Weekend Writing Warriors: Snippet 81- Teodora

weekend writing warriorsIt’s time for Weekend Writing Warriors! Every Sunday, a bunch of writers post 8-10-sentence snippets from their WIPs on their blogs. There’s a lot of reading, commenting and great writing. Click on the link to see the full list.

Before I move on to snippets from Hammer of the Gods, I thought I should introduce the two new POV characters joining us in that book. Teodora has three children she’s pretty much forgotten about. But when her new general, Brynhild Mattila, insists that Teodora remain behind in the capital, Teodora decides she needs a spy in Mattila’s camp. Fortunately, thirteen-year-old Elektra is in need of an adventure.

When Elektra entered the room, it was plain she was frightened.

Teodora looked her over critically. Short and dumpy, her face lacked definition and her hair was stringy and of some mousy hue. She was not empress material, but she would have to become one anyway, at some point.

“Sit,” Teodora gestured to a chair.

Elektra sat down on the edge and fidgeted with the end of her braid.

“I have a job for you,” Teodora said. “Your first official one as an archduchess and as my heir.”

Elektra’s eyes widened at that, though Teodora saw fear rather than anticipation.

“I’ve decided to send you with General Mattila when she goes north.”

Previous snippets are here.

 

 

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40 Comments on “Weekend Writing Warriors: Snippet 81- Teodora

  1. I read the intro, about Elektra being in need of an adventure. Reading the snippet makes me think that it is Teodora who thinks Elektra needs to have an adventure, rather than Elektra. Let’s hope Teodora’s right and Elektra can rise to the affair. Entertaining snippet – thanks!

    • Yes, Elektra is very happy where she is, but is being kicked out of the nest. She will rise to the occasion- well, let’s just say it will take many occasions for her to prove herself.

  2. From mention of spies in the camp I’m guessing there’s a lot of intrigue going on. It sounds to me like Elektra needs (rather than wants) this experience in order to survive later on.

  3. Elektra’s had a hard start in life, what with Teodora for a mother 😉 Good thing the empress wasn’t too involved in her children’s lives, at least up till this point.

    Marcia

  4. Not sure from this snippet, but I wonder if Elektra even knew who her mother was. Wonder why Elektra looked like she was scared if she really is in need of an adventure? Intriguing, must read more to get some answers.

    • Yes, Elektra knows who her mother is, but rarely interacts with her or sees her at all. This might be the first time they’ve ever been alone together. The adventure is very much Teodora’s idea- Elektra is happy where she is.

  5. You’d think she’d help her heir put some effort into the surface issues, instead of just judging… But no, we’re going for the all-in approach. That always turns out well…

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