Hugo Negron's Blog - Posts Tagged "epic-fantasy"

Forging of a Knight is now available on the Kindle!

For $2.99 you can download the first in the Forging of a Knight series!

Thanks to the great people at Fantasy Book Review for their wonderful review of Forging of a Knight! You can check it out here:

http://www.fantasybookreview.co.uk/bo...

Whew! Well, finally got a chance to continue my blog insights into some of the main characters of Forging of a Knight. It has been pretty hectic of late - in the real world, I was invited to present at a local church gathering on resume development/interviewing techniques, been super busy at work trying to fill a ton of roles, and then I wrenched my shoulder while working out (which made me wish for Qualtan's recuperative powers!). But a break in the action has come at last...the Wizard Con is coming to IL next week, and I’m all set for it – costume and all!

Forging of a Knight has also been busy. Some local libraries are now carrying (and signing out) copies, one entry was sent to a Writer's Digest book contest, and another to the Frankfurt, Germany book fair, in the hopes of getting more exposure. Fingers crossed...!

So anyway, onto the Bad Guys!! Those That Stand in Shadow, also known as the Evil Ones, the Dark Ones, and probably a few more titles – offspring from demonic beings called down to sow their seed upon their human worshippers. Instigators of the Great War, which lasted over five decades, purveyors of evil, and near victors against the combined forces of good during the Final Battle. Only the surprise appearance of the Master of the Great Beasts, the one-eyed Dragon King, and his kin, an army of dragons, was able to break the Dark Ones’ power and begin their eventual defeat. One by one, they were tracked down and captured: Thorngagg, his twin brother Narthagg, Mulnornn the Red, and Yog the Hated. Only antler-headed Darksiege, and the leader of the Dark Ones, the spider-like Shaz, escaped to continue their plotting and planning. They wield deadly magic, Giant-strength, and their most infamous power - the vampire-like ability to drain the life force from living beings to feed upon. Although Darksiege disappeared, Shaz remained stationed in his citadel, like a true spider in its web, waiting with infinite patience to strike again. Although the Alliance claimed victory, Aurelus, one of the great Arch-Mages, and architect of the alliance that rose up against the Evil Ones, could not convince them to complete the act and attack Shaz' keep. Weary of war, they were content to focus on the reconstruction of their lands and countries, satisfied in keeping a wary eye on the lands of Shaz, but unwilling to commit more lives in yet another war.

So Aurelus, undefeated in war, was defeated in the council chambers by the very Alliance Kings he had brought together. All he could do was ensure the memory of the Dark Ones would never be forgotten, and to be prepared for their eventual return…

Forging of a Knight’s second book is already in the draft stage. In it, we have a far more complex storyline, and a far more complex group of characters to learn about. Jesepha, the strong willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a strange mystery of his own; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; the dashing merchant lord Visandus; Qualtan, Glaive, and a host of others. All of them, working together against a new threat that unravels from a seemingly routine mission into one of greater horror that will involve other-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege at last! And THAT is still just a precursor to an even GREATER threat!

Up next – the Arch-Mages! Who are the wizards besides Aurelus that make up this special group?

Well, the Wizard Con has come and gone, and in my costume as Dr. Doom, it was a blast taking photos with kids, adults, and fellow cosplayers! I will have to significantly upgrade the costume with metal armor vs. the plastic pieces I used, so looking forward to next year...

In the meantime, pulling out my quill pen and wax paper, we focus this blog entry on the Arch-Mages, members of the Council of Mages, also known as the Council of the School!

The School, as it is known, was created by a group of scholarly wizards for their own means, many ages past. Content with their own private study and research, they did little outside of their hidden sanctuary; a place magically protected from the outside world, and reachable only by them and a chosen few. Their power is innate, and at a level far beyond any other purveyor of magic.

They were the wizards that taught Aurelus, Qualtan's uncle, and others, selected in the Test we discussed under Aurelus' character profile. Over time, the original wizards disappeared, either on personal quests, retiring to lands hidden, or disappearing by unknown means. This eventually left the current roster of Arch-Mages, former apprentices now turned Master Mages, to fend for themselves, and to develop a new philosophy towards the outside world. Aurelus became their unofficial leader, and made their first order of business to search out the great Amali, a wizard of untold power. The Arch-Mages nominated him as the School's steward, and he accepted, helping them to build their case against Those That Stand in Shadow, and guiding them towards service to their fellow Kind. Thus, the School became the Council of Mages (or the Council of the Arch-Mages as it was sometimes called), forging the Alliance, and becoming a permanent fixture in guiding the continent and its nations towards peace and prosperity. Mostly embraced, some nations have begun to feel the 'Mages influence has grown beyond their own, and feel threatened by the power they hold.

When the wormy hands of Those That Stand in Shadow began to extend outward, reaching over the continent, Aurelus led the way in forming a coalition against them. The Alliance was made, bonding the three nations of Turinthia, Bagda, and Medlissia as one. The Arch-Mages created the Tourney (also known as the Trial), a contest in which great warriors whom the wizards had magically enhanced battled over the right to wield the Goldenflame, a special blade they had created.

So who were they?

Aurelus, uncle to Qualtan, and brother to Eucradus. It was his brother who won the Trial.

Amali the Ancient, the School's steward, and part-time member, who eventually retreated back to his own continent to deal with the trials and tribulations found therein. His chosen hero failed against Eucradus in the Trial, and also returned home to champion his own people.

Al-Hlassim, known for his bright attire and glowering eyes, still active within the School, his own hero also having failed against Eucradus in the Trial.

The elf wizard known as the Wizard of Greyfog Gorge, where his secondary home sits. He was the mentor to the current ruler of Hermstingle, last citadel of the High Elves, and sponsor in the Trial of Termenon, Prince of Hermstingle, also known as the Sword of Eagles. He also failed against Eucradus, and held a mighty grudge against the fact that a Human-Kind could beat an Elf-Kind. This resentment would soon show itself when Prince Termenon eventually encountered Qualtan, son of the hero that bested him, and gifted with powers equal to his own.

Fargus, sponsor of a hero that lost against Eucradus and died in the battles against the Evil Ones. Fargus himself perished in an early campaign against Those That Stand in Shadow.

Mordecai, sponsor to yet another hero who lost in the Trial, and also dead. Mordecai joined his compatriot Fargus in the same battle, also losing his life.

Though this leaves only four remaining Arch-Mages (three, if you take into account that Amali has left the School for now), some of the new apprentices who passed the current roster's Test still reside at the School, developing to one day take their masters' place. They are:

Mulvanen, brother to fellow Arch-Mage apprentice Throudamere, and ever contesting against him to prove his superiority. In fact, he looks to prove himself above all the wizards, whether they be apprentice or Arch-Mage. His festering for ever greater power has become a slight worry in the eyes of Aurelus, and he has begun to wonder about him...

Throudamere, brother to Mulvanen.

Broetal, a female mage of great power.

Cassandra, mentored by Aurelus, and the mightiest of the apprentices. Aurelus and the other Arch-Mages agree that she will be the first of the new apprentices to eventually take their place.

Little is known about the apprentices, for beyond their supporting roles in the wars against the Dark Ones, their works were unknown and unseen. There had been three additional apprentices, who sadly lost their lives in the many battles against Shaz and his forces. They were named Torsen, Mantrel, and Ochtomean.

Thus reads the legend of the Arch-Mages. What their final fate will be, and whether they outlast the Dark Ones, Those That Stand in Shadow, or the growing enmity of the very nations they saved, is a tale yet to be told...

I just wanted to give a quick "shout out" and say thanks to the 466 people who entered my giveaway for free copies of Forging of a Knight!

To those five entrants that won, books will be shipped out shortly! I hope you enjoy the story, the characters, and the first of the Forging of a Knight series! Feel free to let me know what you thought!

Also wanted to say thanks to local libraries in Bartlett, Schaumburg, and Elgin, IL for carrying a copy!

Hello again, all! I'm excited to say that Book II, Rise of the Slavekeepers is in full swing! The story is done, now its just a matter of getting it out to the editor and lulu. With the holidays coming, it will probably be out in mid-summer at some point, and then the work will center around an explosive Book III...

In the meantime, I'm sure you've been seeing some of the brief summaries on the main characters I've been showcasing in my blog from Book I. I've also been hinting at some of the new supporting characters that will be making their appearance in Book II, such as Jesepha, the knight. To add a bit more about who they are, I've added below an excerpt from Book II, as Qualtan gets that very same question answered...


“We have not been introduced. My name is Bartholomew. And you are Qualtan, son of Eucradus.” He said, extending his hand.

“I am.” Qualtan replied, returning the gesture.

“I was hoping to speak to you at some point, since your presentation to the King. Your petition was impressive. I have heard many good things about you.”

“Thank you.” Qualtan was rather surprised by his interest.

“It is good that the sword has returned home. Its presence is sorely needed.”

Qualtan smiled slightly. The knight’s interest in him was obvious. Bartholomew stared deeply, as if searching for something.

“I have had little chance to learn about the others. The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity for me.” Qualtan said, attempting to deflect Bartholomew’s attention.

“Yes. You will find it difficult to do so. So many knights come and go from the capitol. Some you may never meet, as they remain permanently stationed in the field and rarely return. Others rotate their assignments, while a few disappear on perilous voyages and secret assignments, reappearing many years later, with grayed beards, and weakened backs. Those that die are soon replaced.” He said, with a strange smile as if testing Qualtan once again.

Qualtan did not take the bait.

“I was told the Order at its largest carried 250 knights to its name.”

“Yes! Back during the many battles that led to the Great War. Now, during times of peace, are strength resides at fifty or so. Each knight during more violent times served as commanders of their own troop of soldiery. Nowadays, we sit and wait for the next Great War, and the war after that.”

“How long have you served?”

Bartholomew’s eyes seemed to twinkle. With a knowing smile, he laughed.

“Long enough, I sometimes think! Still, there are noble causes yet to pursue, such as the one we entertain today.”

“What of the other knights, then? They were introduced to me but briefly before we left Turinthia.”

“Ah!” The knight settled in beside Qualtan, pointing to each member of their team.

“You know Jesepha, of course. Powerful knight. Her skills, lethal. Her father had been a knight, and had hoped for a boy to follow in his footsteps. Instead he was blessed with a beautiful girl that did not disavow him of his intent. You are well versed now, in the arduous steps to becoming a knight.”

Qualtan nodded. The process had been made clear to him by Aurelus. To become a knight, you were either knighted by the King or a chosen delegate given those powers, such as General Mountebank, or by petition, sponsored by a knight or someone of similar or higher status, such as his uncle. Either way demanded some act of great courage, noted and witnessed, with the appropriate proofs, of course. The squires were trained for this, hoping to eventually join their knights on the battlefield and prove themselves at some point or other, for that is their eventual purpose. During the wars of the past squires were quickly promoted into the thinning ranks of knighthood. Now, however, there was no need for such numbers, and the squires’ tenure was unfortunately lengthened.

Bartholomew continued. “Jesepha’s father had led a group of soldiers to guard a councilwoman on a voyage through a treacherous path. His daughter accompanied them, despite his arguments against it, for she knew the way to his heart and he could never truly deny her. They were ambushed by orcnes and he was injured. Imagine if you will, a circle of soldiers defending a party of wagons, slowly being pushed back, and the sudden appearance of a young girl rushing into battle, barely outside of being a child, taking her father’s sword, leading the soldiers into a charge. The orcnes were repulsed, and the councilwoman, impressed with Jesepha’s courage, joined her father in presenting her to the King. She was one of the youngest to be knighted into the ranks of the Bearded Lion.” Bartholomew smiled at her. “I have know her for many years, having witnessed her blossoming into a beautiful woman and a deadly warrior. She is a true knight, none fiercer.”

“What of Euric? It was obvious to me back at the celebration of my induction that he has interest in her. He shadowed her like some irksome attendant.”

Bartholomew laughed happily. “He still does. Euric the dashing! Euric the fearless! He’s given himself many titles. He is a child that has never grown up. Boundless energy, with a never ending smile. Some of the other knights do not respect him, thinking he does not take the honor of knighthood seriously. They say he spends more time oiling his overly long moustache than he does oiling his own sword. However, do not be fooled. True, he was born to the aristocracy, his father a rich merchant lord who became a council member. Some say he bought his way into the position through many precious gifts, but who knows? Euric did not show his father’s powers for trade and debate, and showed little ability to run his father’s business dealings. However, he did show a knack for swordplay. With his father’s desire to be seen as truly worthy of his recently elevated station within the Council, he immediately searched for and hired the best swordmasters his gold could buy to train the boy to become a knight and ensconce himself within the nobility. Euric was not the best of squires, focusing more on chasing maidens and revelry than his duties. He was passed from one knight to the next, and nearly kicked out. Again it is said his father’s wealth protected his position. Regardless, his worth was proven at last. His knight was captured by the kingdom of Mezzolanke during a spying mission, one of Turinthia’s rival nations that refused entrance into the Alliance. The two countries have had numerous confrontations against each other, simmering and cooling over the years, but neither trusts the other. In fact Mezzolanke attempted to form its own Alliance with lesser kingdoms in a show of strength against our own, but failed miserably.” Bartholomew paused, as if his own mind had begun to wander.

“What happened, then?” Qualtan asked.

Bartholomew snapped back to the story. “Ah, yes! With a rag tag group of volunteer squires, Euric snuck into the lands of Mezzolanke, discovered where his knight had been taken, and freed him, returning in glory, and immediately petitioned by his grateful master for knighthood, which was granted.” The elder knight chuckled briefly. “Ah, the attempted parleys that took place in the Council chambers between both countries after that were loud and prodigious, then!”

“And the other two, then? What of them? I have not seen them before this trip. They look like brothers, with their long brown beards.”

Bartholomew frowned. “They, my new friend, are what you will now find within the halls of the Order, they and their like. Sturdy warriors both, though neither are brother to the other. But they enjoy their killing too much, I think, and value more the freedom given to them to revel in their excesses than the reasoning behind it. They are senior members, long scarred from many a battle. I know them both only through reputation and my own observances. Ulthag and Rutt they are named, and I would advise you to trust them little.”

“But if we are all knights…?”

“Just because we belong to the same Order, does not mean we are all cut from the same cloth.”

Qualtan was about to question that, when Ulthag, the leading member of their party, clapped his hands.

“Let’s be off!”

“Time to go.” Bartholomew said. “Again, welcome, Sir Knight! I am very happy you are here!” He added, patting Qualtan on his back. Both men rose and began preparing their packs for the final phase of their road.

“You are most kind Bartholomew, and I welcome your friendship. Your information, however, though helpful, has been incomplete.”

“Oh? What have I missed?”

Qualtan stretched as he tightened the buckles on his worn pack, adjusting its position on his back.

“You gave me lessons on every knight here except for one…you.”

Bartholomew laughed. “My story holds little interest. We will speak of it another time."

Happy holidays to one and all! With the crisp air of winter and the crackle of a fireplace log, ye ole Yuletide season is one of my two favorite times of the year. If there is magic to be had, this is certainly the time to look for it!

As the countdown to Book Two slowly progresses, I wanted to share some additional insights on two of our upcoming supporting cast members, Jesepha and Euric.

As mentioned in our last excerpt, both are knights in good standing of the Alliance's Order of the Bearded Lion, and new friends to Qualtan and Glaive. Both Jesepha and Euric are good friends with each other, having trained and grown up together within the Order. It didn't take long for Euric to develop a crush on his sister knight, with her boldness, beauty, and deadly skill with the sword.

However, Jesepha was of a different mind, fiercely independent, and Euric's awkward attempts at courtship usually ended in disaster for him. Try as he might, whether with suave words or childish schoolboy antics, nothing seemed to work. Other girls fell for his artificial charm, but not Jesepha! She had seen his routine one time too many. Besides, she was more inclined towards testing her skill in battle than being romanced, especially by a fellow knight. Still, Euric never was one to give up on such a challenge, and she became resigned to his never ending attempts. Would she ever see him differently? That's for further reading in Book Two. Here's another excerpt, as Euric tries his luck yet again:



“How could you let that rogue touch you? You’ve tumbled over many a man who dared, including me!” Euric said, taking hold of Jesepha’s shoulder.

“My business is my own!” Jesepha responded.

“Surely you are not attracted to him?! He is a brigand and a scheming profiteer! Probably has more wives in more lands that you have fingers and toes!”

“Your opinion means little to me.”

“And what of your opinion of me?”

Jesepha sighed, pausing her step. “Euric…” She began to complain. He quickly put a finger to his lips, pulling her to a quiet alcove within the ship.

“We don’t have time for this.” She argued.

“Yes we do. I play no games this time. You know how I feel about you. I have attempted to court you…”

“As you have many a maiden back home.”

“Because you deny me at every turn! I have no choice! What is it? Why will you not honor me with a favorable response? For awhile I thought you had chosen Bartholomew…”

“Bartholomew? He has looked out for me, and mentored me. I love him as I would an older brother.”

“And I?”

Jesepha allowed her usually tough exterior to slacken. Her voice became soft, and gentle.

“Euric, you are like a younger brother to me. You are kind, and despite your childish antics and annoying prattle, you are a true knight. I know your feelings for me, and I have done my best to dissuade you of them. I’m sorry.”

Euric’s eyes looked down. He frowned with sadness. He shuffled uneasily.

Jesepha could see his pain, and smiled sadly. She placed a hand on his cheek, staring into his eyes.

“Please understand, Euric. I love you as a good friend, but I cannot give you more.”

He took his hand and placed it upon hers.

“Then whose favor do you carry?”

“I carry none.”

“But surely matters of the heart have not escaped you.”

“I have not thought to concern myself with such things.”

“A horrid mistake! You cannot live by the sword alone! There is life to live, and parties to attend, and merriment to be had!”

Jesepha laughed at last. “I have enjoyed those things.”

“But alone.” Euric insisted.

This time it was Jesepha who seemed unsure of herself. “I am not closed to such matters. When the right man comes, I will know of it. Until then…”

“Until then! By that time you will be an old crone, creaking more than your armor! You aren’t getting any younger, you know…”

Jesepha’s face turned red with sudden rage.

“Not getting any younger?!” She demanded.

“You demand too much! If you continue with your ways, you will never be happy and it will be too late to show a bit of lace on your leg!”

“You insufferable, ignorant…”

“You know I speak the truth!” Euric quickly interjected.

“Argh!” Jesepha growled with frustration, quickly moving away.

Euric watched her leave. He sighed, touching the side of his face where her hand had been. “Well done, you fool!” He said to himself miserably.

Here's a great sneak peek to the first book in my Forging of a Knight series from Indies Unlimited!


http://www.indiesunlimited.com/2012/1...
www.indiesunlimited.com

Happy holidays to one and all! As this is the time of my birthday, I'm doubly excited - although not for the gifts, since I usually get the proverbial one gift for Christmas AND my birthday! Ah well....


...just to share, I have added a video trailer for Forging of a Knight on my Goodreads profile. I just posted it on YouTube, and although we aren't talking big budgets, animations, and actors/actresses here, I think for a first time out its not too bad...check it out, let me know what you think!

Hello all - just wanted to share the great news - Forging of a Knight was awarded as a 2013 finalist in the Eric Hoffer book contest this year. This means it fell in the top 10% of books submitted, which is a win in of itself.

More details on the contest can be found at:

http://www.hofferaward.com/HAcategory...