A Handful of Souls - The End

It's done, the final chapter is written along with the epilogue. It's not perfect, the last chapter will probably be split into two, but the story is done. Got emotional. So tired now. Wild ride, glad I got it out.

During the siege, Cat encounters a Paladin, one and the last of the ancient Order that originally defeated the evil, forcing it into the ring ages ago. The truth of the ring is revealed, as is its weakness.

Wild ride, at least for me, glad I got it out. Now for months of editing!

'A Handful of Souls' Act 3 - Chapters 22, 23, & 24

Three more chapters have been written and the next has begun. This is the homestretch, just a few more and the tale is done. I'm feeling pretty good about it. I've gotten so much writing in these past few weeks and I'm still enjoying the story. I can hardly wait to share it with the world.

During these chapters, the ring repels an attack on the conquered town of Kolmas with brutal efficiency, adding the slain to its swelling ranks. Knowing more will come to avenge those that fell, sights are set next on the local magistrate's castle, its walls predicted to be invaluable in the battles to come.

Marching only at night to conceal their approach, Cat and her companions are given a day of reprieve from being dragged along with the horde of undead. Then, mistakenly showing some last shreds of defiance, Cat is given a terribly harsh lesson as to her place in the ring's vile machinations.

And now, forced to endure more horror, the siege begins.

Excerpt from chapter 22

Her left hand shook with the effort, challenging death itself, and one by one, men began to rise. They came to their feet as if waking from a nap, sagging and limp but rising all the same, their mounts with them. Loose fingers clenched around spear, sword, and shield as if in remembrance of final desperate moments, though none uttered a word. There was only the sound of scraping plate and jingling chain as the soldiers rose, still dripping blood back into the many pools they left. As more found their feet, the resistance on the spell lightened, and by the time Cat's hand was fully extended, all who fell stood again.

'A Handful of Souls' Act 3 - Chapters 19, 20, & 21

I am proud to announce the completion of 3 new chapters for my upcoming drama/horror adventure, 'A Handful of Souls'

A tale of friendship, loss, and sacrifice.

 Better than, love, loss, and necromancy? No romantic love in the story. Felt that was how it was sounding. Let me know thoughts.

In these chapters, Cat and her newly arisen travel to Kolmas. On the way, they learn of a force being assembled to hunt them down, bringing on the need for a swift and violent take over of the town. Then, with the population of Kolmas added to the ranks of undead, the ring bides its time, letting its enemies come to it.

Excerpt from Chapter 20:

Taken from her pondering by the ring suggesting a few wraiths, Cat summoned the ghastly horrors. Watching the floating azure torsos drift swiftly through walls and across streets, gathering fearful souls in skeletal arms like so many ripe fruit, she wondered just how far she was willing to go to have her wish come true. Or, even doing all she could to ensure it, if there would be enough of her left to see it through.

'A Handful of Souls' Act 3 - Chapter 18

Cat searched the sky, clear blue and uncaring, then back to the souls of the children. If even the gods had no mercy, then what good was it? She uttered the words of the harvesting spells, then those that lifted their bodies from the dirt.

The small empty vessels joined the caravan of corpses. 

And the gods did nothing.

Chapter 18 begins the third and final act of this dark tale.

Cat has recovered enough to begin the march from the decaying husk of Toenin. With wagons and an escort of fresh wights, eyes are set on the unsuspecting town of Kolmas, where many more souls await the grim reaping.

A Handful of Souls - Chapter 17 and the End of Act 2

Chapter 17 is finished, a very short chapter that concludes Act 2 of 'A Handful of Souls'

A tale of love, loss, and necromancy.

After being burned alive as a witch, Cat's battered, flame seared body, is rescued from the stake amid the merciless slaughter of Toenin's residence.

Under the care and protection of her companions, Cat tries to recover from many wounds, both physical and mental.

But the ring, newly charged by the souls of Toenin, is eager to resume its foul plan.

The ring to Cat,

"Rest now, Girl. Heal and rise anew. For the work has only begun."

A Handful of Souls Chapters 15 and 16

Still on a bit of a roll with completing two more chapters of 'A Handful of Souls', a tale of love, loss, and necromancy.

After the discovery of her companions' unlife, Cat is accused by the people of Toenin to be a witch of the foulest order, immediately sentenced to burn at the stake.

Enduring humiliation, condemnation, and savage beatings at the hands of a mob, the poor girl is lashed to a log with tinder set all about her. Amidst wild cheers and claims to be doing the will of the Gods, Cat's pyre is set a blaze.

But the evil within the ring has not been sitting idle. Uninterested in seeing it's grand plans halted by unruly peasants, it's vile magic has been set to purpose. And even over the mob's hoots, shouts, and hateful slurs, screams of terror erupt.

'A Handful of Souls' Chapter 13 AND 14 Finished!

In one of those rare and wonderful bursts of inspiration, I've managed to get down both Chapters 13 and 14 of my latest literary endeavor, 'A Handful of Souls'.

In these chapters, trouble is stirred up in Toenin after suspicions arise over some of the goods the party has brought in to barter with. Suspicions then grow into full accusations when Cat and her companions are confronted by villagers demanding explanations for certain discrepancies. 

Edwin does his best to spin a tale that can sooth Toenin's people, and nearly has them, before things take a turn for the worst.