Hello, my subscribers! First I want to apologize for not having your normally scheduled short story out to you this past Saturday. I was in the path of Hurricane Helene and we lost power for a few days. As you can imagine that put a damper on my ability to create an awesome story for you! I will have a new story for you this Saturday, be sure, so please be on the lookout. In the meantime, let’s look at what’s been happening this past month.
Personal Updates:
As I write this part of the newsletter, we have just come through the other side of Hurricane Helene. The worst thing to happen to us was that a neighbor’s small tree fell over our back fence into our backlot which we never go into, so overall, we were very fortunate. God blessed us with His protection. We did go without power for a couple of days, but now it’s back and things can get back to normal. There are still lots of people around the southeast who don’t have power or supplies, and who have suffered significant damage to their homes. There also have been several people who died in the hurricane. Please continue to pray for these people who are suffering through this difficult time.
In other news, fall break is coming up next week, so the wife and I will have a couple of days to relax together, and after this past weekend, we need it. Otherwise, most things are continuing at a steady pace. The holidays are right around the corner, and I’m sure things will become more hectic soon—but I’m looking forward to it.
I just wish the cool, brisk fall weather would arrive! But I might as well wish for a golden yacht at this point. But I can always hope!
Books I’ve Been Reading:
I’ve hopped like a rabbit on steroids between several books this past month. These include The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan, Act Like a Man by Mark Driscoll, The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers, and the first volume of Elric of Melnibone by Michael Moorcock. My brain just can’t seem to be satisfied with the things I’m reading right now, so I have to keep switching books. I get into these seasons sometimes, but maybe I’ll find a good rhythm soon.
Gaming:
I am somewhat ashamed to say that I’ve gotten back into Yu-Gi-Oh! I’ve tried to run away from this game several times considering how convoluted the rules have become over the years. However, it was my first TCG game, and it’s hard to kill old loves. Going through my cards made me want to revisit the game (without all of the hassle of link summoning). I think I’ll stick to an older format, but I have been purchasing some cards lately, so we’ll see what happens.
Unfortunately, I haven’t played any MTG or DND lately, and I sorely want to get back into it. I’m currently trying to format a new DND group with my wife and some friends, but it’s hard to do so when you have adult responsibilities looming in the background. Maybe we’ll be able to start soon—I certainly hope so!
Writing News:
I was hoping to have The Elven Crypt ready to put in your hands at this point, but I have to apologize. The book isn’t ready. As I said in the last newsletter, revising is the hardest and most daunting part of the book process for me and it’s taking a lot of energy and focus to get through it, two things I don’t always have. I’m also having to find an editor, which takes time (and money). I am going to do my best to have it out in November for fans to read because I know many people are eager to see what happens next with Veran and his friends. Stay tuned, and keep looking out for updates. In the meantime, enjoy this excerpt from The Elven Crypt.
Excerpt of current project:
The group encountered no trouble as they navigated their way down the stairs, guided by Mirius’s vision and Teyla’s magical light. When they reached the bottom, they passed under a stone archway that possessed another stone visage of Hespulara. The archway led to a small room. The walls seemed to emit a faint blue light of their own accord, a light that revealed another corpse splayed out on the floor, adorned in ancient elven armor. The flesh of the face was a rotted black, the eyes mere slits of milky white. It spilled out of a half-opened door that led to the next chamber beyond. Lukina and Herúvan gave the corpse a disdained look while Mirius wrinkled his nose in disgust. Teyla knelt and examined it, her brow furrowing.
“This is obviously an old body,” Teyla said. She whispered a few words of the Old Language and moved her hand over the body as her palm glowed with a faint white light. “They tried an Abyssal spell to animate the corpse, but it failed after a time.” She stood, her fingers pressed to her lips as her eyes gleamed with thought.
“What are you thinking, Teyla?” Veran asked.
“There’s definitely more than one warlock in this place, even if it’s only two, and of different variations of skill. The bodies of the two priests had a spell on them that didn’t fully activate until we were upon them. They were placed there as lookouts. This one, however…This one was released from a coffin, I’m assuming but was only able to wander for a little bit of time. I’m guessing the warlock who casted a spell on it is a novice and wasn’t able to keep up the magic for long.” Teyla tapped her lips thoughtfully. “It’s interesting.”
“Does that mean some of the warlocks will be able to be defeated more easily than the others?” Mirius asked with a hint of optimism in his voice.
“Possibly,” Teyla said. “But that doesn’t mean lower your guard. At least one of these warlocks is of a great caliber, casting the type of spell that he did on Ilwae and Daltum.”
Veran turned to Herúvan. “What is the layout for the rest of this floor?”
“Beyond this room is a huge chamber lined with the bodies of fallen warriors. On the other side is the entrance to the last level.” He looked at the body laying on the floor. “I do not know what we will find in this maze of graves.”
“Should we split up then?” Mirius asked.
“Bad idea,” Teyla said. “If they are experimenting on the corpses, it will only be folly for us to navigate individually. We’ll be safer as a group. Move through the room silently and together. I should extinguish the light so they will not know our coming. Stealth is our friend.”
“How will we see then?” Veran asked.
Lukina pointed to the walls. “Much of this level is constructed with sinikiv. The metal ingrained in the marble causes much of it to glow. Even you and the wizard should be able to see with that little illumination.”
“Very well then,” Teyla whispered a quick word and the orb of arcane light winked out. “Mirius, you should still lead the way.”
“Right.” Mirius went to the door, gingerly stepping over the elf corpse. Slowly he pressed the door inwards and went into the next chamber. The others followed.
Final Thoughts:
I hope you are staying safe during this turbulent time. Remember when things are bad in the world, you can always escape into the arms of a great story. Maybe one of those great stories is one that I’ve written? Keep looking in your inbox for stories and updates from me, and enjoy October!