Weekend Writing Warriors: Snippet 16- Kendryk
Itβs time for Weekend Writing Warriors! Every Sunday, a bunch of writers post 8-sentence snippets from their WIPs on their blogs. Thereβs a lotΒ of reading, commenting and great writing. Click on the link to see the full list.
Oh, it’s nice to be back! Thanksgiving was lovely, but I missed you guys. I’m already knee-deep in the second book of this series, so this is a fun bit of review for me.
Last time we were with Kendryk, he had a very bad dream. This prompted him to act, persuading Julia Maxima to allow Kendryk to keep Father Landrus in custody and asking the empress for permission to hold a trial on neutral ground. This gives Kendryk the chance to spend more time with the priest and learn more about his reasons for rebelling. Landrus promises to show him everything he has learned from studying the Holy Scrolls- their version of scripture.
“I don’t know why you believe me now, but something has happened to change your mind.”
Kendryk nodded. “I had a dream about the last battle, I think- Β it went badly.”
“It will go badly if things continue as they are,” Landrus said, laying the quill down. “You give me a great deal of hope however, and once you’ve had a chance to read the relevant passages in the Scrolls, you’ll understand why. They speak of a young ruler who will stand against the forces of darkness alone, although in time he will be joined by many othersΒ as they come toΒ learn the truth.”
“Will the Scrolls also show me what I need to do next?” Kendryk couldn’t help but feel this was far more important now that he had committed himself.
“The Gods always give guidance to those who seek the right path; I have no doubt that you will find it.”
From here on out, all snippets should be in proper chronological order, now that I have made Aeon Timeline my bitch. π
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I love the mix of war and holy books. Seems like the history of the this world is bound up in those two things — so why not your world! You pull it off quite smoothly. Great job!
Thanks! That’s part of what drew me to the story in the first place. So many people- on all sides- so convinced their beliefs were right that they’d risk everything to not just defend them, but to make others agree with them. And those ideologues were often used to start a conflict by others with more pragmatic goals. That cycle never seems to stop, does it? I’m having fun exploring it in these books!
Oooooh, you’ve finished your first book? Awesome π Dreams are a fun element for readers and writers. I’ve written quite a few dreams and I have fun playing with the symbolism and such. I went back and read that snippet about the dream. Do those characters really exist or is it just a manifestation of his fears? This passage and last weeks definitely have a fantasy vibe. This is a dark and foreboding passage here with a hint of mystery. Definitely curious about how this is going to play out and if his dream is foreshadowing the future or just the subconscious reconciling with the conscious. Great 8 ^^
Thanks! I was initially hesitant to use a dream because it’s almost a cliche. I just couldn’t figure out how to get it done any other way. The only “real” people in the dream are the empress and Father Landrus. Everything else is just there to frighten him more. It also sets him up to expect this kind of “guidance” in the future. Hence, his hope that the Scrolls will help reveal his next steps.
God truly does give guidance to those who seek it. Good work fitting in holy scriptures with the war scenario. I think Kendryk will find the right path to follow.
Well, he will find a path, or at least be pushed down one. He won’t know for a long time whether or not it’s the right one.
Nice introduction of a prophecy at work! I do want to read this one. π
Thank you!
Sucked me right in. Gods and war…they do seem to go hand in hand.
One does seem to lead to another quite often!
Big congrats on finishing your book! Indeed a wonderful feeling. I look forward to reading it.
Thank you! I’ve really enjoyed the process and am having even more fun with the next one.
You have all the elements going on eher. Never ending conflict just like today and faith in God to lead the way. Interesting.
Thank you!
Fluid, intriguing dialogue, as always. Waiting for the gods’ guidance can be very tricky- I hope Kendryk’s faith holds out. Okay, now that you’ve finished it I’m going to start whining about getting to read it. I hope your path to publication goes easily and swiftly.
Thank you! I’m taking a little break before editing, but I’m hoping for early spring publication, as long as my beta readers don’t collapse under the weight of the wordcount. π
I love this line> βWill the Scrolls also show me what I need to do next?β Prophecies are all well and grand, but why can’t they be more specific?
I know! Most people never can seem to agree about the interpretation, and Kendryk is about to learn this for himself. I would require all of my prophecies to include very exact instructions. π
Interesting worldbuilding. I enjoyed the excerpt and appreciate the approach Kendryk is taking toward the Scrolls. Great 8!
Thank you!
I love how this world you’ve created has such a rich history and religion. Wonderful job!
Thanks so much! I’ve had a blast figuring it all out.
Sometimes the Gods’ guidance is more helpful than others…
Yes, it helps if they can provide some concrete guidelines.
You’ve created an incredible world. Congratulations on finishing book 1. Great 8.
Thank you! I seem to spend most of my time living in it these days- in my head of course. π
Christina, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your closing statement, βThe Gods always give guidance to those who seek the right path; I have no doubt that you will find it.β Wlhat a strong sentiment! Great eight!
Thank you!