An update

Just wanted to give a quick update because I have not been on here in awhile.  I currently have a short story in rewrite phase that I will hopefully be submitting to a few magazines by the end of the month.  Because of this I have kind of put my other writings on hold to focus on this and get it done.  Once I get it submitted I am going to turn most of my focus to my novel, but I will try to get a good sized post up here once a week or so to keep you guys interested and hopefully draw some more interest.  So keep your eyes here in the next few weeks and I should have some new stuff up.

Excerpt from Ascent

Well this is not a continuation of descent instead here is a brief look into the world of Ascent.  This is what I have been working on for a few years now and thought I would give you a peak into the novel that this blog is the prequel for.  Enjoy.

Nick

Calton fell hard onto his bed; he had not exerted that much energy in moonlengths. He was sure now that this darkness and lack of fresh air was getting to him.  He needed to get out of here, but he was not quite ready yet.  He was not even done for the night, he needed to get Levit in and conceal him until the appointed time came.

Slowly he rose back up and gathered the needed equipment for the night.  Once he had everything, doing a quick check on his mental shields, he left his home and headed for the abandoned school where the old energies still flowed and the old magic lingered for anyone who knew how to use it.  This was good for he was going to need everything bit of power he had plus some to make this work.  Every hall looked the same in this maze of darkness, but Calton knew the way almost instinctively to the old school.  He built the school and taught there before the Turning.  He was the strongest in the powers of the Sunvern, but that power was meaningless now that the Blood Pact had been signed and the Wevern now solely used blood magic.  The Sentinels now always carried a vial of bats blood and a sacrificial knife so to provide them with the needed energy to cast spells.  This amount and type of blood provided little energy, but without a Blood Path mage among them they knew no more then minor spells.  This was another reason Calton wanted out, sooner or later someone would sacrifice a family member or friend and stumble onto one of the Greater Rituals.  If this happened then the elves were truly beyond turning back.

As his footfalls echoed through the gigantic cavern that once contained the center of town, now referred to as Old Grotto, Calton could feel the immense energies radiating from the school.  He did not worry that someone else would tap into these for no one, other then himself, was capable of using it.  That was the other part of the Blood Pact; all Sentinels gave up all past powers in order to accept the newer ones.  Calton was a part of this pact but in truth he never signed the deal, this is why he controls both new and old powers.  As the power flooded over him he entered the portal into the school, this was the only place, in the self-created hell that he felt alive, where he felt at home and at peace with himself.  Inside the building his footfalls could not be heard, nor could the cold of the caves be felt, through great feats of power this place was made to feel like it belonged in the aboveground. He could feel his powers coming back to him as it felt like his many moonlengths washed away. In here Calton could almost imagine the light of the sun shimmering of his dark skin.  As his power came back to him he made his way through the long corridors into the casting room.  Once in the room Calton almost fell over, he forgot what the artificial sunlight was like, and what power it resonated.  He was overwhelmed by the sheer immensity of his old works.  Regaining his composure Calton took what was once his normal seat in the center of the star that spanned the floor.  This was the focal point of all the energies in the room, from here he could move mountains, and almost give life to the dead.

Placing the articles he brought from home: a small polished red gem, matching gems of green and blue, a small star, and what appeared to be a normal stone, in the direction of the points of the star, Calton began to draw the energies of the room into himself. The power filled him and the gems began to glow, the stone vanished and a ruckus could be heard from the South Hole.  It seemed a cave troll decided to pay the hole a visit.  Quickly Calton sent his thoughts out to Levit, “Quickly enter, even with this energies I cannot keep that troll under my control for long.”

The Encounter

Walking through the garden, trying to calm myself down, I stop and take a deep breadth. I could hear soft footsteps coming up behind me. Afraid to see who it was I turned around. Lifting my head I knew instantaneously that i was right to be afraid, because in front of me stood Zendara. I didn't think it was possible but her shimmering green gown clung even tighter to her curvaceous body than it had before. I feigned at drunkenness, swaying slowly and nearly falling over, so i could avert my eyes from her alluring form. As i pretended to fall I could feel her there helping me to stand up.
"Calton, it seems the wine has gotten the best of you tonite."
"I didn't want anyone to see me like this, that is why I left."
"I was wondering why you scampered away so fast, and that was why I came to see if something was wrong."
"I am just a little drunk, nothing a good nights sleep won't cure."
"I can see that now, but since I am already out here, let me help you to your room, you can lean on me. We wouldn't want anyone to see you fall over climbing the stairs back to your room."
"Thanks for the offer, but I think I am well enough to make it on my own."
"Stop being so prideful, and take the offer. Everyone can use a hand every now and then."
Before I could say another word she was beside me putting her arm around my waist. It wasn't an arm to support me, this was a more sensuous hold. Then her other arm swung around me, and she stood directly in front of me, pulling me in closer to her. She was about my height and so when she leaned in towards my ear it was very easy for her. I could feel her breadth on my cheek.
"Cal, I saw you looking at me. You can have me you know, all you have to do is take what you want. You are Prince, and I am your servant, use me however you please."
I could feel the blood rising me, this women excited me. I knew Raea was back in my room, but here in front of me was a women everyone dreamed about, a goddess among the Sunvern, and she was offering herself to me. This seemed like it was a dream, but I knew it was real, and I knew that I could not take her offer as much as I wanted to. Just attempting to walk away from this was the hardest thing I have ever had to endure. Then I felt a familiar pull at the edge of my thoughts. Was Zendara trying to control my thoughts. Quickly I tried to remember what little Raea had taught me about shields. I needed something to block her, something that could override my lust for her. Then it came to me, emotions were the key. That was why only Raea could train me, because i had no stronger emotion than my love for her, and if I could suppress the connection I had with her I could block anything. Using the basic training technique of centering oneself, I took it a step further and tried to ignore the sensation of her hands on my waist, the soft touch of her breadth on my cheek. I blocked these things out and concentrated on the flame of life inside of me. I fed all my emotion and physical sensations into the flame, and then pushed it all away. A weird sensation washed over me and I felt a clearness of mind that I have never felt before, but I also felt an emptiness. I felt cold and alone. Zendara must have noticed the change in me, I could feel her let go and back away.
"How did you do that, no one has ever resisted me before."
Straightening myself up, I looked at her and began to walk away. I could feel a sturdy hand on my shoulder.
"Don't you walk away from me Calton, you will give in to me."
Shrugging her hand off my shoulder one word came out of my mouth, "No!." I almost wanted to turn to see the look of shock I knew was on her face, but I would not give her the satisfaction, and continued to walk away.
"This is not the end Calton, one day you will succumb to me, one day I will possess you mind, body, and soul."
I could feel the anger in her voice, it almost thickened the air around me, but I could not stop. I needed to get away from here. She was still trying to gain control of my mind, I could feel her pushing at my shield. I quickened my gate and headed up the long staircase towards my room. I needed to see Raea, needed to figure out what I did, but I could not even feel my love for her. I had shut myself off to everything. Is this what she wanted me to learn, or did I do something else. I broke into a run heading to my room as fast as I could.



This is a shorter post but It was a good end point and I am also putting some work in on my actual novel, so I wanted to save a little bit of my creative flow for that.

The Feast

Ignoring the look from my father, I enter the garden.

"Hello,Father. Sorry I am late, lessons took a little longer than expected. Let us not linger here, you can yell at me later."

Walking past my parents, I continued through the garden towards the Great Hall. I could hear their footsteps on the ground behind me. I know my father was mad but I did not want to deal with it right now. I could not wait until the feast was over. My nights with Raea were one of the few things I looked forward to these days. The only bad thing is I would have to control my drinking during the meal, I did not want to go to her drunk. I stopped as I approached the door to the Great Hall, ceremony had to be followed which means we had to be announced before we entered the room. The Herald stood at the door waiting for us. Being the ruling family we should enter after everyone but our guests if honor, but we were late and the Leth family stood staring at us. I could feel my fathers eyes staring intently at me. I had caused this and I would feel his wrath later.

The Herald pushed me to the door and I could hear his booming voice behind me, "Prince Calton Sy'Shalra, Heir of The Blood." I walked into the Great Hall and saw the people amassed for the feast. Tonight was going to be a very long evening, i hoped Raea would stay awake and wait for me. I took my seat at the head table two seats left from the center. My mother would sit beside me, and then my father beside her. I could hear the Herald announcing them as they walked towards their seats. After they got to their places the Herald announced the Leth family. First came Tallor, then not to far behind him came his parents, Zendara and Trei. All eyes in the room fell on Zendara, she was wearing a sheer green silk gown that clung to her like it was another layer of skin. Her glossy black skin was a sharp contrast to the hunter green silk that matched her eyes, captivating every male in the Great Hall. She was like a vision that just stepped out of a dream. Even I found myself staring at her, trying to avert my gaze I thought of Raea and the time I would spend with her, but my eyes kept turning back towards Zendara. I retreated to my wine glass hoping Tallor hadn't seen me staring at her. When I put my glass down she was already seated and I would have to make a noticeable effort to look at her, so I just looked forward and listened to my father's greeting and blessing before the meal would be served. Once he finished up the servers began to bring out the food. A roasted Jocuri Hen was set in front of everyone at the High Table. All of the lesser nobles and peasants at the feast got plates of Pui. All of it was good food, but what we ate was a mark better than that of the rest.

Once the food was eaten and the tables cleared the lower tables were taken away and the court musicians began to play. I made my way over to Tallor in hopes of avoiding his mother. I did not think I could control myself in her presence her beauty was overpowering. Once i got to Tallor, I saw Zendara was not far away. Slowly I walk to Tallor and try to get his attention so we can walk somewhere else, but before I can pull him away his mother appears and hands me a glass of wine.
"I see you have no drink Calton, so I took the liberty of getting one for you."
I try not to stare at her while i take the glass from her hand, "Thank you Ratează Tri'Leth."
"No need to thank me, and call me Zendara there is no need to be formal here."
"Okay, Zendara, but still thank you, I appreciate the drink."
"So Calton, I hear you are progressing well in all your training, and have far surpassed everyone in your classes. Tallor does nothing but sing your praises."
"I would not say i have surpassed everyone, Tallor is doing quite well himself."
I was hoping Tallor would come pull me away but looking over at him he was talking to some lesser noble and hadn't even seen me. It was becoming ever more apparent that I would have to talk to her.
"Don't try to play humble with me, I know you have far exceeded every one's expectations. From what I hear, you may even surpass Regun."
"You flatter me too much, when it comes to knowledge and power, I will never ever pass Regun, though I pray that I will be a better King than he ended up being."
I had not noticed but I had emptied my wine, but before I could set my glass down Zendara had summoned a servant to refill it."
"Fear not, you will surpass Regun, and you will be a better ruler."
As she was speaking I could suddenly feel her hand on my shoulder. I needed to get away. Zendara, wine, and I could not lead to anything to good, I thought.
"Thank you for the vote of confidence, but any of that is still a very long way away. My father will be King for many years to come, and I am far from mastering our magic. Your praise, though it is nice to hear, is too much for me. I am but a servant to the King."
"Ha, you make me laugh, servant you are not." Her hand was now sliding around my back and I around waist. "Come dance with me Servant Prince, and we will see how much of a servant you really are."
Part of me wanted to posses this woman, but I could not let that take control. Raea would be waiting for me, and even if part of me wanted Zendara, the rest of me belonged to Raea Janne. Setting my glass down I followed her to the dance floor, all the while I kept Raea in my thoughts.
"I will dance with you, Ratează Tri'leth."
As I finished speaking I bowed to her and began took her in my arms and began the Învârtita. It was a moderate tempo dance in which we both turned. and rested in cycles. The dance lasted a few moments and I was very happy to see my father come up to us as it ended.
"Calton, can you excuse me. I believe it is my turn to dance with this beautiful woman."
"Yes father, I must take my leave anyways. I believe this wine is starting to effect me."
"Make sure you say hello to Tallor before you go."
"I will head there right now, father. Enjoy your dance."
Walking away I looked for Tallor as the relief washed over. I found him over in the corner with my mother. I headed over in that direction not looking behind me.
"Tallor, how have you been this fine day."
"Calton, I have been doing fine, did I just see you dancing with my mother."
"Yeah, I was on my way to see you when she intercepted me and asked me for a dance."
"That's my mother for you, dancing with all the young men while my father socializes."
"I wouldn't go that far, but yeah. Anyways I just wanted to catch you before I headed off. I'm afraid I have had a little too much wine tonight and want to get to my room before I make any youthful mistakes."
"I completely understand Cal, I will see you tomorrow in class, make sure you get some sleep. You know how the Masters are if you are not a hundred percent."
"You don't need to remind me. Goodnight Mother, you may want to claim father back from Zendara before to long."
I could see here ears perk up at that.
"Thank you Cal for letting me know, now go get some sleep."
With a low bow to my mother and Tallor I walked out of the Great Hall and began the long walk to my room where Raea was waiting for me.

Preparing for the Feast

"I wish you could be by my side Raea. Everything seems so much easier with you support."

"Cal you know I will be there, but we cannot be together in public. They tolerate us because we keep it to ourselves, but if we flaunted it in front of you know they will force us apart. We are to far apart to be a couple, a mere Weapons-master could never rise to be a Queen."

"Let us not talk on that now dearest, our time will come and you will be able to be beside me. I know for now we cannot but you will be able to stand beside me in the open one day."

"Those are big dreams Cal, but you must make haste and get ready now, it will do you no good to be late for a feast that you are hosting, especially for your best friend Tallor."

"You're right again. What would I do without you?"

"You would probably find someone else to be a nuisance too, now go!"

"Alright I'm going already, but I hate to leave you. The world is always a brighter place when you are around."

"Stop with the flattery and go you little punk, or you will have one very dark night."

"I am really going now, just need one last thing from you."

Walking over to Raea, I grab her and pull her closer to me. She is taller and stronger than me, but let's me pull her in. Slowly my hands slide down her muscular frame and then our lips lock in a kiss. Careful not to be enveloped by my passion I pull away from my love.

"Now I can leave, but you I will see tonight."

Walking back over to the table, I grab my outdoor robes and book and leave the training room. Going over to the stairs I begin the long climb up to my chamber, luckily my room is almost directly above the training rooms so other than the climb it isn't that long of a trip. Getting to the top of the stairs, I make a left and head to my room. Laying on my bed is dress robes already sat out for me. It consisted of a black robe with golden scrollwork around the oversized cuffs and a pair of pants in the same style. These were the robes of fully trained Sentinel who was ranked at the master level. These robes were above my level, but my position as Prince ranked me as an equal to a Master practitioner of the Life magic. If I could, I would wear something less gaudy but one has to follow traditions and protocol when one is a Prince of the Blood.

Throwing my outdoor robes on the floor I strip off my undershirt and head over to the washbasin. The water is cold, but it feels good on my sweaty skin. I run the wet cloth over my bare chest and under my arms. The water glistens on my dark skin like fresh morning dew on a leaf. I set the wash cloth down and grab a dry towel. Quickly I wipe the water off my skin and grab a clean undershirt. Sliding the robe over head, I reach for the pants when a hear a knock at the door.

"Calton, what is taking you. Our guests are about to arrive and you are lingering in your room. We must be in the Hall to receive them."

"I am almost ready mother. Just let me finish getting dressed and I will meet you in the garden so we can go in together. I know Dad is probably already down there waiting on us. You know how he gets when we are late so you better go down before me Mom."

"Alright Cal, I will but you better be not more than a minute behind me. I don't want to keep the Leth's waiting."

I could hear her footsteps walking away as I slid my pants on. I felt ridiculous in these robes, but there was nothing I could do about it. Looking around the room I saw a pair of black boots to match the horrible robes. I don't know how the Masters could wear these all day, I could barely get through one night in them. Pulling the boots on, I quickly walk out of my room and back down the stairs. Once at the bottom, I head off to through the hall to the right. Quickening my pace, I hurry to the arches leading into the garden. I can push my mom into waiting a little but, but my father will have none of it. The King waits for no man, not even his own son. As I walk through the archways I can see his face already. His eyes are creased with age and the frown on his lips has become a permanent fixture. He is never happy anymore, and I seem to be the cause of a majority of his anger. I could feel his gaze piercing through my flesh and into my soul. I am his heir, but I am his son also, and in both I never seem to be good enough for him.

I am not going to give you a time for the next one because I do not know myself, but I will try to get one up before the weekend. I am starting to really flesh out Calton's character and in doing so writing him is becoming easy again.

The Test

Walking over to the weapons rack, I set my book down. I quickly remove my outdoor robes and grab a training vest.

"Cal you will not be needing that today, this is going to be done with actual weapons. No training gear will be used, I want to test your skills in as close to the real world as we can get. So grab your katana so we can begin."

Throwing my training vest aside I grab my katana from the table beside the weapons rack. Sliding it out of the sheath, I gently run my finger along the blade checking the sharpness. I catch Raea at the edge of my view and feel blood starting to trickle down my finger. Turning away from her i can feel that she is looking at me. I turn back wink at her and laugh.

"Raea I can't even unsheath my sword with you in my presence how am I supposed to fight a beauty like you!"

"Cal quit joking around! Take care of your finger and lets get this started. You know we both have other things to do today."

"Okay, you want to kiss it and make it better?

I could just catch the smirk on her face as I gathered a small amount of energy to quickly mend the wound on my finger. Once I saw it was closed up, I sheathed my katana and strapped the sword belt on my waist. Walking in to the training area i got into a forward fighting stance leaving the blade in its sheath. I had become accustomed to a sheath fighting style, that focused more on speed than power. I would not call myself weak or short but my body was better built for speed, so the style worked quite well for me. Raea also was in the forward stance, but unlike me her katana was straight up in down in front of her. She had a more muscular frame then me and was not required to use the inertia from speed to power her blows.

I advanced slowly, my hand never leaving the hilt of my sword. I could see her muscles tensing, she was getting ready to attack me. With a grace that would impress even a swan she came at me. I quickly drew my katana, to parry the blow that was coming from above. As our swords met, something started pulling at my thoughts. Trying to stay focused on her sword, I paid no mind to the pull. Her sword came at my right side, I parried it with my sheath and brought a backhand swing toward her side. Then I felt the pull again, this time it was slightly stronger, but before I could focus on it she parried my swing and quickly pressed me from straight on. Raea was faster and stronger than any opponent I had faced and I was still managing to hold my own against her. We traded blows for awhile longer each of us taking some superficial scratches as the others blade touched up but was not enough to wound. As the fight went on I could feel the pull at my thoughts even more. In the process of parrying on of her attacks with my sheath, my left hand stopped as I tried to attack an opening she left. Then she was pressing me even more, moving faster and more fluid than she was before. On top of fighting her, I was now fighting for control of my own body. With two quick motions she had my sword out of my hand and her blade was at my throat.

"Cal," she said panting, "This fight is over. Do you know why you lost?"

She stepped back and sheathed her katana as I leaned over and picked up my own.

"You are just a stronger fighter than I am."

"Yes, that is true but not in the way you think it is. This was a test, but not of your swordsmanship, it was a test of your mind and your barriers. If we were only dueling with katana's there is no way I could have beaten you. You have come a very long way and are truly a blademaster, but there is always a chance that whoever you are fighting will come at you with more than a sword in hand. I beat you because you did not expect to have your mind assaulted. I know you are being trained at the Sublimus School, but knowing how to control sword and control magic does you know good if you cannot control them both at once. You must be able to shield you mind while you fight or you will lose everytime. This is why I am your new training partner. If you can spar with my and keep me out of your head than you should be able to fight anyone."

"So you were what was pulling at my thoughts. I did not even think of that. Why have they not told me this at Sublimus?"

"They cannot tell you how to form barriers, you must work it out for yourself. Everyone's barriers are specific to them and in some cases to the task at hand. One cannot go into a fight with their mind completely blocked off for they will not be able focus on the fight itself. That is why it is me who is doing this training with you. I have a more personal knowledge of you then anyone else in the palace, so if you can fight me and keep me out no one should be able to use your mind against you."

"So now I get to see you more than just at night?"

"Yes, but speaking of night, your training is over for today and there is a dinner reception for the Tri'Leths that you need to get ready for. So hurry back to your room and get ready, I will see you after the festivities. Please try not to drink too much, you're no fun when your drunk, and I think we could both use a little bit of fun tonight."

This will probably be the only post until Saturday, sometimes life takes over and time vanishes.

A day in the life pt. 2

Walking back in to the palace I was not surprised to see Fallon waiting for me. He was tasked with

the duty of raising and training me, and somehow he always knew when I came back from my journeys

outside the palace. Coming up beside me he began to walk matching my pace precisely.

"So Calton, how was your trip to the mountain today? I see you were doing some reading while you

were there. Did you discover anything interesting in that book?"

"You know the history better than I do, Fallon, but even still, no matter how much I read it I cannot figure

out why he did it. Why would someone who was so good to the people turn his back on them so completely?

There has to be something that isn't being said, something that made him change."

"It was so long ago, I do not know if anyone could tell. We have been through this all before, Cal.

Why do your push yourself so hard to find an answer that may not be there? Just let it go, you are well

liked by the people, this paranoia does not suit you."

"I can see it in their eyes, they all fear me, fear what I will become. I need to find out what happened."

"Well you have more time later to bury your head in books, for now it is off to sword practice."

"Has Reae found me anyone new to train with, I am tired of having to hold back."

"You know I have nothing to do with your training regiments so why do you bother asking me?"

"Oh well, I guess I will see you at dinner Fallon. Poate Steaua Vieţii să te binecuvânteze."

Watching him walk away I made my way to the armory room where I found Reae waiting for me.

"So Reae who do you have for me today?"

"Today you will fight me, it will be your last test if you can beat me. If you lose though, you will be training with only me until you can best me."

"I thought this day was still a ways away."

"You have progressed at an unexpected rate and I fear that I am the only one who will be able to hold their own against you. So today is your test because it has to be."

Just a note the language I am using is Romanian the translations are as follows:

Poate Steaua Vieţii să te binecuvânteze = May the Star of Life bless you.

Steaua Vieţii = Star of Life

The Sunvern Elves get their magic from the sun so it is to them truly the Star of Life.

A day in the life

Laying on the mountain side I feel the sun warm my dark skin, allowing the power of life to course through me. I want to embrace the magic it holds but it scares me. Long have I been told the stories of my great grandfather Regun, and how you used this magic to sway the elves to do his bidding. I lay here, on Mount Regun, where he defeated the Demon-God Calesta, and fear that I may become just like him. I find myself drawn to this mountain, drawn to the history of Regun, but I do not want to believe that he misused the magic. They train me to rule and to control the magic, but they fear what I will become at the same time. Since Regun no one who has had the gift has risen to throne, but here I find myself next in line to rule the Sunvern, and no matter how much training and education I get there will always be the fear that I will abuse the power as well.

Slowly I stand up and grab the book by my side, "Regun, The History of the Perils of Power." There has to be something the historians missed, how could a man turn from one of the best rulers in our history to the monster he is now portrayed as being. Something happened to him, something that no one wants to say or that no one knows. I must find what happened so I do not have to fear using my power, so I can rule my people well and belay the fear the have of me. I head back to the city thinking about these thoughts that are always with me. I fear they day that I finally ascend to the throne, fear how my people will view me. Every day the need to find an answer grows in me, everyday as i learn to control my power, I fear how I will use it even more. I pass through the Gate of Light and enter Steaua Vieţii, the city I call home. The burden of reality washes over me as I enter the busy city, but even that cannot take away from the beauty of what we have created here. The buildings flow together with the ground and everything resonates with the music of ones soul. Within all that beauty though I can still see the worry in fear in every ones eyes as I pass them. Quickly, I move through the streets back to the palace. My lessons may be over for the day but the longer I am away the more my caregivers worry.

This is all I have time for right now but there will be more coming soon.

Beginning

So this is the first post in my blog. I am just going to give a little background about what I am doing and my reasons for doing it, and then the next post will be the actual start to the story. So to start of what I am doing is creating a back-story and exploring the life of the main character, Calton Sy-Shalra, of a novel I am slowly writing. My reasons for this is to get back in to writing, to get to know my main character again, and to get myself out their and create a readership base for my world.

Now that I have explained what I am doing here is a little information about myself. I studied English with a concentration in writing at Clarion University of PA. I am currently doing nothing in writing (which is why I am doing this) and the aforementioned novel has been in the works for about 5 years and is stuck at 25k words (I know not a lot to show for 5 years). I am going to try to use this to spur me on in working on my novel and to show it i will give a updated word count with each post. Maybe at some point I will put an excerpt up from the current body of work but I am not quite ready for that yet. So here is the start of this journey, I hope you enjoy.