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The Vanishing Island
Chapter 5 ~ The Enchanted Box Audio Podcast
Emperor Wei Shu and Daniil travel to a remote eastern seaside village in search of the descendants from the cursed and vanished island. A young noodle shop girl named Blossom leads them through the windy streets of town to her family home. Inside they have the answers Wei Shu seeks.
Fantasy Story Audio Podcast
Via Flickr by Chi King
The Enchanted BoxU (Excerpt)
The pair traveled as fast as they could making it to the village within five days. Both men had eaten little and were famished as they rode into the central part of town. Stopping at a noodle shop they ordered a warm meal for their empty bellies. Within minutes bowls of steaming broth with dumplings and fatty pieces of meat were set before them. Hungrily they gulped it down without lifting their heads. With their stomachs full they sat back to looked around them. Everyone in the shop had stopped what they were doing and was staring at them.
Since Wei Shu had left the Khan he had grown his hair long and wore it in a single braid straight down his back. His face had been cleanly shaven when they left but now tufts of stubble showed on his square chin. Daniil wore his dark brown curly hair loose with a tight-fitting cap lined with fur. His beard was full and his whiskers were covered with dust. Seeing all eyes on them the two looked at each other. Gazing back at them were two dusty and dirty faces. The only clean spots were their teeth when they smiled. Laughing they asked the shop girl for a bowl of water and a couple of rags. Once their faces were clean they did not look so frightening and the noodle shop customers warmed up to them.
Not wanting to waste any time Wei Shu asked if anyone knew where to find the descendents from the vanishing island. Silence immediately fell over the shop. The shop keeper stared at them for a moment and then whispered to the wide-eyed shop girl standing next to him. Setting down her towel she walked slowly towards them ushering them out of the noodle shop onto the street. Believing he had offended the townspeople Wei Shu humbled himself before the young girl apologizing for any infraction he might have done.
Via Flickr by Kirainet
The shop girl, who was called Blossom, eyed the two men curiously. They looked very strange to her. Her grandfather had told her this day would come, but she did not actually believe it would happen.
“Why do you seek this family?” she asked. Her features were delicate and her dark eyes were large and almond shaped.
“Within the month I will set sail to find this island. I need to know how to find it. Do you know anything about it? I have money. I can pay,” he said.
Via Flickr by richard masoner
Blossom nodded her head softly and looked out towards the water. Of course she knew about the island. It was all her grandfather ever talked about. He told her to listen for one day someone would come looking. If he was gone then she would have to give them an answer. That is what he used to say, but since his health was poor he refrained from talking much at all. Shaking her head she thought the curse of that dreaded island would find him even on his death-bed.
Setting a grim face she looked at the strange men before her and said softly, “Follow me. I know who you seek.”
Via Wikimedia Commons by Bernhard Scheuvens
Wei Shu and Daniil followed behind the girl through a maze of streets. Her long black hair swayed back and forth as her small frame hurried along and headed up a hill towards her home. When they reached the top an old gated house with views of the ocean stood before them. Turning to her companions Blossom asked them to stand outside the gate while she went inside. Listening to her run off they were unsure of what was going to happen next. After several minutes Blossom opened the gate.
Via Flickr by brewbooks
Leading them into an older section of the house they walked by a beautiful garden courtyard. In the garden the air was warmer and humid with colorful flowers already in bloom. As they entered a dark wooden hallway the strong smell of incense hung heavily in the air. Opening a thick wooden door Bosom entered into a dimly lit room. When their eyes adjusted they saw an old man lying upon a large bed. His small frame withered with age was propped up on several white pillows. His long grey beard draped over a maroon colored quilt almost reaching the floor. A sad looking middle-aged woman was feeding him broth from a wooden spoon. She kept to her task and did not bother to look up.
Standing next to the bed Blossom said, “Mama, grandpa, these are the men I was telling you about.”
Speaking softly to the woman next to him the old man said, “Leave us daughter.” The woman nodded and set down the bowl of soup on a small table before she left the room.
Blossom arranged two stools at the end of the bed and took the spot next to her grandfather. Looking at them she said, “This is the family you seek. Although the wisest and dearest of us all has been sick for some time.” Gently taking a hold of her grandfather’s hand she smiled tenderly at him.
Patting her hand he said with a smile, “You are a good grand-daughter.” Looking at the men his eyes sized them up. “I have been waiting for you a long time. I feared I might miss you,” he said.
Shocked Wei Shu and Daniil looked at each other briefly. “Waiting for us, old one?” Wei Shu asked respectfully.
“Yes, yes. My time is running out you see. I feared you might not come before I leave this life. I have been waiting since I was a young boy for this day. Please, sit closer this voice of mine cannot carry so far,” he said waving his hand.
The two moved their stools closer and anxiously leaned forward. “Yes, old one. We are listening,” Wei Shu said.
Via Wikimedia Commons by dro!d
“I was told you were coming in a dream many years ago by a beautiful sea dragon. He told me to wait as long as I could. I kept waiting and waiting even though my body began failing me. Now, here you are and soon I will be able to rest,” he said. Immediately he began coughing and Blossom offered him some water.
Refusing it he continued. “My ancestors were there the day the island turned on them all. That day was filled with turmoil as houses fell apart, clothes disintegrated before their eyes and the fields and meadows turned brown. As they hurried about a strange frantic melody filled the air as they rushed to pack their belongings and head out to sea along with everyone else. That would be the last time they saw their home for right before their eyes the island vanished. When they reached the mainland and opened their bags they found that all of their treasured belongings had disappeared. They too had vanished along with the island. They were left with nothing to remind them of the happy days they had lived there. That is with the exception of my ancestor. He was left with one object. One he did not pack. It was a plain ebony box that he could not open. Nervous he hid the box away and lamented with the others. It was then that the people decided to split ways. Some went north, some went south, some went west and some went east. My ancestor came here to this village and built this house. From that day on the box has passed from father to son for many generations. My father gave me the box and if you had not come it would pass on to my only grand child Blossom.” Looking at Blossom he gave her a tender smile. Looking back at Wei Shu and Daniil he said, “Now it is time for you to have the box as the island is calling for it. A few weeks ago I dreamt of the same dragon and ever since then the most pitiful wailing has come from the box. I cannot bear it any longer. It is time for silence.”
Full Chapter on Audio Soon
via wikimedia
The Vanishing Island Audio Podcast
Traveling to the Sea of Okhotsk Wei Shu is reminded of his past when they approach a burning and destroyed village. Helping take a young child to the cemetery he meets Daniil, a villager whose life has been utterly destroyed. Offering him a place with him the group sets off to the Sea of Okhotsk.
Fantasy Audio Podcast
Via Vlickry by Jean-Marie Hullot
The band of men traveled easily across the plains. For miles and miles they did not see anyone until they crossed into the northern mountains. There they came across small mountain villages which were part of Emperor Li Long’s provinces. Sometimes they slept under the trees with leaves piled around them for added warmth and sometimes they paid for cheap beds at cottages. When they stopped to eat at noodle shops Wei Shu listened intently to the discontent of the people. Li Long had been over taxing the peasants to pay for his war mongering. This had left the people poor and hungry. Only the deceitful officials and their unruly cronies kept their families well fed. Seeing their misery Wei Shu’s mind was greatly grieved. He could not wait for the day he was able to help his people and stop Li Long in his tracks.
Via Flickr by dcmaster
The mountains soon gave way to new territory. The land had become flatter with many farm fields and green grass prairies for herds to graze on. Large trees dotted the landscape in patches along with small brush wherever there was water. The air smelled earthy and the sun shone brightly.
Via Freefoto.com by Ian Britton
One afternoon the smell of burnt leaves and wood filled their nostrils. As they rounded a low hill they could see a smoking village ahead. As they approached the devastation turned their stomachs. Many buildings and homes had been burned to the ground. Amidst the char and smoke women swayed back and forth crying over their dead children. Solemn men with sooty arms and blackened clothes piled the dead into large wooden carts hauling them off toward the town cemetery. Wei Shu’s heart when out to these people. The smell, the sorrow, the devastation, reminded him of the day he fled his burning city. That day everything precious and comforting to him had been destroyed.
Jumping down from his horse Wei Shu helped a very thin and weary looking woman who was trying to carry her child. Full of pain the woman told him with vacant eyes that a band of marauders from the next province held the town hostage for days demanding money and grain. They gave them all they could afford without starving through the winter, but that was not good enough. The marauders burnt their homes and warehouses without as much as a blink. Now they all would starve. Their homes were burned, their children were dead and their granaries were left with only a few burnt kernels of rice. Looking at Wei Shu with sorrowful eyes she asked what there is to live for without the sound of a child’s laughter. Shying away from her pain he looked down at the child he was carrying. The child was young maybe seven or eight. He lay limp and pale in his arms. His eyes were closed as if sleeping peacefully and black smudges traced across his face under his nose where he had tried to wipe sooty air away so he could breathe. This boy’s life had ended too soon. In the back of his mind he suspected Li Long. If his troops were as hateful as the last villagers had said his ruffian soldiers were bent on violence not mercy. He wondered how Li Long could be so careless and heartless. His grandfather had always told him it was better to have your people love you than hate you. If they love you then they will do anything for you. If they hate you then they plot against you.
Via Flickr by Grant Hutchins
As they walked into the cemetery he watched as men carefully lowered their dead into the freshly dug graves. Walking up to an empty hole Wei Shu gingerly transferred the child into the arms of a teary eyed gray-haired elder. The man thanked him and lovingly wrapped the boy in a white cloth. He wondered if that was his grandson. Looking around Wei Shu noticed a tall, forlorn man staring off towards the direction they were heading. He like many of the other villagers had a particular look with paler skin, rounder eyes and light brown curly hair. A tattered doll dangled in his hand almost as if he was repulsed by it. Something about the man compelled Wei Shu to walk over to him. When he was standing next to him the man turned to face him. His eyes were grey with touches of dark brown. They were filled with anger and sorrow but Wei Shu saw an intelligence there he had not expected to find. On the left side of his head was a large gash about four inches long. His hair had been sheared on either side of the wound and large black uneven stitches laced it together.
Looking at Wei Shu he said angrily, “Everything is gone. I fought until I no longer could. Now there is nothing here for me but sorrow.” He let the tattered doll fall to the ground without so much as a look.
Wei Shu understood. He offered the only thing he could. “Come with me, my friend, we are heading east to set up camp on the shores of the Sea of Okhotsk,” he said.
“Ay, I know those shores well,” he said shaking his head thoughtfully. Placing his hand on his chest he told him his name was Daniil.
Repeating the same gesture Wei Shu announced his name. Looking to the east he continued and said, “You will be of no burden to us friend. We travel light and eat what we can along the way. Join me. I could use someone like you.” He could see Daniil considering his proposition. Patting him on the back he said, “I search for a cursed island. When we find it, who knows what happiness it will bring.”
It did not take Daniil long to decide. He truly had nothing left. His entire family had been slaughtered; his parents, his sister, his brother and his niece had all died. If he stayed he would only be bent on revenge and that would surely only get him killed and Daniil was a survivor. Wei Shu introduced him to his men and told him about his plans to find the vanishing island. He could see a spark of hope rekindle in Daniil’s eyes as he spoke. A village farmer walked by with several horses and he willing overpaid for two. As they mounted their steeds and headed down the road towards the sea Daniil did not look back. The only thing he carried with him were his memories and the clothes on his back.
Via Flickr by Shad Arington
The smell of fall had returned to the air when they waded through the wetlands which bordered the land before the sea of Okhotsk. The addition of Daniil to the group had proved fruitful. He spoke the local languages, was extremely strong and knew the area well.
Via Flickr by John Ebinezer
He led them to a protected treed area several feet above sea level close to the beach, but far enough away the waves and winds would not bother their camp. The spot was surrounded by a group of large boulders which formed a circular pattern around the center of the site. Weather worn trees scattered the perimeter and a small trail led down to the rocky beach. Their six gers fit easily in the space and there was enough room left over for an outside cooking area as well. Taking their time they readied their camp for the months of winter ahead. They spent the first few days riding to the woods a distance away and hauling whatever wood they could find back to camp. Fish and meat were caught and either dried or smoked for those days when fresh food would be scarce. A small corral for the horses was built on the backside of the camp in order to protect them from the winter winds.
Via Flickr by madaboutasia
With the camp organized Wei Shu and Daniil set off to make their introductions to the neighboring villages. At first the villagers distrusted the pair for in the past foreigners usually meant trouble. Wei Shu tried to ease their minds with his kindness and confidence. It took a few weeks but with Daniil’s gentle prodding and understanding of their customs and language their unease waned. They helped by putting out calls to the local and neighboring ship builders. Soon boat builders began coming to the camp one after the other. There were so many that Wei Shu could only retain a handful. He arranged for their quarters on site and the planning phase for building one large ship began.
Via Flickr by Gustaaf Prins
Over the next several months everyone diligently worked from sun rise to sun down under their instruction. In the darkest winter months only a few hours of day light made work possible. When they were not working Wei Shu was planning for their days out at sea. He understood his men were horse men not boat men. So on warmer days they trained in smaller boats on the water learning the intricacies of sailing. Wei Shu also hired a tailor along with several women to sew the sails and new clothes for everyone. The money he had left camp with was dwindling. He was glad when winter was almost at an end and they could finally see the fruits of their labor.
Daniil and Wei Shu had formed a close bond. Often you did not see one without the other. Wei Shu felt Daniil understood him and knew him in a way that no one else did. Over the years his advisors had turned into old men. He still relied on them in many ways, but away from the influence of the Khan the more they returned to the old ways. The men from the Khan’s camp were loyal. He felt lucky to have them by his side, but he felt they sometimes they did not fully understand who he really was and what he was going to become. Daniil, on the other hand, saw him as a man of fortitude. He was always present and helping him in whatever way he could. Wei Shu relished their companionship.
Via Flickr by Bill Barber
As the smell of spring drifted through the air the ship was near completion. Deciding it was time to revisit the local villages along the coast Wei Shu and Daniil packed their horses and headed out. Before their questions had gone unanswered, but Wei Shu desperately needed some direction before they set sail. An invisible island would be hard to find with no directions.
Via Flickr by Njhdivev
They were at a village they had never visited before. It was a small, isolated village far along the eastern coast and consisted of only a few homes and a small shop. Luck was on his side that morning when they awoke to see the tips of spring flowers poking their dainty heads through the snow.
Via Flickr by Liralen Li
As they readied their horses a skinny, old man wandered by saying he would exchange information for food. Humoring the old man Wei Shu walked him to the noodle shop and ordered the man a bowl of noodles and another filled with succulent fatty duck. Taking the bowls he smiled a toothless grin and began slurping away. After he wiped all the grease off his chin he told Wei Shu that a village further down the coast on a small peninsula had descendents from those banished from the vanishing island. Wei Shu patted him on the shoulders and dropped a few coins into his hand. Rushing off he told Daniil and in seconds the pair were on their way. Wei Shu’s heart raced, he felt invigorated. After all this time searching for an answer one
Fantasy Adventure Novel
The Vanishing Island ~Audio Podcast~
Emperor Wei Shu has paid tribute to the Khan, but before he leaves he and his men must run the Gowba course. For Wei Shu the stakes are high. Each target is tied to the life of his advisors who fled the burning capital with him many years ago. For each target that is missed one of his trusted men will have to stay with the Khan and live the rest of their lives on the Mongolian plains. He cannot afford to miss a target for he could not bear to leave anyone behind.
Fantasy Story ~ Myth & Legend ~ Audio Book Podcast
Lost Skin ~ Chapter 2 ~ Finn the Selkie Myth and Legend
The boy still plagued by amnesia is nicknamed Finn. This happened soon after the nurses discovered three of his toes on each foot are webbed. Finn’s webbed feet bring about endless bouts of giggling whenever they stick out. Finn does not mind for he likes hearing their laughter fill the air around him. Doctor McNally, the thin wavy haired doctor, gets annoyed at the nurses and shoos them away. Looking at Finn he tells him Syndactyly is nothing to be ashamed of. It often runs in families and his parents most likely have it as well. Looking at his webbed toes Finn realizes this is the only link he has to the parents he can no longer remember. When Doctor McNally asks if he would like them fixed he admittedly shakes his head no.
Finn’s feet put Nurse Becah on edge. When ever she enters the room to check on him she makes sure his feet are covered up. As the days pass Finn still cannot remember anything about who is or where he is from. After a few attempts he does realize he can speak the same language but, the words feel strange in his mouth and he sometimes slips back to strange words and sounds. What Finn does know is that he is highly in tune with the feelings of those around him. He realizes this one day when Mona and Frank come to visit. Their faces are broad with large smiles but a glint of their eyes hold a hidden sorrow. Focusing his mind he can hear their thoughts about their son Jesse who had died in a war. Whenever the couple leaves for the evening Nurse Becah goes on and on about how lucky Finn is that the Nelson’s found him. If they had not he could have died of hypothermia or worse by slowly bleeding to death. Finn for the most part agrees, but even more so he feels like he lost something. Something that was very, very important.
The linguist spends days with Finn going over hundreds of Russian, Irish, Icelandic, Nordic words and many more. Some Finn knows right away, some he does not. After lots of scribbles in his worn brown notebook the linguist proclaims he cannot pinpoint his origin of birth. After days of debating the police and linguist conclude that Finn must have been thrown overboard from the Norwegian ship that went down during the storm. The ship had sent out an SOS signal but, when the rescue ships arrived there was nothing there. Yet, the harpoon confused them. In the end they decided that it must have detached from its bracket and rammed into Finn’s side. Finn looked at them sadly for not only was he parentless but, homeless as well.
Frank and Mona’s visits always cheered him up. Mona is a petite woman with a solid, square frame. Her hazel eyes are round and kind. Her dark hair peppered with grey is often pulled back into a bun or swept off her face with combs. Her voice is soft and soothing and the more she talks the more rosy her checks become. Mona grabs the magazines from the lobby and reads for hours to Finn hoping something she says will spark his memory. Sometimes she holds his hand and tells him animatedly about her and Franks travels all over Ireland, their farm in Indiana and her son Jesse. During these visits Frank stands or sits near the window often looking towards the sea. Being a quiet man he adds comments here and there when Mona has left something out.
Each night when visitor hours are over the two are hesitant to leave the boy they have come to care for. Mona ritually kisses Finn on the check wishing him a good night and Frank stands near the door with a soft expression on his face.
Via Flickr by Kok Leng Yeo
The Vanishing Island
Chapter 3 ~ The Gowba Course
Over the years the Khan’s camp had grown to several hundred gers. The last several years his numbers had grown rapidly as he gained more and more lands and followers. To the south of the camp the course took shape. Starting several hundred yards from the river’s edge it would run along the edge of the western mountains, through the Field of Scars and back to camp. Some of the targets would be hidden, some would not. The runner had to keep a steady pace and use his trained eyes to catch the slightest oddity in the terrain. If a runner rode past a target he was allowed one chance to turn around and find it. If he did not find it the second time the runner would be disqualified.
Wei Shu and his men did not make the Khan wait. As soon as they were ready they paraded through the camp with cold faces and broad shoulders. They dared not show any weakness. Each one had tied their long dark black hair back with colored cloth. Only small bits of ornamental silver jewelry remained on their ear lobes. Their horses hot breath steamed into the air as they walked to the edge of camp. Steadily they grabbed their reins and looked out upon the course ahead of them. Yellow tinged grass peaked out of small drifts of snow along the river’s edge. The ground was still frozen and for racing that was good. If a horse hit a soft patch it could buckle his knees. They could see the first target. It was in plain sight right in the middle of the river.
Via Wikimedia
Turning around Wei Shu saw the crowd behind them part for the arriving Khan. He wore a long vest with tufted wolf hair along the collar for added warmth and a square colorful hat, with a pointed tip, pulled low to protect his ears. His dark pants were loose through the middle and tucked into his brown leather boots. His face was stone as he stood near Wei Shu.
Turning to his people he grabbed Wei Shu’s hand and held it up high for everyone to see. “This man, who came to us a weakling, a meek boy, has asked to leave his Khan and venture out into the wilds on his own.” Lowering his hand he put his palm out in the direction of the other men. “These men wish to go with him.” Instant murmurs ran through the crowd. No one had willingly left the Khan’s protection before. “He has given an honorable tribute. Now, each man must run the Gowba. Those who lose will re-pledge their allegiance to me or die. Those that win will have my blessing to leave as friends.” Turning the Khan faced the course and signaled to Jhari.
Via Flickr by Latebird
Jhari and his riders rode down the hill taking their positions near the targets. He sent ten riders out, two to man each target. If there was any discrepancy they would serve as witnesses to the Khan. Dozens of men in the camp who did not want to miss out on the excitement hopped on their horses and followed Jhari’s men. Wei Shu was the first to run. Running his hands one more time over his horse he checked his legs and the saddle straps. Pulling himself up and rode down to the start of the course. The crowd watched in silence. Some of the younger boys were brave enough to walk a ways down to the river to watch. Taking his place Wei Shu waited for Jhari to give him the command. Focusing his mind he pushed way any fear. Closing his eyes he envisioned himself perched on his horse, bow drawn with the target in sight and hitting each one. Yes I can do this he thought. Shifting his weight he lifted his body slightly balancing himself upon his horse. Holding his bow low in front of him he opened his eyes letting Jhari know he was ready.
Scoffing Jhari said, “You need to hit all of them this time Shu. Or if want to go ahead and give your men to me I can make sure they are well taken care of. I’m sure they’d enjoy gathering dung and cooking meals with my wives.” Bending over he roared with laughter.
Wei Shu’s face did not flinch. Closing his eyes once more he breathed deeply steadying his beating heart and waited for the sound of Jhari’s voice to bellow through the air. Within seconds Jhari called out and Wei Shu kicked his horse into motion. Opening his eyes he tightened his leg muscles and pushed slightly on his horse directing him forward. They galloped down to the first target which was placed in the middle of the river. Drawing his bow he steadied himself on his horse making sure it kept its speed as they approached the river. Sheets of thin ice clung to the bank but the middle moved freely. The first target was resting on a small raft. The raft was tied to a rock further upstream and therefore tossed and turned on the rippling water. As Wei Shu approached he gauged the targets pattern of movement. Pulling back on his arrow he waited for a brief moment and then let it fly into the air. Holding his breath he watched as his horse continued to plow through the ice-cold water. It hit! Letting out his breath he turned his head and refocused his attention on the next target.
Via Flickr by Kok Leng Yeo
Taking the reins he spurred his horse onward toward the mountains which began at the edge of the valley. Their round rocky slopes loomed up to Sky Father and weathered and spindly pine trees spread along the base and a few grew high up on the exposed nooks. It was not too long before he was approaching the area his next target would be. Looking around he scanned everything for the signature dot of red. Nothing stood out. Hearing an eagle caw he looked upward as it circled above him. There, high up on a rocky crevice was a spot of red! Bringing his horse to a stop he adjusted his bow and tightened his arrow case against his chest. One hand and step at a time he began the ascent upwards. The rocks were cold with patches of snow lingering in the crevices. The further up he climbed the more his fingers became cold and stiff. Stopping at a fairly leveled ledge he stopped to look down over the edge. His horse was standing still. His breathe billowed into the air. Looking towards camp he could see the cluster of creamy white gers and huddled bodies waiting for his return. Scanning his surroundings for the target he looked sideways along the side of the rocky bluff. It was still several yards upward and decided not to chance it from where he stood. Rubbing his hands inside his shirt he warmed them up. When he felt his fingertips tingle he began to climb. The rocks were slippery with ice and his left hand lost his grip. Leaning inward he pressed against the rock and regained his footing. Steadying his nerves he continued very slowly and stopped when he found a small but flat spot. Now he was looking down at the target and the distance seemed further than it had moments ago. Checking the wind he decided to stay where he was to shoot. Notching an arrow he pulled back his arm aiming downward getting a feel for the wind. Aiming for the target he let the arrow fly. He watched anxiously as it sailed right into the target. Clenching his fist he smiled to himself.
Via Flickr by frnandu
As he was getting ready to climb back down he saw the eagle swoop by him again. Taking a moment he watched it soaring in the air. Gliding it sailed to the right and then back to the left leaving Wei Shu to wonder what creature would become its dinner tonight. Lowering his face he gauged his descent and a flash of red caught his attention. Another target was tethered to a cluster of bramble rocking back and forth in the wind. He was sure he could hit it from where he stood. Notching another arrow he watched and waited. The wind picked up turning the target completely backwards. Wei Shu could see the filling and ropes that held the skin over the drum shaped target. With another gust of wind the target turned back lingering in the brief stillness. Wei Shu quickly took his shot. He could feel the wind picking up speed on his back and hoped that it would be a few seconds before it reached the target. As the wind pressed against his arrow he could see it moving slightly off target and clenched his bow. Sweat was beading up on his brow and a drop of it dripped slowly down the side of his forehead. If he missed that would mean one of his trusted advisors, one that fled with him all those years ago, would have to stay and live out their days with the Khan. He knew that if it came to that they would choose death over allegiance to the Khan. Watching in anticipation he smiled when his arrow hit the target, only slightly off his original mark.
Via Flickr by Kok Leng Yeo
Pressing his hands against his chest he warmed them up before climbing back down. As he waited for their stiffness to fade he heard movements along the rocks and saw one of Jhari’s men taking out his arrow and retying the target. Looking at Wei Shu for a moment he nodded approvingly and then quickly returned to his task. Wei Shu could feel the cold seeping into his feet and knew he had to get off the cold rocks and back on his horse. Staying warm would improve his aim. He made it down quick and jumped the last ten feet onto his horses back. Spurring him onward they headed to the Field of Scars.
Fantasy Novel
The Vanishing Island ~ An Analysis of Back- Story
Back-story is an important element to any story. It creates the reasons the characters act the way they do and clues the reader into their motivations.
Both my characters (Emperor Wei Shu and Aine the Selkie) have back-stories. I slowly reveal their back-stories throughout the book. Water Lily on the other hand I do not. She is a side character but, it is her story which drives the plot forward.
1) It’s Water Lily’s curse on the vanishing island and the knowledge the island possess motivates Wei Shu to find it.
2) It’s the challenges of the island that brings Aine’s character into the plot.
Via Flicker by popularculturegeek
The Art of Back-story
Reflect On: “The Mystery of Character” by Robert Wilson.
”This is another important part of character development — the back story. Where does your character come from? Where was he born? Where did he grow up? What is his relationship to his parents, siblings, friends, colleagues and lovers? Where did he go to school? Did he go to university? What was the political climate like? Why did he choose his current profession? The answers to these questions can help you determine a character’s development, but what are the techniques that help you show these answers to your reader? Unless back story and the book’s plot are interwoven the reader does not want to know it. The reader is only interested in what’s happening now and what is going to happen.
This story begins on the other side of the world. In lands where men rule with the sword, the bow controls the plains and ships govern the seas. A child on the verge of manhood was chosen by heaven to rule and was soon overthrown by his uncle. Fleeing for his life war came crashing down around him as his entourage fled north to hide. As his destiny changed so did ours, we became intertwined with his will, his power, his rule. This man, would become no ordinary man, he would live in and govern both our worlds and ultimately seek to destroy it.
We live in a time where danger lurks around every wave on every beach. We are the hunted. Even the dead will steal our souls. Old friends are now enemies and they blame us. Those that foresee the future, the Seer’s, wait for a glimmer of the Lost Ones. On cold and long winter nights the remaining Elderkin speak in hushed whispers the story of how it all began. Their voices fill the room while the wind shakes the walls and the sea rages its discontent.
Our times, once happy, have greatly changed. We once lived openly along the shorelines, swimming unharmed in the open sea. Although we were trained to fight, it was only for protection. It was nothing like the war that would be waged upon us. The Lost Ones are gone, maybe dead or hiding. Soul stealers prowl our waters and rogues seek power. Our world has turned upside down. Few of the Elders made it through. The fires in our villages are now sparse for we are all in hiding. Some of us have returned to the ocean for ever, never to shift again. Some of us have passed on to the Land of Blue Waters. Some of us remain in Fire Mountain, Others hide camouflaged on desolate shorelines. We are in constant seclusion for if we are ever discovered to exist it would be disastrous for us all. Those of us who survived and those of us who are born in these times await the Lost Ones and the Pearl. The Seer has told us, the Pearl will come.
Problem: Am I Info Dumping?
Reflect On: “How to Weave a Back-story Into a Novel” Marg McAlister
”The last thing authors want is to stop the forward pace of the story with an ill-timed diversion into the past – yet all too often this is what happens. The reason? The writer feels it’s imperative that readers understand the background – so they ‘dump’ it into the narrative, whether it should be there or not…
What happens as a result? The reader is reminded that she is reading. That’s one of the worst things that can happen, because readers who become truly absorbed in a story ‘become’ the viewpoint character. They forget all about the everyday world, because they have been transported to the world of the story. “
Problem: Am I Showing or Telling?
Reflect On:
“Battle of the Back-story” Emmett Spain (Great name by the way)
“Few fantasy writers escape the fiery blade of exposition without a few scars. We spend uncountable hours crafting our worlds, and we know more about the history and lineage than we ever can (or should) convey in our novels. When I first started writing fantasy, I was concerned about making sure the reader understood what was happening. In doing so, I made a critical mistake: I underestimated the reader. Readers don’t need to be told every detail or every reason for every event; they can and will infer a great deal from the context of the action and the dialogue.”
“To Establish a Character’s Unique Situation, Show–Don’t Tell“ by Brandi Reissenweber
“No matter what your character’s back story, you can convey it succinctly while keeping the reader engaged in the moment-to-moment experience of the story.”
Problem: Is the Back-story Suspenseful?
Reflect On:
” Tips for How to Present Back-story” Camy Tang
”When information is given out slowly, here and there, the “clues” increase reader interest. One piece of information will spark the reader’s curiosity, and further bits of information will reveal a larger view of the story “picture.”
I would love to hear your thoughts, feedback or suggestions.
References:
The Vanishing Island Audio Podcast
Emperor Wei Shu has his mind-set to leave the Khan’s protection and search for Water Lily’s cursed island. He knows it is his destiny to find the vanished island and discover its wealth and knowledge.
Setting his plans into motion they are soon foiled when others in the camp begin to suspect he is going to attempt to overthrow the Khan. Seeing this he realizes he must confess his plan to leave before the situations escalates. Gathering his trusted men they gather his horses and weapons for tribute to the Khan. Entering his ger he hopes his heartfelt confession to leave will be honored by the Khan allowing him to leave on good terms.
~ Fantasy Books ~
Lost Skin Draft~Chpt 2~ Finn the Selkie Myth and Legend ~ Audio Podcast
Recovering in a hospital in Ireland Finn slowly begins to realize his webbed toes, his shape shifting eyes and his ability to hear other’s thoughts are not that of a ordniary boy.
