Swift Six Character Interview – Ozena Lyn – Fantasy/Bundle/Dark Fantasy

Tags

book bundles, Character Interviews, elves, Fantasy, Heroic Tales, Indie Promotion, Swift Six, The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles

 

Name: Ozena Lyn

Which book/world do you live in?

I live in Erana, as the humans call it. My home was Szendro, until it was destroyed by slavers – that’s in the Shimmering Forest.

The books I am in are called The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles, and The Shining Citadel.

Tell us about yourself: (Name, race/species, etc.)

I’m an elf, specifically a Forest Elf; elves were once the dominant race in Erana, but since the Plague, and the rule of the Order of Witch-Hunters the elves are lower than cattle. We are not free, and have no rights. Forest Elves tend to live in more traditional way, deep in the forest, or the wilderness but even there we are not safe. The Order or the Slavers can and do come at any time, believe me.

I am a huntress and archer by profession, and now a tracker. My father was the same, before he was killed many years ago. My mother was a craftswoman.  Except for my sister and some more distant kin I had no family in Szendro but, in such communities, all elves are kin. We must be, for if we do not unite we will fall.

Many of the humans treat elves very badly, as I have said we have no rights under law and so maybe treated however the human wishes. We cannot move around the land without the required papers and with the consent of our owners.  I am lucky, my human is kind and gives us much freedom.  But many elves are not so fortunate.

I’m an adventurer – why should I recruit you to accompany me?

I am an archer adept, and a tracker. I was my old tutor’s best student – so he said. I won’t say I never miss, but it’s rare. I’m a fair swordswoman too. These days I know about poisons, stealth, concealment and how to kill efficiently. Once I was an innocent, niave you would say. That was before the Slavers came. There was not much to threaten us – except the odd bear or wolf. We were complacent.  That will never happen again.

Archos (my human) tells me we would never have found the Shining Citadel without my skills. And the journey through the mountains and forest was very arduous.

Tell us about your companions?  How do they see you?

Well, I hope Olek loves me! He does get exasperated, I know that. He is far more worldly than I and a good deal older. Sometimes I don’t understand the ways of the world beyond the forest, but I’m getting better.

Lord Archos – I haven’t a clue. We live in his house so I guess he likes me. Sometimes I feel second after him in Olek’s eyes. I know who he’d choose if he had to. Although I guess Olek has served Archos for more years than I have been alive – their bond is strong.  Archos is not easy to live with. He is wise but often rather arrogant and he has a terrifying temper. He’s never used it on me, but I’d not like to truly cross him. Archos has powers beyond which not many can stand and, so I have been told, mages are passionate. That passion and emotion can fuel the magic. Most mages are weak and timid. They are treated even worse than elves – magic is forbidden – on pain of death, you see.

Archos is an Archmage – and revered by my society but often I feel rather stupid around the mages – Dii and Archos. They are far better educated and have seen so much more than I have. Magic is mysterious and dangerous – I can’t hope to understand it.  I think he sees me as a child or an indulgence for Olek. I am very grateful for all his kindness but he is not an easy man to be around.

Dii and I are friends, she is kind and gentle. I can’t imagine what she’s been through. Dii will take my side sometimes if Archos and I disagree.

Th’alia – who joined us on our adventure to find the Citadel – does not like me. She is rude, not just to me but to everyone. I know she suffered at the hands of the Order but so has Dii, and Dii does not behave in such a way. Th’alia is supposed to be an Eltenda – a lore keeper and historian – but she thinks the old tales and the myths of our past are foolish. She does not believe and scorns those who do. She is highborn – nobility – and I am ‘just’ a hunter from a small village and humble stock.

What’s your most heroic exploit to date?

Finding the Shining Citadel! I was so worried we would never get there, we were lost and in trouble. We could not return home. It was finding the Citadel, find a way out of the forest or die trying. I still cannot believe it.  This place is both the past and the future of the elves – a great city cloaked in magic with hundreds if not thousands of years of history. There are elves – well not living ones there but one day Lor’Athinis will be great again. It’s a secret if the Order ffindsout they will try and destroy it.

What’s your greatest failure?

My sister.  You’ll have to read to find out more. Please don’t make me talk about it.

Where do you think you’ll be in a decade?

Dead, probably. The fight we undertake is dangerous. I doubt all of us will live.  If I am still alive I’d like to be raising a family in safety and freedom. Elves have little – but we do have hope. We must, or fall entirely.

Do you have a great love? (This could be a person/trait/item)

Olek. The elven men in the village were all rather dull in comparison.  But they are all dead now, or missing.  Olek is so worldly; deadly and kind in equal measures. He taught me to be brave, that a woman and an elf can be equal to a man and a human.  He has shown me the world beyond the Shimmering Forest, and I know I will always be safe with him. Because of Olek, and to an extent Archos, I am far more confident, far surer of my skills.

Book Links

The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2bPpspP

Amazon.com audio http://amzn.to/2iBgmQV

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2i2KJfE

Amazon UK audio http://amzn.to/2iXfIdc

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2iB9PWl

I-books http://apple.co/2j0pYW2

Audible UK http://adbl.co/2bGqZvO

Audible http://adbl.co/2hHT8El

Bundle Rabbit

The Shining Citadel

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2c5LghC

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2iqOXkr

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2hHRv9K

I-books http://apple.co/2j0B4u8

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2iOOWoB

Audible UK http://adbl.co/2iSW5GF

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2j1DSnF

Audible.com http://adbl.co/2i3tf5t

 

Heroic Tales

BundleRabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/b/heroic-tales

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/heroic-tales

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2u33Tfd

I books https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1257100962

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073T45HYB/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073T45HYB/

 

Author Bio

British-born Alexandra Butcher (a/k/a  A. L. Butcher) is an avid reader and creator of worlds, a poet, and a dreamer, a lover of science, natural history, history, and monkeys. Her prose has been described as ‘dark and gritty’ and her poetry as evocative.  She writes with a sure and sometimes erotic sensibility of things that might have been, never were, but could be.

Alex is the author of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles and the Tales of Erana lyrical fantasy series. She also has several short stories in the fantasy, fantasy romance genres with occasional forays into gothic style horror. With a background in politics, classical studies, ancient history and myth, her affinities bring an eclectic and unique flavour in her work, mixing reality and dream in alchemical proportions that bring her characters and worlds to life.

 

Social Media links

Amazon Author page http://amzn.to/2hK33OM

Facebook Author Page http://bit.ly/FB2j0bbdZ

Twitter http://bit.ly/Twi2hJZ3h9

Goodreads http://bit.ly/GR2iqokvK

Library of Erana Blog http://bit.ly/Blog2iAWL3o

Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-butcher-8342ab13b/

Tumblr https://libraryoferana.tumblr.com

 

 

New Release – Tears and Crimson Velvet #Phantom #shortstory #horrorfantasy

Tags

Books, Erik, horror, Horror fantasy, new release, Phantom, Phantom of the Opera, tragic romance

Here’s today’s news:) I am delighted to announce the release of my latest short story – Tears and Crimson Velvet – a short story based (loosely) on the characters and events in Phantom of the Opera.

The latest Legacy of the Mask Tale features Madam Giry, a much underrated and misunderstood character.

Giry finds herself embroiled in the tragedy unfolding at the Opera house; mystery and murder stalk the corridors and, it is said, a ghost haunts the place. Giry knows the truth, for she recalls the caged man she met so many years ago. This is her story, their story.

When murder and mystery begin at the Opera House one woman knows who is behind it, and what really lies beneath the mask. Secrets, lies and tragedy sing a powerful song in this ‘might have been’ tale.
A short, tragic tale based on characters from Phantom of the Opera.

Amazon UK

Amazon.com

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073TMFF9M/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073TMFF9M/

 

Smashwords Summer Sale 1-31st July #Fantasy #Booksale

Tags

book sale, Fantasy, fantasy books, Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles, Smashwords Sale, Summer sales, Tales of Erana

It’s that time of year again! Smashwords are having another sale.

This year I am offering the following in the sale at 50% discount with code SSW50.

(Please note the Light Beyond the Storm, Shining Citadel and Stolen Tower are 18 rated for sexy scenes, themes and some violence).

Shattered Mirror – A Poetry Collection  

Now $1.50

 

The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I 

Now $1.50

The Shining Citadel

Now $1.75

The Stolen Tower

Now $1.62

 

And Free!

Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake  

Tales of Erana: Myths and Legends

Tales Of Erana: Just One Mistake in Audio! #Talesoferana #fantasy

Tags

adult fantasy, audiobook, Fantasy, Tales of Erana

I’m very pleased to share my news today – my latest release is out in audio. Narrated by Rob Goll – who narrated Warrior’s Curse and Books I and II of Light Beyond.

Currently it’s available on Amazon and Audible but should be arriving on I-tunes soon.

18 rated.

Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake

Coel, the bard, thinks his life has taken a turn for the worst, but he hasn’t met the Thiefmaster yet. An ill-conceived notion of earning more money to pay off his debt and escape a dark past leaves the minstrel in a situation he can’t escape and with a deadly bargain. Will he survive his mistake? Who is this mysterious patron?

Amazon audio http://amzn.to/2sp7Hqk
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2tikBCW

Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake on Audible.co.uk

Swift Six Character Interview – Lord Archos – fantasy

Tags

Character Interview, Fantasy, Fantasy Character, Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles, Magic, Swift Six

Name/Race/Species/Age etc:

Name: Archos Terrian Stormrager, Lord of Tremellic, Lord of the Arcane Realms, Lord of the Storm. I am the Oncoming Storm. Lord Archos will do.

For you Lord Archos will do.

Race: I appear human, but in reality I am the last Skychild who walks this land. My father was a human sorcerer and my mother an Elemental – one of the servants of the Sky Goddess. I have met her perhaps three times. The woman who raised me as her own died so many years ago. All humans who carry magic have elven blood, and distant in my father’s line is such a lineage.

There are perhaps less than half a dozen people in all Erana who know this – for I am a sorcerer, and that alone means I am an outlaw and my secrets are deadly. If the Order of Witch-Hunters knew of what I truly am I am certain they would redouble their efforts to deal with me. As it is because of my position both as a nobleman and the relative seclusion of my home, plus monthly bribes and backhanders to those in power mean for now I am ignored. If I am careful.  Recently I have been more… forthcoming with my powers and skills and it has been noticed.

Not even I can take on large numbers of Order soldiers, especially when they bring banecrystal weapons.

Age: *Shrugs. I was born before the arrival of the last Plague and the instigation of martial law. That was centuries ago. One looses track.

Which book/world do you live in? I live in Erana. This world features in the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – which detail my adventures and those of my companions; Tales of Erana – these are tales of lore and adventure.

I’m an adventurer – why should I recruit you to accompany me? *Smiles. Because I am a Powerful Sorcerer, because I know a good deal of history and lore and because we will likely meet magic on our adventures. Despite the best efforts of the Order to irradicate it, magic persists. Can you deal with monsters, demons, terrible wounds and forbidden lore? I didn’t think so.

But then again I am not a man to take orders, from anyone.  So why should I agree to accompany YOU? Turn your question around – what can you offer me to tempt me to leave the safety of my valley?

Tell us about your companions?  How do they see you? Ah, my allies. Olek, my faithful Olek. He is a better man than I. We are closer than brothers, although to the outside world he is but a servant. Elves and half-elves can be nothing more. I trust him with my life, and he has saved it so many times. Once I took him from the execution cell – bought his life with gold and guile but he has repaid that many times over. No one knows more about me, and no one serves our needs with such devotion.  Olek is clever, and the most skilful thief and assassin in the land.

Do I have lady-friend? Yes, my beloved Dii’Athella. Poor Dii, for her life was hard and she survived with a determination and will I have rarely seen. Dii is a joy, she sees life with such wonder and such capacity to love. Despite all that has befallen her still she is kind, gentle and curious. We are bound in love and magic, nothing is stronger. Some say not even death can break bonds such as ours. I hope with all my heart we never have to test that theory, although it’s been close on more than one occasion.

Ozena is Olek’s lady. She came to me asking for aid to rescue her sister and the elves from her village. Such was young, naive and frightened; for her to as the assistance of a strange human would have taken a good deal of courage and necessity. Now she has bloomed into a talented young woman, a great archer and tracker and she speaks her mind. Yes indeed.

There are others, of course. My Steward Simon – who manages the villages and lands in my stead, especially when I am not available. He is a man whom I trust implicitly; he’s an excellent forger – and a man who sees far more than most about people. Of course, the villagers don’t know his past but Simon has served me for twenty years – and my people understand why we live as we live in seclusion. There is more freedom in Tremellic than any other settlement this side of the Far Isles. There are no Witch-Hunters, no slavers and such liberty is defended to the last man. One day I am sure the Order will come in numbers, and we will not go lightly. Simon ensures the villagers know what they have under my protection.

How do they see me? Dii loves me, Olek loves me, Ozena – I am not sure. She is a little apprehensive. I often appear arrogant and aloof – but for good reason and all know not to provoke my temper.  I  have taken many lives by my own hand and those of my allies. Do not trifle with me, and you will not feel my wrath.

Love is far more a powerful tool than fear but fear has its place. A person will die for loyalty and love of another. But the wrath of the Oncoming Storm is terrible.

What’s your most heroic exploit to date? The Shining Citadel. We found the lost elven citadel of Lor Ar’thinis. We almost died in the endeavour and the price paid was high – for the truths we found there may yet destroy us. Not to mention the loss of the Tree of Always. But we have that Power now, that knowledge and the hope it will bring when the time is right.

What’s your greatest failure? The death of my brother, so long ago. That I too late finding Dii to save her from the ‘attentions’ of the Order. That my spies and allies are not enough in number that they may be everywhere. That the Order of Witch-Hunters still blight this land with their pernicious law. I have buried more friends than I like to admit and mourned many others. The fight we fight is a costly one.

Where do you think you’ll be in a decade? *Looks thoughtful. I scry now and then to see the future but it’s a dangerous pastime; a friend told me war is coming and I believe her. I may well be dead in a decade, or up to my armpits in gore. Perhaps if I am very lucky we will triumph and free this land from the tyranny.  Who knows in uncertain times.

Do you have a great love? (This could be a person/trait/item) Dii. My Dii’Athella. Her light shines brighter than the sun and her kindness will likely save us all, should we live that long. Dii is far more than she knows, and even I know. Her magic is wild and off the old sort for she carries the Blood which Flows with the Light. Dii has bloomed like the flower which is ner namesake and we are all the better for it.

I suppose my other great love is magic. You must understand we live in a world where magic is forbidden, hunted down and chained. But magic is under the rule of no man, not in truth for it is everywhere and finds it way to be seen. The Order thinks they can stamp it out. For three hundred years they had tried and failed, although these days magic is afraid and hides its face. Magic is knowledge and knowledge is power, and freedom. One day the magic will truly return and it will no longer be a shameful secret.

 

Links to book etc

The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles series – an adult fantasy/fantasy romance series, with a touch of erotica.

The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I

In a dark world where magic is illegal and elves are enslaved a young elven sorceress runs for her life from the house of her evil Keeper. Pursued by his men and the corrupt Order of Witch-Hunters she must find sanctuary. As the slavers roll across the lands stealing elves from what remains of their ancestral home the Witch-Hunters turn a blind eye to the tragedy and a story of power, love and a terrible revenge unfolds.

18 rated.

Audio editions narrated by Rob Goll

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2bPpspP

Amazon.com audio http://amzn.to/2iBgmQV

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2i2KJfE

Amazon UK audio http://amzn.to/2iXfIdc

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2iB9PWl

I-books http://apple.co/2j0pYW2

Audible UK http://adbl.co/2bGqZvO

Audible http://adbl.co/2hHT8El

Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/members/ebook/overview/XDOAydON

 

The Shining Citadel – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book II

Who rules in this game of intrigue where magic is forbidden and elves enslaved? Journey where beliefs shatter like glass, truth is unwelcome and monsters from ancient times abound: share the romance and revenge, magic and passion, and the wages of greed in a world of darkest fantasy.

(18 rated)

Now in audio narrated by Shakespearean actor Rob Goll.

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2c5LghC

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2iqOXkr

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2hHRv9K

I-books http://apple.co/2j0B4u8

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2iOOWoB

Audible UK http://adbl.co/2iSW5GF

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2j1DSnF

Audible.com http://adbl.co/2i3tf5t

 

Brief appearance in

The Stolen Tower – the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book III

What stalks the land cannot be, but is.

Where magic is outlawed a troll Shaman calls from her deathbed to her heiress, Mirandra Var, daughter of the storm. Mirandra vows to find her missing kin, sort friend from for, and claim the dangerous secrets guarded by unthinkable creatures. If she succeeds she will become the leader of her tribe. If she fails there will be no tribe to lead.

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2ivJjeL

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2hKF4Ns

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2hKOZTv

I-books http://apple.co/2iBiA2E

Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/stolen-tower

Also

BundleRabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/b/heroic-tales

 

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/heroic-tales

 

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2u33Tfd

 

I books https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1257100962

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073T45HYB/

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073T45HYB/

 

Swift Six Character Interview – Coel – Fantasy

Tags

Character Interviews, Fantasy, Fantasy Character, Indie Promotion, Swift Six, Tales of Erana

#Fantasy #swiftsix #characters

Name:  Coel.

Which book/world do you live in? Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake – set in the world of Erana. I understand it’s a little like your world once was, but with more magic.

Tell us about yourself: (Name, race/species, etc.) My name is Coel, I’m human and I live in Varlek, the primary city of Erana. It’s not where I was born – but that’s another story. Valek is a jaded old crone but she shelters many sins beneath her gown, so for now I stay.

I’m an adventurer – why should I recruit you to accompany me? Songs. Everyone needs music – although they might not know it. Music is free and equal to those who it touches. Music cares not if you are man or woman, elf or human, slave or free. Music can never be tamed, not truly. And songs can rouse a man to war, or love, or glory.  I’m a bard; a singer of songs and teller of stories. Take me along and your deeds shall be remembered and retold.

And I am… flexible in my tastes so if you feel the need for a bedwarmer then I can please. Or if you need information then I can be persuasive.

Tell us about your companions?  How do they see you? I don’t have many ‘companions’ here. There’s Elsa – she’s friendly enough but then that’s her job. Oh and the Thiefmaster. Yes, him. He’s not exactly a companion, more of an employer. Not that I had much choice. He must like be, or think I’m useful. I’m still alive.

What’s your most heroic exploit to date? I stole a valuable item from right under the nose of the owner – an odious slaver – and laid his wife. Apparently, the man is now a laughing stock. Oh and then there is Arabella – but you’ll have to read my adventure for that story.

What’s your greatest failure? I don’t always think things through. I can’t see all the outcomes. But then who can?

Where do you think you’ll be in a decade? Dead. Unless I am very lucky indeed.

Do you have a great love? (This could be a person/trait/item) Music. Which I’m learning is a type of magic. When I sing I am free. When I sing I can be anyone, or anything. It doesn’t last forever, but sometimes it lasts long enough. But I’m just a conduit for it. Music does what it pleases with me. Sometimes I sound like a dying cat, sometimes I sing like a god.

There was a woman too – Arabella of Jaeden. And I’m quite fond of young Halecome – he’s sweet if rather dim.

 

Links to book etc

Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake

Coel, the bard, thinks his life has taken a turn for the worst, but he hasn’t met the Thiefmaster yet. An ill-conceived notion of earning more money to pay off his debt and escape a dark past leaves the minstrel in a situation he can’t escape and with a deadly bargain. Will he survive his mistake? Who is this mysterious patron?

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2pQADCj

Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2orn0s9

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/696686

Kobo http://bit.ly/2oMTwdh

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2puZ4WL

 

Print Editions

Amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1546421726/

Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1546421726/

Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake – #fantasy #swordnsorcery

Tags

Fantasy, Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles, new release, Tales of Erana

Hurrah! Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake is now live!

Coel, the bard, thinks his life has taken a turn for the worst, but he hasn’t met the Thiefmaster yet. An ill-conceived notion of earning more money to pay off his debt and escape a dark past leaves the minstrel in a situation he can’t escape and with a deadly bargain. Will he survive his mistake? Who is this mysterious patron?

(Please note this is 18 rated for the sexy scenes and themes of violence, slavery and injustice).

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2pQADCj

Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2orn0s9

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/696686

Kobo http://bit.ly/2oMTwdh

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2puZ4WL

 

Print Editions

Amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1546421726/

Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1546421726/

 

Coming soon in audio.

Set in the world of Erana, where magic is outlawed and the people live under the harsh rule of the Order of Witch-Hunters, Coel the musician is trying to survive day by day. On the run, he’s a wanted man but even wanted men need to eat. Plying his trade in the low-life crime ridden backstreet taverns Coel thinks things can’t get any worse. A ‘mistake’ leads him to a dangerous, but strangely thrilling underworld where even the lowly make a difference.

The Tales of Erana are mythical or adventurous fantasy tales set in a world of magic.

Tales of Erana Series by A. L. Butcher @libraryoferana #fantasy #shortstories #SFF

Tags

Books, Fantasy, fantasy series, mythic, Tales of Erana

Hurrah, here is my book series spotlight for Tales of Erana.

Also now in print on Amazon, and arriving in the associated stores soon.

 

POTL: All Things Books, Reading and Publishing

Title: Tales of Erana: Myths and Legends

Author:  A. L. Butcher

Genre: Fantasy, Short Stories

Book Blurb:

Five short tales of fantasy and fantasy romance set in the dark world of Erana; the world of the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles.
The Moon on the Water: The tale of the love between a goddess and a warrior and the terrible curse it brought.

The Tale of Treyna the Beloved: When a mortal woman is pursued by two rival gods even the heavens are wrought by magic.

Storm-Born: A lonely magician finds companionship with a creature of the storm but magic demands a price, what price will it be?

The Blue Phial: A lesson in listening to instruction carefully, lest one makes an embarrassing mistake.

The Legend of Oeliana: A story of a nymph and a toad, jealous magic and debts repaid.

Tales of Erana: Myths and Legends…

View original post 1,956 more words

Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake – Pre-release #Fantasy #Eranafic

Tags

dark fantasy, Fantasy, Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles, new release, pre-release, Tales of Erana

I am delighted to announce the forthcoming release of Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake on Kindle pre-release.  The final release date is 6th May 2017.

(Adult rated for a sexy scene, some themes, and mild violence).

Coel, the bard, thinks his life has taken a turn for the worst, but he hasn’t met the Thiefmaster yet. An ill-conceived notion of earning more money to pay off his debt and escape a dark past leaves the minstrel in a situation he can’t escape and with a deadly bargain. Will he survive his mistake? Who is this mysterious patron?

You might have seen the first incarnation of this tale in Nine Heroes: Tales of Heroic Fantasy but it has been expanded, revised and generally made a whole lot more spiffy:)

Our hero, Coel, is a charming young chap with a talent for music and bedding the ladies (and sometimes the fellas too – no prejudice in Erana, at least not of that sort.) Unfortunately, he has got himself into a bit of a pickle – with a surprise corpse, another man’s wife and an innocent man being punished. Quite some pickle. On the run, living in hiding in the slums of the city of Varlek – a jaded old crone – he thinks life could not get much worse, or more complicated. Oh, how wrong can he be?

Thus our intrepid bard must extricate himself from an impossible situation, understand the rules of another man’s deadly game, redeem himself and generally live to see the dawn.

Currently, the novella is only on Amazon pre-release but should be arriving on Smashwords and hence the associated stores in the next couple of week.

And I’ll let you into a secret…. there might be a combined collection of Erana tales comprising all the stories to date appearing on Bundle Rabbit. More to follow on that.

In the meantime, do order Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake and tell your friends.

Oh and Tales of Erana: Myths and Legends will now be only 99c (77p).

 

Good Cop/Bad Cop Character Interview – M’alia and Hendrick – Fantasy

Tags

Character Interviews, Enemies, Erana, Fantasy, Good Cop Bad Cop Interviews, Indie Authors, Indie Promotion, Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles, Strong female characters

#Lightbeyondthestorm #fantasy

Here’s the first of one of the new-style interviews – Good cop/bad cop. These feature enemies, or even a couple of protagonists that don’t get on. So you get to meet the good guys AND the bad guys:) I thought I’d try it out on two of my own characters.

 

Names: M’alia Erlis – elven sorceress of Ilthendra. 

You may call me Commander Hendrick – Order of Witch-Hunters 

 Q1 Why are you on this adventure? 

M’alia: We left Ilthendra to find the heir to the House of Light; the ring of light had been returned and the Mirror of Watching sang. We could not believe the prophecy had come to be.

It was supposed to be an honour. Our grandfather was the last Eltenda to the Shining Citadel of Lor Ar’thinis and we thought we could find it with the heir’s help. We thought we could regain what had been taken from us. The City of Light has been lost for centuries – but magic is complex, it is mysterious and it has its own path and way. Just perhaps the Shining Citadel could be returned, perhaps the Lady of the Light could bring us freedom.

We are elves – we are nothing but slaves and we have no rights, our history is nothing, our culture is in ruins. We bring the Plague and the magic that corrupts goodly folk. At least that is the official line.

The elves of Ilthendra believed we were remote, we were safe. Complacency kills. Ignorance kills. But hope, now hope keeps you alive. It’s all I have now. It’s all any elf has.

From the group who left Ilthendra only myself and my sister remain. Our companions were tortured and executed. I will never forget their screams. I am a prisoner in this fort, and my twin, Th’alia, has been sent with the Witch-Hunter to trap the heir and deliver the whereabouts Citadel to the Order of Witch-Hunters. I fear for my sister’s safety, she is not strong and I do not know if either of us will survive this.

Hendrick: This adventure as you call it is my duty! I am a Commander in the Order of Witch-Hunters and my word is law in this land. These elves dare to think they have rights, they wish to seek this magic town, and regain their riches and their filthy magic. Elves are nothing more than slaves and magic must be eradicated! This city and its wealth will fill my coffers, um the Order’s coffers.  That elven witch is wrong – the elves have no hope.

And then, of course, there is the defeat of the Archmage Lord Archos of Tremellic. He is the lover of this elven sorceress they seek. His demise will ensure my promotion. That bastard has been trouble to the Order for years; yet he wields power and influence, one cannot simply walk into his domain and arrest such a man on rumours. That man is clever and rich he pays bribes and sweeteners; no one dares touch him. I know my duty – he does not frighten me like he frightens the rank and file. He is just a man and men can be killed. He’s a filthy mage and all mages will fall to my magebane sword.

 

Q2 who is your nemesis? Why is this? 

M’alia: I am a forest elf, therefore in the eyes of the Order I am a slave. I am a mage too and my existence is forbidden. Here and now I am a pawn.  The Order is my nemesis…

Hendrick: Mages. Everyone knows magic brings the Plague. The elves almost brought mankind down, with war, disease and magic. The price they paid was high but well-deserved. Humans are the rulers now – and magic will be tamed.

 M’alia: Magic will never be tamed; you’re like the others – you do not understand. Magic is everywhere, it is wild and will not be enslaved. The Order has ruled for centuries but still magic finds a way.

 

Q3 at your final showdown what are your plans (promise we won’t tell). 

M’alia: if by some blessings of the gods I still draw breath I will fry that evil bastard. I will not forget my treatment, what I have been forced to do, or the death of Elfkind at his hands. I will not go quietly. If I must burn this place and all in it I shall.

Hendrick: Pah! You think I fear an elven mage half my age? I have killed far greater than you, witch. Soon you will cease to be of use or entertainment to me.

As for that bloody Magelord Archos of Tremellic, I look forward to the day I can sink my Baneblade in his vile hide. All mages fall to Banecrystal – he will do the same. I have a whip studded with it; there is little more satisfying than flaying the magic from a mage.

 

Q4 define a hero. 

M’alia: A hero is one who will put themselves before others, no matter the cost. One who will do what others will not, dare not. A hero will free others even if that freedom costs him all.

 Hendrick: A hero is a man who sticks to his duty, who will sacrifice popularity for doing what he thinks is right.  Reluctantly I agree with the witch – a hero is one who will do what others will not.

Witch-Hunters are not popular, those who rule by arms rarely are. We protect the greater populace from the perfidy of magic, from the risk of the Plague, and from themselves. Freedom is not a commodity peasants and elves can be trusted with. The Order brings peace – there have been border wars, and occasional rebellions but the Great Wars of Old are a mere history lesson. A hero brings peace whether it is wanted or not.

M’alia: It is not peace, it is tyranny. What value is peace if it beneath an iron fist? What value has peace to the slave?

 

Q5 define a villain. 

M’alia: *Looks at Hendrick. A villain is someone who uses others for his own ends, who takes away the rights of another, and who causes harm simply because he can.

Hendrick: A villain is one who defies the law, who harms innocents and threatens the peace.

 

Q6 why do you think the other person is on the path he or she is?  

M’alia: Hendrick is greedy and cruel. He wishes to subjugate the elves and take what remains of our culture. He wants the wealth and honour. He believes he is right. He is wrong.

Hendrick: *Shrugs. Why should I give a damn what motivates elves? They have hope, apparently, but like all elven filth that will come to nothing. They have nothing, they are nothing. Let the elves and mages find this magic city – then it will belong to me, to the Order. I am the Order.

 

Q7 what are your feelings about the other person?

M’alia: You need to ask me that? How do you think I feel about him?

Hendrick: I do not care what witches think of me. I am their scourge. Do I care for this elf? Don’t be ridiculous, I care no more for this one than any other piece of property. She serves to satisfy my lust, and is a means to get the Archmage and his friends. She has knowledge that I require – beyond that she is nothing. If I want a woman I can take one – I have no time or inclination for the burdens of marriage.  One elf is much the same as another.

 

Q8 where will you be 10 years from now? 

M’alia: Most likely dead. If I am not perhaps at home in Ilthendra, with my sister and my friends.

Hendrick: I will be promoted to High-Commander. I will have power, wealth and glory for serving my land.

 

Q9 do you have anything you’d like to say to your nemesis, that you may not get the chance to say when you meet? 

M’alia: My nemesis is all Witch-Hunters. I will say this: Elves are not property, magic is not a creature to be tamed. Both are free, both exist despite the Order. The more magic is subjugated the wilder and craftier it will become. Magic is, has been and always shall be.  The elves were once great and can be again. Freedom is relative.

Hendrick: When I meet the Archmage I will ensure he knows the might of the Order and the right of the Order.

 

Q10 why should readers believe YOU are right? 

M’alia: Why am I right? I did not claim to be right, I simply say elves and mages are not ‘wrong’ simply for who and what they are.

Hendrick: The Order of Witch-Hunters uphold the law, the peace and the safety of the people. It is our right to remove those deemed a threat. Elves brought the Plague which almost destroyed the human kingdom, and still they bring their nefarious ways. Magic is dangerous! It’s perfidy creeps in good people and turns them bad.

M’alia: That’s a lie! Magic is like any other skill or weapon – if the user is bad then it will be used for evil. Magic heals, it sees what others cannot, it brings learning and joy. If it is hidden, and it’s practitioners have to live as outlaws it’s no surprise they must commit a crime. One whose very existence is forbidden has no recourse to law to protect them.

Hendrick: The law is right, it cannot be other.

 

M’alia and Hendrick appear here:

The Shining Citadel – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book II

Who rules in this game of intrigue where magic is forbidden and elves enslaved? Journey where beliefs shatter like glass, truth is unwelcome and monsters from ancient times abound: share the romance and revenge, magic and passion, and the wages of greed in a world of darkest fantasy. (18 age rated).

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