My first published novel was an epic fantasy titled White Staff. As I go through and tighten it up a bit, as all writers grow and enhance their talents, we have this urge to go back and rework and re-edit their early works. It is just something we all do.
A brief excerpt from White Staff.
“What would you have of us Hafram? There are things we
desperately need to know. What dangers follow us?”
“What have you told them to this point Aethan?”
“I have told them most everything I know, Hafram.” Aethan
leaned back on his elbows, the small fire beginning to make his face sweat. “I
do not know everything. There is much you have not told me.”
“There has not been time. I am gaining strength again, out
from under that which has kept me prisoner all these years.”
“And what would that be? Who has kept you, Hafram?” Eston
was becoming intrigued. Perhaps he could finally get some answers to what had
been happening.
“Then I will start at the beginning. My name is
SaHaframanallara. I am the Chief Advisor and Protector to the ancient throne of
Euwold. I remain in service of the throne and the peoples of the land. Long
have they suffered under the rule of Darthune. The Empire has been cruel and
vigilant and the history of the true kings have been vanquished from the memory
of the living. My charge is to restore the line of kings and drive the Empire
back across the waters to the foul lands from which they come.”
“That is a heavy weight to bear, SaHafr, SaHafram...” Falton
struggled with his name.
“Please Falton, do not even try. Hafram will do. I have
become accustomed to it.”
“As you wish, Hafram. I do not think my mouth works that
way.”
“It does not for many.”
“Who has imprisoned you Hafram? And for what reason?”
“I have always been imprisoned, in a manner of speaking. For
several centuries I have dwelt in the citadel of Saer under guard. A full
garrison to keep me there, if it be told.”
“In all that time, you could not escape?”
“No Falton, until now. Over the citadel, a powerful shield
has kept my powers in check. The Empire has long feared my magics. It is the
only thing that could drive them from the continent. Now I have escaped from my
dungeon and with your help, I can perform my duties once again.”
That drew stares from the others. They looked blankly at
each other. A silence fell over the camp for several moments. In Hafram’s mind
it seemed an eternity. He had laid himself open for them. His fate was in their
hands.
“Why us Hafram?” Aethan sat back up as Cirah came over and
lay beside him. He reached out and put his hand on her thick coat. He could
feel the warmth embedded by the fire.
“As I have told you Aethan, in all the long years yours is
the only mind I have been able to touch. Perhaps now that the shield no longer
hinders me, there may be others who will receive my thoughts. Surely your
friends are proof of that.”
“And what of Cirah?”
“Cirah is yours, or you are hers, till the day you die. She
will listen to no other. She is your guardian and protector.”
“What would you have of us, Hafram?”
“If you so decide and it is a decision I shall not force
upon you, I would ask your help in my quest.” Hafram let those words hang for a
moment, letting them sink into their thoughts. “I will leave you now. I grow
tired and need rest. Come the morning sun I will return for your answer.”
“That is not much time to make a decision of this
magnitude.”
“I apologize Eston, but I have no more time to give. The
challenge before me is grave and the task shall be arduous. My time draws near.
I can wait no longer. If your answer is no, you may go on with your lives and I
must look for other allies.”
“Then we will give you our answer in the morning. Farewell
for now, Hafram.”
With those words, he faded from their thoughts and they were
left with nothing but the cold night airs and the heat of the fire before them.
Intriguing, huh?
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