premonition is interesting,” said Khaiu.

Sashwa laughed. “Interesting? You have a gift for understatement, Khaiu.”
“Why is it interesting?” asked Tavaar.

Khaiu had never professed special seeing or knowing ability, save that he had assured Shello, Klarissa, and herself that they all had a destiny. He said it with such assurance no one thought to question him on it. But there was a lot more to Khaiu than intelligence and warrior skill. His entire manner bespoke such confidence that many far older deferred to his judgment. He studied hard. He knew things few others did. When challenged on his knowledge he always pointed to a verifiable source; usually, the Temple records. Even in the non-restricted area there was a lot of information few bothered to read.

“To begin with, I find it interesting that the only one not cast in shadow is Tavaar. The other is in shadow. Even the children are not seen clearly.”

“What do you think is the significance?” asked Shello.

“I’m not sure. There are several possibilities, but this was not Gwihnna’s first premonition. Did you know that?”

“She mentioned others, though she didn’t say what they were. But she said they always came true,” said Tavaar.

“She spoke the truth; but only part of it. Officially, Gwihnna has had two premonitions. These took place on alternating years. She may have had others which she did not choose to make known. But the two she did came true all right, but not in the way she predicted.”

“How do you know this?” asked Wheylin.

“I have been studying premonitions for years,” said Khaiu. “Each year several claim to have them. It is not always the same ones, and very rarely does anyone have more than one in a given year. At least, none are recorded. Not everyone chooses to go through the process. Certainly not every time.”