Robert A.J. Strife's Blog: World of Silverauram

She dipped her head low to avoid the low-hanging oaken beams. It was times like this that made Caeda miss the sweet kiss of the sun. Sooty dust caked the air like a wool blanket, thick and choking, permeating the lower levels from years of neglect. The chest should be around here somewhere. Coughing, she flicked her eyes about, waving her waning torch. I never should've taken this job, she thought.

"I am paying you handsomely, elf, so don't complain," the merchant had grumbled. "The Azure Spire has what I want, and what I want is that amulet."

That poxy ass. This tower is infested with ghouls and other equally unpleasant shit. Spiral steps descended into the murky dark, leading to a heavy ash door, moth-eaten and studded with rusted iron. A brief touch on the supposed dusty wood made her tsk—Caeda tugged her hand away, coated in a sticky, sick-colored ichor. I don't like where this is going, she thought, unsheathing a short sword. A resounding creek heralded as she pushed her way inside. Inert torches on wall sconces greeted her on entry, and she used her own fire to light the room. "There it is," she said aloud. That fat merchant is paying me four thousand gold for this job. Jealous guild members may pay me a visit in the night, no doubt to sing me to sleep with a steel song. Upon a rounded dais, encompassed by a colonnade of fluted ornate pillars, the chest waited. "Come to Mama." Proceeding towards her bounty, it was no surprise to find it locked. A noise pierced her ears when she reached into a side pouch for the lock picks. The sound was a mix of gurgling and guttural wheezing, accompanied by thudding steps.

"Shit," she whispered, fumbling for her tools. I didn't realize there was a door down here and half-open. Caeda knelt to work, clicking each tumbler into place with precision. It's getting closer. Honey hair plastered to her face, damp with perspiration. When she popped the lock, it appeared—a hulking monstrosity covered in a thick layer of brown fur. Throwing open the chest, she snatched up the amulet, then stood to flee. Lumbering inside on cloven hooves, the beast dragged a log behind like a club. It peered on high with a boar-like visage, with black tusks protruding from the sides of its jaw. Beady eyes burned with rageful indifference. Blood and a choking bouquet of musk assaulted her nose. She backed away—the beast leapt towards her on powerful legs, swinging the log in a wide horizontal arc. Caeda slipped on loose gravel, falling backwards, narrowly evading her demise. The wind from that killing blow felt like a tempest, a storm of death. She rolled with the fall and sprang for the door, cursing on the way up. Too fast, she thought, hugging a side wall as the log descended onto the steps. Through the deluge of splintered wood, she thrust her short sword and found the flesh of its cheek. The beast wailed and tumbled downwards while she made her way up to freedom.

The once-empty foyer of the tower was now a congregation of shambling stiffs blocking her departure. I need to clear a path; that monster is still in pursuit at my flank. Caeda bolted for a side wall with the least resistance and pierced through the eye socket of a ghoul. She used the corpse to maneuver through the crowd, slashing and stabbing until she reached the door. Her exit flew open, revealing a slender man standing in the entryway, waving her forward. What's he doing here? The lad slammed the door shut after she dove outside. Despite the man before her, a sense of distorted comfort greeted her from the sparse pine trees that encircled the area. A light breeze whistled, drying the sweat on her forehead.

She found her feet and spat off to the side. "What are you doing here, Halford?" Folks call him 'One-eye' despite the lie and treacherous, according to some.

Fair skin complemented a square cleft chin and a nest of dense black curls. His mail was a simple black brigandine, blank of insignia. "Is that any way to thank me?" Her ears picked up a deep voice like silk and honey, almost trusting. "Mara told me where to find you. I figured you needed some help."

I never told that cunt about my business affair. "Help with what?" She kept her steel brandished to give him pause.

"The Flame-Grade guild is en route," he said, waving away her suspicion. "They caught wind of that job you took. Look there." Halford shot a thumb west towards the mountain range, towards a fleet of men on horses, riding hard.

Caeda relented for half a heartbeat, then sheathed her blade. "Fine, have it your way. I'll ride with you—" Cold steel slid through her abdomen, then the hard ground met her afterwards. Blood pooled from her wound and lips when she attempted to speak, gagging up crimson spittle. Why? All she could do was lay there and watch Halford strip her of steel and loot.

Mounting up, he gazed down at her with a look of indifference. "Real sorry about that, luv. I'll be sure to tell the merchant that you died trying to escape from the tower. The guild will understand as well." Halford rode off singing a jolly song to himself while she sprawled on the warm ground. Her vision waned dark as night while the sun kissed her face, with hate on her mind and vengeance lingering on her tongue.

I won't die here, she thought, shifting to her stomach with a low groan. Pain attempted to snatch the will from Caeda, but rage helped her along like an old friend. Bloody fingernails splintered as she dragged herself along the hard-packed ground. Knowing she couldn't see past the darkened veil her eyes presented, Caeda pressed on. That ever-present friend led her by the ear, amplifying the surrounding sounds and providing passage. The distant dull thud of hooves rang in her ears like alarm bells; she picked up the pace. I hear running water. The river, I forgot about the river. She fought from grinning when the heat of her crotch warmed the metal, but the revelation was too cloying. Stupid human, she mused, tasting the insult, sweet as winterberries. You took my weapon and my pouches— Caeda rolled down a muddy hill and slid into the fast-moving rapids below, blacking out.

◈◈◈

Stirring, she opened her eyes to the setting sun, nestled within the bed of a muddy shore. One-eye, she almost choked with the thought. I only see half the truth. At least I have my sight back, or well enough. I need to get a fire started, she thought. Too bad I can barely move. Strong hands dragged Caeda from her bemired blanket, and she panicked for a moment, then sighed. "Do...what you want to me. I'm dead...anyway," she gasped. The stranger laid her against a hefty log before stepping towards a stack of timber and kindling. A man. Dark purple robes dripped in gold filigree, hiding all beneath. He appeared in his mid-fifties with white streaks in his slick-back black hair. A whispered word flowed from his lips, and then a lance of bright fire lit the kindling in a blaze of heat. Caeda had been enjoying the crackling and spitting of logs before the man shifted her to her back. Oh great, she thought sourly. He's going to have me before I die. He ripped away the leather and cloth from her abdomen and touched her wound with his hand. Moments of sharp pain replace her confusion, accompanied by a burning sensation. When Caeda realized she could move again, she gave him a bloody smile. "I'm... healed? Who are you?"

"A friend." His voice was calming, smooth as silk. "How are you feeling?"

Rubbing her stomach, she sat up, blinking for clarity. "Friend? That's an odd first name, old man." The elf spat a glob of blood onto the flames and heard the sizzle. "To answer your question, I'm better. Now, if you could point me to Aramarsh Way—"

"You want to kill Halford. Thirst for vengeance, I see."

She glared at the man. "I have every right to slide a blade through his ribs and watch him choke. I can't think of a better recipe for a sound sleep." Caeda showed the man a thin line of teeth.

"Revenge is a game of patience and resilience, young one. A most rewarding game if you make the right moves."

"Young one? I'm an elf, so mayhaps I'm older than you, human," she snapped, tossing twigs into the fire.

There seemed to be something otherworldly in his smile—she shivered despite the heat. "Mayhaps, Caeda. My vengeance is a slow brew that I've been cultivating for two thousand years."

Her eyes widened at that. "First off, how did you know my name? And two thousand?"

"You've protected the amulet from unworthy hands, so, for now, I'm here to help." Extending a hand, he gave her a trusting facade. "If you want to obtain the things you desire, what are you willing to give up?"

He knows too much, she reflected. Caeda cast her eyes down for a moment, wondering, hesitant. "Fine... What do I have to do?" He flashed a line of teeth again. I don't like that smile.

With perked ears, he withdrew his hand and cast his attention towards the shroud in the wilderness. Within a small clearing, they stood, encircled by thick shrubs and overgrown evergreens. "It seems we have company. Less agreeable than most and no friend," he mentioned, pointing a calloused finger.

Caeda struggled to her feet, staggering closer to the edge of their camp. Who's out there? Focusing, she heard past the crackling fire, then sharpened her eyes to the dark. Several figures detached from trees and stalked towards them. Like wights, she thought. "I see them. Do you have a weapon?" Panic took hold when she veered. He's gone. He abandoned me.

"Looking for someone, lass?" The voice and body materialized from the murky air. "All alone, are you?"

A deep orange glow shed light on the four men approaching. She retreated closer to the fire, watching their movement. Chainmail warded them, and they held clubs and axes in their fists. She eyed the insignia emblazoned on their belts—a broken skull within a blazing flame, with a snake wriggling through each socket. "Flame-Grade," she gasped. "What do you want?"

The dirty creature that opened his mouth to speak was a grey beard with brown teeth. "Well, since yeh are all caught up, I'll cut right to it. I want your findings from that tower; you know the one."

"You're too late. A human took my things." I need a weapon. "Why don't y'all fuck off back where you came."

Another cretin crept close, sealing off Caeda's retreat. "I'm sure we can find something on you. Let's 'ave us a look."

The axe descended, narrowly missing her head as she leaned away. A club to the ear followed her evasion, and a voice spoke through the daze. Who was that? Another reached for her shoulder with hands like an iron trap. Yes! Caeda bit his fingers, bent over to snatch his ankles, then yanked his legs up. He hit the ground hard, ringing his head against a jagged stone. Quickly, she reached into the fire for a log, then turned his face into a bloody paste. Pain and a sense of euphoric bliss dueled within her soul, which confused the elf. She muffled her screams from the burning bludgeon, catching an axe head from a parry. Before their weapons could fall, Caeda rushed at the man and bit out his throat, giving the last two pause. When did you die? I taste blood, sweet as wine.

"Crazy bitch," one bellowed, clearly shaken.

"You... How did you...?" the other mumbled. She filched a dagger from the corpse of a Flame-Grade and dashed at them, screaming like a banshee. Her eyes pierced through the night, scanning, finding the last man standing. Slowly, she removed the dagger from the socket of his friend and rose. I don't remember killing him. Autonomously, her body acted without input, only stopping once the gurgling chokes ceased. The tears won't stop. Caeda curled up next to a dead man, cradling her burned hand.

"How did that make you feel?"

Him. The voice roused the elf—sitting up, she shoved her hand into the ruins of a man's face and caked it in blood. As still as the evergreens, he loomed like a sentinel, eyeing her with a look of dispassion. Not an ounce of pity or care in that gaze, she observed. "You called yourself a friend, but you abandoned me. They could've taken more than my life."

"You appear to have handled yourself well enough, Caeda. Accept the victory."

She shot up to face him. "I'm not sure how I won that fight, old man. Why did you abandon me?"

He made no move to comfort her. "Your tears are misplaced, young elf. I am neither of your human foster parents who left you to fend for yourself."

"Don't leave me again!"

"Are you sure I did as you claim? Mayhaps you remember a voice echoing in the reaches of your mind."

Her eyes continued to narrow. It's as he says, there was a voice. "So what if I do? What does that have to—"

"You gave me control, and I did what's necessary for your survival."

Stumbling, Caeda retreated a step. "Y— You... You're a demon? You took my body without my permission."

Towering over her, he said, "Think back on that statement of yours, girl. Now, come, we have work to do."

◈◈◈

They shuffled through the silence of the night with only the moon to light the way. A hooting owl calmed her thoughts in this temperate countryside. Something slick tripped her up, and she caught herself on a tree. That was close. Caeda used her elven hearing to keep up, tracking the sounds of his footfalls. A shiver crept through her from the exposed abdomen of her leathers. At least I'm alive. Hours of trudging made her legs ache, adding to her confusion, and when she worked up the courage to ask, he stopped. A fire, a horse, and a man, she observed. It's him! Caeda clenched her fist, then halted when the wizard raised a hand. He wants me to wait. Together, they lingered, watching Halford turn a hare on a spit. Fat and grease dripped onto the embers with a satisfying sizzle; she licked her lips.

Halford took to his bedroll within minutes after his meal. The brigand reclined on his back, eyeing an image inside an old locket with longing. Who is that woman? Light danced on his mount resting beneath a tree. The scene is perfect for a murder, she thought. "If you won't take action, I will," she whispered to the old man. He flicked his gaze to Caeda, and she opened her eyes to the morning sun, leaning against a tree. A squirrel stooped on her thigh, munching on an acorn with fat cheeks. "What happened?" The critter shot her a puzzled look and bounded off.

"You're too eager, girl."

Caeda stood and found the voice. Despite their color difference, the elder blended with the surrounding yew. "Why else would you lead me here if not to rip his tongue out? And what did you do to me?" She skinned her breeches down and squatted for a piss before he could answer.

"I put you to sleep. To deal with an enemy, you should learn everything about them first. Knowledge, Caeda; knowledge is key."

She sighed with relief and said, "Money is key to me, old-timer. I could be pissing on his dead body instead of this patch of grass. What's there to learn from a bastard like Halford?"

He took a step towards her on silent feet. No crunching of leaves or twigs snapping, she observed. "Surely you've noticed the woman your friend admired before he slept. The locket by chance?"

Caeda finished and yanked up her pants. "A woman; what of it?"

"Do you recall her appearance?"

She frowned at him, feeling the beginnings of irritation. "Can't say I paid close attention to some picture. My hatred is for him."

"The woman's an elf, much like yourself, and such regal attire," he began, watching her face. "Far too regal for someone of low consequence as your Halford."

Wait, she did seem familiar. "The lady of Aramarsh Way is an elf... Perhaps..."

He smiled at her then. "So she is. How about we learn more regarding that, you and I."

Something in his voice sent chills through her soul. For half a heartbeat, she considered praying. Maybe he really is a demon, she thought. Dark eyes seemed to see past her, through the clothes, and beyond the skin. She ignored the vulnerable sensation and gave him a nod. "Good," he said, his voice as crisp as the morning air. "Then let's pay a visit to a city you're familiar with."

◈◈◈

If not for the old man knowing where to flag down a passing carriage, their trek south would've taken a month. Instead, it only took a few weeks, and I learned so much. Enough to bury that human, she mused. Caeda's scorn darkened with her hair, altering her appearance for better subterfuge. People scarce remember anything unless a prized weapon or horse is in their possession. Aramarsh Way's brothels were often packed with gossipy women, having mouths as loose as their legs. They graced a whore house with a predilect visit. "A few choice words could spread like an illness in a place like that," he had mentioned during the travel.

Caeda found the fragrant herb bundles hanging on the walls odd, plentiful, and overpowering. White walls edged in decorative red bricks made the brothel appear less shifty. Knights, soldiers with checkered loyalties, adventurers, and even the city guards stood waving mugs at a woman singing on the bar counter. With deft fingers, she strummed a stringed instrument wearing a frilly red dress. Her voice is sweet—distracting. This place seems more like a tavern, except for that flight of stairs. No doubt they led to a few rooms with whores farming coin on their backs.

"Welcome to The Busty Huntress," a flat-chested, handsome woman greeted. Caeda eyed her outlandish red, white, and orange attire. "You seem out of place, hon. You here for drinks or... something else?"

Sultry feminine eyes undressed the elf, which made her uncomfortable—Caeda cleared her throat. "My friend and I want a table to drink an ale or two."

"Your friend? Luv, are you well?"

She twisted her head about. He's gone again. "I suppose he had business elsewhere."

Seizing her by the hand, the woman led Caeda to a table near the singer. "This is quite a surprise," she mentioned, plopping onto an adjacent seat.

"A surprise? What are you talking about?"

The woman brushed the air with a wave. "Surely you've noticed the patrons in here. Are you a sister or cousin to the lady?"

"I'm not related to Lady Sorisana, no. You make it seem like elves don't come here."

 A knight in gambeson slipped a pair of dirty fingers beneath the singer's red dress, and it helped her achieve higher notes. "Elves don't come here, luv. Hell, we scarce see them in the city unless they're in well-guarded carriages. If yeh are lookin' for work, I'm sure anyone here will pay a thousand gold to fuck you. Some would even pay half that to see you naked."

I don't want these dirty peasants to touch me, she almost growled. Wait, a thousand gold? I may be in the wrong line of work. "I'm here for a drink and maybe a conversation."

"Then I'm yours for a time then. Let me fetch you some ale," the woman said, then left for the bar.

As soon as she pointed that out, I could feel the eyes on me. Caeda already felt naked as she sat there. I never noticed the lack of elves in low-end places like this. Most elves in the kingdom were of high status and kept away from anything beneath them, unlike that other filth.

"You're doing well, Caeda." The wizard sat next to her with a straight back.

Is nobody taking notice of him? "Where have you been?"

"Around. I have duties as well, same as you."

The woman returned and set down two frothy mugs. "Oh, beg pardons, I didn't notice you come in. Is this the friend you spoke of, hon?"

He's real? She can see him? Somehow, that only brought about more questions. "Ah, yes."

"I will bring you something as well—"

He sprang up, cutting her off with a wave. "I'm leaving. Enjoy your drink, Huna." The wizard fled the building before they could blink.

All the woman could do was shrug as she sipped her ale. "Friendly one, ain't he? Huna, was it? I'm Leveke Hollen, The Busty Huntress." She cupped her tiny breasts and giggled. "Yes, I know the irony. I used to perform in archery contests wearing a blonde wig and fake tits. I've come to love my small buds."

I guess I'm Huna then. "Yes, they're... nice," she lied. Caeda frowned at her ale, realizing she couldn't pay for it. I forgot to loot those Flame-Grades.

"I can show you them if you like," she began with a giggle, then Leveke reached for her hand and held it firm. "Don't worry about payment. Your friend dropped a silver on the table. Drink up."

Caeda watched a man grope a passing serving woman between the cheeks as she drank. "This is refreshing, thank you."

"So, what brings you here?"

"There's a human man I'm interested in. I thought I would've run into him here. Halford's his name."

Leveke stroked her chin, then drained her mug. "I remember him. He shows up whenever he can't be with his woman."

"His woman?" Caeda tried to sound distressed. "Who is this woman of his?"

The Busty Huntress hesitated, appearing suspended in thought, before leaning close to her face. "Rumors are floating about here. Most are saying that he and Lady Sorisana had been seeing each other—all under Lord Harrison's nose. Can you believe that?"

"I find it rather surprising that none of these rumors reached the lord's ears."

Leveke swept her brunette hair back, showing a smooth white neck. "Lord Harrison has a few rumors floating about as well." She stood then and marched over to Caeda's ear for a nibble and a whisper. "He's connected to The Thieves' Guild. Whatever you're doing, be careful, Huna." With that, she took her leave.

Such a pleasant woman, she thought, touching her ear and making for the exit. Caeda found the wizard loitering beside a city carriage. "Well done," he said, ushering her inside. "Information like that can go a long way. If used correctly, you can shape the future how you please."

The elf melted into her seat, wishing she had drunk more. Instead, Caeda eyed the strange wizard. "Is that your aim? To shape the future how you please? You must think of yourself as some god of sorts."

He kept his attention forward as the driver snapped the reins. Wagon wheels bumped, a sound that masked her heartbeat at the notion that he may be a god. "I'm not, and I make no such claim of godhood. You have an enemy, as do I. My foe will take time and patience before I can finish our game."

Two thousand years, though? Is he up against an elf? Maybe a vampire or a dwarf.

"I can feel the war battling behind your eyes. My enemy is of no concern to you."

She twitched, then shook the thought away. "Where are we going?"

"To an unfortunate young soldier waiting to get knighted by Lord Folke Harrison."

When he grinned, Caeda shivered. The trek took no more than twenty minutes, arriving at a training yard near the castle gates. A fleet of young men pushed through a series of drills with practice swords, led by a stern-looking knight. The wagon rattled to a stop alongside a tall wooden tower. Crudely pointed oaken logs stood upright and walled off the training yard like watchful guards. Brandishing a quill and parchment, the wizard uncorked a small ink bottle before scratching in words. Where did he get that? Her nose wrinkled at the stench of sweat, piss, and fear when a soldier looked their way. Caeda winced when the setting sun cast an odd aura on the daunting youth. Shaggy black curls and an unassuming face fit well with his unadorned faded red cuirass. He hobbled over to them with an awkward gait and focused hazel eyes. Can a young soldier like that afford plate armor? And what's with that sword poking up over his shoulder.

"Prevel Tilly, thank you for agreeing to meet with us," the wizard greeted."

Despite his station, the youth stood as straight as a spear, like a seasoned knight. "Well, you paid me well enough to do so. What can I do for you?"

The wizard extended the parchment to the man. "Deliver this urgent letter to your lord."

Prevel snatched the note and frowned. "Who's this from?"

"Lord Folke Harrison will indeed ask that very question. Tell him nothing, then bow your head and say it's from a reliable source."

The soldier spat and said, "Why not? Sure, I'll do it. I haven't 'ad a chance to meet the lord anyway."

When the youth turned towards the castle, the wizard said, "And Prevel, enjoy the knighthood."

That black scabbard on his back has a lock; peculiar. Better yet, what was this about? What game is this geezer playing?

"Driver, make haste," he said.

With another snap of the reins, the wagon sped through the city at a brisk pace. This is beginning to feel less like revenge and more like something else. "Where are we going now?" Caeda kept the concern from her voice. What did he write?

"To an establishment well known for excellent fare," he mentioned. "The show will start soon."

◈◈◈

Across from a packed eatery, the wizard bid the driver halt. Stuffed-up people in rich raiment came and went from the guarded doors. The smell emanating from the building almost made her drool, that is, until she spotted him. With clenched fists, Caeda bounded for the carriage exit when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "When you move pieces on the board, you mustn't interfere with their progression," he advised. Scowling, she sat back down and watched. Halford walked hand in hand with a tall elf of mild attractiveness. Styled dirty blonde hair accentuated her regal, yet modest silver and mauve gown. The lady. "A well-placed word in the right locations can keep information circulating like blood in a vein. Observe."

During their stakeout, the wizard remained a statue, stiff and unmoving, while Caeda fidgetted. More than half the castle guards arrived and stormed the eatery. She watched, wide-eyed and awed, with delight and melancholy jostling her emotions. They're arresting him and escorting the lady away. Odd, there's no look of guilt on her face. She decided to trust this new mentor of hers.

Caeda snuck into the castle dungeons in the black of night and found Halford. He wallowed on his straw bedding, mumbling curses. The guards are busy, so I'm here, your executioner. "Enjoying your new home?"

He shot up at her voice, then widened his eyes at Caeda under the torchlight. "You... You're alive? Almost didn't recognize you. Did you do this?"

"Your sins brought you here," she replied, trying to sound like a vengeful spirit. I should use what I learned and roast him with fire. "You've earned this. Yeh couldn't keep your cock out of someone above you, could ya?"

Halford tried to reach through the bars for her neck. "Do you know what you've done? The Thieves' Guild will get rid of Sorisana and her children... Does her children deserve that?"

"Lord Harrison will be overjoyed now that you're no longer fucking his wife."

"Stupid, stupid elf bitch. Sorisana raised me. She is my mother!"

No, no, that can't be true. Stunned and shocked, Caeda's mind went blank. "There she is," a deep voice bellowed. "Throw that one in a cell as well for trespassing."

She scarce remembered the guards shoving her into a cell down the way. What have I done... I could've killed him in the woods, but—

"It's over now, Caeda. Rejoice." Looming within the dark corner of her cell was the wizard.

"You lied to me; this wasn't vengeance. I'm left with nothing now." Wait, I still have the amulet. She felt for it, finding nothing. It was on my crotch; how did I not know it was missing?

"I took it," he said, flat and curt. "A whispered word to a merchant and a hired hand to fetch an item from a warded tower. 'Tis a game, Caeda; players and pieces."

"You used me... What am I to do now?"

He stepped closer, keeping to the shadows. "I taught you enough about survival and channeling mana during our travel. Soon, this castle will come under a new rule; best find another place to call home."

She bit her lower lip at that. "Lord Harrison won't let anything happen to his city."

"It's always curious when a mystery knight moves across the board. Who are those other players, I wonder? Who pulls their strings?" After flashing a smile in the dark, he vanished.

Completely rewritten and relaunched for your escapism. I've included a snippet from the upcoming book 2 within. The book will be free on Amazon from Dec 18th - Dec 22nd, so be sure to grab it up!

Enjoy and drop a review.

Earlier than expected, Castle of Calamity: On Death's Door had a major price drop for the ebook. More people can get their hands on an epic medieval fantasy adventure you won't find in mainstream books. Complex characters, layered storytelling, and an intricate magic system, all at your fingertips.

Read it on #KindleUnlimited, and if you like it, leave a review.

Amazon hasn't been the best for me as far as accessibility. My aim is to make Castle of Calamity: On Death's Door accessible for people to get their hands on without breaking the bank.

Because of my difficulty/issues using KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), I will be having a price drop for the EBook in November, when Amazon allows me to. On top of that will be a free EBook countdown at some point around that time. I may create a banner for it, so people can snatch it up.

Until then, I encourage readers to view it on #KindleUnlimited to get your Epic Medieval Fantasy fix.

A review snuck past my watchful eye, and I was thoroughly surprised by the words I read. Apparently, Castle of Calamity can pull in someone who isn't a fan of the fantasy genre. Another satisfied person that came looking for a story that they could escape in; something no longer found in our modern entertainment.

Fear not, there are more books on the way, and they will be far better than the first. I hope to see some theory videos in the future, and I'm curious on what characters people like. Anyway, stay tuned.

Finally, finished making simple showcases for the main characters in Castle of Calamity: On Death's Door. I have to say, I'm pretty proud of them. I think Yerma might be my favorite, as I captured the tone of her character more with the theme I gave her. If you haven't seen them, check them out. Each one is about 20 seconds, and it has a snippet from the book. Don't forget to get a copy of Castle of Calamity and leave a review. Much appreciated.

https://youtu.be/z_oXlXBLyRY?si=yJL99fB-a1aI9oPc

It seems I've made some people either mad or uncomfortable on Twitter. A demand was made for men who write female characters.

I gave a straight answer.

My 'no' probably came with a chill. I don't bend to nonsense, so I wasn't going to agree with that demand. Someone asked if that applies for females writing men as well, and there was no answer. I can't check now, as I've been kept out of the thread lol. Look, if I can't get beta readers to beta read, then how in the hell can I get a female beta reader to check my characters? Yea, keep that lousy 'advice' to yourself next time.

I'm putting the final touches on the prologue for the second book, and I'm pretty excited. This book will have a darker tone than the first, so don't be alarmed. I wonder what people will think about the new characters I'm rolling out.

What are your outlets for creativity? Are you an author, or an artist? Do you write poetry, or songs? The raw feeling of having that ever comforting canvas to dump your proverbial ideas onto, brings the soul a sense of harmonious quiet. Pure creativity that you sometimes can't express with spoken word, but with the swipe of a pen, or through the tap of keys. It all leads to witnessing your idealistic fantasies come to life through sheer force of will and passion.

Some would say, that was only one side of the fence; the clean-shaven face in the mirror that stares back with a smile. But the person gazing on the potential reflection, dreams of joining hands with that person in the mirror. Goals, desires, wants, and the fruits of passion, all separated by a thin glass veil. Having the strength to punch through this translucent barrier is never so simple, is it? What happens when you ooze creativity through your pores, but the only one that pays you any mind, is the person in the mirror?

When I write characters, I sometimes wonder if I'm doing things in a weird way. I have to alter my mind state and almost become the character I'm writing about. Like, when I wrote Elsie, I made myself more calloused than I normally am to write her. Not sure if other authors do that or not, but I find it effective.