Rival Gates's Blog, page 43
April 18, 2015
Interview of Charli Fountain
Today on my blog I have the honor of interviewing Charli Fountain, the head illustrator for Cheshire Grin Publishing. Welcome to “My Thoughts”. Thanks for sitting down to answer some questions.
I just finished “Dog Without a Shadow” and was particularly taken with the artwork. What attracted you to art in the first place?
I’d like to say that I was drawn to expressing myself when I could not make up the words to come out of me. I was painfully shy and often I can picture in my head what I want or thought but I can’t explain it well. So really I draw so I can have my voice heard.
How did that lead to illustrating a book like this one?
In middle school, I felt it was my time to get out and adventure things, but I was still limited in what I could do or find out. I spent a lot of time in the library, and I found couple of unique comic books and I had already known I enjoyed writing stories and I enjoyed drawing, but I decided I suddenly found my way to do both. I had known about comic books all my life but I had never seen one bigger than the Sunday newspaper comics until middle school.
How would you describe your style?
I am still finding my own style but I grew up loving beautiful elegant works and designs. I also had a cartoony humor and that translated to my art very clearly. I feel my style will never stop evolving because I am always learning something new. I have simplified realism in my works, and an air of pure fantasy.
Did you have any mentors or role models who spurred you in this direction?
I actually have lots, and I know one person who started it all, my Mom. She gave me a book of Fairy Paintings by Amy Brown and I still have it with some pages falling out from looking at it day after day. I carried it to school, I kept it under my teenage pillow, and I learned from it. Amy Brown became a major model for my art. It followed with some music muses like Avril Lavigne and Amy Lee, and more artistic heroes like Stan Lee, J. Scott Campbell, and Rumiko Takahashi. Those are actually the people I have on my list that I dream to meet with one day.
I was intrigued by your use of color in the book. Is that part of your style or was it specific to the story?
That was a bit of both I like vibrant bold colors and I also know Amadogus himself is a big black dog, I felt having the brighter colors would help the audience draw their attention towards him as well as I hoped it would help lead a flow of direction to the pages.
Do you see the pictures in your head before you draw them or do they come to you as you work?
I most of the time see them in my mind before I draw them. I have woken up at 3am with an image and I could not go to sleep until it was on paper. There are those special cases where I have an idea but I don’t know how to execute it so those come as I work but it is very seldom they do.
Have you ever wanted to branch out and do other types of art?
All the time, I actually have a lot of hobbies between making costumes, I want to learn cosmetology, special effects make up, Air brushing, and water transfer. I can go on and on with the different things I’d like to do. I can watch a video and say, “that looks like so much fun.” And I will add it to my list.
I hear talk about a children’s museum. Can you shed some light on that for me?
Angel and I are planning on taking some of my original work for ‘The Dog without a Shadow’ and possibly more to put on display at a children’s museum. There were lots of drawings I illustrated for this book and a couple of them never made it to the story so I had hoped, because one of them was my favorite, that I can still show it to kids and they enjoy it as well.
Is this the only children’s book you have illustrated or are there others?
‘The Dog without a Shadow’ was my first, but we have also started using other works of mine in other children’s books like ‘Ikto’s Umbrella’. That is a new one Angel wrote and it just became available for children.
What can we expect from you and Cheshire Grin in the future?
We have two other children’s books besides ‘The Dog without a Shadow’, one is called Ikto’s Umbrella and the other is ‘Adelise’. I also have started a couple of novellas, I will have illustrations in those as well, and you will see more on those the closer they are to being complete. I have worked on one for almost ten years I am really excited to finally get it to the point where everyone can read it.
Your dedication to your work certainly is evident in its fine quality. Thank you for being on the blog and I wish you the best of success in the future.
Rival
I just finished “Dog Without a Shadow” and was particularly taken with the artwork. What attracted you to art in the first place?
I’d like to say that I was drawn to expressing myself when I could not make up the words to come out of me. I was painfully shy and often I can picture in my head what I want or thought but I can’t explain it well. So really I draw so I can have my voice heard.
How did that lead to illustrating a book like this one?
In middle school, I felt it was my time to get out and adventure things, but I was still limited in what I could do or find out. I spent a lot of time in the library, and I found couple of unique comic books and I had already known I enjoyed writing stories and I enjoyed drawing, but I decided I suddenly found my way to do both. I had known about comic books all my life but I had never seen one bigger than the Sunday newspaper comics until middle school.
How would you describe your style?
I am still finding my own style but I grew up loving beautiful elegant works and designs. I also had a cartoony humor and that translated to my art very clearly. I feel my style will never stop evolving because I am always learning something new. I have simplified realism in my works, and an air of pure fantasy.
Did you have any mentors or role models who spurred you in this direction?
I actually have lots, and I know one person who started it all, my Mom. She gave me a book of Fairy Paintings by Amy Brown and I still have it with some pages falling out from looking at it day after day. I carried it to school, I kept it under my teenage pillow, and I learned from it. Amy Brown became a major model for my art. It followed with some music muses like Avril Lavigne and Amy Lee, and more artistic heroes like Stan Lee, J. Scott Campbell, and Rumiko Takahashi. Those are actually the people I have on my list that I dream to meet with one day.
I was intrigued by your use of color in the book. Is that part of your style or was it specific to the story?
That was a bit of both I like vibrant bold colors and I also know Amadogus himself is a big black dog, I felt having the brighter colors would help the audience draw their attention towards him as well as I hoped it would help lead a flow of direction to the pages.
Do you see the pictures in your head before you draw them or do they come to you as you work?
I most of the time see them in my mind before I draw them. I have woken up at 3am with an image and I could not go to sleep until it was on paper. There are those special cases where I have an idea but I don’t know how to execute it so those come as I work but it is very seldom they do.
Have you ever wanted to branch out and do other types of art?
All the time, I actually have a lot of hobbies between making costumes, I want to learn cosmetology, special effects make up, Air brushing, and water transfer. I can go on and on with the different things I’d like to do. I can watch a video and say, “that looks like so much fun.” And I will add it to my list.
I hear talk about a children’s museum. Can you shed some light on that for me?
Angel and I are planning on taking some of my original work for ‘The Dog without a Shadow’ and possibly more to put on display at a children’s museum. There were lots of drawings I illustrated for this book and a couple of them never made it to the story so I had hoped, because one of them was my favorite, that I can still show it to kids and they enjoy it as well.
Is this the only children’s book you have illustrated or are there others?
‘The Dog without a Shadow’ was my first, but we have also started using other works of mine in other children’s books like ‘Ikto’s Umbrella’. That is a new one Angel wrote and it just became available for children.
What can we expect from you and Cheshire Grin in the future?
We have two other children’s books besides ‘The Dog without a Shadow’, one is called Ikto’s Umbrella and the other is ‘Adelise’. I also have started a couple of novellas, I will have illustrations in those as well, and you will see more on those the closer they are to being complete. I have worked on one for almost ten years I am really excited to finally get it to the point where everyone can read it.
Your dedication to your work certainly is evident in its fine quality. Thank you for being on the blog and I wish you the best of success in the future.
Rival
April 16, 2015
New Interview
The .99 book sale is going strong. Get a copy of "Quest for the Red Sapphire" at http://amzn.to/1npYd0S Here is my new interview on Marie Lavender's Books. http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.co... Enjoy!
April 15, 2015
Another Guest Appearance
A great writer and friend picked up my article for her blog and posted it. Thanks to Angel Dunworth and her Cheshire Grin Publications. Here's the link http://streetlighthalo.blogspot.com/2...
April 14, 2015
The Common Cold
The .99 sale on “Quest for the Red Sapphire” is going great! Make sure you get yours at http://amzn.to/1npYd0S before it’s over! Today I have a bad cold. I just want to get in bed and stay there forever. As I was in bed blowing my nose I thought to myself, why can’t they cure this thing? My only advice has been to wait it out. That could take 7-10 days. We can put a man on the moon. We can cure Ebola. We can make Nano computers. We split the atom. We can inoculate against chicken pox and a host of other diseases and ailments. We can overthrow countries. We can make frozen pizzas that taste nearly as good as take out. We could feed the world if politics didn’t get in the way. So why oh why can’t we cure the common cold? Is anyone even trying? All I see are treatments for the symptoms. It’s nice to have cough medicine or nasal mists or cough drops or Tylenol but all these medicines treat symptoms. The root problem remains and all I can do is fall back on Mom’s recommendations of clear fluids and rest. It seems like there should be something more that can be done. There is certainly a market for this as people come down with colds all the time. A cure would sell at whatever price you set. This is a horrible feeling and I want it gone. Still, the only treatments that come out are for the symptoms. Is it that hard to pin down? Or is there more money treating it than curing it. In the end it always comes down to money. What will make the pharmaceutical company richer. Curing an illness takes away a customer. Why would a company want to do that? Maybe someone has come up with the cure already but is sitting on it so their parent company can continue to profit from their treatments? If that were true then someone would be playing with fire. If it ever came out that they had an antidote and kept it a secret, there would be uproar. Realistically the chances of that are slim. If they had the cure, who is to say another company wouldn’t come up with the same cure and patent it. Then you would be the loser. No, I think if there was a cure, it would be released. I just don’t think they’re looking very hard for one. Until society comes forward and says, “This is important” the attempt to cure the illness will sit on the back burner with a host of other things waiting for someone to stumble over the cure
April 12, 2015
My Guest Appearance
Marie Lavender has been kind enough to allow me to write an article for her blog called “Writing in the Modern Age”. My article is called “Going with the Crowd or Alone.” Here is the link http://marielavender.blogspot.com/201... I hope you enjoy!
April 11, 2015
Saturday Excerpt, "Quest"
THE .99 SALE CONTINUES!
At last, Linvin reached in his quiver and found nothing left to fire. He surveyed the field and found only two frightened goblins still standing. They had fallen back to the camp. The time had come for Linvin to show himself to his enemy and finish the fight. He threw his bow to the ground and jumped out of the trees. Fueled by rage, he armed himself with two swords from the dead goblins and advanced on the camp.
The sight angered the goblins. It was inconceivable to them that a lone archer had bested such a force. They immediately charged at him. Linvin came to a halt and waited for them with his weapons held high. One goblin arrived just ahead of the other and jabbed at Linvin with his spear. Linvin knocked the blow aside easily with one sword and then came around with a swipe from his second that struck his enemy’s neck. The creature’s head separated from his body.
Linvin quickly turned his attention to the sole remaining goblin. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a spear thrust aimed for his head. Linvin instinctively ducked and rolled toward his opponent. When the roll was completed, he found himself sitting on his rear with his legs before him at the foot of his foe.
Recognizing the close quarters, the goblin abandoned his spear and drew his sword. In Linvin’s haste to dodge the spear, he had lost the grip on both of his blades. The goblin raised his arm for a killing blow on his earthbound enemy.
Linvin used the moment to make a sweeping kick at the goblin’s knees with his leg. The desperate blow knocked the goblin on his back and dislodged the sword from his hand. Linvin reached for the knife in his boot and dove on top of the warrior. With one hand, he tried to restrain the goblin’s arm and with the other, he pushed the blade ever closer to his foe.
The goblin intercepted Linvin’s forearm and held the weapon away. In a struggle for life, the goblin used his weight to his advantage and rolled Linvin onto the ground with his great belly crushing the half elf. Linvin gasped for air as the blade began to be forced back toward his body.
Having short arms made it easier for the goblin to maneuver in the close quarters. Linvin, on the other hand, was at a disadvantage, not being able to fully extend his arm and use its strength. If Linvin was to prevail, he knew he would need to create separation between them.
With a swift move from his leg, Linvin drove his knee into the groin of his adversary. With instinctive reaction, the goblin raised his upper body and grimaced in pain. The move had created the space Linvin required. He pulled the knife to the side and broke the goblin’s hold of his arm. Linvin used his full might to drive the sharpened point through one side of his opponent’s neck. The blade finally stopped when it exited the other side. Grabbing at its throat, the goblin fell to the ground. He would not rise again.
Linvin lay on his back, panting for several moments. He struggled to regain his feet and retrieved his knife. Linvin stood alone on the battlefield, victorious. The time had come to learn the price of his victory.
At last, Linvin reached in his quiver and found nothing left to fire. He surveyed the field and found only two frightened goblins still standing. They had fallen back to the camp. The time had come for Linvin to show himself to his enemy and finish the fight. He threw his bow to the ground and jumped out of the trees. Fueled by rage, he armed himself with two swords from the dead goblins and advanced on the camp.
The sight angered the goblins. It was inconceivable to them that a lone archer had bested such a force. They immediately charged at him. Linvin came to a halt and waited for them with his weapons held high. One goblin arrived just ahead of the other and jabbed at Linvin with his spear. Linvin knocked the blow aside easily with one sword and then came around with a swipe from his second that struck his enemy’s neck. The creature’s head separated from his body.
Linvin quickly turned his attention to the sole remaining goblin. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a spear thrust aimed for his head. Linvin instinctively ducked and rolled toward his opponent. When the roll was completed, he found himself sitting on his rear with his legs before him at the foot of his foe.
Recognizing the close quarters, the goblin abandoned his spear and drew his sword. In Linvin’s haste to dodge the spear, he had lost the grip on both of his blades. The goblin raised his arm for a killing blow on his earthbound enemy.
Linvin used the moment to make a sweeping kick at the goblin’s knees with his leg. The desperate blow knocked the goblin on his back and dislodged the sword from his hand. Linvin reached for the knife in his boot and dove on top of the warrior. With one hand, he tried to restrain the goblin’s arm and with the other, he pushed the blade ever closer to his foe.
The goblin intercepted Linvin’s forearm and held the weapon away. In a struggle for life, the goblin used his weight to his advantage and rolled Linvin onto the ground with his great belly crushing the half elf. Linvin gasped for air as the blade began to be forced back toward his body.
Having short arms made it easier for the goblin to maneuver in the close quarters. Linvin, on the other hand, was at a disadvantage, not being able to fully extend his arm and use its strength. If Linvin was to prevail, he knew he would need to create separation between them.
With a swift move from his leg, Linvin drove his knee into the groin of his adversary. With instinctive reaction, the goblin raised his upper body and grimaced in pain. The move had created the space Linvin required. He pulled the knife to the side and broke the goblin’s hold of his arm. Linvin used his full might to drive the sharpened point through one side of his opponent’s neck. The blade finally stopped when it exited the other side. Grabbing at its throat, the goblin fell to the ground. He would not rise again.
Linvin lay on his back, panting for several moments. He struggled to regain his feet and retrieved his knife. Linvin stood alone on the battlefield, victorious. The time had come to learn the price of his victory.
April 8, 2015
.99 SALE!
Now that I have the second edition of “Quest for the Red Sapphire” uploaded, I am having a .99 Kindle sale! For a limited time you can download the book from Amazon for only .99. The link to the book is http://www.amazon.com/Quest-Red-Sapph... Hurry to get yours before this sale is over. If you were ever curious about the story, now is your chance to own it for less than a dollar!
April 7, 2015
They Go Together
There are a good number of things in this world that go together. Examples are bagels and cream cheese, peanut butter and jelly, chips and dip and in a non-food way, a good book and a blanket. Bagels were an eastern European staple brought to the new world by the Jewish settlers in New York. After opening bakeries and delis they found it needed something extra. An American product developed from a progression of English recipes was cream cheese. A crafty marketer even called it Philadelphia Cream Cheese because the best cheeses were said to come from there. It did not matter that the product was made in New York. When bagels went nationwide, so did the cream cheese. Next comes peanut butter and jelly. Peanut butter was invented in 1880 by Dr. Ambrose W. Straub as a food for his patients with bad teeth. In 1904 it was taken to the World’s fair and was an instant hit. Every sample sold out at a huge profit. Large wooden tubs began showing up in grocery stores to satisfy consumer’s demands. In the 1920s and 30s the national brands you know today were launched. It wasn’t until World War 2 that invention took over once again. Soldiers were given rations of peanut butter as a cheap, easily transportable high protein source. They were also given rations of jelly for their sweet tooth. It didn’t take long for imaginative G.I.s to put the two together to make the peanut butter more palatable. When they came home from the war, they brought their new creation back to the American public and the rest is history. Then there was the case of the chip and dip. It took a long time for these two partners to come together. Potato chips were invented in 1853 but didn’t gain much traction in the market until the 1920s when mechanical peeling machines made the product economically viable. They were introduced in the Deep South by Herman Lay who had tremendous success. Around the same time a young Texan named Elmer Doolin had bought the rights to fried tortilla strips and added an s to the Spanish word for fried to create Fritos. He sold franchises after the war and in 1961 the two companies merged into Frito-Lay. Now for the dip part of the story. Lipton had taken the instant soup business as far as they could. If they were to remain profitable, they would need a new outlet for their products. They came up with the idea of adding their dry packaged soup to sour crème and making a product to put your chip in. The trend was an overnight success and soon dip was made commercially. Even I remember mixing French onion soup mix with sour cream to make dip. It was a perfect marriage. As hungry as that makes me, nothing compares to having nothing to do, maybe some rain or snow outside and curling up with a book and a blanket. I am afraid I have no history on that as I am sure it has gone on since the written word existed. It is a comfort and escape you can’t find anywhere else. So next time you think of things that go together, sit down with a good book and a blanket. They go together like the song says, ‘like a wink and a smile.’
April 5, 2015
Sunday Excerpt, "Crucible"
“Enough,” yelled Mandrean. “I am in the mood to kill someone. If Grithinshield is not to be had, I am inclined to settle for you gentlemen. Now shut your mouths while I think.”
All were silent as Mandrean paced and looked at the pawns. Then his eyes fell on Gramlick. He sat calmly in his seat with his arms folded. Mandrean approached him and softened his tone, if only slightly. “You have said nothing.”
Gramlick looked at the other generals with a look of disappointment. “To add one’s voice to those of idiots only brands you as one yourself.”
Mandrean sat beside his mentor. “Well I am asking you, how will Linvin plan to escape?”
Gramlick patted Mandrean gently on the cheek. “Though you are my Emperor you are still such a child. You continue to ask the wrong questions.”
Mandrean withdrew his face and looked at the map in confusion. “What question should I be asking?”
Gramlick sighed and limped to the center of the room. Then he turned and addressed Mandrean and the other generals. “You wonder where Grithinshield will flee. I say you should first ask yourself, ‘Should I pursue him at all?’”
Mandrean found the statement insulting. “Of course I shall have him chased down like a rat. Look at what he did today.”
“Exactly,” Gramlick said calmly. “You already listed what Linvin has accomplished without the Red Sapphire. Now that he has the magic stone I doubt it will take long for him to master its powers. Even if you do corner him, you will lose many, many soldiers. Those are the men you are counting on for your future plans. That would unravel your strategy for Romadon and possibly open the door for revolt in the newly conquered territories. Even with horrifying casualties, there is still no guarantee you will beat him. In fact, his record shows he is always victorious in battle. You would likely throw away everything and gain nothing.”
Mandrean processed the information and rubbed his chin. “Then what course of action would you suggest to kill Grithinshield?”
“None,” Gramlick said firmly. “He has what he wants and he is not coming after you. All he wants to do now is go home. I believe you would be wise to let him. Further confrontation with Linvin will likely end badly for our Empire. Let him go and repair the damage caused. He will only be a threat if he is threatened.”
“But look at what he has done.” Mandrean fumed like a child not being given what he wanted.
“The damage is considerable,” agreed Gramlick. “It is an opportunity to rebuild your capital into the regal seat of power it should be. The greatest scar left today was on your ego. In time that wound will heal like anything else. Put the anger aside and rise above it. Only then will you be a truly wise Emperor.”
Mandrean valued his opinion above any other general, but Gramlick’s suggestion was a bitter pill. The Emperor resumed his pacing at a hurried rate as he glared intently at the map. His expressions showed the back and forth debate within his mind. As his track turned to face Gramlick again, he finally commented in a conciliatory tone. “Your suggestion to allow Grithinshield to leave my realm unmolested is not an easy choice for me to make…”
Mandrean was interrupted by a bellowing voice from the main doorway. “Or the right choice to make either.” Everyone turned to see Necromancer standing in his customary manner with his arms crossed and covered in his sleeves. “Forgive me for my tardiness, gentlemen,” he continued. “Someone had to put out the raging inferno caused by our recent guest and it would seem I was the only one capable of such a feat. It may please you to know I saved half of your precious capital. Whether it was the better half or not is for you to debate. It all looks like a dung pile to me.”
All were silent as Mandrean paced and looked at the pawns. Then his eyes fell on Gramlick. He sat calmly in his seat with his arms folded. Mandrean approached him and softened his tone, if only slightly. “You have said nothing.”
Gramlick looked at the other generals with a look of disappointment. “To add one’s voice to those of idiots only brands you as one yourself.”
Mandrean sat beside his mentor. “Well I am asking you, how will Linvin plan to escape?”
Gramlick patted Mandrean gently on the cheek. “Though you are my Emperor you are still such a child. You continue to ask the wrong questions.”
Mandrean withdrew his face and looked at the map in confusion. “What question should I be asking?”
Gramlick sighed and limped to the center of the room. Then he turned and addressed Mandrean and the other generals. “You wonder where Grithinshield will flee. I say you should first ask yourself, ‘Should I pursue him at all?’”
Mandrean found the statement insulting. “Of course I shall have him chased down like a rat. Look at what he did today.”
“Exactly,” Gramlick said calmly. “You already listed what Linvin has accomplished without the Red Sapphire. Now that he has the magic stone I doubt it will take long for him to master its powers. Even if you do corner him, you will lose many, many soldiers. Those are the men you are counting on for your future plans. That would unravel your strategy for Romadon and possibly open the door for revolt in the newly conquered territories. Even with horrifying casualties, there is still no guarantee you will beat him. In fact, his record shows he is always victorious in battle. You would likely throw away everything and gain nothing.”
Mandrean processed the information and rubbed his chin. “Then what course of action would you suggest to kill Grithinshield?”
“None,” Gramlick said firmly. “He has what he wants and he is not coming after you. All he wants to do now is go home. I believe you would be wise to let him. Further confrontation with Linvin will likely end badly for our Empire. Let him go and repair the damage caused. He will only be a threat if he is threatened.”
“But look at what he has done.” Mandrean fumed like a child not being given what he wanted.
“The damage is considerable,” agreed Gramlick. “It is an opportunity to rebuild your capital into the regal seat of power it should be. The greatest scar left today was on your ego. In time that wound will heal like anything else. Put the anger aside and rise above it. Only then will you be a truly wise Emperor.”
Mandrean valued his opinion above any other general, but Gramlick’s suggestion was a bitter pill. The Emperor resumed his pacing at a hurried rate as he glared intently at the map. His expressions showed the back and forth debate within his mind. As his track turned to face Gramlick again, he finally commented in a conciliatory tone. “Your suggestion to allow Grithinshield to leave my realm unmolested is not an easy choice for me to make…”
Mandrean was interrupted by a bellowing voice from the main doorway. “Or the right choice to make either.” Everyone turned to see Necromancer standing in his customary manner with his arms crossed and covered in his sleeves. “Forgive me for my tardiness, gentlemen,” he continued. “Someone had to put out the raging inferno caused by our recent guest and it would seem I was the only one capable of such a feat. It may please you to know I saved half of your precious capital. Whether it was the better half or not is for you to debate. It all looks like a dung pile to me.”
April 4, 2015
Saturday Excerpt, "Quest"
After taking a moment to collect himself, he looked over the situation closely. Aside from the goblins actually in the camp, there were four sentries posted in a square perimeter around the clearing. They did not take their eyes off the forest.
Linvin was beginning to seriously regret leaving his sword at home. If he were going to save his family, he would only be able to count on his bow. How many could I possibly slay before they took me in a rush? he thought. Three...maybe four if I’m fast. That was not a satisfactory answer.
He looked at his uncle lying on the ground and tried to think of what advice the old elf would give him in the situation. Anvar’s speech at the monument was still fresh in his mind. Somehow the sentimentality of the statements was lost on Linvin in the moment. The swelling rage in his heart left little room for remorse. There was, however, one useful piece of knowledge from the experience he could put to use. He remembered Anvar’s depiction of the Tree Line Stand in the war. “Archers in the trees!” Linvin exclaimed. A plan formed in moments and Linvin was ready to set it in motion.
He pulled an arrow back on the string and found a spot in a tree where he could get a good view of the field. For his plan to work, the first shot had to be true. Linvin took great care aiming, then let the arrow fly. It sliced through the air so fast that Linvin lost track of it until it reached its target.
With a hiss, the arrow went through the neck of the goblin leader. He gasped for breath and then fell to the ground. It was a perfect shot. Not taking time to marvel at his shooting, he fired two more arrows into the crowd of stunned goblins and then jumped to the next tree.
Among the goblins, panic had set in like sudden fog. Their captain was down and before they knew it, two more goblins had fallen beside him.
The sentry nearest to the tree where the arrows came from, rushed over and thrust his spear into the branches. When he looked up, he saw nothing but leaves. There was not a sign of anyone. He looked down and saw the boar carcass with an arrow in its shoulder. Connecting the two things, he turned to hail his comrades. The only sound he could make though, was a scream of pain as an arrow pierced his chest plate. He was driven to the ground by the sheer shock of the blow.
Spears were held high as the goblins reacted to the cry and hurried to the sight. The sentries, however, maintained their posts with surprising discipline. Though an honorable act, it would be their undoing. The main force was still running to the first sentry, while Linvin dropped the others in turn with his stealth attack; hopping from tree to tree like a squirrel.
The hoard halted as they saw their watchmen cut down. Again, panic struck them. In an act of desperation, they spread out and rushed for different areas of the perimeter from which the arrows might have come. The act was in vain. Linvin was several trees away before any goblin came near his last point of fire. One by one, they succumbed to the bow.
Arrows came from all directions. The goblins could not tell if there was one enemy or dozens. Whatever direction they searched, was of no use. Goblins died as quickly as Linvin could draw his bow. Not a single arrow missed its target as Linvin channeled his hatred into the slaughter.
Linvin was beginning to seriously regret leaving his sword at home. If he were going to save his family, he would only be able to count on his bow. How many could I possibly slay before they took me in a rush? he thought. Three...maybe four if I’m fast. That was not a satisfactory answer.
He looked at his uncle lying on the ground and tried to think of what advice the old elf would give him in the situation. Anvar’s speech at the monument was still fresh in his mind. Somehow the sentimentality of the statements was lost on Linvin in the moment. The swelling rage in his heart left little room for remorse. There was, however, one useful piece of knowledge from the experience he could put to use. He remembered Anvar’s depiction of the Tree Line Stand in the war. “Archers in the trees!” Linvin exclaimed. A plan formed in moments and Linvin was ready to set it in motion.
He pulled an arrow back on the string and found a spot in a tree where he could get a good view of the field. For his plan to work, the first shot had to be true. Linvin took great care aiming, then let the arrow fly. It sliced through the air so fast that Linvin lost track of it until it reached its target.
With a hiss, the arrow went through the neck of the goblin leader. He gasped for breath and then fell to the ground. It was a perfect shot. Not taking time to marvel at his shooting, he fired two more arrows into the crowd of stunned goblins and then jumped to the next tree.
Among the goblins, panic had set in like sudden fog. Their captain was down and before they knew it, two more goblins had fallen beside him.
The sentry nearest to the tree where the arrows came from, rushed over and thrust his spear into the branches. When he looked up, he saw nothing but leaves. There was not a sign of anyone. He looked down and saw the boar carcass with an arrow in its shoulder. Connecting the two things, he turned to hail his comrades. The only sound he could make though, was a scream of pain as an arrow pierced his chest plate. He was driven to the ground by the sheer shock of the blow.
Spears were held high as the goblins reacted to the cry and hurried to the sight. The sentries, however, maintained their posts with surprising discipline. Though an honorable act, it would be their undoing. The main force was still running to the first sentry, while Linvin dropped the others in turn with his stealth attack; hopping from tree to tree like a squirrel.
The hoard halted as they saw their watchmen cut down. Again, panic struck them. In an act of desperation, they spread out and rushed for different areas of the perimeter from which the arrows might have come. The act was in vain. Linvin was several trees away before any goblin came near his last point of fire. One by one, they succumbed to the bow.
Arrows came from all directions. The goblins could not tell if there was one enemy or dozens. Whatever direction they searched, was of no use. Goblins died as quickly as Linvin could draw his bow. Not a single arrow missed its target as Linvin channeled his hatred into the slaughter.
