Chapter Seven

The past week I had some computer problems. On Saturday my old desktop computer refused to start up. Luckily I had started working almost exclusively on the new laptop and could continue writing. Still I was pretty busy on Sunday running diagnostics software and the like only to learn on Monday that my hard disk was a goner. I still don't know whether any of the data will be recoverable. While this won't affect my writing (everything is on three different disks, well two now), I might have lost some game related materials.

But back to writing. I finally finished the first draft of chapter seven yesterday, proofread and corrected it till a few minutes ago now.

This chapter introduces Sveinn, a young Nórdsk knight, brother to Hein who was killed in chapter one trying to rape Estiell (the protagonist). I essentially try to show how this nobleman changes from well meaning and just to hate-filled and vengeful. The story starts on a drakkar off the coast of Skjulstein, ashore Sveinn's uncle baron Haraldr brings the young knight the sad news. From there, the young knight heads to Hoykonnge and his brother's grave. Here he participates in the interrogation of three suspects and/or witnesses. By the end of the chapter, Sveinn is entirely convinced Estiell lured his brother into a trap and he swears revenge.

Tomorrow I should start writing the first interlude. It will probably deal with the dark elf queen Tindûfinn living in the distant east who receives news of her invading hordes. Originally, I had not planned any of these interludes, but it seems like a logical choice and a simple means to introduce those pulling the strings behind all the events in the Gatelands.

After that, I will start work on chapter eight, the second Estiell POV chapter. If all goes well I can tell more about the interlude and chapter next week.