Tag: Work in Progress

  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 336

    It’s been known to happen, especially if the man lasts longer than a minute…”

    Aelred swirled the contents of his drink before swallowing what remained. Without asking, a servant brought him a fresh glass. After another sip, he snapped his fingers.

    “…that’s why I prefer to use a sabre,” Marc answered a question from ten minutes ago.

    He observed someone from out of the corner of his eye. At first, he believed it was a dream, a memory of the days when it was just him with his men. However, when he turned to confirm it was Beatriz, she was gone.

    “Clearly, your choice of blade has worked well for you,” Aelred said.

    “Quite.”

    Man in formal attire watches the ghostly apparition of a Spanish beauty with tanned skin walking away from him. Background is a Venetian grand ball, at night. Clothes and scene appropriate for 16th century Venice.

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 335

    He listens to her, focuses on her, pays attention, and is dutiful…”

    There was a blank look shared amongst the men. None could connect these were the traits expected of a good lover.

    Really? Nothing from the intellectuals?” Beatriz teased. “She camea lot.”

    Women can do that?” Aelred asked.

    Her initial response, while non-verbal, came across loud and clear. Beatriz stifled a laugh and rolled her eyes.

    It’s been known to happen, especially if the man lasts longer than a minute…”

    Spanish beauty with tanned skin in a formal gown struggling to hold back a laugh while rolling her eyes. Background is a Venetian grand ball, at night. Clothes and scene appropriate for 16th century Venice.

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 334

    There came an uncomfortable pause; however, someone decided to broach the subject.

    I heard the Contessa broke him in a single night,” Florian stated.

    It was a less than subtle jab at Beatriz for being so brazen with the boy. Verbal jabs were common in vampire society, because they had too much time on their hands. Anything that alleviated the boredom was welcome.

    She was well rewarded for it as well…” Beatriz countered without missing a beat.

    Meaning?” Florian asked, now committed to this line of questioning.

    He listens to her, focuses on her, pays attention, and is dutiful…”

    Spanish beauty in a formal gown at the centre of a group who is snickering. Background is a Venetian grand ball, at night. Clothes and scene appropriate for 16th century Venice.

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 333

    “Does he prefer men?” Aelred asked.

    He’s never shown interest in anyone,” Beatriz said. “I would describe him as bored with life, hiding behind a poorly fitted mask.”

    I caught you saying that he frequented a whoreÉmilie was it?” Florian asked.

    Vampires had excellent hearing, which made them formidable predators. Their ability to overhear distant conversations while participating in another was a skill they coveted.

    She tried, and tried,” Beatriz said with a smirk. “I heard her sobbing in her room, bemoaning her inability to reach him, but she eventually got what she wanted.”

    You have to admire the girl for being so determined,” Aelred said.

    When fighting a defensive war, one must win every encounter,” Florian mused.

    You Austrians are always going on about war,” Aelred countered.

    manowar cry into pillow

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 332

    My mission was to ascertain the town’s defences. My report clearly stated there were better targets,” Beatriz said. “Since we only crossed paths at the tavern, I could not apply my full powers of persuasion.”

    You mean to say—” Aelred asked.

    He never noticed me.”

    Really?” the men asked in unison.

    He’s the only one in the bar who didn’t…”

    That answer revealed more than intended. Her attempts to flirt managed to catch the attention of every man at the tavern, save for one. Applying more persuasion would have risked a riot…

    Exotic brunette bending over the table to give someone a view of her cleavage. The male officer she is looking at appears to be uninterested. Surrounded by soldiers who are all focused on what she does. Located in a working class tavern at night. Clothes and scene appropriate for 16th century France.

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 331

    The group chuckled but went no further. Beatriz was connected, as were many here. However, younger vampires could ill afford to make an enemy.

    If he showed such promise back then,” Aelred began, “why is Susanna the one to sponsor him?”

    The immediate group went quiet, which further bent the ears of those nearby. Meanwhile, Marc stared out into nothing, his jaw partially open as though he had been stopped mid-sentence. That last part was true, since Aelred loved to catch them in odd poses, solely for comedic value.

    Picture of a man in his mid-twenties staring out into nothing, his jaw partially open as though he had been stopped mid-sentence. Surrounded by a crown of people wearing masks who are staring at him. Located in a Venetian ballroom at night. Clothes and scene appropriate for 16th century Venice.

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 330

    Once De Prins’ lower jaw rejoined its opposite, the boy cleared his throat and excused himself. With the doors closed behind him, conversations were given a new life.

    However, fortune smiled on Marc. Selections were done on a majority vote and the boy was but one voice amongst many. By leaving the masquerade, he had no ability to influence the others.

    Well played,” the Austrian Florian said.

    It had to be said,” Beatriz countered. “He’s always had a rather big chip on his shoulder.”

    Cinematic photograph focused on the back of an impudent sixteen year old blond boy dressed in royal garbs storming out of a busy Venetian club at night. Scene and clothes appropriate for 16th century Venice at night.

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 329

    He should show more—” Lutgarde said.

    Why? He wouldn’t be here without his strength of will.”

    “The king—”

    Is a weak-willed child,” Marc said without realising that was not meant as a question.

    Everyone in the circle laughed save for Marc and the boy.

    A man who sold out his loyal soldier to placate my distant cousin’s ego,” Beatriz said. “Isn’t that how you fell out of favour with your father? De Prins?”

    The room went silent, which was a feat in itself. Now, only one heart was beating strong and true. Given Marc’s state, that singular sound became his world.

    A cinematic photograph of a Busy Venetian parlor, bathed in warm golden light, frozen in awe-struck silence as all eyes converge on a ravishing Spanish woman adorned in an opulent 16th-century gown, resplendent with intricate lace, silk, and ornate embroidery, dripping in exquisite jewels that shimmer like the Adriatic Sea, amidst the ornate velvet drapes, gilded mirrors, and marble floors, the atmosphere thick with drama and curiosity, capturing the majesty and mystery of Renaissance-era Venice, in rich, vibrant colors of emerald green, crimson red, and burnished gold.

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 328

    Had Marc been awake, he would have done a double take. Standing before him was Beatriz Silva, the server who Cornay pointed out in the tavern. Had he recognised her, there would have been many uncomfortable questions for both of them.

    For some reason, she chose not to wear a mask. It made those dark brown eyes, sunburned skin, and curly, dark hair that much more alluring.

    Gone was the plain dress of a peasant. Instead, she wore a fashionable gown for Madrid, and like all the other gowns on display tonight, no expense was spared in its tailoring.

    His king betrayed him,” Beatriz said in flawless Italian.

    Gone was the butchered French she used in town. In fact, French was her seventh language and Italian her ninth.

    Portrait of a twenty-two year old woman of Spanish descent with dark brown eyes, sunburned skin, and curly, dark hair that much more alluring. Gone was the plain dress of a peasant. Instead, she wore a fashionable gown for Madrid, and like all the other gowns on display tonight, no expense was spared in its tailoring or the elaborate jewellery. Standing in a busy Venetian parlor at night. Scene and clothes appropriate for 16th century Venice.

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


  • Man of War – Excerpt No. 327

    I’d gladly watch the traitor die,” Marc said without any hint of emotion.

    Clearly, the boy was not pleased by his response. While Marc stared off into the distance, this spoiled child turned beat red. Elder vampires did not often lose control to the point of activating their long dormant metabolic functions.

    Before the bulging vein in the boy’s forehead burst, a woman ventured into the fray. Marc had not noticed her before, because she wished to remain hidden from his gaze.

    Sixteen year old boy of Belgian descent was dressed to the latest fashions and short.  He was decidedly ugly, with a distorted face that his blond hair and blue eyes could never compensate for. Namely, big crooked teeth, and an unusually developed jaw and nose. Enraged the boy is flushed and a vein bulges from his forehead. Standing in a busy Venetian parlor at night. Scene and clothes appropriate for 16th century Venice.

    Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.


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