Mike Carss
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Everything posted by Mike Carss
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The north/south road is not very populated, so while the branch off to Brohm's farm is disused, they decided to check it out. I'll admit it's a bit flimsy. My mistake was that the soldiers assumed the horses belonged to Nathan and Brohm, but there was no way for them to know that. The scene was mainly to show that more soldiers are searching, and that the farm is in no way a safe place to hide.
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Definitely a slow boil. 😉
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Indeed. There's no question they'll need to figure out another solution, another place to hide. This will be revealed in due time. 😈
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A knocking sound woke Nathan with a start. His head ached something awful, and it took a moment to recall where he was. Bright sunlight streamed through the window, and while he couldn’t be sure, he assumed it was late morning. The sound of knocking came again. His ears rang and he winced in pain. Slowly turning out of bed, he sat, planting his feet on the rough floor. Massaging his temples helped ease the pain, if only temporarily. Knocking again, more insistent this time, but he st
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Nathan woke to a gentle nudge. Opening his eyes, Brohm’s large frame filled his view. “We should get going,” he said quietly. Nathan gazed through the trees of the small forest to glimpse sunlight just below the horizon. “We should’ve already been on the road by now,” Brohm continued, anxiously gathering tack and saddling their horses. “Is your father going to mind us laying low at his farm?” Nathan asked as they led their mounts through the long grass. “I think it would
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That's a completely valid point, but it would've taken the narrative in a very different direction. In this case, the why wasn't important. Nathan knew there were risks -- it was "someone important" -- but felt the high price was worth the risk. Also, someone in his line of work is paid not to ask questions. Taking that job was a mistake, he realizes that now, but what's done is done. Keep in mind the story is told third-person limited (Nathan's perspective) so there are many unknowns. That's by design. I appreciate your feedback all the same. This was my first serious attempt at writing a novel, and while it's far from perfect, I learned a lot in the process. I hope you'll continue to read despite the missing details you're looking for.
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You're not wrong. I wanted to create a flawed character. Over the course of the story (and moreso in the sequel), he definitely tries to be a better human. He has a lot to pay for, though. The blurb in the sequel asks: Can an honourable act redeem a criminal’s past?
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I'm sorry to disappoint, but this isn't something that's explored in the novels. When I wrote this, I was completely pantsing. Nathan assassinating Helmsley's son was a macguffin to get things started. That said, if I had planned things further, your assumption that his son's death being politically motivated would've been my choice as well. 😉
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This story is a very slow burn in regard to their burgeoning relationship, so I hope you weren't expecting them to jump into bed together in the next few chapters. 😅
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The beginning of chapter nine reveals the farm has been abandoned for years. I agree, it's not an ideal place to lie low, but it's the only option they can think of at the moment. From a storytelling perspective, it gives the reader a break from the running for a short time, as well as the opportunity for them to learn more about Nathan and Brohm without distractions.
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Arriving at the crossroads, Nathan dismounted, unsure which direction to take. The short ride had calmed him, yet the seed of anger and despair still burned within. Untying his waterskin, he took a long draught while gazing out at the four directions, including the road back to Summerton. They offered no solution. His thoughts returned to Brohm. His plan to lay low at his father’s farm was solid, but Nathan questioned if he was taking advantage of him. Drawing a long sigh, he purged the bi
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Indeed. In case it wasn't obvious by this point, I wanted to write a story from the bad guys POV, yet still have the reader root for them. As you've seen, Lord Helmsley is flawed in his own ways, but he's still technically the good guy in this story. He had Danny and Samuel killed (also "bad guys") although some innocent folk at the Willow Inn were caught in the blaze as well. In hindsight, I would've changed it so those innocents weren't harmed. Yeah, that's left to the reader's imagination. Going into that kind of minutiae would only bog down the story. What's done is done, and they have to deal with the consequences of their actions.
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He knew his mark was "someone important" but nothing more. This is revealed in the next chapter (still awaiting approval).
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Chapter eight (currently in queue) has reveals some details, but doesn't answer everything.
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I agree, however, right now Nathan's emotions are clouding his judgment.
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Indeed. This is part of the reason Nathan feels it's important to get away from Brohm. Nathan seems to attract trouble. He just doesn't realize his actions are the cause of his bad luck. 😅
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Nathan woke to a hand shaking his shoulder. Rubbing his eyes, Griff’s concerned face came into focus. “I think it’s time you found your way out of Remich, friend,” he said quietly. “What’s going on?” “Word is there’s a detachment of the royal guard coming to town this morning. They report of two dangerous men who escaped the dungeon at Helmsley Keep.” Nathan turned to peek out the window. The sun was still well below the horizon. “Can we hide out here?” Griff shook
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Perfect. I've added it to the story's main page as well. Thank you. ❤️
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It's pretty large, but this info is never mentioned in the novel. While working on this, I created a map to keep track of locations and distances. I can't really find a way to share it on the site, though. Clarification: The ring was given to Nathan by his business partner, Samuel. He operates the Willow Inn in a village called Summerton. Nathan and Brohm are currently in the next town west called Remich. Given it's likely been over a week since you read the first chapter, the confusion is understandable. Yet another reason why I feel having the map available could help readers keep track of things.
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At the risk of spoiling anything, I feel the need to quash the idea that Brohm is working for Lord Helmsley. He's most definitely not. I'm curious if there was something specific that gave you that idea. Or are you just feeling overly paranoid given Nathan's situation?
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Nathan woke to memories of half-remembered dreams, finding himself shaking from the chill of the damp cave. He’d quickly run out of wood during the night, and the fire was long dead. Morning light streamed into the dark alcove. Shouldering his rucksack, he stepped outside and stretched his back. He scanned the area for Brohm, but the big man was nowhere in sight. “Brohm?” Only the distant birds echoing among the pines answered his call. Nathan stepped deeper into the forest, ex
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Your questions will be answered soon. 😁
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@drpaladin and @akascrubber Your ruminations are great to read. I won't comment on them directly so not to spoil anything, but it means a lot to have you so engaged. Thank you! ❤️
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Nathan awoke to the sight of sunlight streaming through the boughs of tall evergreens. His body ached. Sitting up to rub his backside, a startled doe with her fawn raised her head, drinking from the stream. Holding perfectly still, he met their gaze, allowing them to resume with caution. The peace was short-lived. The loud report of a snapping branch spooked them, and they bolted off. Heavy steps continued down the slope of the ravine, trudging through the undergrowth. Dagger in hand, Nath
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Yup, however that ring will continue to bring him problems, even though he's not wearing it anymore.
