Pordlaw LaRue

Kristietiba - Chapter One

2011-02-23T14:49:00.008-06:00

Following the legend of King’s Salvare’s triumph over the Darkness in the Land of Erde blossoms the tale of his most beloved Kristietiba. Loved before she was even conceived, Salvare did wait with patience for his long anticipated bride. He sent forth trusted persons into Varjama to watch and guard over his precious affection, but like Erde the Darkness grew great there by the seed of Rubicund. Hidden away at birth, his delicate rose was taken to a place whereby she would be nourished in peace and safety. When the time was right, Salvare would journey with his knights to take unto himself Kristietiba and free the souls of Varjama from the evil that plagued them. Unto Neios he would bring them all, to embrace the purity and marvels more radiant than any had ever seen.

But, between the appointed time of birth and the prophesied arrival of Salvare, we have the life of Kristietiba…

Treason 1

The night fog was thick and blinding, almost suffocating. Dampness filled the air, carried by the wild breeze, cherishing its last breath granted by the recent storm. Humidity caused everything to feel sticky, with a most irritable mood. It was a darkness to be avoided, for such an hour was given to mischief and the things most unbecoming of a noble.

Rasul lay resting in his bed of oak, with golden plated rods protruding upward from the floor at the four corners, draped overhead by a scarlet canopy with gold trimming and tassels. With droopy eyes, he rubbed his lightly graying brown beard, while laying his head on the soft fluffy pillow. The satin sheets gave him solemn comfort, as he awaited the return of his wife.

Memories filled Rasul’s mind, as he dozed in and out of shallow sleep. Thoughts of his young bride and her delicate features vibrantly raced before him. Her faintly pinkish lips held such a heartfelt smile, with eyes of green which sparkled in the moon light. He loved to run his fingers through her silky black hair, while holding her tightly next to his heart. He missed her soft breath and gentle voice beside him.

Suddenly, a loud pounding pulled Rasul from his dream, as the door to the bedchamber broke open. Men, dressed in shinny armor the color of night, swarmed the room like shadows. Swords drawn upon him, Rasul forced his mind to grasp reality. His breath was short and shallow, surprised to be surrounded by armed soldiers. Questions of how and why quickly faded to the rear of his mind, while concern for his love sprang forth as a dagger within him.

Rasul tried to lift himself from his bed, but was held down by two of the men who bound him. A dark figure swiftly moved behind the soldiers and caught his glance. The face of a ghost, deathly grey, gazed upon him. Rasul tried to fight his bonds, but could not against the strength of the men. Neither could he scream for the guards, for his vocal chords refused to give sound.

With beady eyes, the hunched back figure peered into the face of Rasul. Studying each other both refused to blink. The men looked wild-eyed and blood thirsty, while the cloaked individual appeared sadistically in charge of them. Rasul was frustrated that he could not move, and was unable to yell to his guards. He thought it odd his men were not already there at his room, and feared the worst for his wife.

“My dear Rasul, oh how you have found yourself in such a predicament,” the dark figure hissed, pointing his boney finger toward Rasul.

Rasul tried to speak, but could not.

The figure waved his hand over Rasul’s face, and Rasul could sense the movement in his vocal chords return.

“Who are you, and what do you want?”

“Do you not recognize me, Rasul?”

All of a sudden, the assailant’s image changed from the ghostly bones to the form of a younger fellow. Rasul’s eyes widen, it could not be. It was now the young Maldinat who stood before him, but how was such possible? Rasul’s mind found itself fighting against such trickery. One could not be the other, nor the other the one. Maldinat was to be his most vigilant trust, to one day take the place of his high guard, in such a weary time. Hope…like the wilting of a rose which has lost its source of nourishment…faded from Rasul’s essence.

“Before you taste what lieth at death’s door Rasul, I want you to know that all you have has been taken from you this day. Tonight you shall be stripped of your kingdom, for it shall be given unto the mighty Apostas, new ruler of Varjama. He shall take your wife Tanar unto himself, and claim your new born child his own heir. Your mighty and faithful knights have chosen to follow rather than die.

“I would offer you the same choice, but we both know that the new king cannot truly rule well while the old king yet liveth. Do not linger long at trying to understand how such has come about, dear Rasul. The light dwelleth with light and the darkness with darkness, till the time cometh when the shadows of the darkness overcome the light by gradual persistence, layer by layer, point by point, precept upon precept, while the light does sit prideful in its glory. The light must bow to the darkness, just as the day must give way to the night.”

Tears pressed against the edges of Rasul’s eyes, but refused to escape down his cheeks. His heart groaned within his chest, while his muscles did tense and push against the soldiers’ holds upon him. Rasul’s face reddened with anger and determination to free himself to slay such a devil before him. Irritation did tingle throughout his body, driving him insane. He wanted to scream. He wanted to scream out to Tanar, his love, and to his new born child, having yet to see her, being born this very night.

“I have waited so long to witness the torments I now see in your eyes Rasul. Oh the pain and sorrow you must feel, knowing all is lost to you this night, and there is nothing you may do about it.

“Tonight is the end of an era Rasul. Tonight is the beginning of something much more powerful. Tonight you shall taste death, and tomorrow we shall taste new life.”

Maldinat slid his darkened dagger slowly through the ribs of Rasul, as if to linger his suffering unto death. The cold blade sliced through Rasul’s flesh, penetrating deep into his broken heart. Rasul gasped as he momentarily tensed, then released all resistance. His lips moved as though he were trying to speak.

Maldinat lowered his ear near Rasul’s mouth. He could feel his dry breath. At first, it was too quiet. Maldinat could not understand Rasul’s words. But then…faintly…he could hear them almost crystal clear.

“May God send the high prince of Himmel… the son of King Allmachtig… the mighty King Salvare… to save these people…” Rasul struggled for breath. “An unworthy servant have I been.”

Maldinat’s face twisted with fury. Such defiance in his moment of triumph was most distasteful. Maldinat drove his dragger deeper, with anger and malice, till Rasul’s life flowed freely from him. Tanar drifted slowly off Rasul’s lips, as his mind grew dark and his eyes glazed over in death.

§ § § §

Criada held delicately the first born daughter of Rasul and Tanar. The maid softly cleaned the little one with a damp warm cloth. She smiled at the child, thinking how beautiful new life was to behold. The babe’s light eyebrows and crystal blue eyes, rosy cheeks and long eyelashes made her so adorable. Criada hoped to have one of her own one day, but as a servant she knew her future may not hold such happiness.

“Criada, come help me child!” cried Parteira, the mid-wife. Parteira worked diligently to keep Tanar calm and breathing correctly, as she prepared to help deliver a second child. “I need your help over here, so place the baby in the bassinet,” she expressed hurriedly.

“Yes ‘em Parteira,” Criada submitted, as she gave the babe another smiling glance, before moving over to lay her down and return to Tanar.

“Please let me see her Criada,” Tanar whispered between contractions. “Please let me see my precious daughter.”

Criada brought the babe near Tanar. The child was now clean, wrapped in fine white linen. Her eyes were open so wide, as she looked around the room. Her little fingers interlaced with each other, while she gazed at her mother. Her tender face beamed, with a crooked grin.

“Oh, my precious Kristietiba,” Tanar smiled through her pain, gently touching her child’s cheek.

Tanar so longed to hold both her children near her heart. She could suffer the pain just a little while longer, for it would be worth it all in that moment of sweet embrace. She, her love Rasul, and their inheritances from heaven all together, oh what a marvelous day to behold.

“Ahhh…” Tanar jerked in pain, gritting her teeth and closing her eyes tightly, while grasping at her belly.

“Breathe my lady, breathe,” Parteira encouraged Tanar.

Criada rushed over to place the babe in the bassinet, returning quickly. Criada stood by Tanar’s side, caressing her hand and patting her forehead with a fresh damp cloth. Tanar was still exhausted from the birth of her first child, but would need to endure yet a little while longer for her second. She laid her head back on her pillow, for just a moment of relief, though she felt something was oddly different. It was like a peace, a disappearing of the pain, a loss of consciousness.

Suddenly, Criada noticed Tanar’s breathing weakened, while her fingers loosened within hers and went limp. She glanced at Tanar’s closing eyes, and noticed how pale she seemed. Criada twisted to face Parteira, with shock on her face. Parteira, stunned by the amount of blood which now covered the sheets, slowly returned a blank stare. Both knew such was not good, and Parteira knew she must rush to save the child.

Surprisingly, the door blew open abruptly. Parteira and Criada both jerked to see who would enter. Both knew that Rasul would not disturb them during the time of his children’s birth, and did know he had made declaration that the room was to be off limits to any and all persons but those of Parteira’s choosing. So, who was it that did barge in upon them in such a delicate hour?

A young man, dressed in a long beige tunic, overlain with a brown cloak, entered. He shut the door behind him, and faced the women.

“Fear not dear Parteira and Criada, for I have come in the name of Salvare.”

Although they somewhat knew the name he spoke, it did not comfort their anxious spirits. It did not explain his reason for being there, and already they were in panic as to the wellbeing of Tanar and her second child not yet born.

“You have broken into the room of Tanar, wife of King Rasul, have you gone mad?” Parteira questioned. “Get out! Get out! You are not permitted to be here! Do you not see that my lady is in the middle of childbirth?”

“My name is Ziener, seer of the mighty Salvare. I have been sent here this day to protect the child known as Kristietiba. The darkness is upon this place, and the workers of iniquity do now come to take heir to the throne. She must not be given unto them, nor shall they be allowed to take her.”

“Sir, you must leave, my lady is sick and the baby is not yet born,” declared Criada. She prayed the man would not notice the child in the bassinet, that the babe would remain silent.

Ziener moved close to Tanar, but was filled with restlessness. He placed his hand upon her brow and closed his eyes. The ladies watched him. His lips moved, but they heard no voice. Ziener could feel her life quickly leaving her, and sensed the child still within her womb. He pulled his hand back from her forehead, and turned to face them.

“If I do not let her go in peace, she will be slain by those men who come to take the babe already born. The daughter, yet within her womb, is not the one I seek.”

Shocked filled Parteira and Criada, leaving them to consider what they should do. No, you are crazy! They wanted to shout. Tanar would soon die, bleeding the way she was. So too would the child, if she could not deliver soon. And this crazy drunkard was already pronouncing her dead, desired to take the king’s child, while claiming the kingdom itself was under attack. What were they to do?

Just then, the child whimpered. Ziener turned toward her. There in the bassinet where Criada had laid her, smiling with her tender eyes, seemingly pointing at him. Ziener’s face lit up, as he went to her.

“The blessed Kristietiba,” he stared and whispered, reaching down to pull her to himself. “Oh my precious child, may the God of heaven grant you safety this night.”

As the ladies were about to move toward Ziener, the door to the room was forced open once more. Ziener drew the babe close to his chest, and twisted away from those who entered. Maldinat’s face expressed surprise to see the man before him. Everything was happening so fast, the ladies merely froze in place near Tanar.

Softly, as if all other sounds vanished away, they could hear a still small voice within their minds.

You must not tell them of Kristietiba, for this night have they come for her as they have for the whole realm of Varjama. Your king Rasul has been slain, and your queen Tanar does now fade away. Varjama shall be cast into dark times, for its lasciviousness and discontentment.

But keep hope, for your time of struggle will not be more than you can endure. Salvare shall send you witnesses and comforters of himself, and shall one day come to set you free.

You shall see her again when the time of reconciliation is at hand.

“Seize him!” Maldinat shouted to his men, to grab hold of Ziener.

They rushed toward him, but the seer was no more. He had vanished.

Angered by Ziener’s disappearance, Maldinat turned to the mid-wife. “Tend to the birth of the heir to Varjama woman, and mind not the business of men!”

Parteira shuttered and tried to focus her attention back on Tanar. Criada slowly made her way by Tanar’s side, glancing at Maldinat and his men through the corner of her gaze. There was so much blood loss now, a tear escaped Parteira’s tender eyes. Criada continued to pat Tanar’s brow with a damp cloth, and Parteira worked to bring forth the child.

Much had transpired so quickly, the minds of the servants were constricted with what to do. Were they to believe the words of the man who called himself Ziener, or trust the entrance of Maldinat with his soldiers? The queen lay there dying, while Maldinat did not even appear to care, and the unknown man who called himself a seer of Salvare had just taken the king’s first born. Parteira and Criada met each other’s sights; their hearts did agree to keep what they knew a secret, for the sake of their own lives as well.

“You two,” Maldinat called out, pointing to two of his servants. “Stand guard here and watch. Bring me the child upon its birth, and deliver the mother to the flames of MuAlah. May she burn in torment with the fallen king, and their remembrance be no more.”

Parteira and Criada’s hearts pounded heavy with such words, but would not dare look upon Maldinat. They found themselves barely breathing, not wanting to do anything to draw his attention. They had grown to love the sweet, friendly company of Tanar, and it grieved their souls to hear one speak so ill of her. An acknowledgement of that which the seer had spoken to be reality, namely the fall of Varjama and her rulers, made their stomachs twist sickly.

Publication Information

2011-02-14T19:53:00.005-06:00

I thought I would take a moment to suggest a few sites which I have personally used to make my books available to a wider audience, hoping to come in contact with those who may be interested in reading them. I am sure there are plenty of other options available, so please feel free to share your suggestions and experiences, and I will try to update this list as I am made aware of new avenues to present our works to the public.

www.lulu.com

I have used Lulu since around 2007, when I published by first book, Ekleipsis. I have found it rather easy to use, and it is virtually free unless you decide to purchase a physical copy of your book yourself. It offers a gallery of pictures that may be customized and used as cover art, along with easy to use templates for different book sizes. They have created a pretty simple wizard which walks you through the conversion of your uploaded document into PDF, and walks you through uploading and customizing your cover. Although, I would suggest (if possible) converting your document into PDF yourself, setting all of your customizations to embed, then uploading your PDF file so that it remains more true to your original format.

With Lulu, you have the availability to create and sell paperback, hardback, and digital PDF download copies of your book directly from Lulu. You set the list price, based on what royalties you would like to receive over the cost charged by Lulu for manufacturing/selling/hosting items. This is a per item cost, not a monthly fee.

www.createspace.com

CreateSpace was the second place I found for self publication, without the high startup costs most companies seem to require. It is pretty simple to use, but does not have the gallery, templates, or wizard that Lulu offers. So, a suggestion, publish with both. This way you can use the same cover you generate with Lulu to upload to CreateSpace. Also, if you are unable to create your own PDF files, you may want to try CutePDF or use the one Lulu creates from your Word document; just remember to adhere to the format sizes given by Lulu and CreateSpace respectively.

With CreateSpace, you have the availability to create and sell paperback copies of your book directly from CreateSpace, along with the option to select for it to be listed at www.amazon.com also. You are also issued an ISBN (free), but remember it is only usable within self-publishing through CreateSpace (not with Lulu, etc.). You set the list price, based on what royalties you would like to receive over the cost charged by CreateSpace or Amazon for manufacturing/selling items. This is a per item cost, not a monthly fee.

https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/signin

With Amazon’s free Kindle conversion tools, this site shares all you need so that you can covert and sell your book digitally in the Kindle format directly from Amazon.

http://pubit.barnesandnoble.com/

With Barnes and Noble’s free online conversion tools, this site shares all you need so that you can covert and sell book digitally in the ePub format for the Nook/Nookcolor directly from Barnes and Noble.

Hope these links help encourage you to take your story to the next level; from your imagination, to paper and digital publication and distribution.

Land of Erde - Digital Copy for Kindle and Nook

2011-02-11T12:46:00.007-06:00

Land of Erde is currently available in the following digital formats, which are viewable with the Amazon Kindle and/or Barnes and Noble Nook/Nookcolor:

§ Amazon (Kindle)

§ Barnes and Noble (ePub)

§ Lulu (PDF)

But if you are one of the first ten (10) persons to message me via email or Facebook, I will email you a free digital copy of your choice (Kindle or Nook) of the Land of Erde.

So, hurry up and notify me to begin your free read today!

Land of Erde - Purchase A Copy

2011-02-07T22:36:00.008-06:00

After three years, the Land of Erde legend is finally complete and in a single book, which was the original intent. The division of volumes just made it easier for a novice writer to separate my ideas, and to make them available for feedback as the story continued.

This manuscript is the same as the one recently submitted to the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. If you would like more information, please see the Pitch and Excerpt of the Land of Erde book.

Land of Erde is currently available in the following formats:

§ Amazon (paperback, Kindle)

§ Barnes and Noble (ePub)

§ CreateSpace (paperback)

§ Lulu (paperback, hardback, PDF)

Because the stories (Ekleipsis, Daegsteorra, and Andeis) were simply stages within the Land of Erde, they will soon no longer be available in print or download; as the Land of Erde has been edited once again in whole.

My hope is that you will enjoy the Land of Erde, while returning every once in a while to give feedback and to check for future adventures.

Andeis - Chapter One

2009-02-02T13:34:00.000-06:00

Andeis (Goth, end): The end of Erde cometh, and the destruction of all that

is evil, but for those who give allegiance to King Salvare, there shall be no

end, for New Erde awaits.

The Light Cometh Forth

Among the Darkness arriseth yet a great light surrounded by ten thousand lesser lights among the horizon. Their glow doth increase as they come forth from the east near Geheim. Truly, as King Salvare foretold, has not this night come forth the Daegsteorra, whereby ‘shall the daystar rise high above the darkness’.

§ Onward To Temeto §

Vikadore (called by the seer Ashvar, Ignitus) and Menindas, the pale (who once was named Rayhold) travel toward Temeto. They go to confront Jagare concerning their troubles in Trachten, where many lives of the Gottlos have been lost and the prisoners once held there have been freed.

It was Ashvar who did call forth from heaven a ring of fire which did slay hundreds of Vikadore’s Gottlos army which stood before him. Tebad, Kayla’s father, had come forth to Trachten with both men and women who had chosen not to flee to Geheim, but did fight to free the souls in bondage to the Darkness throughout Erde. Labat did find his way to Trachten, with his tribe of twelve Beacons sent forth by the Witnesses of King Salvare from Geheim. Umil and his tribe arrived also from the south, as they all met in Trachten, and did defeat the remaining Gottlos which chose not to flee. As did the Witnesses, Hukum and Prerok confront yet Jagare in Temeto, whereby they were slain and left in the streets.

As Vikadore and Menindas rode toward Temeto, they saw the lights break forth from the horizon from toward the Cadas Mountains. Though lights, they knew it is neither the sun, moon, or the stars, for the night had just come upon Erde. Terror arising within their being, for they knew not whence the lights come, mixed with yet their frightened spirits for what Jagare may say as to their confrontation with the seer and other souls in Palvolin, Trachten.

Alarm did move them both to persist to Temeto with great speed and necessity, for they too had heard the claims that King Salvare would one day return to Erde, though they denied belief in such things. For both from the heart and outwardly did Vikadore and Menindas hate such things as King Salvare, his Book of Wisdom, his Sealed, and all that stood against the Darkness, but deep within their being they yet feared such things as well.

§ Temeto §

Within Temeto was Jagare awakened by the lights which shown forth into the windows of what was once known as Kirche. Oh, how much so did Jagare despise the light, as he preferred rather the darkness of Oscuridad with its fog which forever came forth from the Shadow Lands.

The roar of Rubicund, the Dragon which sleeps neither day nor night, pulled Jagare forth from his bed, along with the heks, Gottlos, and prisoners held in Temeto.

Jagare came unto the window, whereby he often stood to speak unto his servants, to see Rubicund standing tall with his fierce lips curled exposing his massive, clinched teeth. Jagare turned to that which the Dragon did snarl.

It was the lights, the one greater and ten thousand lesser, to which Rubicund did rile up all who dwelt in Temeto. His screeches did cause the hair upon the necks of all to rise, and sent forth terror deep within their beings as to the cause of such actions from a mighty beast as he.

Some of the hearts of the Erdians who Jagare held prisoners did warm, though a little, praying that such was a sign that King Salvare did yet approach. Though most had not previously believed, and such is why they had not followed the Sealed to Geheim upon the time of the Ekleipsis, they still prayed that such a one would come to free them from the Wicked One.

§ Geheim §

A great man stood before the watchmen of Geheim. Upon a white stallion he sits, dressed in garments of pure white, layered in gold, for such was his armor he wore. Upon his side did he bare a mighty two-edged sword, which was quick and powerful, able to divide both the joints and marrow even unto the very soul and spirit of men. His hair was yet white as wool full of wisdom and knowledge. His eyes were as purifying flames, a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. His feet were as brass, to bring forth judgment upon the wicked. His voice came forth as powerful and mighty sound of many waters, as one full of authority.

“Children of Erde, beckon unto my voice, thy King. Have not I, King Salvare of Erde, come to free you from the Darkness whereby the Wicked One and his marked servants have oppressed you these many days?”

The army which stood before the watchmen of Geheim was great, more so than any eye had ever seen. The dwarfs Paktil and Qwen did marvel at the sight, for there was not a doubt within the hearts of the souls of the watchmen to whom this man was.

This was indeed King Salvare, and he has returned to battle the Darkness which shadows itself over the land of Erde.

Andeis: Land of Erde - Part Three

2009-01-01T07:44:00.002-06:00

Andeis, part three of the Land of Erde series.

Andeis (Goth, end): The end of Erde cometh, and the destruction of all that is evil, but for those who give allegiance to King Salvare, there shall be no end, for New Erde awaits.

The Ekleipsis has tormented Erde. The Daegsteorra has arrived. So cometh the Andeis.

Single edition

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§ Lulu

Complete Series (Land of Erde)

§ Amazon (paperback, Kindle)

§ Barnes and Noble (ePub)

§ CreateSpace (paperback)

§ Lulu (paperback, hardback, PDF)

Daegsteorra - Chapter One

2008-02-02T13:27:00.001-06:00

Daegsteorra (Old English, the day star): The Ekleipsis cometh but for a moment, then shall the daystar yet arise above the Darkness.

Dark Depravity

The Ekleipsis has brought forth death and tribulation more so than anything the souls of Erde could have ever imagined. The death records of the Dark Ages have far since been out numbered in mere months, since the night of the eclipse. Since the cry of Rubicund, the Dragon, upon the announcement of Jagare, the Darkness has not slept. It continues to go forth as a roaring lion, devouring the weak, the confounded, the faithless; all those who would not adhere to the call of wisdom to flee to Geheim.

On the night of the eclipse, Jagare sent forth his army across the land of Erde, to the sound of the heksƒ. This band of wickedness, which lay dormant in Erde for many years, was released to fulfill their lusts upon every living creature not subservient to Jagare. Led by Vikadore, along with the eight remaining Gibborims (Jagare’s brothers, minus the slain Desgosto and Abejoti), the Gottlos swept across the land leaving no village unharmed. The Ubils followed among the shadows, infiltrating the minds of the frightened and lost.

Their total depravity was displayed in their slaughter of young children, their unnatural lusts and abuse toward women, and their inhumane acts toward the elderly and men of the villages. Unmentionable acts brought forth by vile affections, unseemly works, most horrendous atrocities were committed, and continue throughout Erde.

Moving across the land, these murderous beasts divided into bands. Baitrs and Pyktis moved their armies toward Kirche, in Signum, crumbling Xiacon along the way. Begeren and Ahnews marched through the higher regions of Erde, while Gniew and Hatan swept across the midlands, leaving Himo and Zolba to comb the south east portions. Vikadore remained in Trachten with Jagare as well as six hundred sixty-six Gottlos. With so much sorrow, the Erdians’ƒ tears began to run dry, but their blood did not.

Daegsteorra: Land of Erde - Part Two

2008-01-01T07:37:00.001-06:00

Daegsteorra, part two of the Land of Erde series.

Daegsteorra (Old English, the day star): The Ekleipsis cometh but for a moment, then shall the daystar yet arise above the Darkness.

Behold the Daegsteorra cometh, while the Darkness, even Jagare who now dwelleth in Temeto (once named Kirche), doth yet bathe in their sin and seeming triumphant victory over Erde. Pride has kept them from the truth, as they serve it willingly of heart, fighting yet against King Salvare and the very Creator of Heaven. Do they not yet know that the created cannot overthrow their Creator, nor shall evil overcome good?

Single edition

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§ CreateSpace

§ Lulu

Complete Series (Land of Erde)

§ Amazon (paperback, Kindle)

§ Barnes and Noble (ePub)

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Ekleipsis - Chapter One

2007-02-02T13:09:00.001-06:00

Ekleipsis (Greek, eclipse): Judarius claimed that darkness would one day overcome and destroy all light. The name of that day, he called thus.

To Begin At a Moment

It is a cold, stormy night in the midst of a small village, one seemingly lost from the world among the mountains and valleys of a nameless place, full of forgotten souls. Howling winds blow wildly through the large trees that surround the village, protecting it like a great wall around a castle. The streets are empty of souls, where only debris flies effortlessly on the breath of the night. Hoping for a brighter tomorrow, families snuggle in bed resisting the fear that creeps among the shadows waiting to gain entrance into the mind that dares to embrace it.

These storms seem to come forth from the mountains most unaware to the people below. Sometimes ceasing as quickly as they had come, other times lingering well for hours without losing strength. Attacking with the force of a mighty army, the bitter winds slice through the thickest clothing, chapping faces, and reddening exposed flesh. The heavens send forth hardened crystals upon all caught beneath the clouds, often simply melting away into the sodden paths.

Through the gloom, a small home near the edge of the village remains alive, entertaining the dancing of lantern lights and the patter of footsteps. Why tonight? Why must it be during a time of such disarray? A small, elderly lady with silver- laced hair flowing to her waist paces the floor running to and fro, ministering to a young girl slightly above her teens.

Dear God, I pray that you show compassion. Hear the frail attempt of your child to call upon such a mighty God to request such a selfish thing as this. Lend your ear to my pleading and see what is right in your own eyes. Thou hast given Sorie life and have been gracious to spring forth life from within her womb. Shall she carry such a love only to perish at its coming? Do as thou see fit, but remember compassion. In thee will I trust to do that which is right.

Sorie is due any minute with delivery, yet boiling with fever she feels her life slipping ever so slowly away. Her brown hair, tangled and glued to her face with beads of sweat, hides well the beauty she possesses. Hardly able to hold her eyes open, fading in and out of consciousness, there is but one thought which grips the entire essence of her being: How is my baby?

For the last nine months she could think of nothing else than the soul which has grown within her. She caressed her stomach often and longed to see the face of her child. As those which she knew would speak of their own, her lightly tanned face would glow as her brown eyes sparkled with eagerness of what was to come. She delighted in the stories of others, and hoped to the uttermost that she would be a good mother to such a lovely gift.

Ekleipsis: Land of Erde - Part One

2007-01-01T07:30:00.002-06:00

Ekleipsis, part one of the Land of Erde series.

Ekleipsis (Greek, eclipse): Judarius claimed that darkness would one day overcome and destroy all light. The name of that day, he called thus.

The book opens with the birth of one named Vandor, of whom the story mainly centers around. We meet his friends as he matures, as things once again begin to turn toward the Darkness. As the land of Erde starts to spiral toward the foretold Ekleipsis, the dragon appears, the heir of Judarius comes forth, and the Darkness once again presses against all that is good. Fighting the supposed loss of loved ones, his friend's use of dark magic, the meeting of dwarfs, and beholding things which he has never seen, Vandor carries us from his birth until the beginning of the Ekleipsis; whereby, all that oppose the Darkness must flee for their lives.

Single edition

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§ CreateSpace

§ Lulu

Complete Series (Land of Erde)

§ Amazon (paperback, Kindle)

§ Barnes and Noble (ePub)

§ CreateSpace (paperback)

§ Lulu (paperback, hardback, PDF)

Welcome!

2006-01-01T15:37:00.000-06:00

Hi, my friend,

I would like to welcome you to my world of imaginary medieval times, under the pseudonym Pordlaw LaRue. I find it rather pleasant here, with many opportunities set before me, having started such an adventure sometime around November 2006, I suppose. Previously, throughout my life, I had written poems, studies, and even started on stories (which never developed into full thoughts or books), but finally in 2006 I was able to embark upon a fictional tale to actually complete on paper. You may read of the concept of that tale here: The Land of Erde.

From the initial thought, many ideas have sprung forth into different accounts of their own; yet they presently dwell within the forest of imagination. Though I am slow to write, finding time when I am able, I pray these stories may be told that others might enjoy reading them as much as I have writing them. Free previews will be made available, and perhaps even entire books, so please pay close attention to what is made available as time progresses.

If there be any who desire also to write, yet feels as I do – a novice – let it not stop your mind from pondering and hand from jotting such down. Your ideas may be marvelous and your concepts brilliant! Allow the rest of us to enjoy what you have kept bottled up inside of you. Free your thoughts, embrace the challenge, enjoy the excitement. Whether you become the next best seller or not, be proud to have succeeded in what you have set out to do: write the story wishing to be told!