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
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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
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
Saturday, June 20, 2009
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
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
Monday, June 8, 2009
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
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
Sunday, June 7, 2009
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
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
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
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
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
Monday, June 1, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
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:
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.
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
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.
Friday, May 29, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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.
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.
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