tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82297575310113647322024-02-19T09:06:17.606-07:00The World of RyallonThis is where I, John H. Carroll the Fairly Awesome, shall post random musings about my writing, emo bunnies, or anything else that amuses me.John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-64922723687940295962020-06-02T17:55:00.001-06:002020-06-02T17:55:07.713-06:00Pinghavn, Book 4 of the Crazed Series available for Pre-Order“Pinghavn”, Book 4 of the Crazed Trilogy is available for
Pre-Order on all stores not named Amazon! The official release date is September 15, at which point it will also be published on Amazon.<br />
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<a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/pinghavn" target="_blank">Kobo</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/pinghavn/id1516315038" target="_blank">Apple</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pinghavn-john-h-carroll/1137112702" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ahh, the glories
of rescuing a damsel in distress! At least that’s how the bards spin a story.
The reality is that there is a lot of journey involved before the damsel is
even found. It can be quite stressful really.</div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">A group of
powerful and opinionated individuals are on such a stressful journey. That
would be fine if they could all just get along and agree. However, that isn’t
likely to happen. Distrust and suspicion while stuck in close quarters aboard a
ship cast doubt upon the success of their mission. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Liselle is tired
of being trapped on board a ship of her own. With her powers suppressed, she is
only human now and that is far more disappointing than she had ever imagined.
With each day it seems her captors are more determined to give up on her and
possibly end her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Meanwhile, the
threat of Tyeromaythan, Devourer of Gods and his Black Scale Guild loom over
them all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Join our
adventurers in their angst as they sail the oceans, sit on laps and band
together to make a mess of things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">The Crazed Series
is the continuation of the Wyvern and Willden Trilogies. Beings of great power
manipulate the world, sometimes to the benefit of mere mortals, but more often
to their detriment. Join the odd and often unwilling heroes of Ryallon as they
face threats to humanity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-55017476172970827632020-05-10T13:17:00.000-06:002020-05-10T13:28:04.277-06:00Bounty and Augury, Books 2 and 3 of the Crazed Series now available!"Liselle", Book 1 of the Crazed Series was written back in 2013. It's been far too long since she was left in a difficult position. I'm pretty sure if she were to meet me in real life I'd be in a heap of trouble. I _have_ noticed flowers glaring at me lately.<br />
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Pelya, Tathan and others show up in this series as well!<br />
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"Bounty", book 2 was released last year. And now "Augury", book 3 is available. Links for both books are below along with links for Liselle too.<br />
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The first draft of book 4 is written and undergoing a thorough editing process. I don't have a name for it yet, but hope to soon!<br />
<br />
The Crazed Series is the continuation of the Willden and Wyvern Trilogies. Beings of great power manipulate the world, sometimes to the benefit of mere mortals, but more often to their detriment. Join the odd and often unwilling heroes of Ryallon as they face threats to humanity.<br />
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I hope you enjoy these books!<br />
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All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08798JBF6" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bounty/id1449618530?mt=11" target="_blank">Apple</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MTSKBZM" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bounty-patricia-pacjac-carroll/1120080909?ean=2940155943068" target="_blank">B&N</a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/liselle/id705769333?mt=11" target="_blank">Apple</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/liselle" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EY75H6M" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liselle-john-h-carroll/1116894298" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1492319163" target="_blank">Print</a></div>
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<br />
I hope you enjoy these and others available at your favorite online bookstores.<br />
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All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll</div>
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<br />John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-47334472186117053402019-12-25T10:17:00.000-07:002019-12-25T10:25:30.721-07:00Twas the Day After the Night Before Christmas<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Merry Christmas</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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Normally I read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" to my kids on Christmas Eve. However, I was exhausted last night and went to bed before doing so. I woke up Christmas morning, realized my error and felt terrible. Now the good news is that I'm a writer, so why not make use of my talent (I use that word loosely) and create something special to make up for it. So . . . here goes . . . </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Twas the Day After the Night Before Christmas</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright 2019 John H. Carroll</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All Rights Reserved</span></div>
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'Twas the day after the night before Christmas, when all
through the apartment<o:p></o:p></div>
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Most of the creatures were stirring, except the elephant; (I
couldn’t afford one of those)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The stockings were hung on the wall before the kids awoke,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Knowing that their dad was totally broke; <o:p></o:p></div>
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The children struggled to get out of their beds,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Forgetting that visions of sugar-plums had danced in their
heads;<o:p></o:p></div>
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And mamma isn’t here anymore, and I’m just their pap,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Who’s ready for another long winter's nap, (jeez I’m tired)<o:p></o:p></div>
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When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,<o:p></o:p></div>
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I struggled up from the couch to see what was the matter,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Away to the window I bumbled, unlike flash,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Accidentally tore off a blind and slid open the sash. (I
looked up what a sash was and our window has one)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The sun on the breast of the days-old snow, (this always
sounds so dirty)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, (because it i<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">s </i>midday)<o:p></o:p></div>
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When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,<o:p></o:p></div>
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But a dude walking his dog dressed up like a reindeer, (I’m
not telling whether the dude or the dog was dressed up)<o:p></o:p></div>
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When an idiot driver, so lively and quick,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sped down our residential road like a total prick.<o:p></o:p></div>
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More rapid than eagles his street racer came,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And I whistled, and shouted, and called him by name;<o:p></o:p></div>
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"Now, Cretin! now Dumbass! now Wanker! and Dipstick!<o:p></o:p></div>
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You Ninny! You Dotard! You Fopdoodle and bootlick!<o:p></o:p></div>
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To the end of the street! Right into a wall!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"<o:p></o:p></div>
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As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,<o:p></o:p></div>
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I heaved a great gusty sigh,<o:p></o:p></div>
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So back to the couch I stumbled with much ballyhoo,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tripping over toys, and St. Nicholas too. (Why in the world
is he asleep under my tree? There wasn’t that much whisky in the eggnog I left
for him)<o:p></o:p></div>
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And then in a twinkling, I heard from the apartment above,<o:p></o:p></div>
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The prancing and dancing of children and animals and the
elephant they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">could</i>
afford<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>. . . and a dove. (Apparently
this poem has to rhyme, so whatevs)<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I rose my hand, flipped them off, and was turning around,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Up popped St. Nicholas right off the ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And his clothes were all tarnished with cookie crumbs and soot;<o:p></o:p></div>
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A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Wait, is that my PS4 in his sack?<o:p></o:p></div>
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His bloodshot eyes -- how they twinkled! his meth scars how
merry!<o:p></o:p></div>
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His diseased cheeks were like roses, his twisted nose like a
cherry!<o:p></o:p></div>
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His droll little lips were cracked and most his teeth were
gone,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And the beard on his chin was scraggly as a leprechaun;
(rhymes are hard)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The stump of a joint he held tight in his teeth,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; (Hey!
This is a no-smoking apartment!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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He had a sunken face and an emaciated belly,<o:p></o:p></div>
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That rumbled, needing a sandwich of peanut butter and jelly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wasn’t </i>Saint
Nick, not a right jolly old elf,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And I growled when I saw him, quite beside myself;<o:p></o:p></div>
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A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Soon gave me to know I had everything to dread;<o:p></o:p></div>
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He spoke not a word, but went straight to his escape,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stole all the stockings; then turned like an ape,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And laying his finger aside of his nose,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And flipping the bird, out the window he chose;<o:p></o:p></div>
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He sprang to his car, to his crew gave a whistle,<o:p></o:p></div>
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And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But ere he drove out of sight, I heard him drawl,<o:p></o:p></div>
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HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ME, AND TO ME A GOOD HAUL!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
<br />John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-49347372140550121822019-11-24T07:42:00.003-07:002019-11-24T08:50:54.674-07:009 Years Published.<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Rojuun, My first Book</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTCums3x9uyqVKkD2ZYTtTqDEHu-dWad6WyGnfWXWdCaZpBfkOg7F-AOhCg7rg8zvl_NZf_lKsTvJbX3zF8Ud4ue2933muFW4o_scJ3hem_PkW-16pXin_diephHD6KcuT6eaV2exSa4/s1600/Rojuun+Cover+ebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTCums3x9uyqVKkD2ZYTtTqDEHu-dWad6WyGnfWXWdCaZpBfkOg7F-AOhCg7rg8zvl_NZf_lKsTvJbX3zF8Ud4ue2933muFW4o_scJ3hem_PkW-16pXin_diephHD6KcuT6eaV2exSa4/s200/Rojuun+Cover+ebook.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Book 1 of the Willden Trilogy<br />
Book 4 of the Ryallon Series<br />
<i><b>FREE!</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Print: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1475268254" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/1475268254</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Smashwords: <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31154?ref=johnhcarroll" target="_blank">http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31154?ref=johnhcarroll</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TXS0DI" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TXS0DI</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apple: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rojuun/id409277486?mt=11" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/rojuun/id409277486?mt=11</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
B&N: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rojuun-john-h-carroll/1029147189" target="_blank">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rojuun-john-h-carroll/1029147189</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kobo: <a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/rojuun-1" target="_blank">https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/rojuun-1</a></div>
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>9 years of writing</i></b><br />
<br />
9 years ago today, I published my first book, Rojuun. I was 40 and decided it was time I got off my behind to accomplish one of my life's goals. It's been a long, enjoyable journey. Having accomplished as much as I have has given me a sense of satisfaction.<br />
<br />
In the last 9 years, I've:<br />
Published 28 original stories and 2 compilations.<br />
Sold over 18,000 copies of my books.<br />
Given away over 435,000 copies of books.<br />
Distributed books to 39 countries.<br />
Written more than 1.5 million words.<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Bibliography</i></b><br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Stories for Demented Children:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Odd tales of anti-heroes doing
their best to survive odd circumstances.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Books 1-5 are found in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005Y05RAO" target="_blank"><i>A Collection of Stories for Demented Children</i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S77AZG" target="_blank"><i>The Emo Bunny that Should</i></a><i>
(Illustrated)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZR02XO" target="_blank"><i>Zachary Zombie and the Lost Boy</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005OEERVA" target="_blank"><i>Drippy the Peg Legged Rainbow</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005S1YW0U" target="_blank"><i>UnholyCow</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Y2EGCC" target="_blank"><i>Attack of the Sugar Plum Fairies</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Books 6-10 are found in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZANHWW" target="_blank"><i>A Collection of Stories for Demented Children Volume 2</i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C8EWZH2" target="_blank"><i>Naughty Nanoworms</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BT71K3Y" target="_blank"><i>Phairyphant</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DJB690C" target="_blank"><i>Zachary Zombie and the Wicked Worm</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F6MGUCO" target="_blank"><i>Steampunk Roo</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GWC85K2" target="_blank"><i>Pow the Panda, The Case of the Rainbow Dragon</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Novels of Ryallon:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My full-length novels are set in the world of Ryallon. They are high fantasy with magic, rogues,
knights, dragons and flower children.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Dralin Series </b>(Set
before the Willden trilogy)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WFA4M2" target="_blank"><i>Dralin</i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00833PJ84" target="_blank"><i>Ebudae</i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AM4IGO6" target="_blank"><i>Pelya</i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Wyvern Series </b>(Parallel
to the Willden Trilogy, set in time after the Dralin Trilogy)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CAUH6ZA" target="_blank"><i>Wyvern</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YKBCE1S" target="_blank"><i>Liquid</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071ZP15Q5" target="_blank"><i>Cloudswept</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073LQYN3J" target="_blank"><i>Sidetracked</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Willden Trilogy </b>(Written
first)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TXS0DI" target="_blank"><i>Rojuun</i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VMPY8Q" target="_blank"><i>Anilyia</i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005D5J1SE" target="_blank"><i>Kethril</i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Crazed Series </b>(All previous series merge here)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EY75H6M" target="_blank"><i>Liselle</i></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MTSKBZM" target="_blank"><i>Bounty</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Augury (Coming 2020)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>To be Determined
(Coming 2020)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Stand-alone Novella<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009A4FYVW" target="_blank"><i>Rain Glade</i></a><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Other Stories:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Short stories and a novella that
came to me along the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Novella<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KH5I3C" target="_blank"><i>Alien Coffee</i></a><i> (Sci-fi)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Short Stories<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZR9FSW" target="_blank"><i>Blue Haired Alien Girlfriend</i></a><i> (Sci-fi)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZR9G5O" target="_blank"><i>Test Pilot</i></a><i> (Sci-fi)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZR0BH6" target="_blank"><i>Don’t Ever Change</i></a><i> (Horror)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E2571IS" target="_blank"><i>The Storage Room in the Grey Void</i></a><i>
(Surreal)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br /></div>
<strong style="font-size: x-large;"><em>What the future holds</em></strong><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">I've written the 29th book and am on my 30th book, respectively the 13th and 14th of the Ryallon Series. I need to get further on the 30th to establish consistency between the two.</span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Lately, the words haven't been there. Real life has required far more attention than I'd like. In addition, I mentioned above that I've written 1.5 million words. I'm a little worn out on writing, and the last couple of years, it's felt like a chore rather than a passion. I believe it's harmed the quality of my writing. I'm taking the time to find my passion and motivation and will eventually pick it back up.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">That said, I'm looking forward to continuing this journey for many years to come. I have a million stories left to write.</span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">All my best,</span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">John H. Carroll</span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"></span></span><br />John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-68722668240080862062019-01-17T08:49:00.002-07:002019-01-17T08:49:37.820-07:00Bounty, Book 2 of the Crazed Series<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>“Bounty” is finally available!</b></i></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0in;">Book 2 of the Crazed Series and the 12th book set in the world of Ryallon. This is a continuation of Tathan's story from the Willden Trilogy.</span><br />
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<div style="margin: 0px;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/917835?ref=johnhcarroll" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/bounty/id1449618530?mt=11" target="_blank">Apple</a><br />
<a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/bounty-22" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MTSKBZM" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07MTSKBZM" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><br />
<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bounty-patricia-pacjac-carroll/1120080909?ean=2940155943068" target="_blank">B&N</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/179407211X" target="_blank">Print</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MTSKBZM" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1088" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgfntN8osaXdmffXk0Y6P3BMUf-CC1M7RS0pMQxN9rFEzdmbB7IVoKUilktJiKAn98HD32RmbwnNEkLb3IxK_A_HdsYBpT2-ifW-PlToZUFBWo9rjoIGaDmxdoEbMan9vthUdyQYVnuU/s320/Bounty+Cover.jpg" width="217" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MTSKBZM" target="_blank">Bounty, Crazed Trilogy Book 2</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>I want to give everyone a heads up that this ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, so you may want to wait until I have the next book out later in the year. </i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Description</i></span></b><br />
<br />
Circumstances force Tathan of the Shadows out of his comfortable lifestyle in the palace of Mayncal. With no other plans, he accepts a job from an old friend that sends him into the Western Kingdoms where bounties on his head make travel a dangerous game.<br />
<br />
Obsession of Tathan’s habits and deeds has made one bounty hunter an expert on the infamous rogue. Using deadly magic and an unusual companion, the bounty hunter has set a trap for Tathan that even he will have a difficult time overcoming. But can the bounty hunter survive their own insanity long enough to accomplish the mission?<br />
<br />
The cursed fortress town of Coomican was one of the most disturbing places Tathan had ever visited. The Zombie Duke Yabert Matho controls an army of necromancers and undead who keep the corrupt city free from the control of any country. Dangerous and powerful individuals have gathered there to collect on the one who caused them trouble.<br />
<br />
Cows once spent their lives chewing cud and mooing casually about things no one cared about. All that has changed. Their greatest hatred in all of Ryallon is the one called Tathan of the Shadows. Will they ruin everyone’s plans?<br />
<br />
And what of the flowers?<br />
<br />
Join Tathan and enemies in their quest to survive in a world of magic, zombies, cows, a big squirrel and other dangers.<br />
<br />
The Crazed Series is the continuation of the Willden and Wyvern Trilogies. Beings of great power manipulate the world, sometimes to the benefit of mere mortals, but more often to their detriment. Join the odd and often unwilling heroes of Ryallon as they face threats to humanity.John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-7079549263532526132017-12-26T17:31:00.000-07:002017-12-26T17:37:32.278-07:00Microsoft Word formatting - Next paragraph changes style<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Word formatting</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I occasionally format books for others so they can publish to Amazon, Smashwords, in print, and to others. It's rare that anyone sets up their documents to be automatically formatted while they write like I do, so I get a lot of weird formatting issues, none of which relate to the quality of writing, just the way it looks on your eReader.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had an issue where every time I hit enter on a document I was formatting, it would indent the entire next paragraph instead of the first line. It changed styles from "Normal". It took me a couple of hours to figure it out and fix it. Googling led me to a bunny-load of solutions for other problems, mostly to do with indentation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The document I'm formatting in this case is "Vanx Malic: The Tome and the Lens" for <a href="http://mrmathias.com/" target="_blank">M.R. Mathias</a>. You can read the beginning of the series here: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015VWCUL8" target="_blank">The Legend of Vanx Malic: To Kill a Witch</a> The series is excellent and I highly recommend it.</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The problem</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You'll see in fig 1 that the new paragraph that I tried to create moves over instead of lining up with the others. I'm using the "Normal" style edited to fit my book. However, when I hit enter, it stops using the "Normal" style. It didn't show me which style it switched to, so I spent a lot of time experimenting how to change it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2W47CFJIiGN5GMCXqbRDHaDGhjgv7GrZ-Qh41voEsCzVMGVSOgdYniJYOlzAKLN_qNge3Ow9mEG044k1tXaaNqX5_xMOxQZqyA54vODJIRP1T_j39XDuxlYehC9dUv81ls0j-O9n3y3Q/s1600/indent+problem.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="675" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2W47CFJIiGN5GMCXqbRDHaDGhjgv7GrZ-Qh41voEsCzVMGVSOgdYniJYOlzAKLN_qNge3Ow9mEG044k1tXaaNqX5_xMOxQZqyA54vODJIRP1T_j39XDuxlYehC9dUv81ls0j-O9n3y3Q/s320/indent+problem.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fig 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The highlighted section shows that the entire paragraph was indented 5 spaces to the left. If you look at the arrows in the ruler at the top, you'll see that the bottom indent is moved to the left of the shaded area instead of lined up with it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The solution.</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To fix this, you need to modify the style you're currently working in. (fig 2) In this case, we're working in the normal style. Right click on it and select "Modify"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2I47cqJMVhNyINonVu9-YlAH4EzpTp-qt7nQ3Cyw9Fb398GU-V6K_HnbOzejbLf3s4BCHbp3Cl6y1ext0y3NsRRRRnZ5f0zjsbVbH-CHxgokADzqFyDCEnZhZVfZJEWWY-avU7Ds2nU/s1600/modify+style.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="500" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2I47cqJMVhNyINonVu9-YlAH4EzpTp-qt7nQ3Cyw9Fb398GU-V6K_HnbOzejbLf3s4BCHbp3Cl6y1ext0y3NsRRRRnZ5f0zjsbVbH-CHxgokADzqFyDCEnZhZVfZJEWWY-avU7Ds2nU/s320/modify+style.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fig 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was here that I discovered the issue in "Style for following paragraph" (fig 3 (I have a sudden craving for figs . . . )) The style in this case was "Normal Indent", which indents the entire paragraph.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-d4oL3YCyFs98w_b0oKLBfmX_YNuiNdutGwwWhyMfh8PiUYqrQbO61Wu6cPGRRCybJi7xr3uAcyX7RDOtGa7bkHlPeNNFRIHEl7MwckxIPL6K51mFAQvekG2_t0Typ8wIvmHlm4ZMpU/s1600/Indent+following.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="778" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-d4oL3YCyFs98w_b0oKLBfmX_YNuiNdutGwwWhyMfh8PiUYqrQbO61Wu6cPGRRCybJi7xr3uAcyX7RDOtGa7bkHlPeNNFRIHEl7MwckxIPL6K51mFAQvekG2_t0Typ8wIvmHlm4ZMpU/s320/Indent+following.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fig 3</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I changed that to "Normal" instead of "Normal Indent" and from then on, everything worked the way it was supposed to.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Conclusion</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The chances of the average user ever having a problem like this is minuscule. However, if you do, here's the solution. This can apply to any style that you may be using in Word, whether it be normal or a heading style.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All my best,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
John H. Carroll</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-690204729499456912017-12-17T12:23:00.001-07:002017-12-17T12:23:21.874-07:00Recipe - Pumpkin Pie<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Recipe for Pumpkin Pie</i></b></span><br />
<br />
There are tons of recipes for pumpkin pie. There's nothing too far off about this one. It's a combination of other recipes I've worked with along the way. I make the pie crust from scratch, but use canned pumpkin. It's heavy in spices unlike most store bought bland beyond belief pies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0bzBxgSjIr5P_CnjZhHhDV70t3hIzcFuHksIyYB3An4h_umCaZXftSr0N0dxS9JlcAUifDU8a_-jNlr6FpX_2WLceFzInPZY5x1F878UhGFKT-Y20WUrkLqFzTRMTtNCkuPR5GB_OMU/s1600/Pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0bzBxgSjIr5P_CnjZhHhDV70t3hIzcFuHksIyYB3An4h_umCaZXftSr0N0dxS9JlcAUifDU8a_-jNlr6FpX_2WLceFzInPZY5x1F878UhGFKT-Y20WUrkLqFzTRMTtNCkuPR5GB_OMU/s320/Pie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
One thing I've learned over the years is the term <b>Season to Taste.</b> It's important to remember when cooking. If you don't like the recipe the way it is, you are free to change it. If you don't like the idea of allspice, you can remove it or substitute. If you don't like ginger, don't add it.<br />
<br />
WARNING: There are vastly different qualities of spices. If you get a cheap bargain brand cinnamon and nutmeg, you may want to add a little extra unless you hate flavor. If you get a high quality Saigon cinnamon, you can always cut the amount you add. Up to you.<br />
<br />
Note on spices: I usually dump in more than I have written down here, but that's just me.<br />
<br />
I bake my pies in glass pie pans because I believe it cooks them the most evenly and doesn't interfere with the flavor.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Pie Crust</i></b></span><br />
I made the recipe for pie crust a separate blog post. You can find it here: <a href="http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2017/12/recipe-pie-crust.html" target="_blank">http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2017/12/recipe-pie-crust.html</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Pie filling Ingredients</i></b></span><br />
(This is for a single pie, I usually double to make 2 pies)<br />
<br />
1. Pumpkin: 15oz or 16oz can (alternatively, you can scrape out and puree a real pumpkin if you're a purist or a masochist)<br />
2. Sugar: 2/3 cup<br />
3. Cinnamon: 1tbsp<br />
4. Nutmeg: 1tsp<br />
5. Ginger: 1/2tsp<br />
6. Cloves: 1/4tsp<br />
7. Allspice: 1/4tsp<br />
8. Pumpkin Pie spice: 1tbsp (Okay, let's be honest here. Pumpkin pie spice is literally all of the above spices in one. There is absolutely no reason you can't do just pumpkin pie spice, or just the other ingredients. It is redundant to use both. However, I use both and my pies are awesome, so nyah.)<br />
9. Eggs: 2 large<br />
10. Evaporated Milk: 1 can<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Directions </i></b></span><br />
<br />
0. Preheat oven to 400º<br />
1. Combine pumpkin, sugar and spices in a separate bowl.<br />
2. Beat eggs in your primary bowl<br />
3. Fold in pumpkin/spice mix and then beat with a whisk until mixed.<br />
4. Gradually stir in evaporated milk until you have a creamy mix.<br />
5. Pour into pie crust.<br />
6. Cover edges with tinfoil to prevent burning of crust and outer filling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgw043wHaoPxCEawTQp7vFR-YX-I9zaIZC896k1WbTKanOmlxdq2GRMNHnmpRz0AcA709Tp7kxcf4w1IYHhOoQhj1-4trZs9dODID8I9G7xYhP4dREjqZEnePqJ43FS2rC1Ht1ZJ9vMk/s1600/Pies+with+foil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1328" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgw043wHaoPxCEawTQp7vFR-YX-I9zaIZC896k1WbTKanOmlxdq2GRMNHnmpRz0AcA709Tp7kxcf4w1IYHhOoQhj1-4trZs9dODID8I9G7xYhP4dREjqZEnePqJ43FS2rC1Ht1ZJ9vMk/s320/Pies+with+foil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
7. Bake in 400º oven for 50 minutes.<br />
8. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy eating!<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-10503796866708171442017-12-17T12:22:00.001-07:002017-12-17T12:22:43.338-07:00Recipe - Pie Crust<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Recipe for Pie Crust</i></b></span><br />
<br />
There are countless recipes for pie crust. This one is a slight alteration of the one my mother taught me. I always make pie crust from scratch. They taste <i>so</i> much better than anything you can buy from the store.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqb70ClPIXY3gg_MnHBJ1ql5O1SOTfIFYdP4ZAmVIDQfRWCW4PSPzZUCcXBs5CUBzFPZkCye9ZwOGbteiNes9tAU4fq5DYwBJHmcVrcJBT26h6Kg1Q2HUDsj8nfdtX4EWSpcdNEpbXhs/s1600/20171124_171722_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1328" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqb70ClPIXY3gg_MnHBJ1ql5O1SOTfIFYdP4ZAmVIDQfRWCW4PSPzZUCcXBs5CUBzFPZkCye9ZwOGbteiNes9tAU4fq5DYwBJHmcVrcJBT26h6Kg1Q2HUDsj8nfdtX4EWSpcdNEpbXhs/s320/20171124_171722_resized.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
NOTE: I bake my pies in glass pie pans because I believe it cooks them the most evenly and doesn't interfere with the flavor.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Pie Crust</i></b></span><br />
This is for a single pie crust, I usually double to make 2 pies. Also, If you have a pie with crust on the top, or latticework crust, double this for 1 pie.<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></i><br />
<br />
Flour: 2 cups<br />
Salt: 1tsp<br />
Shortening: 1/2 cup<br />
Unsalted Butter: 1/4 cup<br />
(You can do all shortening or all butter, or you can switch the ratios from above. I like the consistency that shortening adds, but I like the buttery taste. I've found a combination works best for me.)<br />
Cold Water: 5tbsp<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Directions</i></span><br />
30 minutes by hand, or 15 minutes with a Kitchenaid mixer<br />
<br />
1. Mix flour & salt.<br />
2. Cut in shortening until pea size. (A Merlot 7qt Kitchenaid Chef's Catalog Special<br />
Edition Mixer purchased for $35 at a warehouse sale makes this far easier than using a pair of butter knives. (It's okay to hate me now.))<br />
3. Sprinkle water in 1tbsp at a time.<br />
4. Toss lightly with fork and form dough into a ball.<br />
5. Dust clean surface with flour, flatten dough into pancake shape. Then roll with rolling pin until proper size for pie pan.<br />
6. Roll pie crust onto rolling pin. Place pie pan underneath and unroll crust over pie pan. Lift edges while gently pushing into bottom corner of pie pan with fingers.<br />
7. Trim edge until a inch of crust is left all the way around. Fold edge of crust under to create a ridge around the top of the pan.<br />
8. Scallop the edges, using two fingers of each hand next to each other and thumbs in between. Go around the edge.<br />
9. Add whichever pie filling you like and you're good to go!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKoPG_SLHqVNZQu_e0kt05B60ds7C7nRIMTrKsdh9gRFfyV2QP6a2lYxWMmpc99TptJiiEdQ6lN3Nf6Gw19fTEWQqPdCl9zxeG87QXeoRAPfk99gKFYEzpLwWmEfWWFFE3mjsKy8BkU4/s1600/Mixer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="747" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKoPG_SLHqVNZQu_e0kt05B60ds7C7nRIMTrKsdh9gRFfyV2QP6a2lYxWMmpc99TptJiiEdQ6lN3Nf6Gw19fTEWQqPdCl9zxeG87QXeoRAPfk99gKFYEzpLwWmEfWWFFE3mjsKy8BkU4/s320/Mixer.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Picture of the gorgeous 7qt Merlot Kitchenaid.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Happy eating!<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-23497524884846013352017-11-23T07:45:00.000-07:002017-11-23T07:45:57.254-07:00Net Neutrality, Letter to My Congressman<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Net Neutrality</i></span></b><br />
<br />
I'm writing to my congressman about Net Neutrality because I think its removal will harm everyone.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The email sent to Congressman Doug Lamborn</span></i></b><br />
<br />
Hello Mr. Lamborn,<br />
<br />
This is an open letter that I'm also posting to my blog. ryallon.blogspot.com. I'm writing about the Net Neutrality vote coming up in the FCC. I'm a writer who's written 28 books (Epic Fantasy and kid's books) and self-published them. As part of my publishing, I spend vast amounts of time online to market and run other aspects of the self-run business.<br />
<br />
While I understand that internet companies such as Comcast state that they need to remain competitive, the reality is that the removal of Net Neutrality will result in fees that penalize high usage. This will become a struggle for those who have to choose between providing for their family and paying extra for a little more bandwidth.<br />
<br />
In this day and age, to get a job, or start a company, you have to have internet access and spend extensive hours online. Removing Net Neutrality would hurt the people who need it the most.<br />
<br />
In addition, the internet has become a way for young minds to learn about the world both socially and academically. I believe removal of Net Neutrality would stunt that knowledge and hinder advancements in humanity.<br />
<br />
This is a time of unprecedented communication in politics and human rights. The internet is the new means of discussing political beliefs and ideas. While this appears to be a dumpster fire of an idea right now, I believe it is still vital in the progress of humanity and our understanding of each other.<br />
<br />
These are just some of the reasons I ask you to please prevent the FCC from destroying Net Neutrality.<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. CarrollJohn H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-59816574811218035422017-11-01T20:14:00.004-06:002021-12-20T13:49:02.878-07:00Recipe - Thick Chili<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Recipe for thick chili</i></b></span><br />
<br />
This is a recipe that's excellent for Frito pies and chili dogs. My family loves eating it on spaghetti, which is surprisingly delicious. You can eat it just the way it is too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCvXvdmo3rcXr2sOw9548HfqDJDA9UgdgSK8prl7RLonz_655l65i0WpO8n1h6gkXVQbTe3FzwE3rsO5aYRbNif2KdGPj-wHaILTVL4pWUTBHGnQCySevmr71UkS3qPeqZprSJUrMscE/s1600/Frito+pie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="658" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYCvXvdmo3rcXr2sOw9548HfqDJDA9UgdgSK8prl7RLonz_655l65i0WpO8n1h6gkXVQbTe3FzwE3rsO5aYRbNif2KdGPj-wHaILTVL4pWUTBHGnQCySevmr71UkS3qPeqZprSJUrMscE/s320/Frito+pie.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I've taken recipes from multiple sources, my mother, my brother, my mother in law, and refined them into a combination I really like. When I was growing up, we would have chili every Christmas Eve, so making it and eating it brings back fond memories for me.<br />
<br />
One thing I've learned over the years is the term <b>Season to Taste.</b> It's important to remember when cooking. If you don't like the recipe the way it is, you are free to change it. If you don't like the idea of minced jalepeno, you can remove it or substitute. If you don't like garlic, don't add it, you heathen. Green and red peppers are an excellent option too.<br />
<br />
WARNING: There are vastly different qualities of chili powder out there. If you get a cheap bargain brand, you may want to add a little extra unless you hate anything even remotely spicy. If you get a high quality chili powder made with exotic chilies, you can always cut the amount you add . . . unless you like your face turning red and tears running down your cheeks. Up to you.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Ingredients</i></b></span><br />
(May be cut in half or doubled for your needs. May also be frozen if needed)<br />
<br />90% Ground Hamburger, or <a href="http://lightlife.com/products/beef" target="_blank">Vegetarian Substitute</a>: 2lbs<br />
Ranch Style Beans: 4 cans - 1 with jalapenos<span> </span><br />
Stewed Tomatoes: (I prefer the fire roasted version by Hunts)<br />
Chopped Onion: 1 ea<div>1/2 green and 1/2 red bell pepper<br />
Minced Garlic: 1 clove or 1tbsp<br />
Minced Jalapeno: 1 small jalapeno (optional)<br />
Chopped Green Onion: 3 stalks (do not saute with other veggies)<br />
Worcestershire Sauce: 3 tbsp<br />
A-1: 3tbsp<br />
Water: 1/2 cup<br />
Chili Powder: 3tbsp<br />
Cumin: 2tbsp<br />
Onion Powder: 1tbsp<br />
Garlic Powder: 1tbsp<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun7vNq1DClnf98NW4CapocDngFuUDHDPnbIp66v1CS9-0rvgAGQBWmpj5VKLbrDpCbDa-MHHKMwUoct87MgCi1e_qTRrExBh260qOJ2aBvKHYoY43QaubM2fTu8SGidrgi2H-W4ZNbEo/s1600/Chili.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="996" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhun7vNq1DClnf98NW4CapocDngFuUDHDPnbIp66v1CS9-0rvgAGQBWmpj5VKLbrDpCbDa-MHHKMwUoct87MgCi1e_qTRrExBh260qOJ2aBvKHYoY43QaubM2fTu8SGidrgi2H-W4ZNbEo/s320/Chili.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Directions </i></b></span><br />
<br />
1. Put Hamburger/Substitute in pot on medium high.<br />
2. Immediately add Onions, Garlic, Jalapeno to cook with hamburger.<br />
3. Once hamburger is browned, add beans and crushed tomato. At this time, I add the water, but I put the water in the cans and swirl it around to get all the juices out before adding it to the mix.<br />
4. Add seasonings (Adjust to taste as you prefer), Worcestershire Sauce and A-1<br />
5. Cook on medium heat for 1/2 hour<br />
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours.<br />
<br />
Note: My family is horrible at waiting until it's done because of how amazing the aroma is. Technically you can eat after the first 1/2 hour, but chili is better and more flavorful if it's left to simmer.<br />
<br />
These are the beans and tomatoes I use.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHuSBqg81bo9zqx6Dc7c3FwZ7p6h2v3L-Kyityh1_Lv4BaAD4wecl_LtWtvNmSGk6XBc5TsHyKTgw-x-Lpan3KOz-IKcOTQRB4fT1f1kzRFObwQDlQO5SKFXCkHaU91igV5gaqNSi6O0/s1600/beans.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHuSBqg81bo9zqx6Dc7c3FwZ7p6h2v3L-Kyityh1_Lv4BaAD4wecl_LtWtvNmSGk6XBc5TsHyKTgw-x-Lpan3KOz-IKcOTQRB4fT1f1kzRFObwQDlQO5SKFXCkHaU91igV5gaqNSi6O0/s200/beans.jpeg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfjy3CSyUnIiw2aTtuEyMSN9ILyv02jGsJ0Ei6Vc-mWJKzrd1-2RZb8lMpus4ky-87vg56-DuWk1w4j0JnICrdr7ss6E1Rj31ICqERBjF497U5U9UQ4EwrqejMAUBn8y9QN5s5A3GO98/s1600/diced+tomatoes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfjy3CSyUnIiw2aTtuEyMSN9ILyv02jGsJ0Ei6Vc-mWJKzrd1-2RZb8lMpus4ky-87vg56-DuWk1w4j0JnICrdr7ss6E1Rj31ICqERBjF497U5U9UQ4EwrqejMAUBn8y9QN5s5A3GO98/s200/diced+tomatoes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Happy eating!<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<div><br /></div><div>Half version:</div><div>Ground Hamburger, or <a href="http://lightlife.com/products/beef" target="_blank">Vegetarian Substitute</a>: 1lbs<br />Ranch Style Beans: 2 cans<br />Stewed Tomatoes: (I prefer the fire roasted version by Hunts)<br />Chopped Onion: 1/2 ea<br />Minced Garlic: 1 clove or 1tbsp<br />Minced Jalapeno: 1 small jalapeno (optional)<br />Chopped Green Onion: 3 stalks (do not saute with other veggies)<br />Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tbsp<br />A-1: 2tbsp<br />Water: 1/4 cup<br />Chili Powder: 1tbsp<br />Cumin: 1tbsp<br />Onion Powder: 1/2tbsp<br />Garlic Powder: 1/2tbsp<br />
<br /></div></div>John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-29535241005237441392017-10-08T15:56:00.000-06:002017-10-08T15:57:04.290-06:00Maps of Ryallon updated 2017<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Explanation</span></i></b><br />
<br />
This is my fourth post on the maps of Ryallon. My maps were originally drawn by hand, but I've gradually improved them using <a href="http://www.gimp.org/" target="_blank">GIMP</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.gimp.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEag3hcqEPlLS63S5Q6MhxnL5cew_Sb7NJ5l22I7vpRYNNLxAOZiSJdP2-apsYUSAlH7S9dt_rb30VnFYmVH_aARmlvetrNCi-fv7H5gjCSK-MsW1-t1prL11AXuH2vGfSloMDlMHVOI/s1600/wilber.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I've done previous posts on my maps, which you can find here:<br />
<a href="http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2013/10/updated-map-of-ryallon.html" target="_blank">http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2013/10/updated-map-of-ryallon.html</a><br />
<a href="http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2013/04/fantasy-maps-of-ryallon.html" target="_blank">http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2013/04/fantasy-maps-of-ryallon.html</a><br />
<a href="http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2011/05/mapmaking-for-fantasy-worlds.html" target="_blank">http://ryallon.blogspot.com/2011/05/mapmaking-for-fantasy-worlds.html</a><br />
<br />
It's interesting to see the changes that have happened along the way and how things have evolved. :)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>What was changed</i></b></span><br />
<br />
Since my last update in 2013, I've cleaned up a lot of the lines. I've created custom brushes in GIMP to make all the icons uniform.<br />
<br />
I've added more cities and named numerous cities in the Western Kingdoms.<br />
<br />
The Iynath Empire is still untouched as are a couple of other countries on that side of the map. I don't have anything happening over there any time soon, so it can wait.<br />
<br />
The continent of Nulanea is bigger than Asia (Don't hold me to that. I'm a writer, we change our minds more than is healthy)<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What's next</i></span></b><br />
<br />
I intend to work on colorizing things next. First will be all the rivers in blue. I have a Bamboo brand graphic tablet to use now. After that, I plan on colorizing the brushes used to make the icons like the mountains and trees. Then I'll color some of the more open areas to give a better feel for the landscape.<br />
<br />
Along the way, I'll continue adding details of cities and countries and adding more names.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Maps (You can click on the pictures to make them bigger)</i></b></span><br />
<br />
Continent of Nulanea, Ryallon. This is the newest version with ocean and lakes drawn in blue. T<span style="text-align: center;">he dimensions of the working copy are 9034 x 6589. (This version is reduced to improve loading times.)</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZ8CXTWEXYsQVHnNvnw2amPRQ4HnfVE9eyRpGM038l8tLFYF6k5NPmUPZYx-7TL_ansdFJ9BvmN1e8-cMLJdTiYNasUEm90VTKEnLW7J2RM3XcYuMMuuAzX70nURMMhSAOgzobU2mDCI/s1600/Ryallon+Nulanea+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1024" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZ8CXTWEXYsQVHnNvnw2amPRQ4HnfVE9eyRpGM038l8tLFYF6k5NPmUPZYx-7TL_ansdFJ9BvmN1e8-cMLJdTiYNasUEm90VTKEnLW7J2RM3XcYuMMuuAzX70nURMMhSAOgzobU2mDCI/s400/Ryallon+Nulanea+compressed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the second hand drawn illustration of the Norther Continent of Ryallon and the first version that I scanned into the computer. The map above is what I've accomplished through editing in GIMP little by little until I reached the above product. At this point, I hadn't named it Nulanea yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRTVZ9f63xDGXgU9OofnmBxphYxiJwBflff5naUVZ-1849nOTcBB2iYd2P-hfgDAjdg0E6CD5Zt4awZ866u76jbEiP0IXMOvLq4H0b49EBilg09UpeulVYP1opi9F1nkagjW7biRgZSU/s1600/mp_0001+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1024" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMRTVZ9f63xDGXgU9OofnmBxphYxiJwBflff5naUVZ-1849nOTcBB2iYd2P-hfgDAjdg0E6CD5Zt4awZ866u76jbEiP0IXMOvLq4H0b49EBilg09UpeulVYP1opi9F1nkagjW7biRgZSU/s400/mp_0001+compressed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I refined the map of Paruth, which is the setting of Cloudswept and Sidetracked. These smaller maps are all taken off the refined map above<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e0qYpZ-av9vtXbjy-lXPmAcpkKEl1cSYEwq6fdDIrUEGkUluFd1wbEan0mJyMnqGSWzrLgunaRkYlQKvL_3PILp3f0eNCruwCjPOObTew8uY3-mW3pK2f2Of8jBuxOP8P6rrM7UJfmA/s1600/Paruth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1312" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e0qYpZ-av9vtXbjy-lXPmAcpkKEl1cSYEwq6fdDIrUEGkUluFd1wbEan0mJyMnqGSWzrLgunaRkYlQKvL_3PILp3f0eNCruwCjPOObTew8uY3-mW3pK2f2Of8jBuxOP8P6rrM7UJfmA/s320/Paruth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Once again, I hope you've looking at made up maps for a made up world (so far as you know) I've certainly enjoyed making it up (so far as you know)<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
<br />John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-19923714539226679792017-09-30T22:06:00.000-06:002017-09-30T22:07:46.856-06:00"Bounty", Book 2 of the Crazed Trilogy: Chapter 1Hello,<br />
<br />
"Bounty" is book 2 of the Crazed Trilogy. This is the first draft of the first chapter. Please keep in mind that it will be edited numerous times before being published.<br />
<br />
I hope this preview keeps you excited for the coming of the book.<br />
<br />
I'm including an updated map of Nulanea, a northern continent in the world of Ryallon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJhkD3A8remQzjMNDAy0euUlsaeOp0h1pkMOBdNTeur0rzswHICYFn3fdHuiHKM3lFdP2gGsFM2_Jmrolak_rbfRa1pty4QXMqhEL4elanv9i4fFfEjrOtT7oNJWiCygnaEOdlYX0W90/s1600/Ryallon+Nulanea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="747" data-original-width="1024" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJhkD3A8remQzjMNDAy0euUlsaeOp0h1pkMOBdNTeur0rzswHICYFn3fdHuiHKM3lFdP2gGsFM2_Jmrolak_rbfRa1pty4QXMqhEL4elanv9i4fFfEjrOtT7oNJWiCygnaEOdlYX0W90/s320/Ryallon+Nulanea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 1</span><o:p></o:p></h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Year
1393, Fifth Age<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<i>Being
two years after the events of “Kethril”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Early morning rays shone on
the bottom of scattered thin clouds over Oimryi, capital city of Mayncal. Birds darted from manicured trees along the
wide avenue to catch insects that braved the cool morning air. Fancy horse-drawn carriages passed wagons
filled with goods from all over the world.
The shouts of drivers rang out over people conversing from the steps of
clean white buildings adorned by colorful bright roofs. Multi-hued mosaic tiles decorated the corners,
eaves, windows and doorways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Beyond the avenue, noises of
the city rose with the sun. Perfumes
wafted in the air behind people walking along stone sidewalks. Sir Danth strolled among them, occasionally
nodding or waving to citizens wearing pastel linens and silks that flowed to
the ground. Most stared in astonishment
at his full black armor and long red cape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth Wazmordian was a
Knight of Morhain, charged sixteen hundred years earlier with guarding the
Crown of Morhain. A tragedy called “The
Great Disappearing” had annihilated the citizens of the Morhainian Empire. Near the end of The Great Disappearing, the
greatest wizards and clerics made magical armor and sword for Sir Danth. The armor made him nearly invincible and
nothing could stand against his sword.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In an oversight, his body
died of old age after a couple hundred years.
Sir Danth’s soul was bound to the armor.
Therefore, he continued to exist even after his body disintegrated,
leaving the armor hollow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">These days, he normally
spent his time in poorer districts outside of the city, where the downtrodden
lived. He had spent the night there,
arresting a slave trader who was kidnapping homeless children. That is to say, he had<i> tried </i>to arrest the man.
Sometimes criminals fought rather than go to jail. That was inevitably a fatal mistake when
confronting the dark knight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Shortly after arriving in
Oimryi more than a year ago, Sir Danth had gone looking for something to
do. Being a noble knight, he chose to
help those most in need. It was a shock
to the city guard when thugs, gang members, pimps, slavers and other lowlifes
started showing up in a bloodied and beaten condition after having been
arrested by the knight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">People were quickly
recruited to teach Sir Danth a lesson.
Those people were dead, as were the ones who hired them. Next, specialists, wizards and adventurers of
astonishing capabilities came after him at all times of the day and night. They were under the impression Sir Danth had
to sleep sometime, but they were wrong.
Even if an assassin <i>were</i> to
get pass the extraordinary magic of the armor, there was nothing to slay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Corrupt guardsmen and nobles
were paid to drive Sir Danth out of town.
However, Sir Danth had been one of the people who had rescued Princess
Anilyia the year before, bringing peace between Mayncal and Brindlyn after
centuries of animosity. That and his
reputation for driving out the scum of the city gave him immunity from
political consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">King Ullbra of Mayncal
appreciated his daughter’s safe return.
He also appreciated the wonderful work the knight was doing making his
city a better place to live without even requesting pay. The first nobles, judges and city guard
leaders who tried to have Sir Danth banished or arrested were put to death when
the king found out about the attempts.
After that, the knight was free to come and go as he pleased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Currently, two individuals
followed him down the pleasant avenue. A
man and woman dressed in dark capes that stuck out from the airy colors of
citizens. Their attempts to sneak from
buildings, to trees, to other buildings were just as conspicuous among the
leisurely walk of other pedestrians. The
behavior had everyone looking at them in bemusement. When one added the fact that they were
extremely noisy and tripping over their own feet, it was clear they were
complete amateurs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth considered for a
moment that they might be trying to lull him into a false sense of security,
but when the man tripped over his own feet and knocked the woman down, he
realized they really were that bad. The
knight decided to end the little game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Get off me, you idiot!” the
woman yelled at the man who leveraged against her back in an attempt to push
himself up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth helped him to his
feet then held out a gauntlet to the woman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She took it and stood. “Thank you!
At least someone around her has some manners.” She glared at her companion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then she realized who had
helped her up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Both would-be assassins
lifted their heads to look up at him.
Sir Danth was six feet six inches tall.
In real life, he had been six-four, but the helmet added another two inches. His armor was black with intricate runes that
were only visible if the light caught them just right. A greatsword was sheathed diagonally across
his back with the hilt sticking far above his shoulder. When drawn it was as long from hilt to tip as
he was tall. A red cloak gilded with
golden runes and clasped with a golden amulet of power finished off the effect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The man foolishly drew his
sword and swung it at Sir Danth. The
knight caught the blade easily in his free gauntlet. He continued to hold the woman’s hand gently
with his other. With a twist, he snapped
the blade. The shriek of snapping metal
reverberated off buildings. All activity
on the avenue stopped as eyes turned to watch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth dropped the top
half of the blade, leaving the man standing there with a broken sword.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A wet stain appeared on his
crotch and flowed downward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Perhaps you should run like
the stupid coward you are,” Sir Danth suggested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In a surprising moment of
wisdom, the man turned and took the advice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Please don’t kill me,” the
woman pleaded in a weak voice. Tears
welled in her eyes. It was obviously
taking all of her willpower not to wet herself as her partner had done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Of course not, you stupid
little girl,” the knight reassured her.
“But you need to grow up and stop playing with bad men.” He led her to a nearby bench underneath a
shade tree and then sat down. The woman
looked at him in fear, wondering what he was about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth pulled her down
over his lap and spanked her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She forgot her fear. Screams of anger rang through the avenue
while her legs kicked in outrage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Their audience looked on in
shock and amusement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Even with sturdy leggings,
the knight’s gauntlet was powerful against her behind. After the first few blows, the screams of
outrage turned to cries of pain and pleas to let her go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Twenty spankings later, set
her on her feet and stood in front of her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The would-be assassin held
her hands gingerly on her buttocks, weeping uncontrollably.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth held her chin up
so she gazed into the hollow eyeholes of his helmet. “Now then, I’m sure you will remember this
the next time someone asks you to do something foolish, won’t you, you silly
little girl?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She nodded vigorously
through her heaving sobs. Sir Danth
released her and pointed in the direction she had come. The woman took the opportunity to run away,
holding her bruised bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The crowd jeered and laughed
at her departing figure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth ignored their
reaction, including the cheers some gave him.
It wasn’t long before he was past the worst of the throng and people
ignored him again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It bothered him that people
would watch while he did all the work.
Individuals took such pleasure in the misfortunes of others. They understood nothing of the woman’s past
or circumstances, nor did they care to learn.
Sir Danth knew that poverty and suppression of people created by
governments, churches and the greedy created the very criminals they railed
against.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There was a great weight
upon his shoulders. That irritated him
since he didn’t actually have shoulders anymore. He felt the pressure nonetheless. Centuries of solitude in a dark room guarding
a vault that ended up being empty had made him cranky. He could feel anger in the hollow space where
his body should be. Some days it was
hard to control that anger or the gloom that came with it. At times, he would go someplace quiet where
no one could bother him. Then he would
brood awhile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One thing that made him feel
better was killing people. There was
great satisfaction in running his blade smoothly through someone’s heart, or
easily separating their head from their shoulders and watching the head fly
through the air. It was almost
poetic. His armor had magical vision
that allowed him to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The helmet also enabled him
to see magical runes, invisible creatures, and spiritual energy. When a person died, they left their body in
spiritual form to continue their existence elsewhere. Sir Danth enjoyed watching those souls leave
their body. It was a fun game he
excelled at.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He could tell when there was
a ghost in a building, or even if remnants of strong emotion remained in an
area, such as a prison or battlefield.
In the Willden Forest, which was where the Kingdom of Morhain had once
existed, the ghosts of his people still resided, wandering through the trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He hadn’t known while
standing guard in front of the vault for so long, but after leaving and
traveling through the forest, he had gradually become aware of them. He couldn’t talk to them since the spirits
were blind and deaf. It had nearly
driven him mad when he realized, but his friends had helped him to keep his
sanity. If it hadn’t been for their
efforts he might still be lost in the forest, chasing spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As it was, Sir Danth spent
hours, days and weeks pouring over texts and scrolls in the royal library,
hoping to find a way to rescue his people from the unnatural limbo they
suffered in. He also perused the stores
of antique dealers and wizards hoping for some clue. The one thing everyone told him to do was to
go to Dralin where there was knowledge of everything magical in the world, or
so it was rumored.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He had mentioned Dralin to
his friend Tathan, a rogue of the worst sort.
Tathan had quickly nixed that idea.
Dralin was a dangerous city, especially for someone like Sir Danth. Wizards liked to take apart magical armor and
study it. They would go to great lengths
to capture the knight. In addition to
that, there was quite the price on Tathan’s head there. Still, Sir Danth wanted to go. If there was a way to save his people, he
would be willing to risk his existence . . . and Tathan’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A short, piercing noise
caused everyone on the avenue to stop in their tracks. Another one sounded and everyone turned
toward the palace in the distance. That
was where Sir Danth was headed to sit with Tathan while he had breakfast. Something had set off one of the magical
alarms, an occurrence which had only happened a few times in the history of the
city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The piercing noise continued
in short bursts. It reverberated in his
armor, tickling him. An alarm like that
could only mean the palace was under attack or that the royal family was in
danger. He increased his pace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Danth!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The knight turned to see
Tathan crouched down at the corner of a side street, waving a gloved hand vigorously
for the knight to join him. His other
hand gripped the hilt of a thin, slightly curved sword sheathed at his waist. Curly black hair framed Tathan’s worried face,
partially obscuring a small, opal tipped piercing in his eyebrow.</span> <span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The leather jacket he wore was pure black with runes down the
front opening. It had no other markings
or even seams. The rest of his clothes
were of exquisite quality influenced by the style of Mayncal, but tailor-made
to fit in a way that allowed him to move silently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A glimmer of energy around
the rogue let Sir Danth know his friend had activated the powerful ring of
invisibility he wore. Not one to rush,
the knight strolled over to see what was the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">His casualness only made
Tathan wave more vigorously. The look in
his intense grey eyes was frantic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When Sir Danth reached the
corner, Tathan grabbed his arm. “Let’s
go see the world! There are adventures
to be had!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth raised an eyebrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan did a double
take. “You know, you’re really going to
have to tell me how you raise your eyebrows like that when you don’t have
any. But not now. Let’s go.”
He tugged on the knight’s arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When Sir Danth didn’t budge,
Tathan grabbed the arm with both hands and pulled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The knight still didn’t
move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan yanked a couple of
times, then put the arm over his shoulder and pulled with all his might.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Watching his friend strain
to move him was highly amusing to the knight.
He released the runes that sealed his arm to his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With all resistance gone,
Tathan flew forward. He tumbled at the
last second and sprang to his feet, but the arm clanged against his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth laughed mightily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m not giving this
back.” Tathan waggled the metal arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With a thought, the arm
attached to Sir Danth’s shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan stared at his empty
hands. He sighed. “Please?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lead on, friend.” The knight gestured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan dashed down the
street, avoiding pedestrians who couldn’t see him. Upon realizing Sir Danth followed at a
stroll, he came back. “Please hurry! We have to go now!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">People shot worried glances
at the night speaking to a disembodied voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Why?” It occurred to Sir Danth the alarms still
blaring from the palace might have something to do with his friend’s sudden
need to leave the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I don’t have time to
explain, just . . . please, let’s hurry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Dralin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The word startled
Tathan. “What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“We go to Dralin. There may be information there that will help
my people. If you want me to hurry,
we’re going to go to Dralin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan considered the words
for a brief moment. He shook his head in
refusal. “No. There’s no way I’m going back there. It’s too dangerous. We’ll die.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth crossed his arms
and planted his feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan sighed. “Please.
I’m begging you. I don’t want to
go back there, but we need to leave.
There are other places that might have information.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Dralin.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan sighed again. He did that a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A squad of guards appeared
at the end of the street in the direction Tathan was trying to go. “There he is!” They were led by a wizard holding a circle of
glass in his hands. It appeared to be a
device that could detect invisibility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Fine! We’ll go to Dralin, but only if we run, <i>now</i>!”
Tathan dashed the other direction<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth ran after his
friend. They turned the next corner and
ran full tilt down the avenue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Two streets later, another
squad appeared directly in front of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan jumped. In midair, he placed one hand on the shoulder
of the nearest guard and one hand on the head.
He pushed down to propel himself up and over the others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The move caught the man by
surprise. His knees buckled at the
unseen weight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The rest saw Sir Danth
barreling towards them. Without enough
time to scatter, they threw their arms up to shield themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth had the ability to
shift in space. He didn’t understand it,
just like he didn’t understand how most of the magic in the armor worked. What he <i>did</i>
understand was that it was very effective.
One moment he was about to run into a helpless guard, the next he was on
the other side of the squad, running next to Tathan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The rogue grinned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The two were able to stay
ahead of the squads, but knew it would only be a matter of time before the
mounted cavalry came after them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After they had run half a
mile, Tathan turned down another street and slowed. His chest heaved as he gulped breaths of
air. He twisted his ring to banish the
invisibility then walked into the entrance of a large stable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth mused that one of
the nice things about not having a body was that he didn’t have to gulp in
large amounts of air after exerting himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan grabbed two stable
boys by the arms. “Jufo! Take Arlen and get my horses ready,
now!” He pushed a silver coin in each of
their hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They looked at him in
surprise, then stared at the coins with wide eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Now!” Tathan shoved them towards the back of the
stable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">They ran off to do as told.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“You have horses?” Sir Danth
asked<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yeah, I bought them a while
back. I always like to have an escape
plan ready.” Tathan grinned as he
followed the boys. He yelled, “Just the
black and the brown! Leave the white
one!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Three horses?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yeah, just in case the
princess wanted to come with.” He
shrugged. “That’s not going to happen,
so it’s just you and me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I get the black one, yes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Of course!” Tathan laughed. “Here he is, one of the finest stallions I’ve
ever seen.” He gestured to a large
stallion Jufo was putting tack on. Arlen
was fastening a saddle to the brown. The
white horse in the next stall was beautiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“You are going to tell me
what happened, yes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yeah. I figure you won’t let it go until I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth smacked Tathan
playfully in the shoulder, sending him staggering forward. “You are correct about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The rode up to vast city
gates. For the first time since arriving
in Mayncal, they were closed. It
appeared that the entire army had been mobilized to guard them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan turned away and rode
through side streets to another set of stables.
He flipped gold pieces to a couple of burly men outside the doors. They opened the doors, closing them once the
two were inside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan and Sir Danth
dismounted and led their horses underground into a tunnel that appeared
centuries old. An hour later, they rode
out of another stable far beyond the city walls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“How do you find these things,
my felonious friend?” Sir Danth asked as they rode casually toward the west.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Felonious?” Tathan smirked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes, it means a person who
is involved in illegal endeavors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m aware of what it
means. Let’s just say I’m resourceful
and cautious.” Tathan winked. “Speaking of cautions, let’s stay off major
roads. There are some back roads where
we shouldn’t be disturbed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Shall I ask how you know
these things?” Sir Danth raised an
eyebrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“No. You shalln’t . . . is that a word?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“It is most definitely not a
word, but it is a nice effort to begin a new language.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thank you!” Tathan grinned. “What shall we call it? Tathanian?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I have no intention of
calling it anything. The word you’re
looking for is shan’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Ahh, I knew it was
something like that. I shalln’t be
distracted from making my new language though.”
He waggled a finger at Sir Danth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The knight pulled his horse
to a stop. “Now that we are no longer in
immediate danger, what did you do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan stopped as well. He blushed and chewed on his lower lip, not
answering the question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“It would be best to just
get it over with, you know. You’re going
to give me the details sooner or later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He sighed. “Yes, well . . . it’s just that . . .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Anilyia and I spent the
night in the royal wine cellar. King and
Queen Ullbra came in with Prince Albrato and a few assorted nobles and
priests. They found us sleeping naked on
straw with one of the more expensive bottles emptied nearby.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth buried his helm in
his gauntlets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“The king bellowed something
about treason and gallows, and all sorts of bad things they do to
criminals. Tathan spread his arms in
innocence. He acted as though I had done
something wrong.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“How silly of him.” Sir Danth rolled his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I know, right? . . . I
really do want to know how you roll your eyes when you don’t have any.” Tathan jabbed a finger in the air. “Anyway, he drew his sword and started
swinging it at me. Do you know how hard
it is to get dressed when you’re fending off an angry king?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“No . . . actually,
yes. But that’s not important,” Sir
Danth waved off the question. “Go on.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan opened his mouth as
though to insist on more information, but decided to let it go. “Anyway; Prince Albrato was crying at his
wife like a little girl, asking how she could betray him like that. Queen Ullbra had fainted. All the nobles were yelling and waving their
arms.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s usually all nobles
are good for.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“I know, right?” Tathan laughed. “The king is old and portly, so it wasn’t too
hard to keep him at bay, but I accidentally poked him with the tip of my sword.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh dear.” Sir Danth buried his face in his gauntlets
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“It wasn’t fatal or
anything. I just poked him in the
leg. It bled a lot, but I didn’t cut the
artery. He certainly squealed like a
stuck pig though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh dear,” he replied again,
not raising his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Anyway, my lovely Princess
Anilyia screeched and held her daddy as though I had killed him. Then she screamed that I had gotten her drunk
and raped her.” Tathan sighed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth raised his head in
confusion. “I thought she loved you? . .
.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sorrow distorted his
smile. “She does. She apologized with her eyes and gestured
with her head for me to escape.” Tathan
flicked his reins. He continued the
story as they rode. “It was clear we
wouldn’t be able to continue our affair.
Sleeping with a princess and stabbing a king with a magical sword are
usually punishable by death.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Poking a king with any kind
of a sword is usually punishable by death,” Sir Danth pointed out helpfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes . . . well, there is
that.” Tathan chuckled. “She did the only thing she could to save her
marriage and the peace between countries.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Princess Anilyia and Prince
Alberto had married as part of a treaty between Mayncal and Brindlyn. Together they were able to forge an alliance
against the Empire of Iynath to the north.
Anilyia had been kidnapped before the wedding could occur. Sir Danth, Tathan, Tathan’s cousin Liselle,
and Vevin, a purple dragon in human form had rescued her from a race of mysterious
beings called Rojuun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Claiming that you seduced
and raped her makes you a criminal in their eyes though. Surely she knew that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“Of course, but even if she
had admitted we’re in love, I’m still a criminal in their eyes. At least this won’t cost them peace. I don’t know that I could live with myself
knowing that I had caused war and possibly even her death for treason.” Tathan hung his head. His shoulders slumped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s noble of you,
friend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tathan’s head popped
up. “Actually, I <i>would </i>be able to live with myself.
But I’d feel terrible about the whole thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sir Danth rolled his eyes
again and they both burst into laughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-33617028367648006592017-09-17T19:26:00.000-06:002017-09-17T19:26:08.800-06:00Book Review: Scars of Devotion<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Scars of Devotion, the debut fantasy novel of Ben Kramer</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PDV699W" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1004" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOib2-VPb9xDtwxDSuksGZlmWM2H4IlmNd-KUgUrLSnFeRzeBC8ByY6hSLchoPg_lo5UHj3U4lfpwYqAGjhkvvP7pAwCCckkwXXO1VumI_xm821cjX_XVisjARRRFfK7aY-G8-lhXDkUY/s320/418b085eb5e1413379386bbb0e1366d47b90d180.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PDV699W" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/522453?ref=johnhcarroll" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/scars-of-devotion" target="_blank">Kobo</a><br />
<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scars-of-devotion-ben-kramer/1121380379?ean=2940046617337" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div>
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<b>Description</b><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The Empire of Carthis is proud and confident in the knowledge that they are under the protection of the dragon god Carthis. Its nobles believing their dragon ancestry makes them superior to all others, have become arrogant and controlling of the very Church. Their arrogance has opened the way for great evil to insinuate itself into the very heart of the people. A young noble woman scared during a religious ritual is forced to face the reality of this corruption.</span><br />
<br style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Penelope, a young noblewoman just come of marriageable age, is asked to take part in a ritual to awaken her dragon heritage, but all is not well. In moments her world is shattered when the ritual takes a turn for the worst. Now scared in both body and soul, she must learn to find peace within herself and deal with the truths and the task revealed to her by the dragon god Carthis.</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Review</span></i></b><br />
<br />
I decided to give this book a try and I'm glad I did. It is an excellent and enjoyable fantasy with characters that were likable and believable. The pace of the story kept me reading all the way through the end. Being the first book he has published, the writing was a little raw, as were my first books. However, it wasn't to the degree where it interfered with the story.<br />
<br />
The main character, Penelope, begins as a spoiled and somewhat irritating young woman, but after surviving a tragic situation becomes fascinating. The author succeeds in avoiding the Mary Sue treatment that some authors fall into (including, perhaps, myself). The development of her character is intriguing. It shows depth in the darkness she faces and the effects everything had on her. I found myself rooting for her to find happiness.<br />
<br />
The supporting cast is just as interesting as Penelope. Mr. Kramer develops each character a little at a time rather than trying to rush them all together. While there are dwarves and gnomes and typical fantasy elements, they're given their own characteristics rather than being cliche. Well written dialogue adds to each and their personalities are distinct.<br />
<br />
The world is presented to the reader in the beginning, but not in so much depth that it feels like an exercise in world building rather than the telling of a story. As time goes on, details are filled in. Mr. Kramer does it in such a way that I began to wonder what it would have been like to live in the world in previous times, which is when I realize I'm deep into the story.<br />
<br />
The battles are intense and I genuinely felt fear for the survival of the characters. Magic and weapons of fantasy were realistic while fantasy creatures such as wyverns and dragons amplified the danger.<br />
<br />
I'm very much looking forward to future books from Mr. Kramer.<br />
<br />
This is safe for young adults, with mild fantasy violence.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>About the Author</b></i></span><br />
<br />
Ben Kramer lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife, two children, and two dogs. In the time that he has between working and being a husband and father, he writes his short stories and books.<br />
<br />
Born the second of three children into a military family, Ben Kramer grew up an Army Brat with plenty of company and sibling rivalry. He first began writing in grade school and continued writing on into his teen years. His first writing ventures were mostly childish poems and he did not even have an interest in epic fantasy till seventh grade.<br />
<br />
It was the works of Piers Anthony that opened the door for Ben to find his joy of the many worlds of fantasy to be found in books. From there on where ever he went you could be sure that a book was close to hand. Sadly, though he did attempt to write many stories of his own he never completed them. However, it was during his Junior year of High School that he began developing his world of Paratos. It is in this world which "Scars of Devotion" and his other short stories take place.<br />
<br />
After serving in the United States Air Force, separating with the rank of Staff Sergeant, Ben settled down in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife to raise a family. To date Ben Kramer has officially published one book "Scars of Devotion", and has five short stories series that can be found on his website at<br />
<a href="http://www.paratospublishing.x10host.com.%20/" target="_blank">www.paratospublishing.x10host.com. </a><br />
Ben can also be found on Patreon at <a href="http://www.patreon.com/benkramer" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/benkramer </a><br />
and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/wraithwriter" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/wraithwriter</a><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer</span></b></i><br />
<br />
I have decided to review books that I enjoy. I am an avid reader of fantasy, so most of them will be in that genre. I'm not taking any requests, just reading what catches my eyes. You'll find that most of these are from Indie Authors. The way I figure it, David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Alan Dean Foster and Piers Anthony (my favorite authors) already have enough reviews, but Indies could always use a few more.<br />
<br />
It is important to note here that while I am a writer, I am doing these reviews as a <i><b>reader</b></i>. I also know a number of the authors I will be reviewing. This is<i> not </i>an exchange of reviews, nor have I been solicited by those authors to write the review. If I don't like a book, I won't review it.<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. CarrollJohn H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-16419778686926798802017-09-11T20:56:00.002-06:002017-09-11T20:56:31.381-06:00Book Review: Upon the Ashes of Empire<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>The Ballard Chronicles</em></strong></span><br />
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The Ballard Chronicles is the sequel of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XMDEUVW?ref=series_rw_dp_labf" target="_blank">The Aielund Saga</a> books written by author and artist Stephen Nowland. They follow the adventures of Aislin Ballard and companions as they track a powerful villain.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Book 3, </em></strong></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Upon the Ashes of Empire</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074V64WLB" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/upon-the-ashes-of-empire" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/upon-the-ashes-of-empire/id1281320225?mt=11" target="_blank">Apple</a></div>
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<b>Description</b>:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>Across frozen mountains and through dark forests, Aislin Ballard and her companions pursue the tyrant who captured their ally and friend into the very heart of enemy territory. Along the way she will face the best and worst of humanity, and astonishing forces which reveal the darkest depths of her soul. But none of this will prepare her for the magnitude of the threat facing this foreign land, as an ancient power, capable of burning entire cities to ash, is unearthed. While she and her companions may be on a mission to save their friend, Aislin finds herself in a unique position to try and save her enemies from themselves.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Review</b></span></i><br />
<br />
Easily the best book Stephen L. Nowland has written to this point. The story draws you in and takes you for the ride without letting go. The dangers and situations the characters get into are intense and frightening and you're never quite sure if everyone's going to make it.<br />
<br />
With each book, Aislin Ballard matures into a more dynamic character and young woman. She exemplifies determination and optimism not often found. She continues to excel in this book, however other characters are allowed a chance to shine through.<br />
<br />
Jaz's history is filled in when they visit her country. You learn much more about her including the reason she was in Aislin's country to begin with. She plays a pivotal role in the plot. Her wizardry is fun to watch as she explores new things, but her accidental roguish qualities is my favorite aspect.<br />
<br />
My favorite character in this book though is Max. His intelligence and determination to succeed no matter the odds gets the reader's adrenaline going. His conversations with Madelyn made me chuckle while I admired the wit between the two. Max and Madelyn made each other better and more interesting. In fact, I actually found myself looking forward more to their chapters than even Aislin's.<br />
<br />
Even Osric has a new villain friend to play with who works with him to create an object that could lead to greater destruction than even he may realize. I do think the author could have dawdled on these two a bit longer to let us enjoy their despicableness, but I'm sure the heroes didn't mind not having to listen to any more of their crap.<br />
<br />
While this book stands out on its own, the history of the countries come into play with surprising references that tie to the prior Aielund Saga bringing greater depth and understanding of the world. They lay the setting for potential future series and get me excited for what may come.<br />
<br />
With most Indie Authors, you have to watch for spelling and grammar issues. Not so with these books. They are a professional quality and well edited. There are no wasted words or scenes. Everything advances the story in a way that you stop hearing the author's voice.<br />
<br />
The Ballard Chronicles follow the events of the Aielund Saga. However, it is not necessary to read those in order to properly enjoy this series. It calls to the actions and deeds of the Saga as backstory and fills in only what you need to know to understand events in this one. This is safe for young adults, with mild fantasy violence. I highly recommend both the Ballard Chronicles and the Aielund Saga as excellent examples of epic fantasy.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>About the Author</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.stephenlnowland.com.au/" target="_blank">Stephen Nowland's Website</a><br />
<br />
I was one of those kids who daydreamed his way through school. All the little adventures I'd concoct in my mind were far more interesting than math or tests or sport. Somehow, I passed the important bits (art and english) and moved on, but always with a creative perspective to my life.<br />
<br />
It was around 1992 when the magic of reading really sunk into me, for it was then I discovered fantasy novels. Feist, Salvatore & Eddings showed me worlds that fired my imagination, and from that point on I knew I wanted to write the stories that flitted around the recesses of my imagination.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I spent most of the next fifteen years dealing with poor health, including resultant chronic fatigue syndrome which interfered with my life immeasurably, but gave me ample time for thought. An abortive attempt to create a story happened around 1996, but I look back on such things as stepping stones on the road to where I wanted to be.<br />
<br />
My first complete novel was actually done back in '03, but it was a derivative work based on elements from other stories, something I didn't realise until after I'd written it. The mind can do funny things if you don't keep it on a tight leash! Still, there were some unique points to the story I kept, so I scrapped the rest and began a completely new for Neverwinter Nights, that RPG video game thing you may or may not have heard of.<br />
<br />
The story was so successful (filled with rich, creamy character development) that I lamented that only people playing the game would ever see it. In 2009, with my health improving, I resolved to novelize the stories I'd written, in addition to developing the world in which they exist as the basis for a new fantasy series.<br />
<br />
I consider those stories to be merely the first iteration of the saga, for my novels have evolved far beyond the original scope, in terms of detail, plot and character building. Looking back on it now, I can see my style has evolved a very long way from those humble beginnings indeed.<br />
<br />
Oh, I also paint. You can expect to see more cover art with each title, becoming more technically sophisticated each time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer</span></b></i><br />
<br />
I have decided to review books that I enjoy. I am an avid reader of fantasy, so most of them will be in that genre. I'm not taking any requests, just reading what catches my eyes. You'll find that most of these are from Indie Authors. The way I figure it, David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Alan Dean Foster and Piers Anthony (my favorite authors) already have enough reviews, but Indies could always use a few more.<br />
<br />
It is important to note here that while I am a writer, I am doing these reviews as a <i><b>reader</b></i>. I also know a number of the authors I will be reviewing. (I am friends with Mr. Nowland) This is<i> not </i>an exchange of reviews, nor have I been solicited by those authors to write the review. If I don't like a book, I won't review it.<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
<br />John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-44356610272978133542017-08-27T15:18:00.003-06:002017-09-10T13:43:28.002-06:00Book Review: The Fortress of Gold<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>The Ballard Chronicles</em></strong></span><br />
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The Ballard Chronicles is the sequel of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XMDEUVW?ref=series_rw_dp_labf" target="_blank">The Aielund Saga</a> books written by author and artist Stephen Nowland. They follow the adventures of Aislin Ballard and companions as they track a powerful villain.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Book 2, The Fortress of Gold</em></strong></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fortress-Gold-Ballard-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B01M4J6D5J" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fortress-of-gold-stephen-l-nowland/1124893528?ean=2940153784618" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div>
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<b>Description</b>:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><i>Aislin Ballard and her companions journey south in pursuit of the man behind the assault on her home town. Together, they must cross dangerous desert lands, brave bizarre magic and avoid clashing armies as they travel to the legendary mountain city of Aurumgaard. There, they may find clues to his location, but risk being swept up in regional events beyond their control, culminating in a confrontation that will test their resolve, forcing them to question how much they desire to see their quest through to its ultimate conclusion.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Review</b></span></i><br />
<br />
The Ballard Chronicles follow the events of the Aielund Saga. However, it is not necessary to read those in order to properly enjoy this series. It calls to the actions and deeds of the Saga as backstory and fills in only what you need to know to understand events in this one. This is safe for young adults, with mild fantasy violence<br />
<br />
Aislin Ballard is one of my favorite characters in any of the thousands of books I've read. She's strong for a 13yr old girl, but not unrealistically so. There is exceptional depth of character with the optimism and vulnerability of a young woman. I think the author nailed the struggle of her youth in an adventuring party perfectly. <br />
<br />
One of the things I liked about this book is how Stephen Nowland highlighted the resiliency and determination of human spirit even in the worst of times. One of the author's strengths, which I've noted in previous reviews is that he allows the women to be strong, but not lose their femininity. The women occasionally need saving, but no more than the men. If anything, the men need more saving than the women.<br />
<br />
Once character I'd really like to see more of Jaz. She's an awesome character, my favorite in this series I think, but it felt like her personality wasn't allowed to blossom and show through quite as much in this book. She did a lot of things, but it seemed largely in the background. Everyone else in the group shone, especially Madelyn.<br />
<br />
I love the steampunk feel of the Kurhain civilization, especially with the muttonchops and mustaches. Major Maximilian Strauss is a superb character who brings a new dimension to the story. Switching back and forth between him and Aislin was a perfect touch. It was hard to root for him when his country was the one causing so much trouble for Aislin's group!<br />
<br />
I can't wait to see where this group goes. The hints Stephen Nowland put forward for future books are maddening. I want to know what happened to ***! I'm glad *** is back with ***. I know the Blue Man is going to come back, but will he bring his group with him?. I'm really worried for ***.<br />
<br />
With most Indie Authors, you have to watch for spelling and grammar issues. Not so with these books. They are a professional quality and well edited. There are no wasted words or scenes. Everything advances the story in a way that you stop hearing the author's voice.<br />
<br />
Book 3 is due out soon and I'll review it shortly thereafter!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>About the Author</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.stephenlnowland.com.au/" target="_blank">Stephen Nowland's Website</a><br />
<br />
I was one of those kids who daydreamed his way through school. All the little adventures I'd concoct in my mind were far more interesting than math or tests or sport. Somehow, I passed the important bits (art and english) and moved on, but always with a creative perspective to my life.<br />
<br />
It was around 1992 when the magic of reading really sunk into me, for it was then I discovered fantasy novels. Feist, Salvatore & Eddings showed me worlds that fired my imagination, and from that point on I knew I wanted to write the stories that flitted around the recesses of my imagination.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I spent most of the next fifteen years dealing with poor health, including resultant chronic fatigue syndrome which interfered with my life immeasurably, but gave me ample time for thought. An abortive attempt to create a story happened around 1996, but I look back on such things as stepping stones on the road to where I wanted to be.<br />
<br />
My first complete novel was actually done back in '03, but it was a derivative work based on elements from other stories, something I didn't realise until after I'd written it. The mind can do funny things if you don't keep it on a tight leash! Still, there were some unique points to the story I kept, so I scrapped the rest and began a completely new for Neverwinter Nights, that RPG video game thing you may or may not have heard of.<br />
<br />
The story was so successful (filled with rich, creamy character development) that I lamented that only people playing the game would ever see it. In 2009, with my health improving, I resolved to novelize the stories I'd written, in addition to developing the world in which they exist as the basis for a new fantasy series.<br />
<br />
I consider those stories to be merely the first iteration of the saga, for my novels have evolved far beyond the original scope, in terms of detail, plot and character building. Looking back on it now, I can see my style has evolved a very long way from those humble beginnings indeed.<br />
<br />
Oh, I also paint. You can expect to see more cover art with each title, becoming more technically sophisticated each time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer</span></b></i><br />
<br />
I have decided to review books that I enjoy. I am an avid reader of fantasy, so most of them will be in that genre. I'm not taking any requests, just reading what catches my eyes. You'll find that most of these are from Indie Authors. The way I figure it, David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Alan Dean Foster and Piers Anthony (my favorite authors) already have enough reviews, but Indies could always use a few more.<br />
<br />
It is important to note here that while I am a writer, I am doing these reviews as a <i><b>reader</b></i>. I also know a number of the authors I will be reviewing. (I am friends with Mr. Nowland, and he even mentioned me in his acknowledgements) This is<i> not </i>an exchange of reviews, nor have I been solicited by those authors to write the review. If I don't like a book, I won't review it.<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
<br />
<br />John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-57245223767128093442017-08-12T16:03:00.000-06:002017-08-12T16:03:18.991-06:00Samantha Swords, an Inspiration<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Samantha Swords</span></i></b><br />
<br />
In doing research for combat in my books, specifically for Pelya Jornin, the main character of the Dralin and Wyvern Series, I came across a phenomenal woman by the name of Samantha Swords. Samantha practices and studies European Martial Arts. She also works as cast and crew in the film industry including time at WETA. She's been kind enough to answer a couple of questions I've had about combat with a sword. <br />
<br />
Her Tumblr and YouTube have oodles of information on swordplay and the culture surrounding it in modern day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://samanthaswords.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Samantha Swords on Tumblr</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPmjkdvNhUjTJLCEyMTBGHQ/videos" target="_blank">Samantha Swords on YouTube</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/samthesword/" target="_blank">Samantha Swords on Facebook</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://samanthaswords.tumblr.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="971" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw51DP1pSKq70EIG8HcgPy3fwr25jwscuD3UYa5AtmaouZjMeSHZ44Zw0TULXpeHIwlkW_XN58XrSP3Nr4xftyvzBFd8Sz81XRJhz2GFAUL4s3etD-TJOihBghjPnNAIbb_ytGPN7hois/s320/tumblr_static_d0jwq3e14co44g04cokckkg00.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Zealand/Aussie artist, actor, writer & sword-fighter, works in the film industry as cast and crew. Outgoing, adventurous & loving life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>European Martial Arts</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://samanthaswords.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKpVj1a2Kmjx8t760-D0eIkFlmKGUZ-R3jqkxqP5P_qznWr65P7-syajx69RF6ZyUQUfu55geD61kFVwS1cVT-7cEe9djlI_QG6dnTUhiE-TpoZXDNodzLY2V0pa5l5s0264TmeJ1hz0/s320/samantha-swords-1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
Samantha is a student of European Martial Arts. In this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBET_-0aRl8" target="_blank">video</a>, she states:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Historical European Martial Arts are the martial arts of medieval Europe. Yes, they existed. They were very complicated, very beautiful, just as like the Asian martial arts are. And, unfortunately, they died out, which is why most of us don’t actually know about them these days. But for those of us who are completely crazy about swords, we have been recreating the arts from fighting manuals- books that were left from the people who actually studied in those ancient times.</i><br />
<br />
Like much epic fantasy in books, the world of Ryallon has styles of swordplay similar to that used in Europe. Granted my characters have magic at their disposal along with supernatural abilities, but the basics still apply. <br />
<br />
Much of my writing of combat scenes stretches the abilities of a person beyond what's physically capable. It's exciting to imagine someone whirling through the air while spinning blades. However, I believe it important to add as much realism into the details. Pelya Jornin's timeline has her learning martial arts, both physically and intellectually, from the age of four. She has talent and the work ethic to become one of the best in the world of Ryallon. She's earned it rather than just picking up a sword and becoming an insta-expert like in many stories.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Weekend Warrior</span></i></b><br />
<br />
Samantha is participating in an experimental live action event in September.<br />
<a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1336679351/weekend-warrior/description" target="_blank">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1336679351/weekend-warrior/description</a><br />
<br />
Her brief description of the event:<br />
<br />
<i>The Kingsmen are my faction in Weekend Warrior- an experiential live action event that will be filmed, documentary style, and challenge you in a new form of medieval-style outdoor adventure. </i><br />
<i>I’m joining forces with Skip Lipman and Ron Newcomb of the Forge Studios- they’re well known for the series, ‘The Rangers’, and also Zan Campbell of Fell and Fair, and together we’re creating this event.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/m-tWwIh7f9U/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m-tWwIh7f9U?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>An Inspiration</i></b></span><br />
<br />
I believe Samantha Swords is an inspiration for young women and anyone to explore their dreams and confront their fears to flourish. Life can be hard to face. Sometimes it's best to come with a sword in hand and the ability to use it.<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
<br />
P.S. The emo bunnies like her too.John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-83941619396732244892017-07-30T11:28:00.000-06:002017-07-30T11:47:06.924-06:00Tesla Electric Car Swing Station Concept<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Tesla Electric Cars</i></span></b><br />
<br />
Elon Musk is beginning to deliver electric cars to masses this year with the advent of the <a href="https://www.tesla.com/model3" target="_blank">Model 3</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.tesla.com/model3" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1060" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KQiJQiJVVPOr4WQ024uuT-IsAmAUJ9_hrRCqJScY-wu7WIKZCg-d08oE7vfxhRd69G-xtiRYsHe0gCTL0TxuqrbaTVWbRQQWuSqA5ggagavMVRMd7RPbfCDRbpCC8JX8s17CY0kQ8ak/s400/Model+3.jpg" width="400" /></a><span id="goog_180843531"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_180843532"></span></div>
<br />
<br />
These cars look amazing. I truly believe it's going to change the way we drive over the next 20 years. Hopefully we'll get flying cars next. Until that time, this is the future and present of cars and it's exciting!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Charging Stations</i></span></b><br />
<br />
Technology has increased to the point where an electric car can be charged at a fantastic rate, but it still takes half an hour or longer to fully charge one. <a href="https://www.tesla.com/supercharger" target="_blank">https://www.tesla.com/supercharger </a> (scroll to the bottom)<br />
<br />
This is exceptional compared to where we used to be, but in today's world, many people will still consider it to be a reason not to buy. People <i>hate</i> waiting (myself included). There's another potential solution for the future. It's a concept borrowed from the old west, which was borrowed from ancient times and the need to get messages from one place to the other with as little delay as possible.<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Swing Station</i></span></b><br />
<br />
In the old west, the Pony Express as well as stagecoach companies would have swing stations where riders and coaches could exchange for fresh horses. This enabled them to continue their journey without delay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_Mg6gsGL3peM71rsMAC8USBxZdfC2eRK8JqcdpOrGEo1B-DT42IjEspWivEb-lnahbsmes-4jTplJ6RLXY7v2rKxdjEY0j2zIKsPx3ocaaZszWawJXIPw0yYxUh8-KifBYBPMZElr6o/s1600/Remington_Coming_and_Going_of_the_Pony_Express.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="664" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_Mg6gsGL3peM71rsMAC8USBxZdfC2eRK8JqcdpOrGEo1B-DT42IjEspWivEb-lnahbsmes-4jTplJ6RLXY7v2rKxdjEY0j2zIKsPx3ocaaZszWawJXIPw0yYxUh8-KifBYBPMZElr6o/s400/Remington_Coming_and_Going_of_the_Pony_Express.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Tesla Swing Stations</span></i></b><br />
<br />
I consider this to be an unlikely scenario, but one that is interesting from a sci-fi point of view and whose potential is worth considering.<br />
<br />
Tesla, or other companies could come up with a program where a person joins for a fee. In exchange, they can drive an electric car to a swing station, and rather than wait for their car to recharge, they just move their belongings to another electric car. At the next station, they drop that one off and switch to another. Thus there would be limited wasted time on long journeys. <br />
<br />
It could be a viable option for busy travelers such as salespeople. No matter where they went, there would always be a Tesla waiting for them. They wouldn't have to worry about maintenance or upkeep of a vehicle.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Some of the Challenges</span></i></b><br />
<br />
People would have to make certain their belongings went with them.<br />
If a person did any damage it would be an extra charge.<br />
The program would be expensive in order to cover the cost of all the vehicles.<br />
The program would only take place once there were enough cars to make a large inventory affordable.<br />
People like the comfort of owning their own car. It's unlikely they would want to exchange vehicles on a regular basis.<br />
The current system of rental cars may be a better solution<br />
It would be unnecessary in cities where there will likely be charging stations in most locations at some point in the next 20 years, negating the need for wait times. If your car charges at the restaurant, or while you're at work, then there's no need to exchange vehicles.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Battery swap</span></i></b><br />
<br />
A concept of exhanging batteries at stations has already been considered by Tesla, so the idea of Swing Stations, may not be feasible.<br />
<br />
The reception of the battery swap concept was presented by Elon Musk to his customers, but received little support <a href="http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/news/a25872/elon-musk-tesla-battery-swap/" target="_blank">http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/news/a25872/elon-musk-tesla-battery-swap/</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Boring Company</span></i></b><br />
<br />
If Elon Musk succeeds in his Boring Company and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5V_VzRrSBI&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank"><i><b>Car Sleds</b></i></a>, the sleds that transfer the cars could charge them at the same time, reducing the need for swing stations. The swing stations would be more for areas where the hyperloop didn't run, such as in the open lands of the west.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">In Conclusion</span></i></b><br />
<br />
This is an esoteric concept idea, one of countless possibilities for humanity's future.<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
<br />John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-76428470972289279392017-07-23T12:11:00.001-06:002017-07-23T21:08:34.116-06:00Editing tip: Ensuring all quotation marks are in your manuscript<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Quotation marks</i></b></span><br />
<br />
You most likely know the definition, but here it is from <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quotation%20mark" target="_blank">Merriam Webster</a><br />
<br />
<div class="word-header long-headword" style="background-color: white; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">
<div class="word-and-pronunciation" style="display: table; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; vertical-align: middle;">
<h2 style="color: #3b3e41; display: inline-block; font-family: "Playfair Display", serif; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.015em; line-height: 1.2272; margin: -10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; z-index: auto;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Quotation Mark</span></h2>
</div>
<div class="word-and-pronunciation" style="display: table; margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; table-layout: fixed; vertical-align: middle;">
<em style="color: #5690b1; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.05em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a class="important-blue-link" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noun" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; color: rgb(86, 144, 177) !important; letter-spacing: 0.04em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;">noun</a></em></div>
</div>
<div class="word-sub-header" style="background-color: white; font-variant-ligatures: no-common-ligatures; margin: 1.4em 0px; padding: 0px; width: 773px;">
<div class="title-block" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<h2 style="line-height: 1.2272; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; z-index: auto;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #375c71; font-family: "lato" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 1.0896px;">O</span></span><span style="color: #3b3e41; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.04em;">ne of a pair of punctuation marks </span></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.2272; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; z-index: auto;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3b3e41; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.04em;">“ ” or ‘ ’ </span></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.2272; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; z-index: auto;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3b3e41; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.04em;">used chiefly to indicate the beginning and </span></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.2272; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; z-index: auto;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3b3e41; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.04em;">end of a quotation</span></span></span></h2>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>So now that we have that out of the way . . . </i></b></span><br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
<b>NOTE: It was noted by Hitch on MobileRead forums:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i><b><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #202020; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, "lucida grande", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">What happens when you have a character using multiple paragraphs, for his dialogue? In that instance, you would </span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #202020; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, "lucida grande", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">always </span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #202020; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, "lucida grande", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">have more opening quotation marks then closing--and it would be </span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #202020; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, "lucida grande", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">easy</span><span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #202020; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, "lucida grande", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> to have an odd number.</span></b></i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>In this instance, it is true that my double tap method below will not work. I suppose I may be unusual in that I never allow my characters to have dialogue in two paragraphs. I always intersperse actions and counter dialogue between. If you write otherwise, than please do not use the method listed below.</b><br />
<br />
***<br />
<br />
When writing a lot of dialogue, it's easy to miss the occasional quotation mark, or even to add an extra. When editing that dialogue, it's easy to miss it again. In fact, more missing quotations can appear when you're rearranging sentences.<br />
<br />
Readers tend to notice those missing and extra quotation marks, bless their little hearts.<br />
<br />
While discussing this problem with a good friend, she mentioned a method to catch all of the mistakes with quotation marks. It's a bit tedious, but highly effective.<br />
<br />
ctrl-f, or the find function.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierg53xpyRsB2a_-ia2B3o-V-P8N91kRWR1x90Q1LviEFfGeGILWybMPet0wkPxWK55bCWS3vvCqXtfg2dlD4oUP4WKEn0nL3tBNyNXyVzfveoKknce3VQ9D2eAQVzwOamWfv0LF74fq0/s1600/Finding+quotes.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="1509" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierg53xpyRsB2a_-ia2B3o-V-P8N91kRWR1x90Q1LviEFfGeGILWybMPet0wkPxWK55bCWS3vvCqXtfg2dlD4oUP4WKEn0nL3tBNyNXyVzfveoKknce3VQ9D2eAQVzwOamWfv0LF74fq0/s400/Finding+quotes.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here is a screenshot of my first book in which I have 4649 quotation marks (I'm currently re-editing it). That alone is an indication that there's an error. As you may have deduced, there should always be an even number of quotation marks.<br />
<br />
So far, I've only found 2 missing quotations in the first 1000 words, but there will be more. In my last 2 books, I had 23 errors in over 7000 quotation marks and 37 errors in over 6000 quotation marks. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>How to perform the search</i></b></span><br />
<br />
Now as you might imagine, 5,6, or 7 thousand is a lot of quotation marks to do a search on. I developed a rhythm of double tapping. That was better, but still not efficient enough. I then developed a rhythm of multiple double taps. taptap, taptap, taptap, taptap. At the end of each double tap, I should be at the end of a sentence and the search number should be an even number. If not, then I know I missed one or have an extra. I go back over the last few sentences and fix it.<br />
<br />
This is still tedious and takes a half hour to an hour to complete. I switch from right hand to left hand about every 1000 quotation marks.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>That's all there is to it.</i></b></span><br />
<br />
It's fairly simple, but that's it. It's the very last step I take before formatting and publishing. It's one of those details that sharpens the quality of your book. It will improve the readability and make it so the reader is less likely to put your story down and go off to do other things.<br />
<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. Carroll<br />
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<br />John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-55606122021126410102017-07-19T18:23:00.000-06:002017-07-19T18:27:07.944-06:00Smashwords July SaleAll but my most recent 2 books are on sale @smashwords for at least half off, including a couple of freebies. A lot of other authors have their books on sale. Click here to follow through, and feel free to shop for others too. :)<br />
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Enjoy!</div>
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All my best,</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
John H. Carroll</div>
John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-72347208520289238442017-07-01T08:04:00.000-06:002017-07-01T08:04:38.963-06:00Sidetracked, Book 4 of the Wyvern Series<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Sidetracked" is now
available!</b></i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Book 4 of the Wyvern Series and the 10th
book set in the world of Ryallon. This
is a continuation of Pelya's story from the Dralin Trilogy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/719345?ref=johnhcarroll" target="_blank">Smashwords</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073LQYN3J" target="_blank">Amazon</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073LQYN3J" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B073LQYN3J" target="_blank">Amazon CA</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B073LQYN3J" target="_blank">Amazon AU</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sidetracked/id1228050324?mt=11" target="_blank">Apple</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sidetracked-john-h-carroll/1126254530" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sidetracked-13" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.createspace.com/7263439" target="_blank">Print</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Book 4 of the Wyvern Series</b></i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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War is an everyday fact of
life for peasants in the Kingdom of Paruth. Ghosts of soldiers remember battles
nobody won. Skeletons of abandoned houses mourn the echoes of families long
gone. Smiles are few and far between on the faces of peasants. And none of
their wise sayings make any sense.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Constant, dreary rain dampens
Pelya’s spirits as she rides Honey through these forlorn lands. Her mission for
the Cloudswept bank fell to a dead end in the dungeons under Riell Castle.
Recovered papers may hold clues to the fate of the Rojuun named Rruum Tarrrii,
but they’re written in an ancient language and only readable with the use of an
enchanted monocle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The influence of the Black
Scale Guild is far greater than she ever imagined. Their leader,
Tyeromaythan-Devourer of Gods, knows who Pelya is and wants her captured. The
plots that banished her from Dralin and the Blue Wyverns are directly linked to
the guild, as is her current mission.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of greater worry to Pelya are
her new friends Verna, Calren and an energetic wyvern by the name of Nervy. In
the past, she has led friends to sorrow and death. Now, with a price on her
head and her inclination to take on ever more dangerous missions, Pelya has
every reason to believe she will bring these idealistic new adventurers to
their deaths too.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Adventure is everything
Calren had hoped and more. He had more treasure than he had ever dreamed of.
They had plans to visit places he had only dreamed of. He traveled with the two
most beautiful women in the world. However, neither show any interest in him.
And no one had ever communicated how terrible killing someone felt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Verna has begun to regret her
excursion into human lands. Humans are cruel and violent. How they tolerate
never-ending war is incomprehensible. If not for Calren and Pelya, she might despair
of hope. Now she just needs to convince them to end all war and bring peace to
the world. That shouldn’t be too hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nervy wasn’t thrilled with
his name. He adored Verna and her friends though. Traveling with them was far
more interesting than flying around the forest and running away from dragons.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Clues lead the group to the
lands of Lord Boagberll and his Huntmaster where the peasants have suffered
worse than any other part of Paruth. They will find answers to the Black Scale
Guild, the Cloudswept Bank and the Rojuun. They’ll discover even more
questions. And maybe in the end, they’ll figure out how to do something about
the war.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The Wyvern Series is a
swords-and-sorcery series following the journeys of Pelya Jornin. After leaving
Dralin, she travels the world searching out injustices and her purpose in life.
Along the way, she makes many friends and even more enemies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All my best,</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
John H. Carroll</div>
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John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-69346631893851042262017-06-26T19:00:00.001-06:002017-06-26T19:00:30.774-06:00Movie Review: Logan<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Three Grumpy Old Men and a Violent Child</span></b></i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logan-Hugh-Jackman/dp/B06XDH6SZP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="1000" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkKKtQP-RHtoq7NjlXfOAEYCoh8eayRYEtFwQHm5-idKGryDE377hrydpbMWD7yEaWAy-KnKacjBInl1LvzYr-Xfw3BPZFGY6VrzPNfwYD1sKSSJc8a_iLTz_1nKMxXLkMCaSeAyO6Go/s320/Logan.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/review/R22BA7MKOSPTB3" target="_blank">My Review</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I recently forced my son to watch Logan with me. Pretty sure that makes me a horrible father.<br />
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This is a horrible movie. The good guys are miserable and really not worth rooting for. The basic premise of the movie is that this world sucks and it's going down from here, so let's just slash everyone. We should set a fabulously bad example for the only children left like us while we're at it. <br />
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The actors in this movie are far too good to give such a horrible script to. If I was Wolverine, I would have slashed the script and stabbed the producers through the chin like he does to the bad guys no one really cares about. If I was professor Xavier, I would have mentally convinced everyone not to waste their money.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm_n0_8BxcLMwgAF-I1KK_aNVzQKYaHGfFzxj9zXmIUaqH3dsOjcnUmGkY_zFBaOrN-QJoB0MJKU3BeZ8vi-vDOvOlhSuuwHe5YAgICp_YTys6JhR9Rj3Ulg_5Kdlw3v8C5K3oSSk8e4/s1600/logan2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm_n0_8BxcLMwgAF-I1KK_aNVzQKYaHGfFzxj9zXmIUaqH3dsOjcnUmGkY_zFBaOrN-QJoB0MJKU3BeZ8vi-vDOvOlhSuuwHe5YAgICp_YTys6JhR9Rj3Ulg_5Kdlw3v8C5K3oSSk8e4/s320/logan2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My expression while suffering through the movie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I have no idea what the critics and fans who said this was good were thinking. Maybe the little girl in the movie threatened to shove them in a locker after school and stab them through the door if they said anything bad. Hard to tell.<br />
<br />
I've been a comic book fan since before I could read. I enjoy most of the movies related to comics and I'm not even too worried about whether or not they stick to canon as long as they're entertaining. This was not entertaining. I realized I've become immune to seeing fake blades and blood all over the place and it's become more of a yawn than it is impressive. There's no shock value left to the gore. They just do it to hide the fact that there's no real plot or decent dialogue.<br />
<br />
I suppose I could go on, but I've already wasted my money. I have no desire to waste further words.<br />
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<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. CarrollJohn H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-74760747105842244372017-06-01T02:25:00.000-06:002017-06-01T02:25:17.841-06:00Cloudswept, Book 3 of the Wyvern Series<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
"Cloudswept" is now
available!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Book 3 of the Wyvern Series and the
9th book set in the world of Ryallon. This
is a continuation of Pelya's story from the Dralin Series.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5y5BKvRtaaqmFJqwajB36EqGpmgRreu3ql4pOt2yPS5hGOObra-bHLIOl_ES-VUa4Zcrpf64kGvuRWkq_Wju_1gE1BNHdWQ_fyDDBMcMAQ6OYXZoOtadERv13DCDoFX8Qt51pCICo8Y/s1600/Cloudswept+Cover+Ebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5y5BKvRtaaqmFJqwajB36EqGpmgRreu3ql4pOt2yPS5hGOObra-bHLIOl_ES-VUa4Zcrpf64kGvuRWkq_Wju_1gE1BNHdWQ_fyDDBMcMAQ6OYXZoOtadERv13DCDoFX8Qt51pCICo8Y/s320/Cloudswept+Cover+Ebook.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZP15Q5" target="_blank">Amazon</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071ZP15Q5" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B071ZP15Q5" target="_blank">Amazon CA</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B071ZP15Q5" target="_blank">Amazon AU</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.createspace.com/7203314" target="_blank">Createspace (Print)</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cloudswept/id1226344015?mt=11" target="_blank">Apple</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cloudswept-john-h-carroll/1126230907" target="_blank">B&N</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/cloudswept" target="_blank">Kobo</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/718082?ref=johnhcarroll" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Book 3 of the Wyvern Series<o:p></o:p></div>
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After banishment from Dralin
and expulsion from the Blue Wyverns, Pelya Jornin is now an agent of the
Cloudswept Bank charged with recovering valuables. The job allows her to travel
the world while keeping her skills sharp. Past failures have led to a vow to
travel alone so as not to endanger lives of those she cares about.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the bank offers her an
assignment to rescue one of the mysterious Rojuun, she jumps at the chance to
learn more about them. Rumors of Rojuun attempts to enslave the human race have
worried her since her first meeting with them in Dralin and more so since her
failed mission in the mountains south of Swelth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The mission takes her deep
into the war-torn country of Paruth where women aren’t allowed to wear swords
and magic is forbidden. Signs of the Black Scale Guild appear, bringing further
intrigue along with grave danger.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Calren has avoided mandatory
conscription into his lord’s army for as long as possible, but time is up.
Rather than join the endless and futile war, he packs his things and abandons
the farm for a life of adventure. But Paruth isn’t the sort of kingdom where
deserters are tolerated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Verna, a Druid wilder than
the forest she grew up in, needs to escape heartbreak. She skips down the road
to learn more about humans and discover why they try so hard to kill each
other.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Pelya seeks answers to events
in her past that sent her life spinning. She fears what those answers may
bring. More than anything, she worries about the fate of those who would
attempt to be her friends. Will her actions get people killed yet again?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The Wyvern Series is a
swords-and-sorcery series following the journeys of Pelya Jornin. After leaving
Dralin, she travels the world searching out injustices and her purpose in life.
Along the way, she makes many friends and even more enemies.<o:p></o:p></div>
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John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-37621617042409263452017-05-29T13:21:00.001-06:002017-05-29T13:21:54.085-06:00Dralin, Chapter 1, new<h2>
<i>New Chapter 1</i></h2>
<div>
As my writing has improved over the years, I've gone back over some of my earlier works to improve them. In "Dralin", I removed the story of how Pelya's parents met because reviews showed me that readers gained a false impression of what the story would be. Many didn't get past that to the true story.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, when I removed that part and adjusted everything to account for its absence, the new beginning point felt weak. While writing a battle scene in one of my later books, I came up with this idea for a new chapter 1 for Dralin that would be a better introduction to my writing for new readers.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
It also introduces Kally Nevala, a character that appears later in the book. It shows off some of Bobbell's skills and how his training benefited Pelya later in life. The other characters brought in are Grinkin, Florsy, and Clutz. Those three make an appearance in the second book, "Ebudae". I thought it would be nice to show more of them to the reader.</div>
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The book will be updated in the next couple of weeks, but for now, enjoy!</div>
<div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Chapter 1<o:p></o:p></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath avoided a puddle of corrupted magic as he peered
around the corner. Violet illumination
from Ryallon’s two moons peeked through rainclouds to aid the feeble light of
streetlamps. Tilted wizard towers
flanking the shadowy street faded into mist tarnished by mystical undertakings
of the occupants. Moisture trickling
down the wall Frath had his gloved hand against also carried the taint of
supernatural pollution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The only person on the street was a hooded man carrying a
bound boy over his shoulder. He scanned
the street in both directions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath pulled back to avoid detection. He held up a hand in warning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Lieutenant Kally Nevala gulped audibly. She clenched the hilt of her sheathed sword with
a white-knuckled grip. The daughter of a
nobleman, she was too inexperienced to be on a mission in the Tower District.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath put a finger to his lips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally nodded, her short, curly blonde hair bobbing around
her pretty face. Anticipation beat out fear
in her hazel eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Behind her in the alley were four of Frath’s best friends
and the only ones who would take the risk of endangering their careers to
rescue Kally’s brother. In fact, they
relished breaking the rules. The entire
group wore the brown tunic of the Dralin City Guard over polished chainmail and
black pants.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell was short and thin-faced with blonde hair and a
trimmed goatee. He and Frath had grown
up in the cruel orphanages of Dralin. He
was also a better thief and pickpocket than most people they arrested.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin, Florsy and Clutz had become quick friends with
Frath when he joined the Guard. They
always fought dirty and used words that made hardened sergeants blush. Florsy was the tallest of the group and
skinny, although his ropey muscles held surprising strength. He winked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz, the quiet one of the group, trimmed his fingernails
with a throwing knife. People
immediately underestimated him because of his name. He was a master of traveling over the tightly
packed rooftops of Dralin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin was stout and bald with a white mustache. His unusually high-pitched voice didn’t match
anything else about him. A grin of
excitement lit his face and he spun his sword in readiness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The sound of knocking echoed through the street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath looked around the corner again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The hooded man stood at the doorway where Kally’s brother
was supposed to be imprisoned. The door
opened. With a last glance at the
street, the man entered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath drummed fingers on the hilt of his sheathed sword
while turning back to look at Lieutenant Nevala. “You’re sure your brother’s in there?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Yes.” Kally stood
straight. “I’ll tell you my informant
works for the Guard’s secret service, but that’s it. She risked her life to find out this much.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin grumbled.
“Just because you joined the secret service doesn’t mean you can trust
everyone else in it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I trust them less.”
Florsy nudged Grinkin with his elbow.
“Could be a trick.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath blew hair out of his eyes. “A guy just went in there with another boy
over his shoulder. I think we’re in the
right place.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally put a hand to her mouth to hide the involuntary gasp
that came out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“If the wizard got another boy, then Kally’s brother is
probably mpphh . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz put his hand over Florsy’s mouth to prevent him from
finishing the sentence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Tears welled in Kally’s eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath put a hand on her shoulder. “Listen, it’s true that your brother’s likely
dead, but we’re going to go in to at least save his body.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Tears rolled down Kally’s cheeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin smacked Frath’s arm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Sorry. That came out
wrong.” Frath ran fingers through his
unruly black hair. “Everything will be
fine. We can do this.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin grunted.
“That’s better. What’s the plan
here? You said you would have one by the
time we reached the tower. We’re here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Yeah. I’ve got it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
They leaned in to listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Bobbell will pick the lock.
We’ll work our way upstairs to the wizard’s workroom. Those are always at the top.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz frowned. “Some
wizards have their workrooms in the basement.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“They do?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Yeah.” His eyes
narrowed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Well . . . we’ll try the top first. If it’s not there, then we’ll go to the
basement.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Florsy snorted.
“Brilliant strategy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell winked.
“Better than he usually comes up with.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath tried to smack his shoulder, but the rogue was too
fast.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Can we even succeed?”
Concern was thick in Kally’s voice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Of course.” Frath
nodded. “There will be wards and other
traps. If we get past those, there’ll be
bodyguards. If we get past those, every
wizard has supernatural guardians, so we’ll have to face those. We may have to face apprentices if he has any. The wizard will be the worst. Our uniforms protect us from some magic, but
the spells he casts will shred those . . .”
He scratched his chin. “Where was
I going? . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Florsy pointed at Frath and asked Bobbell, “Is he always
like this?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell chuckled.
“Yeah, his pep talks make you think stabbing yourself might be the
easier way to go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Sheela would agree with you,” Frath admitted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“When are you and Sheela getting married?” Clutz asked. “I know you have a child coming soon.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I’ll marry her as soon as I can afford a place outside the
barracks.” A rare smile came to Frath’s
lips at the thought of his betrothed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A rat with eyes tainted green from magical pollution tried
to join the group. Clutz kicked it
away. “You two have a baby due
soon. You shouldn’t be risking yourself
on something as foolish as this, Frath.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“<i>Please</i>.” Desperation filled Kally’s voice. “My brother . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“We’re going to rescue him.”
Frath stepped out into the street before anyone else could speak. He hoped the others would follow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally was immediately next to him. They reached the steps to the tower in
moments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell slipped ahead to check the door. He moved his hands and whispered in a
mystical language. A breeze affecting
only him rustled his hair. He made a
sharp gesture.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Colorful runes hovering over the face of the door came into
view.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell swirled his arms and continued his incantation. The runes fizzled and then popped out of
existence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Are we allowed to do that kind of magic?” Kally whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Florsy nudged her arm with an elbow. “Sure.
Just like we’re supposed to be breaking into a wizard’s tower in the
middle of the night.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath took a deep breath.
“You’ll need to forget about rules tonight, Kally.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally set her jaw and readied herself. “Yes.
You’re right.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell took a pouch out of a secret pocket and knelt near
the lock. “I’m glad you’re all making so
much noise. It helps test my focus.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Florsy nudged him.
“You’re welcome.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell glared at him while taking picks out of the
pouch. He inserted three of them in the
door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin looked over Bobbell’s shoulder. “How long will it take you?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The lock clicked.
Bobbell grinned at him and put the picks away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz gave a low whistle.
“Impressive.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell tried the door.
It opened a crack before chains stopped it. He did a quick inspection. “Three?
That’s a bit much.” He pulled out
a roll of twine. “This is going to take
time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Put that away.”
Frath pulled him back. He spotted
where each chain was. “Get ready for a
fight.” He gripped the railing for
leverage. Taking aim, he kicked the door
where the lowest chain was. The snap of
the chain and the splintering of wood shattered the silence of the quiet
street.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell winked at Kally.
“This is how most of his plans evolve.
Between his height and his strength, he usually ends up bashing anything
that gets in his way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clouds floated back in front of the moons. Drizzle pattered the street and freshened the
air.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The next kick shattered the middle chain and weakened the
top. Frath rammed the door with his
shoulder, finishing the last chain off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Standing in the middle of a room filled with dusty books and
dustier furniture was a young woman in a robe.
A supernatural casting wind whipped her hair and robes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Spell!” Frath jumped
to the side and hit the ground in a roll.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Colorful language came from his friends outside. One of the men yanked the door shut, trapping
Frath in the room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The woman thrust her arms forward. The casting wind slammed into her back,
skidding her feet forward on the carpet.
Shards of ice shot from her fingertips.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The first shards hit the door.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
She followed Frath’s motion, sending the shards in a fan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath jumped up out of his roll and ran to escape them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Pain shot through his thigh as two pierced his leg, knocking
him off balance and sending him to the floor.
The enchantments in his guard-issued pants prevented the shards from
going far, but it was still agonizing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The door crashed open.
His friends came through.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz threw a knife.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Her spell finished and danger near, the woman drew a wand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz’s knife hit her in the chest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Enchantments in her robe flared, protecting her from harm.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
They didn’t protect her from Grinkin coming in high and
Florsy coming in low. Enchantments
flared, but the magical swords provided by the guard cut through them, ending
the woman’s life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally ran to Frath and helped him up. “How bad is it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath tested his leg.
Looking down, he saw blood seeping through the holes in the pants. “It’s not serious. I’ll be in more pain after explaining how it
happened to Sergeant Gorman.” He grabbed
a cloth off a side table and tore it in half.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell snatched a small magical orb off a bookshelf. “I can get you a new pair of pants from a
pretty little requisition clerk, no paperwork required.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally’s brow furrowed.
“How will you do that?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“By dropping mine.”
Bobbell winked and slid the orb into a pocket.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally gasped. “That’s
. . .” Her mouth closed. “Did you just steal that orb?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Nope. That would be
unethical.” He pointed at the
stairs. “I believe your brother’s that
way?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Yes but . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin guided her toward the stairs. “You can file a report in the morning. I’m certain your commanding officer will be
more interested in a filched orb than what we were doing here in the first
place.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“It’s just . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Do you even know how to use that sword?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Of course.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Good. Charge up the
stairs and stab anything that gets in the way.”
Grinkin gave her a shove up the first few steps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
She looked back at him in shock.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“You’re the ranking officer here. We’re on a mission to rescue your
brother. Lead the way.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
She looked at Frath for confirmation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath finished his makeshift bandaging and drew his
sword. “Right behind you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally hefted her sword and took a deep breath. She ran up the stairs two at a time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin, Florsy and Clutz ran after her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath popped his neck each way and tried to contain the
anger rising in his chest. It was rare
that anyone hurt him and he didn’t like it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“You still with me, Frath?”
Bobbell stared up at him with worry in his eyes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Yeah.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“It looks like you’re starting to . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I’ve got it under control for now.” Red tinted the edges of his vision.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Does anyone in the guard know about? . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“No.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sounds of fighting came from upstairs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Let’s go.” Frath
jogged to the staircase. He took them
three at a time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When they reached the next level, Kally was in the process
of trying to pull her sword out of a bodyguard.
“Let go!” She had her foot
against the man’s chest and was tugging with all her strength.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The hapless stared in uncomprehending shock at the blade
stuck in his body. His own sword was on
the ground and his arms were at his sides, too weak to fight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Two other bodyguards
and a wizard lay on the ground near Grinkin’s crew. Florsy looked up at the newcomers. He nudged Clutz. “Didn’t he say he was right behind us?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally’s sword finally came free from the ribs. She fell on her behind, her bloody blade
clattering beside her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The bodyguard lurched forward and fell on top of her. The air that burst from his mouth was his
last.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Get off!” Kally
shoved him aside and backpedaled to escape.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Do you think the wizard knows we’re coming?” Grinkin asked
nobody in particular.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Nah. We’ve been quite as sleeping mice.” Bobbell jogged to the next flight of stairs
and looked up them. “Something doesn’t
look quite right about these.” He
squatted at the bottom and ran his fingers lightly over the step. “Keep an eye out for danger while I inspect
these.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz drew a knife in each hand and positioned himself
behind Bobbell.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath clenched and unclenched his fist around the hilt of
his sword while resisting the urge to jump over the Bobbell and rush up the
stairs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin helped Kally to her feet. “Slide the blade in parallel to the ribs
rather than vertical. It’s less likely
to get stuck that way if your aim is good enough.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Yeah.” Kally wiped
spatters of the dead man’s blood off her face before retrieving her sword. “That’s a lot harder in reality than on the
training field.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin squeezed her arm.
“First kill?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“No, but . . .” Kally
shook her head. “I’m ready to go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell made a sharp motion with his knife in between the
steps. “That should disable it.” He jammed the knife in again, got to his feet
and slammed his heel into the pommel of the knife, driving it all the way in. “And that should prevent the mechanism from
slipping on accident.” He stood aside
and gestured for them to pass.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally took a step forward, but Frath stopped her. “I’ll go first now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“But it’s . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath couldn’t contain his growl. “It’s best I go first now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
She backed away, her eyes wide.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Frath . . .” Bobbell
held up a hand.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“I’m fine.” Frath
loped to the stairs before racing up them and charging into a circular room
filled with odd items of magical construction on tables and shelves. Odors of metal, wood and magical energy
tickled Frath’s heightened senses.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A pair of wicked venom hounds stood guard at the bottom of
the next set of stairs. Fangs jutting
from grotesquely shaped mouths held channels to venom that weakened anyone they
bit. Even their breath was toxic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A bestial roar shattered the silence of the room, only it
was from Frath’s throat, rather than those of the hounds. His momentum
propelled him to them in an instant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The hound on the right maneuvered to flank Frath. The one in front hunched down, ready to leap.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath swung his sword in a diagonal downward arc as the hound
in front jumped. His blade cut through
the head and shoulders, slicing through bone.
The impact carried the hound’s body up around as Frath spun.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The hound on the side snarled and leapt for Frath’s exposed
flank.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath’s spin was as a tornado. He brought his sword around with the first
hound stuck to it. In his enraged state,
the hundred-pound body was like a feather to him. He slammed the two hounds together and drove
them into the floor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His blade finished its journey through the first body and
cut through the second in a mortal wound.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally’s voice came from behind him. “By the gods . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath yanked his blade out of the dead hounds, sending
chunks of flesh and coarse hair flying.
He turned to the stairs, ready for the next level.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell rushed past.
“Let me check the stairs.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath waited, chest heaving, not from exertion, but from battle
rage flooding his marrow. It amplified
his strength and speed, but reduced his ability to think clearly. Bobbell knew Frath had the rare condition and
kept it hidden. Most people with the
condition died in battle at an early age or were put to death after they
committed a killing rampage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally touched his arm with tentative fingers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A growl rumbled in his throat. He <i>needed</i>
to battle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
She withdrew the fingers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell jumped up.
“It’s clear. I think we’re near
the top. Expect to be hit with spells.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath grabbed an orb of unknown effect and sprang up the
stairs. Bobbell’s warning was not lost
on him. Halfway up, threw the orb into
the room above.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Arcs of lightning sprayed the air and thunder shook the beams
above. The lightning hit the orb causing
greenish-blue cracks to appear over its surface. It sailed into the room beyond Frath’s sight.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The briefest moment of silence made Frath halt despite his
battle rage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A shockwave of blinding light and thunderous sound shook the
tower and made everyone’s heart stop a beat.
Debris fell from the ceiling, pelting their heads.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath shook off the debris and ringing in his ears. In a few long steps, he reached the top of
the stairs and scanned for his first target.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
A wizard sat on the ground with blood trickling from his
mouth and nose. A dazed expression
clouded his eyes and debris cluttered his beard. A wizard’s staff with a blue crystal lay on
the ground nearby.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The man and boy Frath had seen previously lay unconscious on
the floor against the far end of the room.
With his heightened senses, he noticed they were both breathing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In cages nearby were two other unconscious boys.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But the thing that caught his attention the most was an eight-foot
golem made of wood with patches of what appeared to be rune-carved human flesh
covering it. Its eyes and mouth glowed
with dark, unnatural light. It banged
its head with a clumsy fist to shake off effects of the explosion. Burn marks charred its chest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath decided it was the thing most likely to give him a
fight worthy of his fury. He bellowed at
the creature.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The creature stopped hitting itself. It saw Frath and bellowed back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The ringing in his ears prevented Frath from hearing either
bellow. He attacked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The golem counterattacked, swinging its fist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath met the fist with a two-handed blow of his sword. The impact shattered the golem’s fist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The golem continued the swing, hitting Frath’s nose with
splintered wood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath’s nose had already been broken more than once and the
fact that it was broken yet again sent him the rest of the way into his battle
rage. Liquid red tinted all his
vision. Rather than making it dim, it
sharpened details.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The golem swung its other fist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath met it with a ferocious backswing. He had the sense to duck at the same time to
prevent more damage to his crooked nose.
The blow shattered the golem’s arm and wrenched Frath’s shoulders. He hopped to the side to keep his balance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The wizard picked up his staff and struggled to his feet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally arrived at that point to hit him with her sword.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Enchantments in his robe turned the blade aside. Runes in the robe and in Kally’s sword
flared. He staggered backward and swung
his staff at her.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Upon impact, it released energy that shot Kally through the
air to slam into the golem’s side.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The golem stumbled while Kally crumpled to the ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Two of Clutz’s knives hit the wizard, causing his robe to
flash in protection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The wizard held his staff at the defensive.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin charged in to strike the staff with an upswing. A burst of energy knocked the sword back, but
the guardsman was ready for it. He spun
and came back around behind the wizard with a second blow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Florsy hit the wizard from the front at the same time. Runes in the swords flared. The combinations of attacks took their toll
on the wizard’s robes, weakening it enough that both blades made shallow cuts through
to the skin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Desperation filled the wizard’s eyes. He backed away, swinging his staff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath renewed his effort against the golem. He slashed at its torso, cutting into flesh
and wood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The golem swung its damaged arms as if they were twigs
swaying in a gale.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath dodged every swing.
He was faster than anyone his size had a right to be and with his
heightened senses, it was difficult to harm him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The golem charged forward in an attempt to slam its opponent
to the ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath sidestepped and ducked behind the charge. He brought his sword around against the
golem’s back, knocking it to the floor.
He jumped on the golem’s back and hacked at it as though he were
chopping kindling for a fire.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin, Florsy hacked at the wizard while Clutz and Bobbell
darted in with quick stabs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally regained consciousness and abruptly lurched to her
feet before falling sideways and landing awkwardly. She maneuvered to her hands and knees while
trying to make sense of the battle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The wizard had a dozen cuts through his spent robe. His last desperate swing of the staff missed
everyone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Four swords pierced him with mortal wounds. The men withdrew them at the same time,
leaving him to collapse with a gurgling sigh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The golem kicked and struggled to get up, but was
ineffective without arms.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath continued hacking even after it stopped moving.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin took a step toward him. “Hey Frath, it’s dead.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell stopped him.
“It’s best to let him stop on his own.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally crawled toward the cages. “Tiyler.
Tiyler, is that you?” She reached
one of the cages and jerked on the door.
“It’s locked.” She shook the
bars. “It’s locked.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell ran over, pulling his picks out at the same
time. “I’ll get it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz headed to a desk with an open book and papers
scattered over it. “I’ll try to find a
key.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Florsy removed a bejeweled necklace from the wizard’s
neck. “I’ll start grabbing
valuables. That’ll make it look like
thieves did this.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Despite her desperation, Kally gasped in shock. “We’re members of the guard. We can’t steal things!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin grabbed wands from their rack on a table near the
stairs. “We’ll give most of it to
charity, lass. That way it’s not really
stealing.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Most of it? . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath continued chopping the golem, though it was hard to
tell it had once had a shape by that point.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell conquered the lock and opened the cage.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally forgot her indignation as she scrambled in to recover
her brother. “Tiyler! Tiyler, wake up. Please wake up.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The boy moaned and lifted his head.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Thank the gods.” Kally
clutched him to her chest and rocked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Do you think Frath is going to continue until he has
sawdust,” Florsy asked no one in particular.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell had the second cage unlocked in an instant. “If that’s what he needs, let him.” He went in to check on the other boy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz abandoned his search for the key and went over to the
unconscious man and boy. He leaned over
the man and did a quick inspection before checking the boy and lifting him into
his arms.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath stopped chopping.
The red left his vision. He
twisted his neck each way to pop it.
“Are we finished?” He wiped off
his blade and scanned the room.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Bobbell came out of the cage with the boy over his
shoulder. “Yeah. Let’s get out of here. Kally has her brother and we can take these
other two to the Temple of Turqua.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Who is Turqua again?”
Florsy shoved some valuables into a backpack he found. “I can’t keep up with all the temples in this
city.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally held carried her brother out of his cage. “The Goddess Turqua can’t bear children, so
she nurtures those without homes. Can
someone sheath my sword for me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Grinkin picked it up off the floor and cleaned it off as she
had asked. “I wish more women would ask
me that.” He winked playfully.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally smirked. “I’m
sure you do.” She looked around once
more. “Oh, what should we do about the
man who brought that boy in?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Took care of it.”
Clutz headed to the stairs.
“Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“You killed him?”
Despair cracked Kally’s voice as she noticed the pool of blood spreading
under the body.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath put his arm around her shoulders and guided her out of
the room. “There are countless men in
Dralin who steal children. The city
won’t miss that one.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally choked back tears as she let the men lead her down the
stairs and out of the tower into the night.
Rain fell on their heads as they made their way to the temple, hiding
any that might have escaped.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath sat on the bench outside the temple with his arms
resting on his legs and his head hung.
The others were inside seeing to the safety of the boys. If they had parents, the temple would reunite
them. If not, they would try to find
them homes outside of Dralin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His nose throbbed and the cuts in his leg itched. He had a couple of bruises in random places
he didn’t remember getting. Sergeant
Gorman, who was in charge of Frath’s squad, would grill him when Frath got
back. He could hide the bruises and the
cuts in his leg, but not the broken nose.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally was the first to come out with her brother clinging to
her side. In a flash, she was at his
side. “Frath, drink this. Quickly now.”
She clasped his jaw and held a vial to his lips while tipping his head
back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frath grabbed her wrist, surprised by the abrupt action, but
didn’t fight her. Cool syrup flowed down
his throat, tickling it with mystical energy. As soon as it hit his stomach, the throbbing
in his nose stopped and all bodily pains left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“There. Now you don’t
need to worry about getting into trouble.”
Kally tapped the last of the syrup into his mouth and took the vial
away. She took a closer look at his
face. “Your nose is still crooked.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“You . . .” Frath
stared at her with eyes wide. “Healing
potions cost . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
She stoppered the vial and tucked it into a belt pouch. “My father will pay the cost. It’s a small dose made by an acolyte rather
than a full bottle by a priest. There’s
a chance you may grow an extra ear.” She
winked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“They wouldn’t have sold it if it was bad. Even that much is a fortune. If you wanted me healed, a priest, or even an
acolyte could have laid their hands on me for a fraction of the cost. Why . . .”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Kally chewed on her lip, took a breath to answer, and then
paused before saying, “To reduce the chance of discovery of course. Healing drains energy and would have put you
out of commission for days. With a
potion, it’s as though nothing happened.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Yeah. I don’t hurt
anymore.” He stretched and tested his
muscles. “I’m a little tired and hungry
though.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Like I said, it was made by an acolyte, so you’ll still
feel some of the adverse effects.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The others came out at that point. “The boys are safe.” Bobbell gestured for Frath to get up. “We’re going to be late for roll call, Frath. Let’s go.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“We need to escort Kally’s brother back to his father’s
estate. Kally’s capable, but Dralin isn’t
safe for a lone woman and boy.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“You two get back to the barracks.” Grinkin put a protective hand on Kally’s
shoulder. “We’ll ensure they get home
safely.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Florsy nudged Clutz in the ribs with an elbow. “Yeah.
The only thing that would make <i>our</i>
sergeant suspicious is if we showed up on time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Clutz rubbed his rib and chuckled. “True enough.
Go on Frath.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Thanks guys. I
appreciate it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
They exchanged farewells.
Frath and Bobbell used a few coins confiscated from the wizard’s tower
to hire a taxi cart back to the barracks.<o:p></o:p></div>
John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-40744081823370700382016-05-28T13:14:00.000-06:002016-05-28T13:14:18.209-06:00Book Review: Soul Bonds, Book 1 of The Circle of Light Series.<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>The Circles of Light Series</em></strong></span><br />
<div class="content">
<br />
The Circle of Light Series is an epic fantasy series filled with dragons, magic, adventure and everything wonderful about fantasy. It is excellent reading for all ages, well written and edited.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Book 1, Soul Bonds</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOax3KfE5zaK7OvS3s0p0p7suZrDKqnagsJ5N_nWwlxfCN6A6GtJDYg5P-w7KsukTaL0Tvf5SqrvxcVJ1DcoUBQTy6joAwxc2bYR2h4qNUstQL7MF4p-JHDZCPgePr74vonOsYdkYiHAI/s1600/soul+bonds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOax3KfE5zaK7OvS3s0p0p7suZrDKqnagsJ5N_nWwlxfCN6A6GtJDYg5P-w7KsukTaL0Tvf5SqrvxcVJ1DcoUBQTy6joAwxc2bYR2h4qNUstQL7MF4p-JHDZCPgePr74vonOsYdkYiHAI/s320/soul+bonds.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/146078/ref?=johnhcarroll" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1T624C" target="_blank">Amazon</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><b>Description</b>:</em></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">A young slave girl flees from the Lord who owns her, choosing to die in the mountains rather than become one of his 'pretties'. When that death seems all too likely, she is found by one of the Dragon Kindred and Tika's life takes a twist she could never have imagined in her wildest dreams - or her worst nightmares.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
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You can get it at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B019B8XL1Q" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/600138?ref=johnhcarroll" target="_blank">Smashwords</a><br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-bonds-em-sinclair/1111649481" target="_blank">B&N</a><br />
<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/soul-bonds-book-1-circles-of-light-series" target="_blank">Kobo</a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Review</b></span></i><br />
<br />
This is the first book in the Circles of Light Series. It is epic fantasy safe for young adults, though there is mild fantasy violence. If you're looking for books to keep your interest for lots of reading that may keep you up well past your bedtime, you've found it here.<br />
<br />
Tika is a young slave girl with a mysterious past. After escaping from her slavery to almost certain death, she discovers the fascinating world of dragons. Those dragons are the best part of the story. I could tell the author spent a lot of time daydreaming about them and what their existence would be like.<br />
<br />
The story begins immediately with Tika's discovery of those dragons. She forms a bond (thus the title name) with one and her life intertwines with the species from that point on. You learn about the dragons and about Tika for a chapter or two, giving you the foundation for the rest of the story.<br />
<br />
While Tika is the main character, the story that follows is largely about the dragons. They have personalities as big as they are. The characters of the dragons are distinct. It's easy to fall in love with some and dislike others with a passion. Not surprisingly, they aren't all happy about having a human among them, a fact that becomes pivotal in the events that follow.<br />
<br />
Once much of the dragon's story is presented, the plot switches back to Tika, who may be more than just a runaway slave girl. Tika is a strong and courageous woman without being a Mary Sue. She's capable and talented, but inexperienced. There are other strong women in the story whose conversations move the plot forward, rather than focusing on relationships and the such. Basically, the author avoids the pitfalls that plague so many other strong female leads.<br />
<br />
Upon reaching a new destination midway through the book, the rest of the world begins opening up. The reader gets to meet some of the other races in the world. It's a fascinating world too with exotic geographies and civilizations that are touched upon without bogging down into mind-numbing world-building.<br />
<br />
The villain and some of the evil races are quite easy to dislike. The villain's personality is well developed and multifaceted rather than being one-dimensional. There's also a good deal of mystery as to his past.<br />
<br />
The ending closes the book well with excitement and suspense. It leads one to want the next story. The one negative I found was that it was difficult to keep track of the names on occasion as a few of them sound similar. But that was resolved as the personalities developed. Each character is very much their own and their voices are distinct from each other.<br />
<br />
One of the things I liked is the mystery involved with every character, who they are and why they are that way. The author teases the reader with hints, but never fully reveals what the past may hold. There are stories to develop through the rest of the series.<br />
<br />
E.M. Sinclair's writing is daydreamy (yes, that's a word). You can see the fascination she has in exploring her world with her characters. The book is professional quality and well edited. I highly recommend for all ages.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>About the Author</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<em>"From as far back as I can remember, I have always had a feeling that Dragons are real. When you look at a wide sky there is a glimpse from the corner of your eye which must surely be a Dragon whisking past. I always regarded the stories of monstrous fierce Dragons as being completely wrong and I detested stories of St George and his dragon killing tendencies.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em> When I was still a small child my grandfather gave me a copy of Kenneth Grahame's The Reluctant Dragon. It made complete sense to me - a Dragon living in a secluded cave, wanting only peace and quiet to write poetry."</em><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Disclaimer</span></b></i><br />
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I have decided to review books that I enjoy. I am an avid reader of fantasy, so most of them will be in that genre. I'm not taking any requests, just reading what catches my eyes. You'll find that most of these are from Indie Authors. The way I figure it, David Eddings, Anne McCaffrey, Alan Dean Foster and Piers Anthony (my favorite authors) already have enough reviews, but Indies could always use a few more.<br />
<br />
It is important to note here that while I am a writer, I am doing these reviews as a <i><b>reader</b></i>. I also know a number of the authors I will be reviewing. This is<i> not </i>an exchange of reviews, nor have I been solicited by those authors to write the review. If I don't like a book, I won't review it.<br />
<br />
All my best,<br />
<br />
John H. CarrollJohn H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229757531011364732.post-76234851897157126042016-05-24T19:57:00.001-06:002016-05-24T20:00:27.600-06:00Short Sell Hell<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Selling a house</i></b></span><br />
<br />
Yay! This will be an enjoyable process, yes?<br />
Sure, it will totally be enjoyable. You betcha. Bless your little heart.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Making the decision to sell a house</span></i></b><br />
<br />
So, my wife and I decided to move our family one day. Our biggest obstacle was selling the house we had owned for 10 years. We loved the house, just not the town around it anymore. We had a mortgage and a second line of credit on it. Considering how much the market had dropped in the previous few years, we knew we probably wouldn't make it. So we hired a realtor who had experience in short sales just in case it came to that.<br />
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Before I continue, I just want to say that Allison Fuhrman was epically awesome. Best realtor ever.<br />
<br />
And US Bank Home Mortgage was epically horrible. Worst mortage company ever.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>House for sale</i></b></span><br />
<br />
We posted the house! Allison sent us this wonderful email on October 3rd, 2012:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Carroll Family,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Here is the MLS listing with all photos and virtual tours.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Please verify the information. If you see anything you would like to change or modify please do not hesitate to contact me the changes. I have listed the home as a 3 bedroom, because of the sq. ft. and bathroom count I felt this is a better marketing plan. The photos came out great and I am very happy with the v-tour as well. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;"> am very excited about selling your home and I thank you for the opportunity to do so.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Warm Regards,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.3px;">Allison</span><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">The house</span></b></i><br />
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Here is a picture of the house. It was such a cute little brick Victorian. We absolutely loved the house and the property lit up like a gingerbread house around Christmas.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wobItTdu5_y82mA8CCk7RPPjKQrSKJeo3J14dgBmymnNDvb4FG-hAMt0Kvhlp0wwcEI-XgKU8mz0bUyT_GtqoG7qEcHMumx1KEmdKWGAxNiQ5pNSyQl4Ao58tUZVajvdzgBVVPqKqfE/s1600/215040_1023329317236_1883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3wobItTdu5_y82mA8CCk7RPPjKQrSKJeo3J14dgBmymnNDvb4FG-hAMt0Kvhlp0wwcEI-XgKU8mz0bUyT_GtqoG7qEcHMumx1KEmdKWGAxNiQ5pNSyQl4Ao58tUZVajvdzgBVVPqKqfE/s320/215040_1023329317236_1883_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Fast forward</span></i></b><br />
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Woohoo! The house is sold! . . . <u>May 20th, 2016.</u><br />
<br />
3 YEARS 7 MONTHS later! <br />
<br />
Honestly, I didn't say woohoo. I pretty much walked out in disbelief after finally signing the paperwork.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>What happened</i></b></span><br />
<br />
The house didn't sell. We initiated an aggressive strategy of lowering the price every month in the hope of generating interest and keeping the listing refreshed.<br />
<br />
And then everything in our lives fell apart. Like on an epic level. I mean it really went to crap. I'm not even going to talk about it.<br />
<br />
The house was the least of my concerns. I told Allison that we should let it get repossessed. I didn't care about it in the least. She encouraged me to keep going though. A short sale would be far worse for my credit than a repossession. Bolstered by her words, I told her that I would plug away. Just let me know what she needed and I'd take care of it.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>First buyer</i></b></span><br />
<br />
Woohoo! We got a buyer. Lots of papers to sign and send off to the bank. Every detail of my woeful finances was bare to them. Now we just needed to hurry up and wait . . .<br />
<br />
. . . and wait<br />
<br />
. . . and wait<br />
<br />
After months of waiting, the buyer left.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Another buyer!</i></b></span><br />
<br />
More papers, more financial details and more months of waiting.<br />
<br />
Buyer gives up.<br />
<br />
The next one barely lasted 2 months I believe.<br />
<br />
And another,<br />
<br />
And another,<br />
<br />
Years have passed. By this time, they have years worth of financial data on how bad things went.<br />
<br />
Another,<br />
<br />
Another, this one super crazy. They left too.<br />
<br />
Another,<br />
<br />
Another before the other has left. This one even crazier. <br />
<br />
Honestly, I'm not exactly sure how many we went through. At least 7. I believe it may have been as many as 10.<br />
<br />
Along the way, I filed a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. But it wasn't until I contacted my senator's office with the complaint that we finally saw progress. After 3 years, it seemed like a reasonable step.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Progress</i></b></span><br />
<br />
It took constant work to get the bank to respond to even the simplest requests. But we finally received short sale approval. And then they gave us a deadline of 3 weeks to close. We managed to do it though<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Details</span></i></b><br />
<br />
Are lacking in this post. I really just wanted to write it in order to close a difficult chapter of my life. This is a woohoo sort of letter/thingy/whatever.<br />
<br />
My house is sold! Yay!<br />
<br />
If you ever want to buy a house in the Colorado Springs area, I recommend contacting Allison. She will do her best for you. Just please don't put her through the hell I did.<br />
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<tr style="line-height: 21.3px;"><td height="20px" style="line-height: 21.3px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;">Allison Fuhrman<br style="line-height: 18.46px;" />Cherry Creek Properties, LLC<br style="line-height: 18.46px;" />(office) 720-980-9997<br style="line-height: 18.46px;" />(cell) 719-684-3398<br style="line-height: 18.46px;" />(fax) 719-634-6064<br style="line-height: 18.46px;" />fuhrmanrealty@gmail.com</span></td></tr>
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All my best,<br />
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John H. Carroll</div>
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John H. Carrollhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12796783489755711817noreply@blogger.com2