You paint a grim and fascinating world here, one that's beautiful but full of hardship, struggle, and the weight of tradition. If the first part had my interest, this has solidified my investment. As I guessed I would be, I'm now chomping at the bit for this to continue.
Really great use of narrative distance here, Eric. I liked seeing the Samyuzot from others’ perspectives, especially after reading your first story featuring him. His resignation to his fate is compelling. The tension between your characters’ acceptance of this cultural norm and their innate desire to help a person in need really drove this story for me.
Thanks, Keyon. That tension—and the desire to tell a tragedy based on that tension—is what fueled the creative impulses on this one. Glad that came through the words for you.
Oof. I am feeling for the poor samuzyot. The boy’s need to be a warrior really echoed the first story and the man’s insistence on fighting to claim a woman. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
I like the way you described how the woman and her brother described the Samyuzot. At first, she pities him and doesn't want her younger brother to kill him, but once the exile must choose between his own life and her brother's life, all pity is gone. That is very human.
Also, you did a good job showing how the brother longed to prove himself and to fight. And as soon as he found that the exile had stolen his knife, he was freed to act on that longing without bringing the anger of the gods down on him.
You paint a grim and fascinating world here, one that's beautiful but full of hardship, struggle, and the weight of tradition. If the first part had my interest, this has solidified my investment. As I guessed I would be, I'm now chomping at the bit for this to continue.
Thank you! The next installment will come in time. Like I said in the end matter: there will be brighter days ahead for this poor fellow. Eventually.
Really great use of narrative distance here, Eric. I liked seeing the Samyuzot from others’ perspectives, especially after reading your first story featuring him. His resignation to his fate is compelling. The tension between your characters’ acceptance of this cultural norm and their innate desire to help a person in need really drove this story for me.
Thanks, Keyon. That tension—and the desire to tell a tragedy based on that tension—is what fueled the creative impulses on this one. Glad that came through the words for you.
Oof. I am feeling for the poor samuzyot. The boy’s need to be a warrior really echoed the first story and the man’s insistence on fighting to claim a woman. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
I like the way you described how the woman and her brother described the Samyuzot. At first, she pities him and doesn't want her younger brother to kill him, but once the exile must choose between his own life and her brother's life, all pity is gone. That is very human.
Also, you did a good job showing how the brother longed to prove himself and to fight. And as soon as he found that the exile had stolen his knife, he was freed to act on that longing without bringing the anger of the gods down on him.
Really enjoyes this, Eric.
Thanks, Luke