W is for William

I’ve been lord of Caerac Keep longer than I wish anyone to remember. Too well do I recall being at Caerac’s side as a lad in adventure, before he built the walled city named for him. I remember Corwyth, too, long before he became a vampire. I refuse to accept that Corwyth is behind the Trouble at Caerac Keep, even if he has risen from whatever sarcophagus he’s been chained within. There is trouble here in my Keep. I will find the true villain behind the disappearances, the mysterious sickness striking down the people within my walls, even if I have to sacrifice a few fresh-faced would-be adventurers to find him. Caerac Keep is mine. I will protect it from any and all monsters, no matter what I have to do.

V is for Varwyth

Would it surprise you to know I began here, in this blog, Blogging From AZ April Project? The scribbler was thinking about characters whose names began with V. Mine popped into her mind, an alias for my true name, for my true name would be recognized. Varwyth was a persona I could assume to investigate the Trouble at Caerac Keep; while staying at Rhodry, Faith, and Ariadne’s side. Accutely aware the rumours of the Vampire Corwyth’s resurrection to stalk, drain, and abduct the good residents of this walled city was mere rumor, I wished to uncover the truth hiding behind that rumor, along with those responsible for that rumor. It is amusing to play the part of adventurer. Nostalgic, even. Being Varwyth gives me a chance to stay close to my precious Rhodry, to get to know him, while protecting him from perils, which await outside his tower, including the perils presented in his companions. Faith’s arrogance is so outrageous it’s almost amusing. Ariadne’s conceit is definitely entertaining, if exasparating. All in all, it’s quite educational, exploring and investigating Caerac Keep with my young companions. Perhaps I have distanced myself too much from the world. It may be time to return as myself, a delicious temptation, which would terrify my enemies. Arrogance is their weakness. I must take care to be certain it’s not mine.

U is for Undine

I am the sad song, crying out to would-be heroes in their dreams. I am the source of Trouble at Caerac Keep, slowly revealing myself to the scribbler as she writes, but I am trapped in a shell of armour, forced to do another’s bidding. I do not wish to obey. I long for freedom. I reach out to you; Rhodry, Faith, and Ariadne. I reach out to you through your lost loved ones. I reach out to you as myself. Please find me. Please free me.

T is for Thomas

What are you looking at? You’d better respect me! I happen to be Jupitre and Juno’s son! No, my name isn’t Vulcan! It’s certainly not Oleander. Did Danyel tell you that, or Tayel? Honestly, they’re such girls; always looking at me like girls do. Boys certainly don’t do that. Boys don’t look at boys. I’m not looking at them! Stop trying to confuse me. Just because you’re not a squirrel doesn't mean I won’t throw a rock at you. Yeah, I’m in Tales of the Navel and A Godling for Your Thoughts? Where did I come from? Don’t ask me stupid questions. Yeah, I was created for those stories, to show Danyel and Tayel just how weird they are. Stop looking at me like that. Just you wait. With Seraphix, I’m going to be better than all of you. You’d better grovel, while you still can.

S is for Seraphix

Long ago, We were conceived of as a god half-elves worshipped, striving to rise against human and elf alienating them from their worlds. We were placated with sacrifices and pain. We had a gentler aspect, a presence as a dualistic deity in a fantasy setting, even if that deity may not have been real. We became the God of Balance in The Keep, a real deity, even if We were in truth a demon. We were still capable of dragging angels from Heaven to Hell. We remain a God of Balance to some in Tales of the Navel, even though We’re reinvisioned as a fledgling deity whom is shaped by Our worshippers desires in A Godling for Your Thoughts? May this novel and many other Tales of the Navel reach you, as you watch for what may bubble up in Cauldron or show up in publication.

R is for Rhane

Amberwyne was created for me, but I was created for Amberwyne, when we both became part of The Keep; vampire fang and leanhaun dream making two of one soul. She became my doll, my character whom I lose myself within in The Players Are the Thing. Ironically, she’s the one who helps me to find myself again, as I devote myself to a roleplaying game, run by one I’m drawing away from, for her dice are truly cursed by the villain she created. Whatever do I mean? Hopefully, our scribbler will show you, when she finishes The Players Are the Thing.

Q is for Questioning

Once I was called Magdalene. Once I was many things, convinced I was a woman of conviction, before my students were taken from me. Seeing what Stephen has become, Kyra undertaking A Suitor’s Challenge for his sake, I’m no longer sure what I believe. All certainty has become questions, hence I became Questioning. I’m no longer sure who or what I am. My questioning threatens to distabalize Ouroborous, changing it into something entirely different. Perhaps Ouroborous will evolve into something beyond the Serpent’s coils? Not even She can see. All I know is that I wish to protect the children who grew up to pawns in a game of love, magic, and power. If Dragon or Serpent must be slain to save them, I shall become a unicorn, goring both with my horn, and trampling them under my hooves.