Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #13

Corphanda

This is the 13^{th (Oooer, not superstitious, are you?)} in a series on characters and places featured in Joinings:A Seared Sky. This background information isn’t covered in the book but will enhance the reading experience. For some of my people there are character drawings, supplied by Alice Taylor or myself (but I'm still learning how to draw, so bear with me!), maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I’ll do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.

For the places, I use sections of the map to indicate location or a sketch to illustrate the place, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Sometimes, I indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story.

I don’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, simply enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this gives pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuades others to take that step.

Pronunciation hints:

Corphanda – cor-fan-da (as in ‘dad’).

Names are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish, of course; reading is, after all, active rather than passive.

Interview with Corphanda, who’s along as chaperone for the Virgin Gifts. She’s a chatterbox, opinionated, fun, stern at need, a great confidante, as she doesn’t gossip. An older, rather chubby widow, she still enjoys men and sex. Her voice is full of underlying chuckle and slightly sultry.

SA:         So, Corphanda, how would you like to tell us a bit about yourself?

Corphanda:        Well now, for a man as good lookin’ as yoursen, I’d be ‘appy to chatter for a good while. Me? Well, I’m as round as I’m tough, so don’t go thinkin’ there’s no solid stuff under this layer of warm softness. An’ I don’t stand no cheek, neither, so watch what you say. Grey and past me best, I may be, but I could still give you a good go.

SA:         I see. Well, thank you for the compliment, I think. But let’s talk about you and your role in the story, shall we?

Corphanda:        I’ll talk about me till the Skyfire returns. Mind you, that’s just an expression, you know. I mean, there’s a rumour goin’ round that the Skyfire might well be on it’s way back. But I don’t listen to no gossip. I’ll wait till I hear it from the village priest. You’ll know more about what’s expected of me than I know meself. Come on, lover boy, tell me what I need to know.

SA:         Well, you’re to be guide and guardian to a party of young virgin women on a mission back to the ancient homeland. How’s that suit you?

Corphanda:        Whoa there! That’s a lot to take in one bite. Guardian? What, to keep them virginal, like? I can do that. Yes, I can keep young lasses in hand. I’ve a swift slap for any that doesn’t want to do as she’s told. An’, even though I’m a bit portly, I can walk as far as the next man. That’d be you. I’d walk as far as you’d like to take me, if you understand my meaning? That a blush? I like a modest man. Well, Truth be told, I like any man willin’ to take me on.

SA:         So, the prospect of foreign travel doesn’t daunt you, then?

Corphanda:        I’ve lived too long to be daunted by such as that. There’ll be others along to deal with problems, like. An’ I’ll have me herbs and roots to cure any ailments. I’m good with medicines, you know. Me old mother was a proper healer and she taught me all she knew afore she went off to the Garden of Delights.

SA:         Why do you suppose you’ve been chosen for the job?

Corphanda:        Who else would do? I’m the obvious choice, like. Folk know me as reliable and down-to-earth. A woman with a strong character and a good knowledge of the ways of the world. I don’t stand for no nonsense, you know. Folk always know where they stand with me. What you get is what you see, if you understand my meaning. I know what I know and I don’t care who knows it, neither.

SA:         Well, thank you very much for your time and…

Corphanda:        That it? You call me all the way over ‘ere for that? Well, I ‘ave to say I’d wished for a bit more than that. I mean, ‘andsome fellah like you. I could do us both a favour if you…

SA:         No doubt, Corphanda. Another time, perhaps? I’m a little busy at present. But thank you for the…er, offer.

Corphanda:        Well, if that’s it, I might as well be getting’ back. You’re not the onny one as is busy, you know.

SA:         Of course. Thanks again. Well, that was a close shave.

Corphanda:        I ‘eard that!

That's Corphanda. And you'll find her amongst the people populating the epic fantasy series, A Seared Sky, book 1 , Joinings, available in print and digital formats online and in bookshops.

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Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #12

Okkyntalah:

This is the 12^th in a series on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky. This background information isn’t covered in the book but will enhance the reading experience. For some of my people there are character drawings, supplied by Alice Taylor or myself, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I’ll do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.

For the places, I use sections of the map to indicate location or a sketch to illustrate the place, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Sometimes, I indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story.

I don’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, simply enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this gives pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuades others to take that step.

Pronunciation hints:

Okkyntalah – ock-in-tar-lah

Tumalind – tum-a-lind

Names are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish, of course; reading is, after all, active rather than passive.

An interview between the author and Okkyntalah, one of 3 male heroes in the tale:

A young man who grows through the story, but starts off as innocent and naïve, though intelligent, Okkyntalah is a buck looking forward to joining with his beloved Tumalind. A hunter by trade, and definitely an outdoorsman, he is well built, handsome, confident and brave.

SA:         Good day to you, Okkyntalah. I’m going to ask you a few questions.

Okkyntalah:       Ask away.

SA:         You’re a good-looking young man. Do you have any trouble with women?

Okkyntalah:       Thanks, but I don’t know what you mean. I’m a virgin buck. Waiting for the joining ceremony so I can become one with my betrothed, Tumalind.

SA:         Yes. But, in the meantime…well, a young man has certain needs?

Okkyntalah:       Oh, that sort of thing. I’m a Follower. You know what happens if we break the rules. I’m not risking violent punishment for a bit of fun. Anyway, I love Tumalind and she knows how to deal with those urges.

SA:         Tumalind’s very beautiful and much admired on the island. How did a young hunter like you manage to catch her?

Okkyntalah:       We’ve known each other all our lives. Fell in love cycles ago. Tumalind loves me; I didn’t have to ‘catch’ her. We have fun together. Want to be together, want to raise a family. What else is there, after all?

SA:         If I told you there are plans for you that involve adventure?

Okkyntalah:       Adventure? Sounds interesting, and fun. No one’s going to get hurt are they?

SA:         As to that, I’m not able to tell you. But you may be placed at risk.

Okkyntalah:       Risk? I hunt every day. If you’d ever hunted a terzet horn on your own with a spear and arrows, you’d know what risk means.

SA:         How about travel to other lands?

Okkyntalah:       As long as I have Tumalind, I’ll go wherever I’m needed. Just don’t let her be in danger. I won’t stand for that.

SA:         Sometimes a character must do things he doesn’t like, you know.

Okkyntalah:       What are you not telling me? I won’t have my Tumalind put at risk. I won’t! I’m having none of your adventures if she’s in any danger. Understand?

SA:         Well, Okkyntalah, it’s been interesting talking to you. We’ll just have to see what happens, won’t we?

Okkyntalah:       Hey! You can’t just go and leave me like that! I want to know….

SA:         Fun being the director, making your creations jump through the hoops. Not sure Okkyntalah would agree, though.

I wonder if it’s that sense of power over others that makes most leaders into absolute bastards?

Buying links for Joinings; A Seared Sky - 

Paperback, from Fantastic Books Publishing Store

Ebook or paperback from your local Amazon store.

Paperback, post free anywhere in the world, from Book Depository

Ebook via Ask David

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Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #7

Dilanthas

This is the 7^th in a series of pieces on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky. This background information, isn’t covered in the book, but should enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I may do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.

For the places, I may use sections of the map, to indicate location, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Perhaps I’ll indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story. I won’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this will give pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuade others to take that step.

Pronunciation hints:

Dilanthas – di-lan-thass

Krohtl – krow-tul

Muhnilahm – mew-nee-larm

Ytraa – eet-rah

Names are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish, of course; reading is, after all, active rather than passive.

Dilanthas, from Krohtl, Muhnilahm, is a shy girl Chosen to go on the pilgrimage as a Virgin Gift. Here is a short piece about her initiation into womanhood.

All her life, Dilanthas had lived under Ytraa’s Peak, rising tall and dark to the southwest of her home. Her father urged the whole family to make their prayers at the back of the house, so they could see the craggy mountain before and after their acts of worship.

Tomorrow, she must make the journey up to the Plain of Ytraa, surrounding the high peak, and spend a whole sixday with other girls her age. Under strict instruction by the Holy Ones, she’d learn discipline and devotion, earning hard smacks for every failure to do exactly as they demanded.

It wasn’t the prospect of punishment she most feared, though she was certain she wouldn’t pass the sixday without pain and humiliation; it was the way she must leave the town. To walk the entire length of the main road and allow all to see the butterfly tattoo adorning her left breast and, worse, the hummingbird pointing its long sharp beak at the very centre of her womanhood. These were things only her betrothed and Ytraa should see and this exposure was what she most dreaded. After all, naked was sacred.

‘You’ll no be on yer own, lass.’ Her father’s words were intended to hold comfort.

She wanted to make him proud, make that walk with head held high and her whole body declaring her love of Ytraa. Shyness and modesty warred with her desire to do her best for her family and her beloved, as she made her way to the ceremony that would end her life as a daughter and announce her readiness to join and become a wife.

‘All t’other girls your age ‘ave to do same, Dilanthas. Me an’ your father did it when we was gettin’ ready to marry. Think on your pride as a Follower an’ go to yon Peak like our founder did all those ‘undreds of cycles ago.’ Her mother’s words were encouraging; she seemed happy with her life, and she and Father got on well.

It was true that Dilanthas looked forward to the ceremony that would come a few sixdays later. She and her betrothed would take the same route together, leading their families to the Plain of Ytraa, there to join before Ytraa and become as one.

She’d talked with the other girls, of course. They’d be fourteen in total. One by one they’d leave town and head into the hills. They were supposed to go to the Peak alone, but most intended to wait on the edge of the olive grove above the river and travel together.

Dilanthas would be sixth to leave and she’d vowed to follow the rules and make her way on her own. But she’d have to pass the place where they were due to collect and she wondered if she’d have the courage to leave them behind. There’d be safety in numbers. Should they pass an isolated farm, or come upon travellers, she’d be one of a group rather than a girl alone.

She could see the attraction of their intended disobedience. But would she be bad, or would she do as she’d been told, and make a solitary journey? It was considered part of the test.

For now, evening prayers were over and she’d had her last meal with them. Mother had prepared Father’s freshly caught fish with wine, something they rarely had in the house, and the tangy flavour lingered in her mouth. She’d placed her few needs in the rush bag she’d hang from her shoulders at her back. Now, all she needed was a good night’s sleep to be ready for the morning.

The family would take the short walk to the beach. There she’d remove her tabard and present it to her father as a sign of her independence. She’d step into the sea until her whole body was submerged. Then she’d turn and walk past the townspeople to the initiation on the Plain, following the tradition set by the first Follower, as he set out to explore their new home on this island. If she kept that thought in her mind, she might get through the ordeal with less anxiety. She might even feel the pride and joy her father expected her to show.

And, of course, her betrothed would be there, watching. On her return, he’d make the same trip, with the other bucks of his age, and she’d watch them. That was something to look forward to, after all.

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Exploring Character and Place: #2

Tarruss:

The 2^nd in a series of pieces on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky. This is background information, not covered in the book, but intended to enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I may do a short piece of fiction, deepening the knowledge of certain minor characters as well.

For the places, I’ll use sections of the map, to indicate location, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, linking it with characters. Perhaps indicate life there with a short anecdote or story. I won’t reveal any of the story, either as already published or as written into the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this will give pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuade others to take that step.

Pronunciation hints:

In this interview, the character’s names are pronounced phonetically.

These are just my take on the names, how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them any way you wish; reading is, after all, an active rather than a passive occupation.

Tarruss is a giant of a man, with green eyes, short red hair and a cropped beard. He accompanies the main group, acting as guardian. Here he talks with the author.

SA:         So, Tarruss, how should I describe you?

Tarruss:  You invented me. Say what you see.

SA:         Most people would describe you as a giant. I’d describe you as a giant.

Tarruss:  Bigger than most. But that doesn’t make me a bully, you know.

SA:         Remind me, what do you do for a living?

Tarruss:   Work with wood an’ metal, making weapons for the army and tools for farmers. Strong, you see.

SA:         And, women? What’s your attitude to women, Tarruss?

Tarruss:  Love ‘em. Beautiful, mysterious creatures with a shape that makes a man want more. Clever, too. And strong in a way lots of men don’t seem to see. I love the look of them, the feel of them in your arms, the way they laugh, the way they moan with pleasure. To be honest, I prefer the company of women to men.

SA:         And what about your religion? How do you feel about that?

Tarruss:  That’s a strange question. I Follow. We all do. It’s our religion. I don’t know what you expect me to say.

SA:         Well, for instance, how do you feel about the High Priest?

Tarruss:   Dagla Kaz does a job, like we all do. He’s the leader and has direct contact with Ytraa. He’s the one as makes sure we’re all doing right. Fierce, like, when he’s riled. I sometimes wonder…well, I shouldn’t really say, you know. I’m a loyal Follower, that’s all, really.

SA:         I see. And the Holy Ones?

Tarruss: You tryin’ to get me in trouble?

SA:         Not at all. I’m trying to show our readers the sort of guy you are, that’s all.

Tarruss:   Seem a bit tricky to me.

SA:         The Holy Ones?

Tarruss:   I’d rather not say, if you don’t mind.

SA:         Okay. What about food?

Tarruss:   A man likes to fill his belly. Preferably with good stuff. And the odd flagon of good strong ale, of course. Hot work, hammerin’ metal.

SA:         Don’t say a great deal, do you?

Tarruss:  Depends who’s asking the questions, and how good they are.

SA:         Right. There’s a rumour you once killed a man with your bare hands.

Tarruss:  Is there? Look, any man who mistreats a child like that deserves what he gets. And I’m admittin’ nothing.

SA:         Last one. What’s your role on the pilgrimage?

Tarruss:  Well, you wrote the story: don’t you know? Oh, you want it in my words. Right. I’m along as guardian, soldier, hunter, and general drudge. Because I’m big, people think I’m not too bright.

SA:         Thank you for your thoughts, Tarruss.

Tarruss:  Welcome. Can I go now?

SA:         Of course.

Tarruss:

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