Do any of you guys have any favorite authors that I haven't heard about? I'm running out of books to read. The authors whose books I already read are:
Tony DiTerlizzi
Holly Black
Cornelia Funke
Brian Jacques
Christopher Paolini
J.R.R. Tolkien
C.S.S. Lewis
John Flanagan
Robert Elmer
I'm sure there are more floating around in my brain somewhere, but I can't bring any to mind right now. Thanks if you post suggestions.
Izori
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Yet More Story Ideas
I just sprained my ankle, and it hurts. So I have an ice-pack on it (it's really weird to see it all swelled up) and I have nothing to do but type and limp around the house. I chose the first, naturally.
I have thought up another story idea. This girl (I think her name's Angela. I've always liked that name) is an orphan, and she's living temporarily with her cousins. Then she gets word that she's going to be moved to her uncle, the proud owner of a huge mansion, millions of books, and fifty acres of forests, fields, and creeks. That would have been Angela's dream uncle except it's a popular family rumor that he doesn't like children...at all. So Angela goes, unwillingly, and discovers that her uncle is actually a friendly book writer. And that enables him to help her with the book she's writing. In the meanwhile, someone is trying to break in to the mansion to steal something, but Angela can't figure out who...or what.
Just like Angela, I don't know where this idea's going, so I'll just have to be surprised.
Izori
I have thought up another story idea. This girl (I think her name's Angela. I've always liked that name) is an orphan, and she's living temporarily with her cousins. Then she gets word that she's going to be moved to her uncle, the proud owner of a huge mansion, millions of books, and fifty acres of forests, fields, and creeks. That would have been Angela's dream uncle except it's a popular family rumor that he doesn't like children...at all. So Angela goes, unwillingly, and discovers that her uncle is actually a friendly book writer. And that enables him to help her with the book she's writing. In the meanwhile, someone is trying to break in to the mansion to steal something, but Angela can't figure out who...or what.
Just like Angela, I don't know where this idea's going, so I'll just have to be surprised.
Izori
Book Review: The Thief Lord
I stayed up at 11 pm reading it, although that is partly due because we got home from a wedding shower at 10:30 and I couldn't read in the car because it was dark. So, on to it.
"The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke
Prosper and Bo, two Italian boys, have just been adopted by their aunt Esther after their parents died. Well, Bo has, but since Prosper's twelve and isn't cute and golden haired, he's sent off to boarding school and only allowed to see his younger brother once a month. Not very happy with that, Prosper runs away, taking Bo with him. In the streets of Venice, they are taken in by a group of children, whose leader is called Scipio, or the Thief Lord. The children make a living off of stealing, and then trading it off to a red-bearded man named Barbarossa. But when the gang (or Scipio, to be more precise) is given an assignment by a mysterious Conte to find an ordinary, wooden, wing by breaking into someone's house, the children learn that there's more to Scipio than they thought. And he's hidden several important facts from them.
It wasn't the best book I read, and it wasn't the best book the author has written, but it was okay. The children, Mosca, Riccio, Hornet (a girl), Prosper, and Bo are very loyal to each other, and Prosper and Hornet protect Bo from most of the stealing. They are also horrified when Scipio tells them that he got an old Nanny in trouble when he stole some jewels, and they encourage him to write to his parents and tell them what's going on when he turns up missing. The bad things are that even though some of the children don't like to steal and feel that it's sort of wrong, they do it anyway. Scipio is willing to abandon his parents (this may be excusable because his parents really are not very good, but still...), and the ending wasn't particularly good. Also there's a slight case of taking the Lord's name in vain. Overall, it was...okay. I liked "Inkheart" better.
Izori
"The Thief Lord" by Cornelia Funke
Prosper and Bo, two Italian boys, have just been adopted by their aunt Esther after their parents died. Well, Bo has, but since Prosper's twelve and isn't cute and golden haired, he's sent off to boarding school and only allowed to see his younger brother once a month. Not very happy with that, Prosper runs away, taking Bo with him. In the streets of Venice, they are taken in by a group of children, whose leader is called Scipio, or the Thief Lord. The children make a living off of stealing, and then trading it off to a red-bearded man named Barbarossa. But when the gang (or Scipio, to be more precise) is given an assignment by a mysterious Conte to find an ordinary, wooden, wing by breaking into someone's house, the children learn that there's more to Scipio than they thought. And he's hidden several important facts from them.
It wasn't the best book I read, and it wasn't the best book the author has written, but it was okay. The children, Mosca, Riccio, Hornet (a girl), Prosper, and Bo are very loyal to each other, and Prosper and Hornet protect Bo from most of the stealing. They are also horrified when Scipio tells them that he got an old Nanny in trouble when he stole some jewels, and they encourage him to write to his parents and tell them what's going on when he turns up missing. The bad things are that even though some of the children don't like to steal and feel that it's sort of wrong, they do it anyway. Scipio is willing to abandon his parents (this may be excusable because his parents really are not very good, but still...), and the ending wasn't particularly good. Also there's a slight case of taking the Lord's name in vain. Overall, it was...okay. I liked "Inkheart" better.
Izori
Friday, May 29, 2009
More Books
We just got home from the library, where we were going to simply drop off one book. Well, guess what. We brought home 21 books! All of them mine. Of course, that's nowhere near our record of 98 books. I have pictures of the list, and maybe (not a promise, I'll probably forget) I'll post the pictures.
Anyway, the real reason why I'm posting is: I've started another book. It's based on Beatrice Potter's "The Tailor of Glouchestor", except instead of mice coming and finishing the sewing on the mayor's coat, it's faeries. I don't have names for my characters yet, so I'm doing working names (and I also have a working title for the book). The main character is "named" Izori (haha, that's me).
Izori
Anyway, the real reason why I'm posting is: I've started another book. It's based on Beatrice Potter's "The Tailor of Glouchestor", except instead of mice coming and finishing the sewing on the mayor's coat, it's faeries. I don't have names for my characters yet, so I'm doing working names (and I also have a working title for the book). The main character is "named" Izori (haha, that's me).
Izori
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Chapter 3 (Josh and Lindsey Cross the Creek)
According to the polls, the title of Book #2 is "The Return to Elandai".
Chapter 3
"What?" Josh squealed. "We're going out in the woods?"
The cousins were all standing on the porch. Kaela and Ben had just told Josh and Lindsey that they would be taking a short walk. They hadn't told them, however, that they would end up in another world, knowing that if they did, their cousins would completely refuse to go. As it was, they weren't showing much enthusiasm.
"Yuck!" exclaimed Lindsey. "What about the spiders! And mud! And snakes! And mosquitoes!"
Kaela looked at Ben. Uh, this might be a mistake, she thought. What will Klii or Learka or Yev think of them. And we're related to them! Yikes.
Apparently ignoring their negative remarks, Ben stepped down off the porch. "Well, no need to waste time, guys," he said. "Josh, Lindsey, it'll be really fun. It's not at all what you think it'll be. At least give it a try." He looked pleadingly at his cousins.
Josh refused to budge an inch. "No way. We're the visitors. That means you got to treat us nicely. We don't want to go. Right, Lindsey?"
"Right. We don't want to go." repeated Lindsey. "And you can't make us."
Kaela massaged her forehead wearily. If this is what it's going to be like for the entire visit...we'll be lucky to get out alive. She was interrupted from her thoughts when Josh said, "Well, guess what. Me and Lin are going inside. So too bad for your little plan."
We tried, Adonai. But I guess me and Ben are going alone.
Then, completely out of the blue, Lindsey spoke up. Her words astonished Ben and Kaela. "But Josh, maybe all along they want us to say no. Maybe their tricking us. I wouldn't put it past them."
Josh turned around. "Right." He marched off the porch. "See, we're smarter than you take us to be, Benjamin Matthew Wilson. We know your tricks too, Mikaela Abigail Wilson. We fooled you into thinking we fell for it, didn't you." So, on full name terms, are we?
Lindsey followed her brother off the porch. "Don't think you can trick us again. Now lead on, and no backing out of it!"
They all turned and walked down the hill, through the back yard and into the woods, with Kaela in the rear, shaking her head wonderingly. Wow, Adonai, that was...pretty nifty.
------- -------- ---------
They continued until they reached the creek, where Ben stopped. "Now we have to cross that." he said as he pointed to it.
Lindsey's reaction was instant. "Ewww, all that muddy water! You're trying to drown me, Ben!"
"No, I'm not."
"The water's probably really deep, and then you'll tell a snake to come and bite me! And then I'll swell up and die!"
"Actually, this is a ford. It's meant for crossing, and in the dry spell we've been having its probably up to your ankles." Kaela pointed out. "See, I'll even go first to demonstrate. It might be a little deeper on me, but that's because I'm a bit shorter."
Stepping into the water, she started to slowly wade across. She had to be careful not to lose her footing or Lindsey and Josh would probably chicken out. Only once did she wobble, and she only did that for a second. Then she was on the other side.
Looking over the water, Kaela could see what she could last time she was in this position. True, Josh and Lindsey hadn't been there before, and Ben had already crossed the time before, but she couldn't see any modern things. They had just simply disappeared.
Now Josh and Lindsey were crossing the creek, going even slower then Kaela had. When Lindsey first touched the water she had squealed, and she still whimpered a little, but at least she wasn't full-out bawling. Josh looked a little like a ballerina, or at least Kaela thought, with his arms spread and his wobbly steps looked a very little like dance steps. She stifled a giggle.
When the cousins reached the shore, they stood around, to dull to immediately notice the change. Then Josh suddenly said, "Hey, what happened to the houses? You could see them a little while ago!"
"That," answered Ben, climbing up the bank. "Is the amazing thing about this. Would you believe me, Josh and Lindsey, if I told you that we, by crossing the creek, had stepped into a completely different world?"
Lindsey stared at him wide-eyed. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that it's true. Welcome to Elandai."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would have posted this three days ago, but now we have our house on the market, and with all the rushing around, cleaning the house up, sports, visiting friends, and etc. the computer has been sitting dejected in a corner.
Izori
Chapter 3
"What?" Josh squealed. "We're going out in the woods?"
The cousins were all standing on the porch. Kaela and Ben had just told Josh and Lindsey that they would be taking a short walk. They hadn't told them, however, that they would end up in another world, knowing that if they did, their cousins would completely refuse to go. As it was, they weren't showing much enthusiasm.
"Yuck!" exclaimed Lindsey. "What about the spiders! And mud! And snakes! And mosquitoes!"
Kaela looked at Ben. Uh, this might be a mistake, she thought. What will Klii or Learka or Yev think of them. And we're related to them! Yikes.
Apparently ignoring their negative remarks, Ben stepped down off the porch. "Well, no need to waste time, guys," he said. "Josh, Lindsey, it'll be really fun. It's not at all what you think it'll be. At least give it a try." He looked pleadingly at his cousins.
Josh refused to budge an inch. "No way. We're the visitors. That means you got to treat us nicely. We don't want to go. Right, Lindsey?"
"Right. We don't want to go." repeated Lindsey. "And you can't make us."
Kaela massaged her forehead wearily. If this is what it's going to be like for the entire visit...we'll be lucky to get out alive. She was interrupted from her thoughts when Josh said, "Well, guess what. Me and Lin are going inside. So too bad for your little plan."
We tried, Adonai. But I guess me and Ben are going alone.
Then, completely out of the blue, Lindsey spoke up. Her words astonished Ben and Kaela. "But Josh, maybe all along they want us to say no. Maybe their tricking us. I wouldn't put it past them."
Josh turned around. "Right." He marched off the porch. "See, we're smarter than you take us to be, Benjamin Matthew Wilson. We know your tricks too, Mikaela Abigail Wilson. We fooled you into thinking we fell for it, didn't you." So, on full name terms, are we?
Lindsey followed her brother off the porch. "Don't think you can trick us again. Now lead on, and no backing out of it!"
They all turned and walked down the hill, through the back yard and into the woods, with Kaela in the rear, shaking her head wonderingly. Wow, Adonai, that was...pretty nifty.
------- -------- ---------
They continued until they reached the creek, where Ben stopped. "Now we have to cross that." he said as he pointed to it.
Lindsey's reaction was instant. "Ewww, all that muddy water! You're trying to drown me, Ben!"
"No, I'm not."
"The water's probably really deep, and then you'll tell a snake to come and bite me! And then I'll swell up and die!"
"Actually, this is a ford. It's meant for crossing, and in the dry spell we've been having its probably up to your ankles." Kaela pointed out. "See, I'll even go first to demonstrate. It might be a little deeper on me, but that's because I'm a bit shorter."
Stepping into the water, she started to slowly wade across. She had to be careful not to lose her footing or Lindsey and Josh would probably chicken out. Only once did she wobble, and she only did that for a second. Then she was on the other side.
Looking over the water, Kaela could see what she could last time she was in this position. True, Josh and Lindsey hadn't been there before, and Ben had already crossed the time before, but she couldn't see any modern things. They had just simply disappeared.
Now Josh and Lindsey were crossing the creek, going even slower then Kaela had. When Lindsey first touched the water she had squealed, and she still whimpered a little, but at least she wasn't full-out bawling. Josh looked a little like a ballerina, or at least Kaela thought, with his arms spread and his wobbly steps looked a very little like dance steps. She stifled a giggle.
When the cousins reached the shore, they stood around, to dull to immediately notice the change. Then Josh suddenly said, "Hey, what happened to the houses? You could see them a little while ago!"
"That," answered Ben, climbing up the bank. "Is the amazing thing about this. Would you believe me, Josh and Lindsey, if I told you that we, by crossing the creek, had stepped into a completely different world?"
Lindsey stared at him wide-eyed. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that it's true. Welcome to Elandai."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would have posted this three days ago, but now we have our house on the market, and with all the rushing around, cleaning the house up, sports, visiting friends, and etc. the computer has been sitting dejected in a corner.
Izori
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Pen Names
I suppose I should be writing Chapter 3 of the 2nd Elandai book...but I'm too lazy. Seeing as I haven't posted in a few days however, I should probably at least post something! So, if you ever manage to write a book and publish it, would you have a pen name? I can't decide if I would or not (not that I'm in any danger of publishing a book soon :D)
Izori
Izori
Thursday, May 21, 2009
New Book
I've started another book. It's about this girl named Mhegan (who lives in Ireland) and a boy named Ein. I won't tell you all of my idea, but it's basically that Mhegan and Ein have to stop this evil dude and his band of gargoyles and other bad creatures from taking over all of Ireland. I've only gotten past the fifth paragraph.
Izori
Izori
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Title for Book 2
Does anyone have suggestions for my book title? It's sort of hard trying to think up names for a book when you barely know what it's about. What about "The Return to Elandai"? Comment on what you think, please.
Izori
P.S. Just realized that this is my 50 post on this blog. Halfway to 100!
I.
Izori
P.S. Just realized that this is my 50 post on this blog. Halfway to 100!
I.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Chapter 2 (Listening to Mom)
I suppose I should do another chapter now. So here goes...
Chapter 2
Ben stared at his mom in shock. Josh and Lindsey coming over? At nine o'clock? "Um, I don't remember being told this." he said out loud.
"I'm sorry, Ben and Kaela," Mom apologized. "I put it on the calender but I guess I just thought everyone would look there and see it.
"What time will they leave?" Kaela questioned.
"Well, I think at six or seven o'clock. Aunt Delilah had to drop them off here because she's going to go in for a meeting at work and we were the only ones who could take them."
Ben glanced at the clock above the stove. 8:49. Only eleven minutes. And then they'll be here for a long, long, time after that. Like ten hours. How in the world are we going to fit Elandai in?
The breakfast table had just been cleared and all the dishes washed when the doorbell rang. Ben, dreading the people who were behind it, opened the door.
Aunt Delilah, or Aunt D for short, was standing there with her two children, Josh and Lindsey, beside her. "Oh, good morning, Bennie," Aunt D crooned in a voice that made Ben want to cross his eyes. "My, you've grown a foot since I saw you last, sweetie. I'm here with Joshie and Lin-lin!"
Ben nodded, and Mom made it to the door just in time. Aunt D liked nicknames a lot, and Ben was sure he had outgrown the name Bennie. He hoped no one would call Kaela Mikki; her ears grew red whenever someone addressed her as that, which was a sure sign she was mad.
"Joshie" and Lin-lin", or better known as Josh and Lindsey, stepped through the door and stared at Ben and Kaela. They were twins, both twelve years old, with thin blond hair and small, green eyes. They also had a bit of a "weight-problem" and were spoiled rotten by their parents.
The cousins stood in silence and looked at one another as their parents chatted politely. Finally Lindsey said in a bored voice, "Wow, this isn't such a great house," and pulling out a tiny pink cellphone, she began texting busily.
Josh looked around. "Dude, where's your TV?" he asked Ben. "Is there anything to do around here?"
Ben would have loved to roll his eyes, but with a great effort he refrained from doing so. "We have a TV in the family room, and there's plenty to do around here. Like hike in the woods, play with the cat..."
Lindsey walked by Kaela and Ben and peered into the school room. "What's this--a library? It's pretty messy." Without waiting for either of her cousins to answer, she went on. "Me and Josh didn't want to come here, you know. We think you guys are really boring."
Kaela and Ben exchanged glances. "Oh," hesitated Kaela, not knowing what to say. "Uh...that's nice to know."
Man, this is going to be a pleasant day. Ben told himself.
Just then, Aunt D called from the doorway, "I'm leaving now! Have a wonderful day with your cousins, Joshie and Lin-lin!"
Immediately Josh and Lindsey transformed into perfect little angels, beaming at their mother. "Goodbye, mom. Have a nice day!" Josh replied innocently.
The door closed. Almost like a bell of doom. Ben snorted humorlessly. He turned to Josh and asked, "So, do you want to go up to my room?" It looked as if he and Kaela wouldn't be able to make it to Elandai, after all.
Josh shrugged. "Sure, I guess. Does your TV work?"
Wow, he sure is interested in our TV. "It only works for videos. And the occasional DVD. Now c'mon--my room's this way."
Ben was about to lead Josh up the stairs when Mom held out her hand to stop him. "Ben, I'd like to talk to you for a minute. And Kaela, you too."
Turning to Josh, Ben said, "I'll be right there. My room's the second door on the right, okay?"
Josh nodded and climbed up the stairs.
Kaela came in from the living room where she had left Lindsey. "Yes, mom?"
"Aren't you going to Elandai?" Mom asked, looking from one to the other.
Ben shifted from foot to foot. "Well...we were going to, but now with Josh and Lindsey being over here..."
"Why not just take them with you?"
Kaela protested, "Mom, but they're...well, spoiled rotten! They'd ruin it!"
Mom raised her eyebrow. "Going to Elandai might change them. I know it changed me, and I was a real brat. Compared to what I was, Josh and Lindsey are nothing."
Ben's eyes widened. "You a brat? Come on."
"I really was," Mom persisted. "It's amazing what can happen if you get plunged headfirst into a war. Anyway, I think you should take them with you. Adonai did say that you guys had to go today."
Ben was about to argue when he remembered. 'Listen to your mom.' That was what Adonai said. But bringing Josh and Lindsey with us will be a disaster!
Apparently Kaela had recalled that too, because she said, "Ben, don't you remember Adonai's advice?"
Ben sighed. "I know, I know. So I guess we will bring Josh and Lindsey. But I have a feeling we'll really regret it."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments and questions are appreciated!
Izori
Chapter 2
Ben stared at his mom in shock. Josh and Lindsey coming over? At nine o'clock? "Um, I don't remember being told this." he said out loud.
"I'm sorry, Ben and Kaela," Mom apologized. "I put it on the calender but I guess I just thought everyone would look there and see it.
"What time will they leave?" Kaela questioned.
"Well, I think at six or seven o'clock. Aunt Delilah had to drop them off here because she's going to go in for a meeting at work and we were the only ones who could take them."
Ben glanced at the clock above the stove. 8:49. Only eleven minutes. And then they'll be here for a long, long, time after that. Like ten hours. How in the world are we going to fit Elandai in?
The breakfast table had just been cleared and all the dishes washed when the doorbell rang. Ben, dreading the people who were behind it, opened the door.
Aunt Delilah, or Aunt D for short, was standing there with her two children, Josh and Lindsey, beside her. "Oh, good morning, Bennie," Aunt D crooned in a voice that made Ben want to cross his eyes. "My, you've grown a foot since I saw you last, sweetie. I'm here with Joshie and Lin-lin!"
Ben nodded, and Mom made it to the door just in time. Aunt D liked nicknames a lot, and Ben was sure he had outgrown the name Bennie. He hoped no one would call Kaela Mikki; her ears grew red whenever someone addressed her as that, which was a sure sign she was mad.
"Joshie" and Lin-lin", or better known as Josh and Lindsey, stepped through the door and stared at Ben and Kaela. They were twins, both twelve years old, with thin blond hair and small, green eyes. They also had a bit of a "weight-problem" and were spoiled rotten by their parents.
The cousins stood in silence and looked at one another as their parents chatted politely. Finally Lindsey said in a bored voice, "Wow, this isn't such a great house," and pulling out a tiny pink cellphone, she began texting busily.
Josh looked around. "Dude, where's your TV?" he asked Ben. "Is there anything to do around here?"
Ben would have loved to roll his eyes, but with a great effort he refrained from doing so. "We have a TV in the family room, and there's plenty to do around here. Like hike in the woods, play with the cat..."
Lindsey walked by Kaela and Ben and peered into the school room. "What's this--a library? It's pretty messy." Without waiting for either of her cousins to answer, she went on. "Me and Josh didn't want to come here, you know. We think you guys are really boring."
Kaela and Ben exchanged glances. "Oh," hesitated Kaela, not knowing what to say. "Uh...that's nice to know."
Man, this is going to be a pleasant day. Ben told himself.
Just then, Aunt D called from the doorway, "I'm leaving now! Have a wonderful day with your cousins, Joshie and Lin-lin!"
Immediately Josh and Lindsey transformed into perfect little angels, beaming at their mother. "Goodbye, mom. Have a nice day!" Josh replied innocently.
The door closed. Almost like a bell of doom. Ben snorted humorlessly. He turned to Josh and asked, "So, do you want to go up to my room?" It looked as if he and Kaela wouldn't be able to make it to Elandai, after all.
Josh shrugged. "Sure, I guess. Does your TV work?"
Wow, he sure is interested in our TV. "It only works for videos. And the occasional DVD. Now c'mon--my room's this way."
Ben was about to lead Josh up the stairs when Mom held out her hand to stop him. "Ben, I'd like to talk to you for a minute. And Kaela, you too."
Turning to Josh, Ben said, "I'll be right there. My room's the second door on the right, okay?"
Josh nodded and climbed up the stairs.
Kaela came in from the living room where she had left Lindsey. "Yes, mom?"
"Aren't you going to Elandai?" Mom asked, looking from one to the other.
Ben shifted from foot to foot. "Well...we were going to, but now with Josh and Lindsey being over here..."
"Why not just take them with you?"
Kaela protested, "Mom, but they're...well, spoiled rotten! They'd ruin it!"
Mom raised her eyebrow. "Going to Elandai might change them. I know it changed me, and I was a real brat. Compared to what I was, Josh and Lindsey are nothing."
Ben's eyes widened. "You a brat? Come on."
"I really was," Mom persisted. "It's amazing what can happen if you get plunged headfirst into a war. Anyway, I think you should take them with you. Adonai did say that you guys had to go today."
Ben was about to argue when he remembered. 'Listen to your mom.' That was what Adonai said. But bringing Josh and Lindsey with us will be a disaster!
Apparently Kaela had recalled that too, because she said, "Ben, don't you remember Adonai's advice?"
Ben sighed. "I know, I know. So I guess we will bring Josh and Lindsey. But I have a feeling we'll really regret it."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comments and questions are appreciated!
Izori
Journal-Keeping
One way to get used to writing is keeping a journal. Not only can you record things you'd like to remember or stuff that's special, but it's a good way to practice describing things. In a book you can't really just say "The platform-thingy was a kind of blue with sort of floppy curtain thingamagiggans around the whatchamacallit", but in a journal you feel free to practice because it's usually made for your eyes only. The negatives about journal-keeping is when you've had an awesome but tiring day and you can't wait to go to bed and then you remember Oh, yeah, I have to write in my journal. Didn't I do that two days ago? No, I think I did it more like two weeks ago, and there was something I wanted to write in there but I forgot and I'm sure it was important and now I'm too tired to write now and my hand is going to fall off so I'll just get to sleep. And then the next day you forget all about it until a month has gone by and you stumble across your poor, neglected journal, which makes you start feeling guilty. If that's the case then journaling is probably not for you.
I just finished a journal and I was surprised how attached I got to it. So I started another one up right away. That's probably how you tell that keeping a journal is your thing.
Izori
I just finished a journal and I was surprised how attached I got to it. So I started another one up right away. That's probably how you tell that keeping a journal is your thing.
Izori
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Quest for the Popsicles
Do you think that a book called "Quest for the Popsicles" would be too...immature? That's the title of a book I'm hoping to write for my brother. It's about these two kids, Alex and River (I know, it's an odd name for a girl) who go on a quest for these magic popsicles on the fairy-inhabited Island of Somewhere (yes, that's its name). River has a pet parrot called Rainbow (who can recite the alphabet and other things) and there's a bunch of pirates trying to reach the popsicles first. I thought it up about a year ago.
Izori
Izori
Evil Cousins?
Have you ever noticed that cousins make great part-bad guys in books? In "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" by C.S. Lewis, Eustace is Edmund and Lucy's spoiled cousin, in "The Iron Sceptre" by John White, Mary, the (once again) cousin of Wesley, Lisa, and Kurt messes things up several times on their adventures, and there are probably a bunch more out there.
I think the reason that cousins make great partial bad-guys (although they almost always turn good in the middle/end of the book) is because they're related to the main character(s), but they aren't a sibling so they don't know each other, so they can clash more. When I put cousins in my books I have it that they haven't ever met each other, so they're trying to get to know each other as they're going through their little adventure.
Izori
I think the reason that cousins make great partial bad-guys (although they almost always turn good in the middle/end of the book) is because they're related to the main character(s), but they aren't a sibling so they don't know each other, so they can clash more. When I put cousins in my books I have it that they haven't ever met each other, so they're trying to get to know each other as they're going through their little adventure.
Izori
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Book Review: "Inkheart"
I wasn't even looking for this book when I saw it in the library, but I am soooo glad I did. And it's long, too! 534 pages!
"Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
When Meggie, a twelve year old girl who lives alone with her father, sees a stranger standing in the yard one rainy night, she doesn't know that it will change her life forever. The stranger, Dustfinger, is here to warn her dad, who she calls Mo, that a mysterious person named Capricorn is after him. And then Meggie finds out that there are a whole lot of things she doesn't know the reason of, like why does Mo never read aloud to her? And what does Capricorn want from Mo, anyway?
It was a really, really, good book. It was exciting and long (which is good for an exciting book; I read it until 11:09 PM and still wasn't finished). And very well written. The only negative is that Aunt Elinor has a habit of swearing. I highly suggest it.
Izori
"Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
When Meggie, a twelve year old girl who lives alone with her father, sees a stranger standing in the yard one rainy night, she doesn't know that it will change her life forever. The stranger, Dustfinger, is here to warn her dad, who she calls Mo, that a mysterious person named Capricorn is after him. And then Meggie finds out that there are a whole lot of things she doesn't know the reason of, like why does Mo never read aloud to her? And what does Capricorn want from Mo, anyway?
It was a really, really, good book. It was exciting and long (which is good for an exciting book; I read it until 11:09 PM and still wasn't finished). And very well written. The only negative is that Aunt Elinor has a habit of swearing. I highly suggest it.
Izori
Friday, May 15, 2009
Chapter 1 (Cousins)
According to the polls, I get to write another book! So...
Chapter 1
Ben groggily blinked as he stared up at his dark ceiling, for an unknown reason unable to sleep. I should probably think on something, he advised himself. Like why didn't I study for the math test tomorrow?! Well, okay, maybe not like that.
He sighed and turned over. His ceiling fan was on, but he was still hot. Ben sat up and looked at his clock. 11:46 PM.
It had been almost two months since Ben and his younger sister, Mikaela, had had their adventure in Elandai, the land across the creek. Ben really missed Learka and the others. Most of all Adonai. He and Kaela had spent hours talking about their experiences. And, what Ben thought maybe best of all, both of their parents had already been to Elandai and enjoyed it just as much as their kids. That way all the family talked about it.
Ben lay back down, and then right away sat back up with a jerk. There was a familiar, bright, flash in the room, almost like a picture being taken but a little more...meaningful.
I hope that's who I think it is! Ben thought. He opened his eyes, which had closed at the flash, and would have squealed if he hadn't been a very mature thirteen (almost fourteen) years old. There, standing in the middle of his room, was Adonai.
He looked exactly the same like he had in Elandai. He looked ageless, with a twinkle in his eyes. And like before, he was smiling. "Good day to you, Ben. Or should I say good night?"
Ben grinned and jumped out of bed. "Good night, Adonai. Are me and Kaela going back to Elandai?"
Adonai nodded, but couldn't say anything before Ben burst out, "When? Will I get my sword back?"
The man laughed. "Yes, you'll get your sword back. And you will go to the same place as before to get to the other world. But I do have some advice for you. 'Listen to your mother. She was called "Sara the Wise" when she was a queen in Elandai."
"She was a queen?" Ben's eyebrows jumped. "I didn't know that!"
"Yes, and your father was a king. Now is not the time to learn of their past in full detail, however. I'd better go." Adonai began to fade away, and then added, "And tell Mikaela of the goings on!" Then he disappeared completely.
Ben lay back in his bed, but this time he was not thinking of the math test he didn't study for. We're going to Elandai--tomorrow!" He fell asleep thinking of that.
--------- ----------- --------
He woke up in the morning and sprung out of bed. Throwing on his clothes, Ben sprung out of his room, only to bump into Kaela, also coming out of hers.
"Hi, Ben. What's up?" she asked.
Ben nearly jumped up and down with excitement. "Guess what? Adonai came into my room last night--"
Kaela gasped. "Really?"
"--and we're going to go to Elandai again!" he finished triumphantly.
His sister clapped her hands. "Awesome!" she exclaimed. "Today?"
"Yes. Oh, and he had advice for us. We're supposed to listen to mom."
Kaela raised her eyebrow. "Okay. Not like we usually don't..."
But Ben was already taking the stairs down to the kitchen two at a time. "I'd better do my math test then if we're going to go!"
His mom stood at the bottom of the stairs. "And where would you be going?"
"Oh, hi mom!" Ben called cheerfully. "We're going to Elandai!"
Mom smiled. "That's good. And you're math test is on your desk in the schoolroom, so do that before you leave." Kaela and Ben were both home schooled, and their mother was a very good teacher.
Ben got done with math pretty quickly, and he only had trouble with one question. Then he quickly slid into his chair at the breakfast table and began to eat.
Mom sat down next to Kaela, who was taking a sip of juice. "I bet your cousins will be happy to go with you," she said.
Ben froze. "Cousins?"
"Yes, cousins. Your aunt is dropping off Josh and Lindsey today. Don't you remember? They'll be here at nine."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There. My brother wants the computer now to do his spanish homework, so goodbye for now.
Izori
Chapter 1
Ben groggily blinked as he stared up at his dark ceiling, for an unknown reason unable to sleep. I should probably think on something, he advised himself. Like why didn't I study for the math test tomorrow?! Well, okay, maybe not like that.
He sighed and turned over. His ceiling fan was on, but he was still hot. Ben sat up and looked at his clock. 11:46 PM.
It had been almost two months since Ben and his younger sister, Mikaela, had had their adventure in Elandai, the land across the creek. Ben really missed Learka and the others. Most of all Adonai. He and Kaela had spent hours talking about their experiences. And, what Ben thought maybe best of all, both of their parents had already been to Elandai and enjoyed it just as much as their kids. That way all the family talked about it.
Ben lay back down, and then right away sat back up with a jerk. There was a familiar, bright, flash in the room, almost like a picture being taken but a little more...meaningful.
I hope that's who I think it is! Ben thought. He opened his eyes, which had closed at the flash, and would have squealed if he hadn't been a very mature thirteen (almost fourteen) years old. There, standing in the middle of his room, was Adonai.
He looked exactly the same like he had in Elandai. He looked ageless, with a twinkle in his eyes. And like before, he was smiling. "Good day to you, Ben. Or should I say good night?"
Ben grinned and jumped out of bed. "Good night, Adonai. Are me and Kaela going back to Elandai?"
Adonai nodded, but couldn't say anything before Ben burst out, "When? Will I get my sword back?"
The man laughed. "Yes, you'll get your sword back. And you will go to the same place as before to get to the other world. But I do have some advice for you. 'Listen to your mother. She was called "Sara the Wise" when she was a queen in Elandai."
"She was a queen?" Ben's eyebrows jumped. "I didn't know that!"
"Yes, and your father was a king. Now is not the time to learn of their past in full detail, however. I'd better go." Adonai began to fade away, and then added, "And tell Mikaela of the goings on!" Then he disappeared completely.
Ben lay back in his bed, but this time he was not thinking of the math test he didn't study for. We're going to Elandai--tomorrow!" He fell asleep thinking of that.
--------- ----------- --------
He woke up in the morning and sprung out of bed. Throwing on his clothes, Ben sprung out of his room, only to bump into Kaela, also coming out of hers.
"Hi, Ben. What's up?" she asked.
Ben nearly jumped up and down with excitement. "Guess what? Adonai came into my room last night--"
Kaela gasped. "Really?"
"--and we're going to go to Elandai again!" he finished triumphantly.
His sister clapped her hands. "Awesome!" she exclaimed. "Today?"
"Yes. Oh, and he had advice for us. We're supposed to listen to mom."
Kaela raised her eyebrow. "Okay. Not like we usually don't..."
But Ben was already taking the stairs down to the kitchen two at a time. "I'd better do my math test then if we're going to go!"
His mom stood at the bottom of the stairs. "And where would you be going?"
"Oh, hi mom!" Ben called cheerfully. "We're going to Elandai!"
Mom smiled. "That's good. And you're math test is on your desk in the schoolroom, so do that before you leave." Kaela and Ben were both home schooled, and their mother was a very good teacher.
Ben got done with math pretty quickly, and he only had trouble with one question. Then he quickly slid into his chair at the breakfast table and began to eat.
Mom sat down next to Kaela, who was taking a sip of juice. "I bet your cousins will be happy to go with you," she said.
Ben froze. "Cousins?"
"Yes, cousins. Your aunt is dropping off Josh and Lindsey today. Don't you remember? They'll be here at nine."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There. My brother wants the computer now to do his spanish homework, so goodbye for now.
Izori
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Book Review: 'The Return of the King"
I actually began reading this a little while ago, but we're so busy with things (like schoolwork) that I sort of got stuck. Anyway, on to the main point of my post.
"The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Frodo and Sam are continuing their journey to the land of Mordor so Frodo can complete his mission: destroy the Ring in the fiery Mount Doom. But Gollum wants the Ring back, and he is willing to fight Frodo on the brink of a volcano for it.
Very good (all J.R.R Tolkien books are good). Eowyn and Faramir do kiss, but I didn't mind that so much as I do in other books. I really liked the sword-fights.
Izori
"The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Frodo and Sam are continuing their journey to the land of Mordor so Frodo can complete his mission: destroy the Ring in the fiery Mount Doom. But Gollum wants the Ring back, and he is willing to fight Frodo on the brink of a volcano for it.
Very good (all J.R.R Tolkien books are good). Eowyn and Faramir do kiss, but I didn't mind that so much as I do in other books. I really liked the sword-fights.
Izori
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Book Review: The Field Guide
I actually read this book a while ago, but I wasn't going to do a review on it. Apparently, I changed my mind.
"The Field Guide" by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Book 1 of the Spiderwick Chronicles
When Jared, Mallory, and Simon Grace move into an old mansion belonging to Great-Aunt Lucinda, strange things start happening. Mallory is tied to her bed by her hair, Simon's pet mice go missing, and Jared is blamed for all of it. When he finds a secret room, a strange riddle, and a book on how to deal with faeries, Jared starts to suspect that their mansion is infested by an angry boggart. And he needs to appease it, otherswise bad things will continue to happen.
It was exiting, and has some neat illustrations (at least, the version that I read did). The Grace kids do show some love to each other, though they argue a lot. Unfortunetely, their arguments can get sort of bad, and they don't show a lot of respect toward their mom. Overall, the book was okay, so I'll put the link on the sidebar.
Izori
"The Field Guide" by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
Book 1 of the Spiderwick Chronicles
When Jared, Mallory, and Simon Grace move into an old mansion belonging to Great-Aunt Lucinda, strange things start happening. Mallory is tied to her bed by her hair, Simon's pet mice go missing, and Jared is blamed for all of it. When he finds a secret room, a strange riddle, and a book on how to deal with faeries, Jared starts to suspect that their mansion is infested by an angry boggart. And he needs to appease it, otherswise bad things will continue to happen.
It was exiting, and has some neat illustrations (at least, the version that I read did). The Grace kids do show some love to each other, though they argue a lot. Unfortunetely, their arguments can get sort of bad, and they don't show a lot of respect toward their mom. Overall, the book was okay, so I'll put the link on the sidebar.
Izori
Thursday, May 7, 2009
My Book List
Wow, there's not that much to post now that I'm done with O.S.O.C. I was getting a little desperate for ideas so I'll just show y'all my book list (which was almost non-existent until one of my friends showed me her list--400+ books! Yikes!) Not all the books are released yet.
The Sable Quean (Brian Jacques)
Ranger's Apprentice Series books (John Flanagan)
The Dark Lord's Demise (John White)
Princess Academy (Shannon Hale)
Spiderwick Chronicles (Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black)
Inheritance Cycle book #4 (Christopher Paolini)
Uh...that's pretty much it. Yeah, I know, compared to 400, six books (or book series') is not that much.
I have more school work to do now (thankfully not math)
Izori
The Sable Quean (Brian Jacques)
Ranger's Apprentice Series books (John Flanagan)
The Dark Lord's Demise (John White)
Princess Academy (Shannon Hale)
Spiderwick Chronicles (Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black)
Inheritance Cycle book #4 (Christopher Paolini)
Uh...that's pretty much it. Yeah, I know, compared to 400, six books (or book series') is not that much.
I have more school work to do now (thankfully not math)
Izori
Monday, May 4, 2009
Chapter 16 ("Good-bye")
This'll be the last chapter! I'll miss my book.
Chapter 16
Grinning from ear to ear, Ben stared at the place where Mahal had once been. Now it was perfectly smooth, as if everything had never took place. He turned around to talk to the others and noticed that the trees behind them, once old and dead, were not rapidly turning green. Some of them had blooms on them, and even from here Ben noticed the happy twittering of birds.
Kaela grinned from ear to ear, standing beside Learka and Nolan. "Isn't it awesome?" she cried. "We finally did it! Now tell me everything you did, Ben."
Ben was about to tell her when the women and children thronged up out of the tunnels to help celebrate the victory. Klii and Yev joined them, and then Ben recited his story for all. After he was finished Kaela also told what she had experienced. When they were both done, Ben said, "So, I guess that's the end of Daran?"
Klii shook his head. "Not to dampen the mood, but it isn't, and won't be for a long time. In the Book of Prophesies it is written that Adonai will come in actual person, and not just in our minds, and will conquer Daran for good. But even then it will take a while for Daran to die of his wounds. But for now, we can celebrate."
Learka looked toward the tunnels, which were now opened. "And from what my nose tells me, the women are already preparing a feast!"
Yev raised her eyebrows. "Really? Well then, I'd better help them! See you guys!"
It didn't take long to prepare a huge meal for all the followers with literally all the women in Elandai cooking. There was lamb, pork, chicken, meat pies, fresh baked bread, sweet potatoes, salads, and more for the main meal. And for dessert was pie of every kind, something that tasted a lot like ice-cream, tarts, pudding, cakes, and cookies, to name a few. Ben's mouth watered at the smells, and he coudn't wait for it to be time to eat.
Ben sat down with Klii, Learka, Kaela, Yev, and Nolan and his family, and happily enjoyed a piece of lamb. Opposite him, Kaela bit down into a piece of pie. Apparently there were no rules on eating dessert first.
When he was finally finished, Ben set down a chicken bone and then looked up to say something to Learka. To his surprise, he was sitting on the grass, with Kaela, besides a very familiar-looking creek. They were alone. Why, this is the creek that started this whole adventure! It looks totally alike, except the trees are alive. Ben realized. Kaela must have been thinking the same thing too, because she said, "We have to go home already? We didn't get to say goodbye to the others!"
Just then there was a flash, and then Adonai appeared in front of them. He was smiling, just like always. "Don't worry, they know that you wanted to say goodbye. And yes, it is time for you to go home. This adventure here is over."
"This adventure?" Ben asked hopefully. "You mean, there'll be more?"
"Yes, definately," Adonai assured him. "And they will come soon, so always be ready."
"We will!" The siblings chorused. They knew they'd look forward to coming to Elandai again.
There was a slight pause, and then Ben said, "I guess this is goodbye."
"Acutally, it isn't."
Kaela's eyes bugged out. "Really? So we aren't leaving yet?"
"You are, but this isn't goodbye," Adonai explained. "I am always with you, to the end of the age, you know. Even if you go into another world."
Both Ben and Kaela were confused. "But we've never heard of you in our world," Kaela pointed out.
Adonai smiled at her. "I have many names. I am simply known by different ones in your world." Then he turned and pointed to the creek. "Now is your time to cross. Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!" Ben and Kaela called back, and then they stepped into the stream.
Halfway across, Ben looked back at the other side of the creek. Adonai had disappeared. When he looked forward, he could see signs of the modern world; houses, the spray-painted board, and he could hear the occasional trucks back on the roads.
Ben and Kaela reached the other side, and then climbed back onto the path. They looked at each other. They were both wearing their modern clothes, and their swords were gone. "Was that real?" Kaela asked. "Were we dreaming?"
For some reason, Ben knew that it actually did happen. "That was real." He whistled. "But wasn't that awesome? We didn't even know that this world existed, and then whoomph, we suddenly were there!"
"It's certainly not something your average kid would experience," Kaela agreed.
They started walking on the path toward home. Then Ben had an awful thought. "Oh my goodness!" he exclaimed. "How long has it been since we've left home? Mom and Dad must have called the police by now!"
Kaela squinted up at the sun. "The sun's in the same position," she observed.
Ben glanced down at his watch. "And it's the same time, pretty much." He frowned. "How could that be? Did we take no time at all?"
There was a moment of silence, and then Kaela spoke. "Well, Elandai is a different world, so who's to say that they don't have a different time?" This was the only explanation they could think of that made sense, so they moved on.
A few minutes later they arrived at their house. Racing up their yard, they both banged into the house. Mom and Dad were both sitting at the kitchen table, waiting for them. When she saw her kids' shining faces, Mom smiled. "So, you got my note?"
Ben plopped down in a chair. "You knew of Elandai?" he asked.
Dad nodded. "Yes. The last time we visited was long ago, but I still remember much of it. Did you guys have fun?"
Kaela nodded. "Oh, yeah. First of all, we went to the creek, and when we crossed it, we got shot at by Ogres, and then we fell through Klii, Learka, and Yev's roof..."
It took a while for Ben and Kaela to explain their adventures to their parents. When they were done, Mom's smile grew. "It sounded like you guys should plan on going back. And you probably want to, don't you?"
"Definitely," the siblings said at the same time.
Mom looked at the clock on the stove. "Good grief, it's getting late! You guys need to hurry up and get ready for today. You have piano lessons at two o'clock, and then Kaela has gymnastics at four, and Ben, remember your swim team..."
Ben smiled as he dashed up the stairs to get ready. He didn't know how he would concentrate today after Elandai. The continuous sword-fights, dangers, and excitement was a hard-to-break habit. And we'll go back soon! He reminded himself, feeling shivers go up and down his spine at the thought. I can't wait!
Chapter 16
Grinning from ear to ear, Ben stared at the place where Mahal had once been. Now it was perfectly smooth, as if everything had never took place. He turned around to talk to the others and noticed that the trees behind them, once old and dead, were not rapidly turning green. Some of them had blooms on them, and even from here Ben noticed the happy twittering of birds.
Kaela grinned from ear to ear, standing beside Learka and Nolan. "Isn't it awesome?" she cried. "We finally did it! Now tell me everything you did, Ben."
Ben was about to tell her when the women and children thronged up out of the tunnels to help celebrate the victory. Klii and Yev joined them, and then Ben recited his story for all. After he was finished Kaela also told what she had experienced. When they were both done, Ben said, "So, I guess that's the end of Daran?"
Klii shook his head. "Not to dampen the mood, but it isn't, and won't be for a long time. In the Book of Prophesies it is written that Adonai will come in actual person, and not just in our minds, and will conquer Daran for good. But even then it will take a while for Daran to die of his wounds. But for now, we can celebrate."
Learka looked toward the tunnels, which were now opened. "And from what my nose tells me, the women are already preparing a feast!"
Yev raised her eyebrows. "Really? Well then, I'd better help them! See you guys!"
It didn't take long to prepare a huge meal for all the followers with literally all the women in Elandai cooking. There was lamb, pork, chicken, meat pies, fresh baked bread, sweet potatoes, salads, and more for the main meal. And for dessert was pie of every kind, something that tasted a lot like ice-cream, tarts, pudding, cakes, and cookies, to name a few. Ben's mouth watered at the smells, and he coudn't wait for it to be time to eat.
Ben sat down with Klii, Learka, Kaela, Yev, and Nolan and his family, and happily enjoyed a piece of lamb. Opposite him, Kaela bit down into a piece of pie. Apparently there were no rules on eating dessert first.
When he was finally finished, Ben set down a chicken bone and then looked up to say something to Learka. To his surprise, he was sitting on the grass, with Kaela, besides a very familiar-looking creek. They were alone. Why, this is the creek that started this whole adventure! It looks totally alike, except the trees are alive. Ben realized. Kaela must have been thinking the same thing too, because she said, "We have to go home already? We didn't get to say goodbye to the others!"
Just then there was a flash, and then Adonai appeared in front of them. He was smiling, just like always. "Don't worry, they know that you wanted to say goodbye. And yes, it is time for you to go home. This adventure here is over."
"This adventure?" Ben asked hopefully. "You mean, there'll be more?"
"Yes, definately," Adonai assured him. "And they will come soon, so always be ready."
"We will!" The siblings chorused. They knew they'd look forward to coming to Elandai again.
There was a slight pause, and then Ben said, "I guess this is goodbye."
"Acutally, it isn't."
Kaela's eyes bugged out. "Really? So we aren't leaving yet?"
"You are, but this isn't goodbye," Adonai explained. "I am always with you, to the end of the age, you know. Even if you go into another world."
Both Ben and Kaela were confused. "But we've never heard of you in our world," Kaela pointed out.
Adonai smiled at her. "I have many names. I am simply known by different ones in your world." Then he turned and pointed to the creek. "Now is your time to cross. Goodbye!"
"Goodbye!" Ben and Kaela called back, and then they stepped into the stream.
Halfway across, Ben looked back at the other side of the creek. Adonai had disappeared. When he looked forward, he could see signs of the modern world; houses, the spray-painted board, and he could hear the occasional trucks back on the roads.
Ben and Kaela reached the other side, and then climbed back onto the path. They looked at each other. They were both wearing their modern clothes, and their swords were gone. "Was that real?" Kaela asked. "Were we dreaming?"
For some reason, Ben knew that it actually did happen. "That was real." He whistled. "But wasn't that awesome? We didn't even know that this world existed, and then whoomph, we suddenly were there!"
"It's certainly not something your average kid would experience," Kaela agreed.
They started walking on the path toward home. Then Ben had an awful thought. "Oh my goodness!" he exclaimed. "How long has it been since we've left home? Mom and Dad must have called the police by now!"
Kaela squinted up at the sun. "The sun's in the same position," she observed.
Ben glanced down at his watch. "And it's the same time, pretty much." He frowned. "How could that be? Did we take no time at all?"
There was a moment of silence, and then Kaela spoke. "Well, Elandai is a different world, so who's to say that they don't have a different time?" This was the only explanation they could think of that made sense, so they moved on.
A few minutes later they arrived at their house. Racing up their yard, they both banged into the house. Mom and Dad were both sitting at the kitchen table, waiting for them. When she saw her kids' shining faces, Mom smiled. "So, you got my note?"
Ben plopped down in a chair. "You knew of Elandai?" he asked.
Dad nodded. "Yes. The last time we visited was long ago, but I still remember much of it. Did you guys have fun?"
Kaela nodded. "Oh, yeah. First of all, we went to the creek, and when we crossed it, we got shot at by Ogres, and then we fell through Klii, Learka, and Yev's roof..."
It took a while for Ben and Kaela to explain their adventures to their parents. When they were done, Mom's smile grew. "It sounded like you guys should plan on going back. And you probably want to, don't you?"
"Definitely," the siblings said at the same time.
Mom looked at the clock on the stove. "Good grief, it's getting late! You guys need to hurry up and get ready for today. You have piano lessons at two o'clock, and then Kaela has gymnastics at four, and Ben, remember your swim team..."
Ben smiled as he dashed up the stairs to get ready. He didn't know how he would concentrate today after Elandai. The continuous sword-fights, dangers, and excitement was a hard-to-break habit. And we'll go back soon! He reminded himself, feeling shivers go up and down his spine at the thought. I can't wait!
The End
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow, I didn't actually think I'd ever be done with "The Other Side of the Creek" for a long while. When the poll for a sequel or not is finished, I'll know if I'll write another story like this one. (I hope I do)
Izori
Wow, I didn't actually think I'd ever be done with "The Other Side of the Creek" for a long while. When the poll for a sequel or not is finished, I'll know if I'll write another story like this one. (I hope I do)
Izori
Book Review: The Battle for Skandia
I actually finished this one yesterday, but I didn't do a review about it. Anyway...
The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan
Book 4 of Ranger's Apprentice Series
Still in the icy mountains of Skandia, Will and Evanlyn's hopes to return to their home-country, Araluen, are brought to an end when Evanlyn suddenly disappears, captured by a Temajai warrior. Even though he is still weakened, Will tracks her and her captors down and is outnumbered in a desperate fight--until his old friends, Halt and Horace, appear just in time to rescue him. But then they find out something shocking: the entire Temujai army is in the middle of invading Skandia, and are planning to conquer Araluen next. But can Skandia and Araluen unite in time to fight off the Temajai?
The book was really exiting and I liked the complex battle strategies. Will, Horace, and Halt are very concerned for Evanlyn's safety and do a good job of protecting her (or try to). The only bad thing is that sometimes they take the Lord's name in vain, which is the problem with all the books so far (at least, I think they do. I read part of the book in one day, and then I didn't pick it up again for several days, and I didn't catch any in the second part, but I do remember thinking that I should probably put the language warning in this review too. But if there isn't any and my memory is failing me, then that's pretty good:D)
Izori
The Battle for Skandia by John Flanagan
Book 4 of Ranger's Apprentice Series
Still in the icy mountains of Skandia, Will and Evanlyn's hopes to return to their home-country, Araluen, are brought to an end when Evanlyn suddenly disappears, captured by a Temajai warrior. Even though he is still weakened, Will tracks her and her captors down and is outnumbered in a desperate fight--until his old friends, Halt and Horace, appear just in time to rescue him. But then they find out something shocking: the entire Temujai army is in the middle of invading Skandia, and are planning to conquer Araluen next. But can Skandia and Araluen unite in time to fight off the Temajai?
The book was really exiting and I liked the complex battle strategies. Will, Horace, and Halt are very concerned for Evanlyn's safety and do a good job of protecting her (or try to). The only bad thing is that sometimes they take the Lord's name in vain, which is the problem with all the books so far (at least, I think they do. I read part of the book in one day, and then I didn't pick it up again for several days, and I didn't catch any in the second part, but I do remember thinking that I should probably put the language warning in this review too. But if there isn't any and my memory is failing me, then that's pretty good:D)
Izori
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Chapter 15 ("Mahal's Falling Down")
To Chapter 15 already! We're nearing the end.
Chapter 15
Ben and Daran stared at each other for a moment in the room surrounded with flames. The silence was interrupted only by the crackling and whooshing of the fire. Ben gripped his sword tighter, observing the throned man.
That is, if he could be called a man. His hair was black, and he had no beard or moustache. His skin was an unusual mix between red and black. Maybe a faint burgandy. And his eyes were blood red, with unsettling white orange pupils. Ben shivered.
Daran opened his mouth to reveal his teeth, which were long fangs. "Ahhh, so you have come at last." He stood up to his full towering height, several heads taller than Ben, and stepped down from his throne. "I have been expecting you. Sent by that miserable Adonai, I presume?"
Ben didn't say a word, just readied his sword and slipped the bottle of blood into his pocket. Daran stepped closer until his dancing shadow fell over the boy. Then he drew his sword. "You came to fight." It was not a question.
"Yes, I did." With an effort, Ben returned Daran's stare. "And not only to fight, but to win."
The evil king threw his head back and laughed, a sound that put Ben's teeth on edge. "To win!" he shrieked. "Are you that confident?"
"With Adonai, I am."
Daran circled his young opponent, grinning all the while. "And what makes you so sure that Adonai will help you? What if he backs out? Why didn't he stop my Ogres when they fired their arrows at you, long ago when you and your sister first came to my land."
"He just won't," Ben replied stubbornly, turning to keep his back from Daran. "He's not that sort of person. And he's way more powerful than you are. His blood can melt chains!"
"And mine can poison, kill, and devastate! Which is more strong?"
"Adonai's, of course."
Daran stopped circling. "Adonai's cannot poison and destroy!" he rumbled. "Your Adonai upholds love and unity and all that other mush. And everyone knows hate is stronger than love!"
Ben was puzzled, but only for a second. "Who says?" he asked defiantly.
For answer, Daran roared and lunged at Ben, his sword flashing in the fire-light. The boy barely got his own sword up in time to deflect the blow. The fight had begun.
---- ---- ----
Kaela looked up at the steep climb with dread. How could she be expected to climb the tower? And she didn't have much time, too. Soon the Ogres would spot her and that would be the end of it.
Something made her look to the left slightly. Oh, how foolish! That was there all along! Or was it? In the tower was a door.
Kaela opened it, and to her delight she saw a staircase winding up into the tower. There was no light coming in, so it was dark. When she stepped on the first stair, she found it was also wet and slippery. Having her sword light the way made it a little better, though.
She cautiously crept up, on the alert for Ogres. Only once did she look back down, and that was when she was half-way up. She grimaced at the far fall and from then on stared straight at the stairs.
Kaela had almost neared the top when she heard a rustling up ahead. She froze. The rustling grew louder, and then the source stepped out into the light. From Yev, Klii, and Learka's description, she knew right away it was a Vakir.
The Vakir pumped it's leathery wings and screeched, then launched itself straight at her. For a moment, Kaela was paralyzed, and then light shot from her sword burning the Vakir's wing. It screamed louder and once again made a bee-line for her, now maddened by it's injury.
Kaela brought her sword up and slashed into the Vakir's belly. To her surprise fire shot out of the wound, and the Vakir fell to the ground and shriveled up. Kaela stepped over it and continued up to the steps.
She reached the top of the stairs a few seconds later. It ended right at a door, solidly barred. Kaela raised her sword and brought it down upon the metal bolt, neatly severing it. Concerned that her blade had gotten nicked, she examined it. To her delight, it was un-damaged. Whoever made this knew what they were doing!
Then she pushed on the door. It didn't open, to her surprise. She checked to make sure it was completely unlocked, and then pushed again, and then pulled. But it still didn't work.
The password! Kaela scolded herself. How could I have forgotten about that! She leaned close to the door and whispered, "Agblith!"
The door swung open on it's own, and Kaela stepped in and looked around. The room was larger than she had expected, with people scattered all over the place. They were of many sizes and colors, but they all had two things in common. They had a blank, un-intelligent, empty expressions on, and they all wore chains.
"Hello?" No one moved, only continued staring at nothing. Kaela stepped into the middle of the room and raised her voice. "Hello!" When she got no response, she shrugged, and then opened the bottle of blood she held. So, I guess I just sprinkle it over everyone?
She dipped her fingers into the surprisingly warm blood, and then sprinkled the droplets on the people, taking care she didn't miss anyone. Then she waited for the results.
Almost immediately, the chains began to shrivel and melt away, until they became mere shadows that soon disappeared. All around, people were waking up and rubbing their eyes, and then staring around at each other in bewilderment. And then suddenly they all started talking and laughing at once. Probably the last thing they remembered was being enslaved by Daran. That's right, Kaela realized. Daran. Ben should be fighting him right now. She looked over all the people. How could she tell them that they had to fight, right now? She wasn't that skilled in public speaking.
All at once the words came to her, and before she knew it, she was talking. "Ladies and Gentlemen, as you all probably know Daran has taken over Elandai."
Everyone turned around to look at the speaker, and was surprised to find that it was a nine year old girl. Still, Kaela talked on. "But now the time has come for us to overthrow Daran. With Adonai's help, an organization of followers, lead by Adonai's appointed leader, Nolan, have made it very far to regaining Elandai. My brother is fighting with Daran himself, while Nolan and the followers are fighting with the Ogres. And Nolan is in need of men." He is? I didn't know that. And why am I saying this?
The crowd began to stir. "Then let's help them!" a man called out.
"Aye, why are we sitting here lollygagging while honest men are fighting for us?"
Kaela smiled. It was encouraging so see that they were enthusiastic about this. "Well then, follow me!"
---- ---- ----
Nolan had a worried expression on his face as he looked over the battle-field. The fight was not going very well. His men, outnumbered at the beginning, now had suffered many casualties. The Ogres had the advantage of being high up on Mahal's walls, and they used it. They shot arrows down at the followers, and poured boiling oil when Nolan's army got too close. The followers had tried building catapults, but all the trees around were dead and rotting; not that great for catapults. But what they really needed was re-enforcements. Especially now, because the Ogres had just issued a direct, face-to-face battle. They had streamed out of the gates of Mahal, closing the gate too swiftly for the followers to get in, and had then begun wreaking havoc among the army. Nolan was just now taking advantage of a brief lull in his part of the battle to take a break.
He wrinkled his forehead as he saw another one of the followers fall with an arrow stuck in his neck. I thought you wanted us to do this, Adonai! He cried inwardly.
Suddenly the gates creaked open again. Nolan tensed, thinking that it was more Ogres. But to his surprise, regular humans came out, brandishing make-shift weapons and yelling like crazy. Nolan gasped as he saw the leader of the new party was Kaela. Re-enforcements! Praise Adonai! Then he joined in the battle with a will.
The surprised Ogres were cut down very quickly with the new soldiers. And then the gates were swung open; this time to let the followers in.
To their surprise, there were not that many Ogres left in Mahal. It took only a minute for them to find the last of them and kill them. Nolan met Kaela afterwards.
"Do you know where Ben is?" He asked.
Kaela shook her head. "No. I think he's supposed to be fighting Daran, though."
"Then do you know where Daran is?"
She shook her head. "Not exactly, but I have a suspicion where." Kaela pointed to the red-glowing building in the center of Mahal. "There."
---- ----- ----
Ben sweated freely as he parried Daran's blows. He was constantly on the defensive, as his opponent was much more experienced then he was. He could feel his strength failing, and he missed several chances to strike. Daran's smirk was growing bigger.
Suddenly Daran stuck out his foot and tripped Ben. With a cry, he fell to the ground, his sword spinning out of his hand and out of reach.
Daran placed a heavy foot on Ben's chest. "So, you came here to win?" He asked smugly. "Turned out that I won. Guess Adonai did chicken out, after all. And now no one will be able to interfere with my rule. Too bad for your team."
He gave Ben an obnoxious smile. "I can be sure of my triumph when I've chopped off your head, boy."
Sure of his triumph! That's when I throw the bottle at Daran! Ben scrambled around in his pocket, searching for that bottle of blood. It seemed to evade his grasp.
Daran lifted his sword over his head. "Time to say goodbye, Ben!"
That was when Ben found the bottle. Barely even stopping to un-cork it, he threw it up into Daran's face.
His scream pierced the very walls of the building, making then tremble. Daran's face appeared to be melting, turning black, as the blood dripped down it. His whole body shriveled up into a whisp of shadow, which floated to the ceiling and disappeared. His sword, laying on the ground, also was gone.
Ben looked at the bloody, smashed pieces of the broken bottle, and then was startled by the rumbling sound he heard. Mahal's falling down!
He picked up his sword and made for the only exit, which was the door to the tunnel. But when he opened it, he found he was looking out into the city of Mahal. It was trembling, just like the fiery building. To his surprise, he saw no Ogres, only Nolan, Kaela, Learka, and a bunch of followers all running around the streets.
"Ben!" Kaela screamed as she ran toward him.
But Ben didn't waste time on reunions. "Hurry!" He yelled. "We have to get out of here--Mahal's falling down!"
All the followers streamed out of the quaking city, and then when they were a safe distance away, they turned and looked back. Mahal shook for one last moment, and then suddenly debris flew up into the air. The flames exploded higher, and then were gone. Mahal had fallen.
-------------------------
Izori
Chapter 15
Ben and Daran stared at each other for a moment in the room surrounded with flames. The silence was interrupted only by the crackling and whooshing of the fire. Ben gripped his sword tighter, observing the throned man.
That is, if he could be called a man. His hair was black, and he had no beard or moustache. His skin was an unusual mix between red and black. Maybe a faint burgandy. And his eyes were blood red, with unsettling white orange pupils. Ben shivered.
Daran opened his mouth to reveal his teeth, which were long fangs. "Ahhh, so you have come at last." He stood up to his full towering height, several heads taller than Ben, and stepped down from his throne. "I have been expecting you. Sent by that miserable Adonai, I presume?"
Ben didn't say a word, just readied his sword and slipped the bottle of blood into his pocket. Daran stepped closer until his dancing shadow fell over the boy. Then he drew his sword. "You came to fight." It was not a question.
"Yes, I did." With an effort, Ben returned Daran's stare. "And not only to fight, but to win."
The evil king threw his head back and laughed, a sound that put Ben's teeth on edge. "To win!" he shrieked. "Are you that confident?"
"With Adonai, I am."
Daran circled his young opponent, grinning all the while. "And what makes you so sure that Adonai will help you? What if he backs out? Why didn't he stop my Ogres when they fired their arrows at you, long ago when you and your sister first came to my land."
"He just won't," Ben replied stubbornly, turning to keep his back from Daran. "He's not that sort of person. And he's way more powerful than you are. His blood can melt chains!"
"And mine can poison, kill, and devastate! Which is more strong?"
"Adonai's, of course."
Daran stopped circling. "Adonai's cannot poison and destroy!" he rumbled. "Your Adonai upholds love and unity and all that other mush. And everyone knows hate is stronger than love!"
Ben was puzzled, but only for a second. "Who says?" he asked defiantly.
For answer, Daran roared and lunged at Ben, his sword flashing in the fire-light. The boy barely got his own sword up in time to deflect the blow. The fight had begun.
---- ---- ----
Kaela looked up at the steep climb with dread. How could she be expected to climb the tower? And she didn't have much time, too. Soon the Ogres would spot her and that would be the end of it.
Something made her look to the left slightly. Oh, how foolish! That was there all along! Or was it? In the tower was a door.
Kaela opened it, and to her delight she saw a staircase winding up into the tower. There was no light coming in, so it was dark. When she stepped on the first stair, she found it was also wet and slippery. Having her sword light the way made it a little better, though.
She cautiously crept up, on the alert for Ogres. Only once did she look back down, and that was when she was half-way up. She grimaced at the far fall and from then on stared straight at the stairs.
Kaela had almost neared the top when she heard a rustling up ahead. She froze. The rustling grew louder, and then the source stepped out into the light. From Yev, Klii, and Learka's description, she knew right away it was a Vakir.
The Vakir pumped it's leathery wings and screeched, then launched itself straight at her. For a moment, Kaela was paralyzed, and then light shot from her sword burning the Vakir's wing. It screamed louder and once again made a bee-line for her, now maddened by it's injury.
Kaela brought her sword up and slashed into the Vakir's belly. To her surprise fire shot out of the wound, and the Vakir fell to the ground and shriveled up. Kaela stepped over it and continued up to the steps.
She reached the top of the stairs a few seconds later. It ended right at a door, solidly barred. Kaela raised her sword and brought it down upon the metal bolt, neatly severing it. Concerned that her blade had gotten nicked, she examined it. To her delight, it was un-damaged. Whoever made this knew what they were doing!
Then she pushed on the door. It didn't open, to her surprise. She checked to make sure it was completely unlocked, and then pushed again, and then pulled. But it still didn't work.
The password! Kaela scolded herself. How could I have forgotten about that! She leaned close to the door and whispered, "Agblith!"
The door swung open on it's own, and Kaela stepped in and looked around. The room was larger than she had expected, with people scattered all over the place. They were of many sizes and colors, but they all had two things in common. They had a blank, un-intelligent, empty expressions on, and they all wore chains.
"Hello?" No one moved, only continued staring at nothing. Kaela stepped into the middle of the room and raised her voice. "Hello!" When she got no response, she shrugged, and then opened the bottle of blood she held. So, I guess I just sprinkle it over everyone?
She dipped her fingers into the surprisingly warm blood, and then sprinkled the droplets on the people, taking care she didn't miss anyone. Then she waited for the results.
Almost immediately, the chains began to shrivel and melt away, until they became mere shadows that soon disappeared. All around, people were waking up and rubbing their eyes, and then staring around at each other in bewilderment. And then suddenly they all started talking and laughing at once. Probably the last thing they remembered was being enslaved by Daran. That's right, Kaela realized. Daran. Ben should be fighting him right now. She looked over all the people. How could she tell them that they had to fight, right now? She wasn't that skilled in public speaking.
All at once the words came to her, and before she knew it, she was talking. "Ladies and Gentlemen, as you all probably know Daran has taken over Elandai."
Everyone turned around to look at the speaker, and was surprised to find that it was a nine year old girl. Still, Kaela talked on. "But now the time has come for us to overthrow Daran. With Adonai's help, an organization of followers, lead by Adonai's appointed leader, Nolan, have made it very far to regaining Elandai. My brother is fighting with Daran himself, while Nolan and the followers are fighting with the Ogres. And Nolan is in need of men." He is? I didn't know that. And why am I saying this?
The crowd began to stir. "Then let's help them!" a man called out.
"Aye, why are we sitting here lollygagging while honest men are fighting for us?"
Kaela smiled. It was encouraging so see that they were enthusiastic about this. "Well then, follow me!"
---- ---- ----
Nolan had a worried expression on his face as he looked over the battle-field. The fight was not going very well. His men, outnumbered at the beginning, now had suffered many casualties. The Ogres had the advantage of being high up on Mahal's walls, and they used it. They shot arrows down at the followers, and poured boiling oil when Nolan's army got too close. The followers had tried building catapults, but all the trees around were dead and rotting; not that great for catapults. But what they really needed was re-enforcements. Especially now, because the Ogres had just issued a direct, face-to-face battle. They had streamed out of the gates of Mahal, closing the gate too swiftly for the followers to get in, and had then begun wreaking havoc among the army. Nolan was just now taking advantage of a brief lull in his part of the battle to take a break.
He wrinkled his forehead as he saw another one of the followers fall with an arrow stuck in his neck. I thought you wanted us to do this, Adonai! He cried inwardly.
Suddenly the gates creaked open again. Nolan tensed, thinking that it was more Ogres. But to his surprise, regular humans came out, brandishing make-shift weapons and yelling like crazy. Nolan gasped as he saw the leader of the new party was Kaela. Re-enforcements! Praise Adonai! Then he joined in the battle with a will.
The surprised Ogres were cut down very quickly with the new soldiers. And then the gates were swung open; this time to let the followers in.
To their surprise, there were not that many Ogres left in Mahal. It took only a minute for them to find the last of them and kill them. Nolan met Kaela afterwards.
"Do you know where Ben is?" He asked.
Kaela shook her head. "No. I think he's supposed to be fighting Daran, though."
"Then do you know where Daran is?"
She shook her head. "Not exactly, but I have a suspicion where." Kaela pointed to the red-glowing building in the center of Mahal. "There."
---- ----- ----
Ben sweated freely as he parried Daran's blows. He was constantly on the defensive, as his opponent was much more experienced then he was. He could feel his strength failing, and he missed several chances to strike. Daran's smirk was growing bigger.
Suddenly Daran stuck out his foot and tripped Ben. With a cry, he fell to the ground, his sword spinning out of his hand and out of reach.
Daran placed a heavy foot on Ben's chest. "So, you came here to win?" He asked smugly. "Turned out that I won. Guess Adonai did chicken out, after all. And now no one will be able to interfere with my rule. Too bad for your team."
He gave Ben an obnoxious smile. "I can be sure of my triumph when I've chopped off your head, boy."
Sure of his triumph! That's when I throw the bottle at Daran! Ben scrambled around in his pocket, searching for that bottle of blood. It seemed to evade his grasp.
Daran lifted his sword over his head. "Time to say goodbye, Ben!"
That was when Ben found the bottle. Barely even stopping to un-cork it, he threw it up into Daran's face.
His scream pierced the very walls of the building, making then tremble. Daran's face appeared to be melting, turning black, as the blood dripped down it. His whole body shriveled up into a whisp of shadow, which floated to the ceiling and disappeared. His sword, laying on the ground, also was gone.
Ben looked at the bloody, smashed pieces of the broken bottle, and then was startled by the rumbling sound he heard. Mahal's falling down!
He picked up his sword and made for the only exit, which was the door to the tunnel. But when he opened it, he found he was looking out into the city of Mahal. It was trembling, just like the fiery building. To his surprise, he saw no Ogres, only Nolan, Kaela, Learka, and a bunch of followers all running around the streets.
"Ben!" Kaela screamed as she ran toward him.
But Ben didn't waste time on reunions. "Hurry!" He yelled. "We have to get out of here--Mahal's falling down!"
All the followers streamed out of the quaking city, and then when they were a safe distance away, they turned and looked back. Mahal shook for one last moment, and then suddenly debris flew up into the air. The flames exploded higher, and then were gone. Mahal had fallen.
-------------------------
Izori
My Other Books
A month or two ago, I was talking to one of my very practical friends about writing books. When I told her that I was working on around seven and that I was completely overwhelmed and would probably start another book, she sensibly suggested that I just tell myself to not start a book until I finished all the others. Well...I followed her good advice for about three days. And I still haven't finished any of my books! (Dun Zarum doesn't count because Dad still needs to read and edit it, and by myself I already found about six problems). And now I've thought up another book since I posted about this stuff last. Two more, actually. These are them:
The one I thought up first is pretty similar to the one about the two cousins and the human flowers (the fun thing about writing your own books is that you can copy them whenever you want to). And the book's unnamed. The main character is about a boy named Ryan. His parents are on a business trip and so he gets dropped off at his Aunt Sara's house. His aunt's husband disappeared a while ago, though no one knows whether he's dead or alive. And he also has a cousin named Kelsey. Right away, Ryan is suspicious that something is happening that he doesn't know about, especially when Kelsey goes to a 'club meeting' and doesn't get back until 12:00 at night. And when he overhears her and Aunt Sara talking in the kitchen, he discovers that the 'club' is really an organization, made mostly of fairies and elves, who are trying to defend the town against invading shadow-people. Two of the club members have the magical skills to set up an invisible shadow barrier around the town, but they can't keep it up much longer. Soon the barrier will go down, and then the shadows will be free to invade. I might not continue this one.
The next one is also unnamed, and it's a lot like the Ranger's Apprentice Series, so I won't publish it. It's about this organization called the Warriors. At the beginning of their country's history twelve families made the Order, and there have always been twelve members, each descendants of the original ones. But one a reconnoitering trip around the border of their country, which is called Anglin, three Warriors are ambushed by Mirshvites, and two of them are killed. One has a son who is able to take on his father's role, but the other one only has three daughters. The oldest, Owenar, has to become a Warrior, and right on the verge of a Mirshvite attack, too. I might not continue this one, either.
And I'll probably think up more. Oh, and I pretty much quit the one with the cousins and the human flowers.
Izori
The one I thought up first is pretty similar to the one about the two cousins and the human flowers (the fun thing about writing your own books is that you can copy them whenever you want to). And the book's unnamed. The main character is about a boy named Ryan. His parents are on a business trip and so he gets dropped off at his Aunt Sara's house. His aunt's husband disappeared a while ago, though no one knows whether he's dead or alive. And he also has a cousin named Kelsey. Right away, Ryan is suspicious that something is happening that he doesn't know about, especially when Kelsey goes to a 'club meeting' and doesn't get back until 12:00 at night. And when he overhears her and Aunt Sara talking in the kitchen, he discovers that the 'club' is really an organization, made mostly of fairies and elves, who are trying to defend the town against invading shadow-people. Two of the club members have the magical skills to set up an invisible shadow barrier around the town, but they can't keep it up much longer. Soon the barrier will go down, and then the shadows will be free to invade. I might not continue this one.
The next one is also unnamed, and it's a lot like the Ranger's Apprentice Series, so I won't publish it. It's about this organization called the Warriors. At the beginning of their country's history twelve families made the Order, and there have always been twelve members, each descendants of the original ones. But one a reconnoitering trip around the border of their country, which is called Anglin, three Warriors are ambushed by Mirshvites, and two of them are killed. One has a son who is able to take on his father's role, but the other one only has three daughters. The oldest, Owenar, has to become a Warrior, and right on the verge of a Mirshvite attack, too. I might not continue this one, either.
And I'll probably think up more. Oh, and I pretty much quit the one with the cousins and the human flowers.
Izori
Friday, May 1, 2009
Chapter 14 (Up is the Way)
For a change, I'm going to write a little about what Kaela's going through (She actually would have been my main character, except I decided it to be Ben, just to experiment at how well I can write with a boy main character). So, without further ado...
Chapter 14
Kaela gulped as she looked at Ben's receding back, and then turned and followed her own tunnel. To try and not dwell on her fear of being alone in the tunnels, she thought of Adonai. It was amazing to her that with just a wave of his hand, he could create tunnels deep in the earth on the spur of a moment. And his blood could melt chains...talk about real power. She had heard kids talk about witches and sorcerers, back on earth, and how they had pretty strong powers--seeing the future through a ball, turning people into frogs, and so on--but they always got their powers from bad things, like torturing cats. And when they got the power they used it for bad purposes, like making people miserable or frightened. Adonai wasn't like that at all.
She then reviewed her instructions in her head. What were they? Oh yes, travel along the tunnel until I get to Mahal (I hope I'll know when I've gotten to Mahal), and then find the dungeons and then sprinkle the blood on the enslaved people there...how do I know where to look for the dungeons? I'm not so sure I can do this.
Chapter 14
Kaela gulped as she looked at Ben's receding back, and then turned and followed her own tunnel. To try and not dwell on her fear of being alone in the tunnels, she thought of Adonai. It was amazing to her that with just a wave of his hand, he could create tunnels deep in the earth on the spur of a moment. And his blood could melt chains...talk about real power. She had heard kids talk about witches and sorcerers, back on earth, and how they had pretty strong powers--seeing the future through a ball, turning people into frogs, and so on--but they always got their powers from bad things, like torturing cats. And when they got the power they used it for bad purposes, like making people miserable or frightened. Adonai wasn't like that at all.
She then reviewed her instructions in her head. What were they? Oh yes, travel along the tunnel until I get to Mahal (I hope I'll know when I've gotten to Mahal), and then find the dungeons and then sprinkle the blood on the enslaved people there...how do I know where to look for the dungeons? I'm not so sure I can do this.
Kaela walked onward through the tunnel (which sloped up, sometimes rather sharply) until she came to a door. It was plain and made of wood, with some writing on it. Without knowing it, both Ben and Kaela were experiencing the same thing at the same time. And just like her brother at the opposite place in the tunnels, Kaela found that she could suddenly understand the wording on the door. That doesn't make sense, she frowned as she read the words. Then again, suddenly finding ourselves in Elandai and then being chased by Ogres and then falling through some peoples' underground roof doesn't make much sense, either.
These were the words Kaela saw:
These were the words Kaela saw:
Go past my gates, but keep about your wits
Watch your head, do not be hit.
Agblith the password, up is the way
Or save your skin for another day.
Watch your head, do not be hit.
Agblith the password, up is the way
Or save your skin for another day.
Kaela stared at the words, not very comforted. But at least it was a clue. So, apparently I should be careful otherwise I'll 'get hit'--I think I know what get hit means. 'Agblith the password', I'll have to have a password? Oh well, passwords are a good thing to know. And I'd better go up, I guess. Or I could 'save my skin for another day'.
"Well, that's optimistic!" she told herself aloud. "But I know what to do. So..." Kaela grasped the handle and pushed open the door.
What she found was not at all comforting. She was now standing on a sport of stone ledge, coming out of the side of a tower.
How'd I get up this high? I thought I was in the ground all the time. Well, whatever it was, Adonai arranged it.
Below her was the city of Mahal in all it's dark glory. The buildings were either black or red, and there were Ogres milling around in the streets below. The sky was almost a blood red, and there was one central building that emitted an evil glow almost the same color as the sky. It gave Kaela the jitters.
From another wall arrows came streaking down from outside, and the Ogres, of which some were now flopped on the ground with the followers' arrows stuck in them, rushed over there, shooting their own projectiles. Nolan and the troops were doing a wonderful job fighting.
Then Kaela remembered the riddle on the door. 'Agblith the password, up is the way'. I guess I head up.
She looked up at the steep climb up the tower. That may not be as simple as it sounds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would have finished this chapter earlier, but Mom offered me a popsicle on the porch and..heh heh, I couldn't refuse. (Hey, it was lime-flavored. My favorite :D) And then we had to go get the baseball field ready for tomorrow's game--yes, I play baseball, my brother talked me into it this year--, and now it's 8:41 at night, so at least I was loyal and finished the chapter!
Izori
P.S. I just realized we only have one or two chapters to go! :-(
"Well, that's optimistic!" she told herself aloud. "But I know what to do. So..." Kaela grasped the handle and pushed open the door.
What she found was not at all comforting. She was now standing on a sport of stone ledge, coming out of the side of a tower.
How'd I get up this high? I thought I was in the ground all the time. Well, whatever it was, Adonai arranged it.
Below her was the city of Mahal in all it's dark glory. The buildings were either black or red, and there were Ogres milling around in the streets below. The sky was almost a blood red, and there was one central building that emitted an evil glow almost the same color as the sky. It gave Kaela the jitters.
From another wall arrows came streaking down from outside, and the Ogres, of which some were now flopped on the ground with the followers' arrows stuck in them, rushed over there, shooting their own projectiles. Nolan and the troops were doing a wonderful job fighting.
Then Kaela remembered the riddle on the door. 'Agblith the password, up is the way'. I guess I head up.
She looked up at the steep climb up the tower. That may not be as simple as it sounds.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would have finished this chapter earlier, but Mom offered me a popsicle on the porch and..heh heh, I couldn't refuse. (Hey, it was lime-flavored. My favorite :D) And then we had to go get the baseball field ready for tomorrow's game--yes, I play baseball, my brother talked me into it this year--, and now it's 8:41 at night, so at least I was loyal and finished the chapter!
Izori
P.S. I just realized we only have one or two chapters to go! :-(
Book Review: The Icebound Land
Yes, I know I've been doing a lot of book reviews lately and not that many chapters of the OSOC (My abbreviation for "The Other Side of the Creek), but I just had an awesome trip to the library--got six books out--so I've been reading...a lot. Anyway, I will put an end to my ramblings...
"The Icebound Land" by John Flanagan
Book 3 of the Ranger's Apprentice Series
When Will and Evanlyn are taken captive by the fierce sea-raider, or Skandians, they have nothing to look forward to but a life of slavery. Halt, meanwhile swore to rescue his apprentice and is willing to even defy his long friend King Duncan to save him. On his quest to bring Will back, Halt is joined by Horace, a friend of Will's who knows a lot about fighting. Soon Horace's skills are getting the attention of knights and warlords all around...including one that they would be better off not being noticed by.
Will and Evanlyn are having their own problems up in Skandia. Things are not going well, and they are now both living the terrible life of a slave. But a friendly sea-raider's sympathy might offer them a chance to escape.
This was a really neat book (all of the Ranger's Apprentice Series are). It had a lot of fights and adventure, and Halt was willing to give up his rights as a Ranger to rescue Will and Evanlyn. The only bad things are that some people take God's name in vain, and there's one gross part (for all you squeamish readers out there; it didn't bother me particularly) But other than those, it's a great book.
Izori
"The Icebound Land" by John Flanagan
Book 3 of the Ranger's Apprentice Series
When Will and Evanlyn are taken captive by the fierce sea-raider, or Skandians, they have nothing to look forward to but a life of slavery. Halt, meanwhile swore to rescue his apprentice and is willing to even defy his long friend King Duncan to save him. On his quest to bring Will back, Halt is joined by Horace, a friend of Will's who knows a lot about fighting. Soon Horace's skills are getting the attention of knights and warlords all around...including one that they would be better off not being noticed by.
Will and Evanlyn are having their own problems up in Skandia. Things are not going well, and they are now both living the terrible life of a slave. But a friendly sea-raider's sympathy might offer them a chance to escape.
This was a really neat book (all of the Ranger's Apprentice Series are). It had a lot of fights and adventure, and Halt was willing to give up his rights as a Ranger to rescue Will and Evanlyn. The only bad things are that some people take God's name in vain, and there's one gross part (for all you squeamish readers out there; it didn't bother me particularly) But other than those, it's a great book.
Izori
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)