Minnette Meador's Blog, page 9

Thanks to Our Beautiful Friends - The Independent Book Stores

JAN'S PAPERBACK BOOKS - 18095 S.W. TV Highway, Aloha, Oregon 97006

To be very honest I have been exceptionally lazy over the last 2 years. Granted a year of that time was spent getting my right hand back (which is still giving me fits - I signed  books today for the first time in a long time and my autograph looks awful). But a wonderful friend and one hellofva book store owner, talked me back into the fold. My thanks to Debbie Burke for her words of encouragement... and yes, Deb, I don't need to write 8 books a year!

Today I joined many other authors over at Jan's Paperback Books in Aloha and had a blast helping out by selling books and chatting with readers. I met so many new writers and readers. It went a long way to spark that old feeling again and I'm simply grateful. Jan's Paperback has been mother, sister, confidant, confessor, and general cheer leaders for so many local authors it's been overwhelming. We really appreciate all you guys... you have no idea how much.

So please get over to you local independent book store this holiday season; without them books may become a thing of the past. We can't afford to let them go.

Bless all the wonderful book sellers out there that work tirelessly, with little pay, long hours, bad backs from standing on concrete floors all day. Without you we are nothing...

The Road to Recovery...

"...the report of my demise was greatly exaggerated..." Mark Twain

I disappeared in April like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, but I promise, it was not due to anything overly tragic. The plain simple truth is... I haven't been able to type since then. In January I hit my "funny" bone (stupid name!) and trapped my ulna nerve. It took the docs a long time to figure this out (stupid doctors!) during which time my right hand stopped working properly (stupid hand!). Anyway, long story short, I went into surgery four weeks ago and I have the Frankenstein scars to prove it. I'll be in recovery and physical therapy for 6-8 weeks, but already I've got my hand back and am very happy (nice hand!).

I've missed writing terribly, although I did buy the Dragon Naturally Speaking while I was sick and it seems to work very well. I'm looking forward to using it to help keep my limbs happy. I never, never, ever want that to happen again.

While I was out, my DS and DIL had my third grandson, Celilo Augustus Freeland. He is the most precious darling ever! Welcome to the world little fella.



So I'll slowly get back to everyone I've missed so much... thanks so much for your patience and concern. I'll see you in the ether! Minnette :o)

The Road to Reoovery...

"...the report of my demise was greatly exaggerated..." Mark Twain

I disappeared in April like Alice falling down the rabbit hole, but I promise, it was not due to anything overly tragic. The plain simple truth is... I haven't been able to type since then. In January I hit my "funny" bone (stupid name!) and trapped my ulna nerve. It took the docs a long time to figure this out (stupid doctors!) during which time my right hand stopped working properly (stupid hand!). Anyway, long story short, I went into surgery four weeks ago and I have the Frankenstein scars to prove it. I'll be in recovery and physical therapy for 6-8 weeks, but already I've got my hand back and am very happy (nice hand!).

I've missed writing terribly, although I did buy the Dragon Naturally Speaking while I was sick and it seems to work very well. I'm looking forward to using it to help keep my limbs happy. I never, never, ever want that to happen again.

While I was out, my DS and DIL had my third grandson, Celilo Augustus Freeland. He is the most precious darling ever! Welcome to the world little fella.



So I'll slowly get back to everyone I've missed so much... thanks so much for your patience and concern. I'll see you in the ether! Minnette :o)

The Nine Levels of Hell - Phantom Hearts

Been working on Phantom Hearts and reading Dante's Inferno, (the first part of Dante Alighieri's epic poem, The Divine Comedy), where he visits the nine levels of Hell (the 14th century version). The nine levels are: limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery.  My heroine travels to Hell and visits a rather updated, ironic version of the rings, which should be a blast to write! So far I've worked out three of the nine, so lots of work to do yet. I thought it might be fun to talk about each level as I move through writing my book. So here is week one's...

RING ONE: LIMBO

This is the place where everyone who is not baptized goes to spend eternity. The grass is green, the place is pleasant, and there is a castle with seven gates represented the seven virtues. (That's a lot of gates!) All the wise men of antiquity live in the castle, of course, including Virgil (Dante's guide), Homer, Horace, Hippocrates, and even Julius Caesar. In other words all virtuous non-Christians. I'm wondering if he wandered the world today who he would meet in purgatory...

During his visit to limbo, he meets Minos, a creature that deals out the fate of those who are descending down to the other eight levels of hell. Minos takes the shape of a giant serpent (of course) and delivers his verdict by wrapping his coils around his body the corresponding number of time to the level of Hell.

WINNERS OF STARSIGHT FLASH BLOG TOUR!

Sorry about the delay in picking winners for last week's flash blog hop for Starsight... I put in so much overtime this week I can't see straight! Anyway, I'm proud to announce the two winners of the 1st and 2nd grand prizes...

$100 Gift Certificate from Amazon: JEAN PAQUIN
Autographed copies of Starsight I & II: YAMI NEKO

Congratulations, ladies! I'm sending goodies packages to everyone else who entered... just send your name and address to mmeador@minnettemeador.com and I'll one out to you!

www.minnettemeadorbooks.com

DAY FIVE - THE STARGUIDERS

DAY FIVE, SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2012(for contest rules visit: CONTEST RULES)

Today's Daily Prize: Winner's choice of any one of Minnette's Kindle books on Amazon.
Today's Treasure Hunt Challenge: Searching the internet, find an excerpt from The She Who Sang by Anne McCaffrey. Question: What would the child become after it was born? MAKE SURE TO EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!

 Today's Daily Question: (Answer found in Chapter One of Starsight) What are Starmoths?  EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!
BONUS DISCUSSION: PRIZE - GOODIE PACKAGE!
Studying the different levels of the Power below, which one would you like to attain and what would you do with it? Leave your answers in the Comments section below.
  STARGUIDERS A couple of days ago, I printed an essay on the history of The Crystal which talks about the origins of the Starguiders. Today, I'll outline a bit about what they can do and when they can do it. THE LEVELS First Trial or Comingto Power- COLOR: WHITE - When novice starguiders have their first confrontation with the power. When they can control it, they arecapable of the first level of guidance. This is actually the most dangerous ofall levels because of the unpredictable nature of the power. Youngpre-guiders can easily die at first trial or go mad from the touch of the power. This level gives them a small degree of prescience, some telekinesis, and the beginnings of clarity of thinking. Once a child has reached First Trial, he or she must be relocated to Mathisma for training due to the increased possibility of inadvertently hurting other around them.
Second Trial or Coming to Knowledge - COLOR: BLUE - Enables one to learn quickly. It is at this stage you begin to develop your sight, the ability to read minds and futures to varying degrees. At Second Trial you begin to control your abilities. Most guiders stay at this level for year, well into their adulthood. You can guide a pre-guider after second trial or teach on Mathisma.
Third Trial or Coming to Nature  - COLOR: GREEN - Gives the Starguider power over trees, grass,wind, rain, etc., helping them to be—well, more than they are. A well-trained 3rd Trial can manipulate the weather, cure animals and even humans in some of the more advanced stages. They have full use of the Voice, being able to control others by soothing out situations with certain tones or convincing others to see their side of it. They are also the top teachers at Mathisma and around the Imperium. 
Fourth Trial or Master of Power - COLOR: AMBER - Extremely rare. The amber light denotes a combination of all the lower powers. The accepted philosophy is thatthe amber increases the discipline that comes with the white, enhances the sight that comes with the blue, andgives more control over nature that comes with the green. 

DAY FOUR - THE PEOPLE OF STARSIGHT

DAY FOUR, SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012(for contest rules visit: CONTEST RULES)



Today's Daily Prize: Winner's choice of any one of Minnette's Kindle books on Amazon.
Today's Treasure Hunt Challenge: Do a search on the internet for Derrick Freeland and find his artwork. What is his link to these books and what distinctive feature does Minnette's logo have on his site? MAKE SURE TO EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!

 Today's Daily Question: (Answer found in Chapter One of Starsight) What happened sixty seasons before this story starts and changed the world forever? EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!
BONUS DISCUSSION: PRIZE - GOODIE PACKAGE!
  Studying the outlines below, which character would you most like to meet and why? Leave your answers in the Comments section below.
 
  THE FOUR COMPANIONS:TRENARA - 2nd Trial Starguider "There was no mistaking the Starguider Trenara, even at that distance. Her tall, slim figure was held straight in the saddle, a magnificent silver mane of wayward hair flowing behind her like a tempest, despite feeble attempts to tame it. Piercing azure blue eyes shone from a face that seemed ageless, despite soft lines and the mantle of gray around it. Her beauty was still striking, and she often turned heads, even at fifty-two seasons." Starsight, Vol. I - Chapter One
JOSHAN JENHADA THORINGALE - First Prince of The Imperium  
"Trenara spotted the lad and gave him a curt nod, catching the flash in the young eyes. Joshan had the oval shape of his mother's face and the dark coloring of his father, but the eyes, not the mother's nor even the father's, shone brown-black in the mid-morning light and were distinctly his own." Starsight, Vol. I - Chapter One HAIDEN BAILS - Sergeant of the Gate Guard - Master of Training to Joshan
"No, no, lad!" Haiden brought his quarterstaff up and pounded it into the ground. He wiped sweat from his brow with the back of his hand and spat into the dust at his feet. "Put your back into it, not your arms. I've seen you fight better with your nurse."
     Joshan, perhaps half the size of the grizzly older man and a fraction of his age, circled around, and adjusted his grip; this man was notorious for his speed and trickery. The boy's tunic was streaked with sweat and his face red with exertion. With energy he didn't feel, Joshan again lunged at Haiden uselessly." Starsight, Vol. I - Chapter One
CAPTAIN VANDERLINDEN - ONE-EYED SEA CAPTAIN/MASTER OF THE VILLAGE
"The giant lit a lamp and turned it very low, giving Joshan a sinister stare. He was very dark, with a tangle of black hair and beard that meshed together to hide most of a rugged, stormy face, with one black eye visible and the other covered by a dirty patch. He towered over Joshan by a good five hands and exceded his girth by half again as much. There was a long jagged scar that ran from under the patch to the general vicinity of his chin, disappearing in a snarl of unkempt beard."  Starsight, Vol. I, Chapter Seven
CAST OF CHARACTERS (In Order of Appearance)
TRENARA - Second Trial Starguider to JoshanHAIDEN BAILS - Sergeant of the Gate Guard & the First Prince's weapons instructorJOSHAN JENHADA THORINGALE - First Prince, Heir to the emperor's throneJENHADA THORINGALE EVENSON - Emperor of the Eight Provinces - Keeper of Mathisma - Joshan's fatherPRAVIUS - Councilor of Justice - Advisor to Emperor JenhadaENA - Trenara's aideSALDORIAN - Jenhada's consort - Joshan's motherVANDERLINDEN - One-eyed sea captain - Master of the VillageWERT - Van's friend from the VillageMATI FORESONS - Innkeeper at Foresons LodgePAP - Barman from "Pap's Pub" in the VillageSARK DUMONTAIRE - A mercenary from the VillageSHAWN - One of Van's lieutenantsBORIC - One of Van's lieutenantsTIGE - She is one of Sark's lieutenantsJONA - A private in the Elite CorpsTHIELS - A lieutenant in the Elite CorpsANNO - One of Pravius's northern guardsKIT - One of Pravius's northern guardsMOLLY - Madame of The HouseDONNALLY - Sark's first lieutenantDOTTIE - Saldorian's lady - Joshan's nursemaidBALINAR - Sirdar's captainTAM - Vanderlinden's First MateTAK - Clurichaune from The GrottoTHE DALIGON - Sirdar's ChampionLEOGAN- Soldier from FelosSIRDAR - Lord of BadainSAL CARRIMAN - Imperial sail makerDEINOS - A reptilian creature serving SirdarWITEN - Prelate of AssemblageGRANDOR - Keep of the Books, MathismaACON - Witen's servantPALARINE - Provost Elect of AssemblageTHE CRYSTAL OF HEALING - Assemblage's PowerTHORINGALE - Joshan's grandfatherNINIA - Vanderlinden's motherNOCINE - Prince of the NorthNORSK - King of the NorthKRIKOS - Goddess of LifeVENTUS - Goddess of the Wind

DATE THREE - THE SCIENCE OF POWER

DAY THREE, FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012(for contest rules visit: CONTEST RULES)


Today's Daily Prize: (2) Prizes: Paperback copies of "Exile" by Scott F. Falknerfrom Stonegarden Publishing

Today's Treasure Hunt Challenge: Go to Amazon.com and find Minnette's book page. Question: How many of Minnette's books are available in Kindle format?  MAKE SURE TO EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!

 Today's Daily Question: (Answer found in Chapter One of Starsight) What kind of creatures are Trenara and Joshan riding and what makes them distinct? EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!
BONUS DISCUSSION: PRIZE - GOODIE PACKAGE!
Studying the definitions below, what do you think your life would be like as a Starguider? Leave your answers in the Comments section below.

THE SCIENCE OF MAGIC
STARGUIDERS AND THE POWER


Below you will find passages from the glossary talking about The Assemblage Starguiders and the origin of their power, including a brief history. The Starguiders each carry a piece of crystal, which it fine tuned to the pitch and resonance of their singing voice. Notes focused into the crystals manifest their feats of "magic." In the first chapter of Starsight, Vol. I you will meet one of the most powerful Guiders in the Imperium as she trains her young charge, the emperor's first son, in their craft. When First Trial takes Joshan at an age younger than any other, only the gods themselves know what terror this child must face.
Crystal of Healing - A stone made of white crystal, which is the source of power for Assemblage. It is from this stone that the starguider's via acquires the power. It rests in the secluded Sanctum on the Isle of Mathisma.
Detachment - A serious depression that affects pre-guiders after first trial. In extreme cases, it can cause delusion, deep depression, and eventually madness. Suicide is very common with the disease. Some symptoms of the disease are manifested in all pre-guiders. This madness is rare in modern times, but was quite common in the beginnings of Assemblage. Guiders are rigorously trained to help the student avoid detachment.
Dispersion - Usually occurs in pre-guiders where they have sporadic control over the power, often causing some very unfortunate and often interesting "accidents" involving the power, but usually not fatally. 
Ethos, The Star - Largest star in the Imperium solar system. The belief is Ethos, the Goddess, inhabits this star and channels power down to the Crystal of Healing on the Isle of Mathisma in Sanctum.
First Trial or Coming to Power - When novice starguiders have their first confrontation with the power. When they can control it, they are capable of the first level of guidance. This is actually the most dangerous of all levels because of the unpredictable nature of the power. Young pre-guiders can easily die at first trial or go mad from the touch of the power.
First, Second, Third and Fourth Trial - The differing levels attained by the guider as he or she progresses through the training. Assemblage discovered the power had varying degrees of strength, and each was denoted by a differing color. White was the simplest and most common and came with first trial or the coming to power. Blue denoted the second trial or the coming to knowledge, which enables one to learn quickly. It is at this stage you begin to develop your sight. Green denotes the coming to nature and gives you power over trees, grass, wind, rain, etc., helping them to be—well, more than they are. There is also a fourth trial, but it is very rare and is thought to be a combination of the first three levels.
Guider or Starguider - A member of Assemblage whose duty it is to teach and guide a young student through First Trial and beyond as necessary.
Guider's Sense - Not exactly prescience, but rather a guider's ability to "feel" there is something wrong or when there is pending risk. They can sense when someone is in danger, hurt, or even alive, when there is doubt. They can usually also sense someone else's emotions, especially strong emotions like hate, fear, anxiety, or even love. Guider's Sense usually comes only after Second Trial and gets stronger as the guider does.
Locare - A very rare gift among guiders. Those who have mastered the art of locare can find people, things, and places using their vias and this sense. Some with this ability can even pick up an object and gain a very accurate insight into anyone who has held it, similar to psychic readers.
Makhia - A legendary trial by battle fought between the gods to settle matters of great importance. These were usually fought so wars could be avoided and usually ended when one would concede. There are legends that the makhia was also sometimes fought by ancient kings and to the death. The winner would usually inherit the lands of the loser.
Power - That energy which emanates through a series of three points, forming a rough triangle. The belief is it starts from the star Ethos, then through the Crystal of Healing on Mathisma and then into a via held by a starguider. It is amplified by the resonance of musical notes sung by starguiders trained to control the intensity, direction, and wavelength of the power. It is known to incinerate on contact anyone not trained in its use. It is strongest at night when Ethos is high in the sky.
Pre-Guider - A student who has gone through first trial, but has not been ordained as a starguider yet. Many years of education and training are required before a pre-guider receives his or her via and are granted the rank of guider.
Sanctum - The structure that houses the knowledge of mankind in a great library and the Crystal of Healing. It is located on a very small island bridged to Mathisma and is tended by the Provost and the Keeper of the Books.
Starguider or Guider - A member of Assemblage whose duty it is to teach and guide a young student through First Trial and beyond as necessary. All members of Assemblage are commonly called guiders.
Starmoths - Small points of light that are summoned by the power. They "dance" in the air merrily and let off a soft tinkling sound, like suspended glass in the wind, which to most, is quite enjoyable. Their main attribute is that they detect evil that lies in others. The latter can be seen by their reaction to the one being tested. Despite their airy countenance, they can be quite terrifying if aroused by evil thoughts or lies.
Via - An instrument of varying sizes and shapea, which contains a piece of crystal that allows a guider to channel the power. It is usually an object that can be held in the hand such as a scepter or staff. However, many guiders have vias in the shape of a ring or pendant. The original vias were made from the Crystal of Healing, however, another source of crystal was found in the Imperium that worked as well, thus causing a quick early expansion of Assemblage.
Vision or Sight - Precognition experienced by many guiders, usually occurring during one of the trials and sometimes in dreams. Occasionally guiders can experience a vision even when awake.    "The origin—there are many differing ideas about that. The most popular and certainly the most enduring, is based on the old ballads that were handed down at the time. You have heard the story of Goddess Ethos descending from the heavens and entrusting the Crystal of Healing to us for safekeeping, until she returns to retrieve it and place it back in its rightful place among the stars. To be honest, I think that and all other embellishment of it are a lot of rot, though there are those who would ask my immediate expulsion for saying so. Personally, I'm more of the opinion that the crystal did come from the heavens, but by a much more conventional route, simply falling from the sky when it came close to our world. Many of the scholars are now studying the heavens and have theorized that there are many such stones floating in the heavens. Not perhaps as the crystal is, nor radiating such force, but they have found other plainer stones in odd places that could only have gotten there in that way. But I won't pursue that. I have never had much interest in rocks from the heavens, except the crystal, so I can't elaborate. "But however the stone came here, the fathers found it and discovered its great power, though in rather a hard way. It is said that many people died from its touch the first few seasons it was here—thus the forming of Assemblage by the first Provost, Cessas, nearly a millennium ago. Unbelievably, the crystal was thought by most to be evil, a blight to the world. The first Assemblage guiders were considered demons or madmen. But Cessas had a great curiosity and many think he was a genius for his time. "Of course, back then the world was quite barbaric, being for the most part several small countries that were in essence no larger than villages that bickered and warred among themselves. Cessas gathered what people he could and took the stone to where Thrain is now. There he began a methodical study of the crystal and its amazing properties. "It is said that he discovered its healing powers quite by accident—his own, I'm afraid. He had received a great injury and was laid in the same room with the stone. When his servants came to check on him the next morning, he was completely healed. He had gained a great measure of knowledge concerning the stone and Ethos after that. He began to teach its uses to his disciples and sent them out to find others that were special in the way they were; thus the custom of search each season. They grew in numbers rapidly, extending well beyond the borders of Thrain into the other provinces. "Soon Ethos and the Crystal of Healing were thought of as gifts from the gods. Certainly, crops and people fared better when a starguider was present with his or her vias, which were made of the actual crystal in those days, rather than fabricated from other stones as they are now. "The land began to have purpose and unity. Some seasons later, Thrain was looked on as the ruling province, and more and more the Assemblage was looked at as being the law. It's no small wonder Cessas in the last seasons of his life, conceived of the idea of the Imperium, a world governed by two bodies, the empire on the one hand to govern the provinces, and Assemblage on the other to promote the religion of Ethos and provide knowledge to the world. He had always wanted to study and learn, increasing his knowledge and that of Assemblage. He felt that was the purpose of the group. But more and more the people turned to Assemblage for leadership and the guiders became judges, administrators, and the like, until there was little time left for study. "It wasn't until after Cessas' death that the Imperium began, when Felos was blessed as the first emperor. The empire began to run the land, and Assemblage retired into study. However, Felos was killed soon into his reign, assassinated by the king of the north's guard. This sparked the Great Northern Wars, and the northerners attacked the still embryonic empire, nearly destroying everything Assemblage had built. "That war lasted nearly sixty seasons, but finally Assemblage succeeded in driving the northerners back to their land on the other side of the mountains and dispersing them. Of course, the war continued for over six hundred seasons after that, but during this brief respite, they built the Keep to protect the young empire from attack, so they could find a more suitable place to continue their work. It is said that many of the corner stones in the Keep were placed there by the starpower, although I half wonder if that is not some fanciful tale spun by minstrels of the time. In any event, the Keep was built, much to the relief of the growing Assemblage. Once the empire could stand alone, they removed themselves to Mathisma, where they finally built their schools and temples. They took the Solemn Vow never to interfere in the affairs of the empire, except as advisors. The Imperium was at last complete."


 

DAY THREE, FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012(for contest rules visit:...

DAY THREE, FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012(for contest rules visit: CONTEST RULES)


Today's Daily Prize: (2) Prizes: Paperback copies of "Exile" by Scott F. Falknerfrom Stonegarden Publishing

Today's Treasure Hunt Challenge: Go to Amazon.com and find Minnette's book page. Question: How many of Minnette's books are available in Kindle format?  MAKE SURE TO EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!

 Today's Daily Question: (Answer found in Chapter One of Starsight) What kind of creatures are Trenara and Joshan riding and what makes them distinct? EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!
BONUS DISCUSSION: PRIZE - GOODIE PACKAGE!
Studying the definitions below, what do you think your life would be like as a Starguider? Leave your answers in the Comments section below.

THE SCIENCE OF MAGIC
STARGUIDERS AND THE POWER


Below you will find passages from the glossary talking about The Assemblage Starguiders and the origin of their power, including a brief history. The Starguiders each carry a piece of crystal, which it fine tuned to the pitch and resonance of their singing voice. Notes focused into the crystals manifest their feats of "magic." In the first chapter of Starsight, Vol. I you will meet one of the most powerful Guiders in the Imperium as she trains her young charge, the emperor's first son, in their craft. When First Trial takes Joshan at an age younger than any other, only the gods themselves know what terror this child must face.
Crystal of Healing - A stone made of white crystal, which is the source of power for Assemblage. It is from this stone that the starguider's via acquires the power. It rests in the secluded Sanctum on the Isle of Mathisma.
Detachment - A serious depression that affects pre-guiders after first trial. In extreme cases, it can cause delusion, deep depression, and eventually madness. Suicide is very common with the disease. Some symptoms of the disease are manifested in all pre-guiders. This madness is rare in modern times, but was quite common in the beginnings of Assemblage. Guiders are rigorously trained to help the student avoid detachment.
Dispersion - Usually occurs in pre-guiders where they have sporadic control over the power, often causing some very unfortunate and often interesting "accidents" involving the power, but usually not fatally. 
Ethos, The Star - Largest star in the Imperium solar system. The belief is Ethos, the Goddess, inhabits this star and channels power down to the Crystal of Healing on the Isle of Mathisma in Sanctum.
First Trial or Coming to Power - When novice starguiders have their first confrontation with the power. When they can control it, they are capable of the first level of guidance. This is actually the most dangerous of all levels because of the unpredictable nature of the power. Young pre-guiders can easily die at first trial or go mad from the touch of the power.
First, Second, Third and Fourth Trial - The differing levels attained by the guider as he or she progresses through the training. Assemblage discovered the power had varying degrees of strength, and each was denoted by a differing color. White was the simplest and most common and came with first trial or the coming to power. Blue denoted the second trial or the coming to knowledge, which enables one to learn quickly. It is at this stage you begin to develop your sight. Green denotes the coming to nature and gives you power over trees, grass, wind, rain, etc., helping them to be—well, more than they are. There is also a fourth trial, but it is very rare and is thought to be a combination of the first three levels.
Guider or Starguider - A member of Assemblage whose duty it is to teach and guide a young student through First Trial and beyond as necessary.
Guider's Sense - Not exactly prescience, but rather a guider's ability to "feel" there is something wrong or when there is pending risk. They can sense when someone is in danger, hurt, or even alive, when there is doubt. They can usually also sense someone else's emotions, especially strong emotions like hate, fear, anxiety, or even love. Guider's Sense usually comes only after Second Trial and gets stronger as the guider does.
Locare - A very rare gift among guiders. Those who have mastered the art of locare can find people, things, and places using their vias and this sense. Some with this ability can even pick up an object and gain a very accurate insight into anyone who has held it, similar to psychic readers.
Makhia - A legendary trial by battle fought between the gods to settle matters of great importance. These were usually fought so wars could be avoided and usually ended when one would concede. There are legends that the makhia was also sometimes fought by ancient kings and to the death. The winner would usually inherit the lands of the loser.
Power - That energy which emanates through a series of three points, forming a rough triangle. The belief is it starts from the star Ethos, then through the Crystal of Healing on Mathisma and then into a via held by a starguider. It is amplified by the resonance of musical notes sung by starguiders trained to control the intensity, direction, and wavelength of the power. It is known to incinerate on contact anyone not trained in its use. It is strongest at night when Ethos is high in the sky.
Pre-Guider - A student who has gone through first trial, but has not been ordained as a starguider yet. Many years of education and training are required before a pre-guider receives his or her via and are granted the rank of guider.
Sanctum - The structure that houses the knowledge of mankind in a great library and the Crystal of Healing. It is located on a very small island bridged to Mathisma and is tended by the Provost and the Keeper of the Books.
Starguider or Guider - A member of Assemblage whose duty it is to teach and guide a young student through First Trial and beyond as necessary. All members of Assemblage are commonly called guiders.
Starmoths - Small points of light that are summoned by the power. They "dance" in the air merrily and let off a soft tinkling sound, like suspended glass in the wind, which to most, is quite enjoyable. Their main attribute is that they detect evil that lies in others. The latter can be seen by their reaction to the one being tested. Despite their airy countenance, they can be quite terrifying if aroused by evil thoughts or lies.
Via - An instrument of varying sizes and shapea, which contains a piece of crystal that allows a guider to channel the power. It is usually an object that can be held in the hand such as a scepter or staff. However, many guiders have vias in the shape of a ring or pendant. The original vias were made from the Crystal of Healing, however, another source of crystal was found in the Imperium that worked as well, thus causing a quick early expansion of Assemblage.
Vision or Sight - Precognition experienced by many guiders, usually occurring during one of the trials and sometimes in dreams. Occasionally guiders can experience a vision even when awake.    "The origin—there are many differing ideas about that. The most popular and certainly the most enduring, is based on the old ballads that were handed down at the time. You have heard the story of Goddess Ethos descending from the heavens and entrusting the Crystal of Healing to us for safekeeping, until she returns to retrieve it and place it back in its rightful place among the stars. To be honest, I think that and all other embellishment of it are a lot of rot, though there are those who would ask my immediate expulsion for saying so. Personally, I'm more of the opinion that the crystal did come from the heavens, but by a much more conventional route, simply falling from the sky when it came close to our world. Many of the scholars are now studying the heavens and have theorized that there are many such stones floating in the heavens. Not perhaps as the crystal is, nor radiating such force, but they have found other plainer stones in odd places that could only have gotten there in that way. But I won't pursue that. I have never had much interest in rocks from the heavens, except the crystal, so I can't elaborate. "But however the stone came here, the fathers found it and discovered its great power, though in rather a hard way. It is said that many people died from its touch the first few seasons it was here—thus the forming of Assemblage by the first Provost, Cessas, nearly a millennium ago. Unbelievably, the crystal was thought by most to be evil, a blight to the world. The first Assemblage guiders were considered demons or madmen. But Cessas had a great curiosity and many think he was a genius for his time. "Of course, back then the world was quite barbaric, being for the most part several small countries that were in essence no larger than villages that bickered and warred among themselves. Cessas gathered what people he could and took the stone to where Thrain is now. There he began a methodical study of the crystal and its amazing properties. "It is said that he discovered its healing powers quite by accident—his own, I'm afraid. He had received a great injury and was laid in the same room with the stone. When his servants came to check on him the next morning, he was completely healed. He had gained a great measure of knowledge concerning the stone and Ethos after that. He began to teach its uses to his disciples and sent them out to find others that were special in the way they were; thus the custom of search each season. They grew in numbers rapidly, extending well beyond the borders of Thrain into the other provinces. "Soon Ethos and the Crystal of Healing were thought of as gifts from the gods. Certainly, crops and people fared better when a starguider was present with his or her vias, which were made of the actual crystal in those days, rather than fabricated from other stones as they are now. "The land began to have purpose and unity. Some seasons later, Thrain was looked on as the ruling province, and more and more the Assemblage was looked at as being the law. It's no small wonder Cessas in the last seasons of his life, conceived of the idea of the Imperium, a world governed by two bodies, the empire on the one hand to govern the provinces, and Assemblage on the other to promote the religion of Ethos and provide knowledge to the world. He had always wanted to study and learn, increasing his knowledge and that of Assemblage. He felt that was the purpose of the group. But more and more the people turned to Assemblage for leadership and the guiders became judges, administrators, and the like, until there was little time left for study. "It wasn't until after Cessas' death that the Imperium began, when Felos was blessed as the first emperor. The empire began to run the land, and Assemblage retired into study. However, Felos was killed soon into his reign, assassinated by the king of the north's guard. This sparked the Great Northern Wars, and the northerners attacked the still embryonic empire, nearly destroying everything Assemblage had built. "That war lasted nearly sixty seasons, but finally Assemblage succeeded in driving the northerners back to their land on the other side of the mountains and dispersing them. Of course, the war continued for over six hundred seasons after that, but during this brief respite, they built the Keep to protect the young empire from attack, so they could find a more suitable place to continue their work. It is said that many of the corner stones in the Keep were placed there by the starpower, although I half wonder if that is not some fanciful tale spun by minstrels of the time. In any event, the Keep was built, much to the relief of the growing Assemblage. Once the empire could stand alone, they removed themselves to Mathisma, where they finally built their schools and temples. They took the Solemn Vow never to interfere in the affairs of the empire, except as advisors. The Imperium was at last complete."


 

DAY TWO - THE IMPERIUM - A WORLD VIEW

DAY TWO, THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012(for contest rules visit: CONTEST RULES)


Today's Daily Prize: Any Kindle fantasy book you'd like!

Today's Treasure Hunt Challenge: Go to my BOOKS section of my blog and find the STARSIGHT II book on that page. Click on the EXCERPT link and read the excerpt. QUESTION: What kind of creature is the Mourna? MAKE SURE TO EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!

Today's Daily Question: How old is Joshan in the beginning of the book? EMAIL YOUR ANSWER TO: mmeador@minnettemeador.com - Good luck!

BONUS DISCUSSION: PRIZE - GOODIE PACKAGE!
Study the map below - If this were your world, where do you think you'd like to live?



THE IMPERIUM 
Below are a few of the definitions and models from the book that have to do with the empirical side of the hierarchy of the Imperium. I think you can get a pretty good idea of how the world works between this entry and tomorrow's, which will talk about the Starguiders and their society.  You will note that there are several references to the legal side of the society here. There is a very good reason for this; one of our heroes must face the Last Defense to fight for life.
  IMPERIUM - A number of provinces and the religious sanctuary of  Mathisma, a large island to the east of the mainland provinces, both ruled by a combined supreme authority, the Empire on the one side and Assemblage on the other. Governance of the provinces and Mathisma is split into two ruling bodies. The provinces are chiefly run by the Emperor/Empress who oversees the Councils of Trade & Justice, which administer trade, security, and law. Mathisma is chiefly run by Assemblage, which governs religion, the arts, and education. The Northern Wastes and several smaller islands are not incorporated or protected by the Imperium. 

HIERARCHY OF EMPIRE AND ASSEMBLAGE
The Imperium is broken down into two sections, the Emperor and his Councils and Assemblage. Below is a brief description of how each is broken into a chain of command:
EMPEROR/EMPRESS ASSEMBLAGE
(Imperial Guards & Fleet*) __________________
Councils of Trade & Justice Provost
Province Baron Prelacy
Province Regent Prelate

Starguider - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Trial


Pre-Guider


Both Councils have twelve members each. They can only over-rule the Emperor's decision by unanimous vote, and only as relates to rulings regarding their respective responsibilities (justice and trade). In contrast to this, the Provost can only over-rule the Prelacy in matters where they are deadlocked on a decision. The Prelate merely acts as an emissary between the Provost and the Prelacy, and has very little power beyond his or her status as a member of the Prelacy. The Prelacy has twelve members as well.The Emperor/Empress or the Councils can only make decisions on laws governing secular matters; the Assemblage only on matters of religion, education, or ethics. Assemblage, by long standing law, did not get involved in the imperial wars or military actions, except as advisors. However, should an attack occur against the Assemblage itself, they would engage in retaliatory activities in conjunction with the emperor, such as the first war with Sirdar. *Note: The Imperial Fleet and the Guard are directly under the Emperor during times of war. At all other times they are technically under the Councils. However, both the fleet and the guard are fairly independent.The hierarchy had remained as above for approximately 950 seasons until the Starsight reorganized the government during his reign.
Elite Guard - The emperor's personal guard. They see to the protection of the imperial family and the security of the Keep. They handle most of the duties for running the Keep on a daily basis. Only the most experienced guards are promoted to the Elite and only by the hand of the emperor.
First Prince or Princess - First born of the emperor or empress and heir to the throne of the Imperium. 
The Hold - The prison located in the lower three levels of the Keep on the eastern side toward the sea.
Immunity Sanction – Security clearance.
Last Defense - The trial of an accused criminal where he or she is allowed to offer their last defense against accusations and present evidence before sentence is carried out. Somewhat like our appeal process. Usually, before anyone is accused and brought before Last Defense; investigations, interviews, and evidence are meticulously gathered and evaluated by the Council of Justice. If someone is innocent, he or she is usually found so during this part of the process. If someone makes it to Last Defense, usually this is the last ditch effort to fight for their innocence.
Marshall of the Guard - Commander of the Elite, the Council, and the Gate Guards. 
Staking or The Stake - Brutal form of execution where the condemned are stripped and bound to a large stake, their hands, and necks stretched and tied to the top, and the ankles and legs stretched and tied to the bottom. The stake is lifted up and then quickly thrown into a hole where it is tapped down. When the stake hits the hole usually the prisoner's neck, shoulders, and hips come out of their sockets. If lucky, it will break the neck immediately and kill the person. If not, they will leave them there until the prisoner dies in excruciating pain the entire time.