Hugo Negron's Blog, page 17
August 3, 2013
Cover image for Book Two of the Forging of a Knight Series
Hi all - I just wanted to share this, as I was so excited with the results. My illustrator, Lora Lee, completed the front AND back cover images for Forging of a Knight, Rise of the Slavekeepers, which should be out around October this year at the latest. I was hoping it would be ready by August 14th when I will be boothing for my book in full armor at the Indy Gen Con this year, but the timing just couldnt be done. Still, it should be a fun time out there as I will have handouts showing the cover, discussing the series overall and saying hi to all the fellow mythological/fantasy buffs at the convention!
You can check my initial drawing for the cover and her translation of it at the Forging of a Knight facebook fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/Forging.of.a...
The second book in the Forging of a Knight series! Qualtan has become a knight at last. With Glaive, the half-orcne thief by his side, he will join a host of new allies: Jesepha, the strong-willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a mysterious secret; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; and the dashing merchant lord Visandus.
They will stand together against a new menace that unravels from a seemingly routine mission into one of greater horror, involving other-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege, one of Those That Stand in Shadow, at last! Should they somehow prevail, it will just be a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
You can check my initial drawing for the cover and her translation of it at the Forging of a Knight facebook fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/Forging.of.a...
The second book in the Forging of a Knight series! Qualtan has become a knight at last. With Glaive, the half-orcne thief by his side, he will join a host of new allies: Jesepha, the strong-willed female knight; her mentor, the elder knight Bartholomew, who carries a mysterious secret; the young and hot-headed knight Euric; the glum and impatient knight Richard; and the dashing merchant lord Visandus.
They will stand together against a new menace that unravels from a seemingly routine mission into one of greater horror, involving other-dimensional creatures, rival sea-faring pirate nations, and a face-to-face confrontation between Qualtan and Darksiege, one of Those That Stand in Shadow, at last! Should they somehow prevail, it will just be a precursor to an even GREATER threat!
June 24, 2013
Book Two...
Hello all - its been a hectic 1/2 of the year - especially with a little 1 year old baby keeping me on track, but Book Two - Forging of a Knight, Rise of the Slavekeepers, is on the role! My own illustration has been sent to fantastic artist Lora Lee to continue her great work on the series covers, and my editor Erin Potter has sent me back my manuscript with her edits. Once I review, its off to the publisher and out of the gate! Book three is already in rough draft, in order to complete the FIRST trilogy, for further fleshing out around the end of the year, although that depends on the schedule my son decides to give me, as he's a pretty tough boss... 8 )
All set for Gen Con this August - I was hoping to have Book Two at the ready, but that may be cutting things too short, so at the least I will have pictures/flyers with the cover for 'the Slavekeepers to present. Considering the actual arm/leg armor that I will be wearing, Im hopeful for a less than humid near end to summer around that time...
I do plan on having a giveaway here for the second book once everything is all set.
And just as I complete this very last sentence, a little voice is crying for dinner so its off to the races, or at least in my case, to the crib...!
All set for Gen Con this August - I was hoping to have Book Two at the ready, but that may be cutting things too short, so at the least I will have pictures/flyers with the cover for 'the Slavekeepers to present. Considering the actual arm/leg armor that I will be wearing, Im hopeful for a less than humid near end to summer around that time...
I do plan on having a giveaway here for the second book once everything is all set.
And just as I complete this very last sentence, a little voice is crying for dinner so its off to the races, or at least in my case, to the crib...!
May 13, 2013
Forging of a Knight nominated as a finalist in the Eric Hoffer 2013 book contest
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...
More details on the contest can be found at:
http://www.hofferaward.com/HAcategory...
April 29, 2013
Remembering Grenadier Models
Hi all – any grizzled old gamers out there remember growing up in the 70’s/80’s when you had comics, Atari, and TSR Hobbies to help keep you entertained? I especially remember a company called Grenadier Models, Inc. They were a miniatures company that produced lead figures (initially historical soldiers, hence the name, “Grenadier”) that were used in a variety of role playing games, such as TSR’s Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, Chaosium’s Call of Cthulhu, Steve Jackson’s Ogre, and a host of others.
I was a huge fan of their products. I used to look forward to all of their upcoming figure lines for AD&D, as well as their special lines such as their “Dragon of the Month” boxed sets, “Giants Club” sets, and “Undead Legion” series (their skeletal war mammoth, complete with skeletal riders, and their skeletal war chariot riders come immediately to mind). The quality of their work with regards to detail and animation was amazing, from their president and head sculptor Andrew Chernak to such sculpturing greats as John Dennett and Julie Guthrie. Ray Rubin, their VP and head artist, did most of the artwork on the box covers. Talk about sparking the imagination! Their company even produced a magazine that discussed their products, and offered stories, jokes, games, answered customer’s questions, contests galore, and special mail-only products (anyone remember the undead pizza delivery man figure?). I still have the original run of 18 issues before it was replaced with a bolder, color version from their UK division. I don’t even recall how I got on their mailing list for the bulletin – I think I may have just written to the company with a question about their products, but I was glad I did! My figure collection was eventually passed on to my nephews but the “Grenadier Bulletin” as it was called, stayed with me. I remember entering many of their contests, and writing to them frequently. Grenadier was even nice enough to replace damaged figures that came in some of their sets I had purchased at various hobby stores for free.
Going through some old books and folders, I came across my bulletin issues, safely stored away in sleeves of plastic, and a wave of nostalgia overtook me. I recall the company had folded back in the 90’s, and I immediately began to wonder what had become of their head honchos.
Well, I was able to find Andrew Chernak and was happy to hear he was still actively sculpting! I sent him a quick missive just to say thanks for all the great work he had produced and launched with Grenadier. To my surprise, he responded back, mentioning he remembered me from back in the day, and was appreciative of the compliments and the reach out. For the president of a company to recall a customer (and a young teenage one back in the day at that) from an enterprise that was no longer around was quite the nice gesture, and deeply appreciated! Those guys helped outline a lot of my imagination back then, and were one of the many seeds that inspired me.
So a big Thank You, Mr. Chernak, for your artistry, products, and for Grenadier Models, Inc.! I’ll be needing figures for Forging of a Knight soon enough…!
I was a huge fan of their products. I used to look forward to all of their upcoming figure lines for AD&D, as well as their special lines such as their “Dragon of the Month” boxed sets, “Giants Club” sets, and “Undead Legion” series (their skeletal war mammoth, complete with skeletal riders, and their skeletal war chariot riders come immediately to mind). The quality of their work with regards to detail and animation was amazing, from their president and head sculptor Andrew Chernak to such sculpturing greats as John Dennett and Julie Guthrie. Ray Rubin, their VP and head artist, did most of the artwork on the box covers. Talk about sparking the imagination! Their company even produced a magazine that discussed their products, and offered stories, jokes, games, answered customer’s questions, contests galore, and special mail-only products (anyone remember the undead pizza delivery man figure?). I still have the original run of 18 issues before it was replaced with a bolder, color version from their UK division. I don’t even recall how I got on their mailing list for the bulletin – I think I may have just written to the company with a question about their products, but I was glad I did! My figure collection was eventually passed on to my nephews but the “Grenadier Bulletin” as it was called, stayed with me. I remember entering many of their contests, and writing to them frequently. Grenadier was even nice enough to replace damaged figures that came in some of their sets I had purchased at various hobby stores for free.
Going through some old books and folders, I came across my bulletin issues, safely stored away in sleeves of plastic, and a wave of nostalgia overtook me. I recall the company had folded back in the 90’s, and I immediately began to wonder what had become of their head honchos.
Well, I was able to find Andrew Chernak and was happy to hear he was still actively sculpting! I sent him a quick missive just to say thanks for all the great work he had produced and launched with Grenadier. To my surprise, he responded back, mentioning he remembered me from back in the day, and was appreciative of the compliments and the reach out. For the president of a company to recall a customer (and a young teenage one back in the day at that) from an enterprise that was no longer around was quite the nice gesture, and deeply appreciated! Those guys helped outline a lot of my imagination back then, and were one of the many seeds that inspired me.
So a big Thank You, Mr. Chernak, for your artistry, products, and for Grenadier Models, Inc.! I’ll be needing figures for Forging of a Knight soon enough…!
Forging of a Knight is a new sponsor for Spellfury!
Hey all - anybody ever watch Spellfury? Spellfury (the fantasy live action webseries) has been seen over 6 million times online and aired Nationally in Canada on Global TV. You can find them on youtube as well or at www.spellfury.com. The cool thing is, Forging of a Knight will be one of their new sponsors! The next episode of Spellfury will have a commercial aired for Forging of a Knight! You will have to check it out!!
February 28, 2013
GEN CON 2013! Updates, and more...
Hello out there!
Here in Illinois, we are finally digging through some actual snowstorms that took effect after a record setting period of no-snow for this time of year. I’m actually happy we didn’t take down our Christmas tree since we are finally getting a “white post-Christmas”…
Onto some news! I will have a booth set up at Gen Con in Indianapolis this year Aug 15-18th! I will be hawkin’, sellin’, and beggin’ my book Forging of a Knight, along with Book Two, Rise of the Slavekeepers in my REAL metal suit of armor (not a full suit, as I wouldn’t want to shake someone’s hand and then collapse from dehydration, but suit enough!). This is a great event for fantasy buffs, and there will be games, contests, and costumes galore:
http://gencon.com/
If you plan on going, please stop by and visit me in the Author’s Avenue to talk fantasy, books, Forging of a Knight, or just to say “hi”!
Speaking of which, Book Two is still with my editor. I will hopefully be able to share some preview work on the cover and additional tidbits as it progresses.
As I speak (or write), I am halfway through the rough draft for Book Three. This is going to be a really fun read – I wish I could share some details, but the plot revolves around things that happen in Book Two and I don’t want to spoil it until Book Two is out later this year and people have had a chance to read it. I will say this – enemies become allies, and some characters introduced in Books One and Two will return and join forces, along with new companions, in a race against the ruling member of Those That Stand in Shadow and his agents to stop the unleashing of an even greater terror! For those who read Book One, they may recall Amali the Ancient, and the fact that his home resided in the Third Continent. They may also recall the reference to a race of corrupt demon worshippers called the Yanaan during a brief conversation between Amali and Aurelus. That will give some hints as to who may be appearing. From Turinthia to the sweltering Third Continent where sits the empire of Zubadi, the story will cover two continents, new lands, new heroes, and new foes! Okay, so maybe I spoiled it a little bit…
I also wanted to give a shout out and say THANK YOU to two people who have really supported Forging of a Knight with their kind words, reviews, and assistance in putting the word out there. They deserve mention here.
They are:
Jasper de Joode – Forging of a Knight’s first official reviewer, back when he was at www.fantasybookreview.co.uk. Now you can find his awesome reviews at http://thebookplank.blogspot.com/
Brian Beam, author of The Dragon Gem:
"With nothing to go on but a vague dream which may or may not be memory, Korinalis Karell has traveled Amirand for three years in search of his birth parents. With a magical Contract to fund his journey and a magic talking wizard cat named Max to keep him out of trouble, Korin has made his way through the world with no success in finding them.
However, what starts out as a seemingly simple Contract job to find a stolen gem for a count quickly turns into a fight for survival that brings about revelations about Korin's life that turn his world inside-out and upside-down.
With the aid of a mediocre wizard who happens to be the daughter of the most powerful wizard in Amirand, a chatterbox Kolarin, and Max, Korin sets out to discover the secrets of his past so that he may live to see his future.
This is a firsthand account of Korin's journey as he chases down thieves, is chased down by a dragon and gods-forsaken creatures of death, and finds out that life just never seems to get easier."
Find out what he’s up to next at:
https://www.facebook.com/brianbeamauthor
A humble thank you to you both – you are truly Knights of the Order!
Here in Illinois, we are finally digging through some actual snowstorms that took effect after a record setting period of no-snow for this time of year. I’m actually happy we didn’t take down our Christmas tree since we are finally getting a “white post-Christmas”…
Onto some news! I will have a booth set up at Gen Con in Indianapolis this year Aug 15-18th! I will be hawkin’, sellin’, and beggin’ my book Forging of a Knight, along with Book Two, Rise of the Slavekeepers in my REAL metal suit of armor (not a full suit, as I wouldn’t want to shake someone’s hand and then collapse from dehydration, but suit enough!). This is a great event for fantasy buffs, and there will be games, contests, and costumes galore:
http://gencon.com/
If you plan on going, please stop by and visit me in the Author’s Avenue to talk fantasy, books, Forging of a Knight, or just to say “hi”!
Speaking of which, Book Two is still with my editor. I will hopefully be able to share some preview work on the cover and additional tidbits as it progresses.
As I speak (or write), I am halfway through the rough draft for Book Three. This is going to be a really fun read – I wish I could share some details, but the plot revolves around things that happen in Book Two and I don’t want to spoil it until Book Two is out later this year and people have had a chance to read it. I will say this – enemies become allies, and some characters introduced in Books One and Two will return and join forces, along with new companions, in a race against the ruling member of Those That Stand in Shadow and his agents to stop the unleashing of an even greater terror! For those who read Book One, they may recall Amali the Ancient, and the fact that his home resided in the Third Continent. They may also recall the reference to a race of corrupt demon worshippers called the Yanaan during a brief conversation between Amali and Aurelus. That will give some hints as to who may be appearing. From Turinthia to the sweltering Third Continent where sits the empire of Zubadi, the story will cover two continents, new lands, new heroes, and new foes! Okay, so maybe I spoiled it a little bit…
I also wanted to give a shout out and say THANK YOU to two people who have really supported Forging of a Knight with their kind words, reviews, and assistance in putting the word out there. They deserve mention here.
They are:
Jasper de Joode – Forging of a Knight’s first official reviewer, back when he was at www.fantasybookreview.co.uk. Now you can find his awesome reviews at http://thebookplank.blogspot.com/
Brian Beam, author of The Dragon Gem:
"With nothing to go on but a vague dream which may or may not be memory, Korinalis Karell has traveled Amirand for three years in search of his birth parents. With a magical Contract to fund his journey and a magic talking wizard cat named Max to keep him out of trouble, Korin has made his way through the world with no success in finding them.
However, what starts out as a seemingly simple Contract job to find a stolen gem for a count quickly turns into a fight for survival that brings about revelations about Korin's life that turn his world inside-out and upside-down.
With the aid of a mediocre wizard who happens to be the daughter of the most powerful wizard in Amirand, a chatterbox Kolarin, and Max, Korin sets out to discover the secrets of his past so that he may live to see his future.
This is a firsthand account of Korin's journey as he chases down thieves, is chased down by a dragon and gods-forsaken creatures of death, and finds out that life just never seems to get easier."
Find out what he’s up to next at:
https://www.facebook.com/brianbeamauthor
A humble thank you to you both – you are truly Knights of the Order!
December 24, 2012
Video trailer for Forging of a Knight!
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!
...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!
December 9, 2012
Sneak Peek from Indies Unlimited!
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
http://www.indiesunlimited.com/2012/1...
www.indiesunlimited.com
December 8, 2012
Jesepha and Euric
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.
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.
November 17, 2012
Who are the new Knights? Excerpt from Book II
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."
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."
