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It has been a while since I have posted any of Shattered. But, since the new year dawned, I have written at least 5,000 words a week on this. So, I thought I would share out a few scenes or parts of scenes for your enjoyment.  I’d love to hear what you think as I’m writing through this novel.

Just a note, this is still very rough. I read through it and pulled out a few big mistakes, but you will find typos and things that do not quite make sense.  Just roll with it!

For the entire first Episode, see this link: https://aaron-brander.com/tag/shattered/

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BENSON JYRI motioned “Good With Wood” to follow him to the temple. They strode across the tiled courtyard as the sun played across the polished tiles, throwing a dazzling light of myriad colors.  Maia dashed ahead as they neared the great circular door that guarded the entrance to the sanctum.  He grabbed at the handle and pulled with all of his might.

The door did not move.

“Move aside, ambitious firefly, you know not the secrets of the temple.”

As Maia scrambled out of his way, Jyri stretched up to his full height.  He stretched out his arms and called out to Balim in the language of the righteous.

“Font sanzle walloon sah sante, Balim!”

Light radiated from Jyri’s chest and spread to his outstretched limbs.  Before Maia’s eyes, Jyri grew in proportion until he was bigger than the door to the temple.  Jyri then reached out with his supernaturally large hand and pulled gently on the handle of the door.  The portal swung open effortlessly.

“And that, baby squirrel, is how one enters the temple of the Iabro Monks.

Maia merely stared on in fascination as Jyri stooped to cross the threshold, returning to his normal, gigantic self as he did so.

“That’s one trick I need to learn,” he muttered to himself as he hurried to join Jyri inside. The door swung closed behind them.

Jyri stood waiting in the center of the room.  Glowing, red orbs punctuated the darkness and dimly revealed the far corners of the room.  Maia could make out no smoke or flames as the source of the light.  He could hear the sound of flowing water, but was unable to see where it was.  He could not see much at all, in fact, except for his master’s face. Somehow, it was still visible in the gloom.

“Eli Maia, what do you know about the battle for the soul of the world that took place on the scorched plains of the Utand a score of years ago?”, Jyri asked in a loud voice.

“The evil Lord Jantor had been cast out of Sanjing two years before the battle.  The countryside revolted against him.  Every man, woman, and child that could fight, did so.  His army was routed at Novant and pursued across the Utolla Desert until he was caught and surrounded on the Utand.  Our people were joined by a host of knights from beyond the Saltsprayer Ocean.  Their princess, the fair and beautiful Narral, had been kidnapped by Jantor and later murdered by his hand in a fit of jealousy.

“Our combined forces surround his army and destroyed it to the last man.  Since that time, our land has enjoyed peace and tranquility as foretold by our benevolent elder council.”

“Very good, industrious ant.  You are living proof that ignorance can be taught and laziness instilled at birth.”  Jyri looked pleased with himself; Maia, just confused.

“You have recited to me exactly what has been preached by the Elder Council since that fateful day.  You must forget it all, if you are to learn the truth.  Would you care to know it?”, Jyri asked.

“I …”

“Wait!  Before you answer, you must realize that knowledge changes everything. Your path, your faith, your very existence will be like the weather on a spring day.  All will change, and quickly.  But without this knowledge, you cannot join me.”

“I wish to know the truth, master,” intoned Maia solemnly.

“Very well,” Jyri began.  “Let the light of knowledge show you the truth!  Hmm. Alright, that was a bit over the top. The truth is dramatic, but it need not be theatrical.