GHOST IN THE MASK – 22 chapters down, 7 to go

Finished chapters 21 and 22 of GHOST IN THE MASK today, putting the rough draft at 84,000 words. 22 chapters down, 7 to go! Chapter 21 was a beast – nearly 7,500 words long. But that is what happens when you have three different point-of-view characters in a battle scene.

Let’s have another excerpt! (Note that I might change the wording and rearrange some sentences before the final draft.)

“Identify yourself,” Caina said.

The bandit offered an ingratiating smile. “Mistress, if you…”

“Identify yourself,” said Caina, glaring at him without blinking.

“Ah…Murrain, my lady,” said the bandit leader. “We…”

“I trust,” said Caina, folding her arms over her chest, the fingers of her right hand tight against the vial, “that you have a good reason for disturbing my progress?”

“These…these lands belong to the prophet, my lady, the prophet of great Anubankh,” said Murrain, sweat beading on his forehead. He was twice her weight, but her presence unnerved him…which meant he knew the reputation of the Magisterium. “And all travelers must offer a tithe to the god.”

“No,” said Caina.

Murrain blinked. “But…”

“Clear the road, now,” said Caina, “or I will unleash my sorcery and destroy you.”

“But…but…” said Murrain.

“You had your chance,” said Caina.

She drew herself up and began babbling nonsense in a stentorian voice, making grand, sweeping gestures. Murrain and a few of his men backed away in alarm, and Caina flung out her arms.

And as she did, she threw the small glass vial in her right hand.

-JM