I am surprised that Black did not go ahead and kill heyward while he had the chance. After all, that seems one of his primary goals at least. But then, that would have been too easy. Perhaps he likes playing games.
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Rutledge should have gotten out of the house as soon as he saw how Lucy was acting. Everyone knows that dogs can sense supernatural evil. Just look at all H.P. Lovecrafts stories!
It seems that the Cherokee are in for some trouble, however the big question is who are they allied with and will any of Europe take the oppurtunity to intervene?
It seems that the Cherokee are in for some trouble, however the big question is who are they allied with and will any of Europe take the oppurtunity to intervene?
I think Black wants much more than merely to kill Heyward, although I am sure it is on his list. It seems that he is scheming to alter history quite substantially to bring about...something...much further down the road. What I am not sure, but likely something to do with the nazis. One idea is that he wants to de-stabilize the newborn US so that it doesn't grow into a superpower, or he wants to influence it sufficiently that the US grows into something completely different than historically. Just some random thoughts...
Anyway, great update Cat. You really catch the tension and mood with your minute descriptions of everything.
Anyway, great update Cat. You really catch the tension and mood with your minute descriptions of everything.
Regrettably H.P. lies many years in the future. If he is born at all. For an interesting take on dogs and the supernatural, I suggest G.K. Chesterton's The oracle of the dog (A Father Broen mystery) Very nice update. I am getting to like Black less and less. Now where's that cavalry saber I bought of the TV? DW
Now you have me guessing! Is Black letting Heyward live because he 'needs' him to accomplish something or because he wants to savor his long, slow and I might add bloody death at the hands of a three hundred pound monster at a later time? 
Earlier you wrote.
"It didn't matter what century nor economic status, women would take their time getting ready to go anywhere. It seemed as natural a law as gravity."
Man is this the truth. I've seen glaciers move faster than my wife when it comes to getting ready to go anywhere!
Joe
Earlier you wrote.
"It didn't matter what century nor economic status, women would take their time getting ready to go anywhere. It seemed as natural a law as gravity."
Man is this the truth. I've seen glaciers move faster than my wife when it comes to getting ready to go anywhere!
Joe
I know, I know, regular, non-demonically-possessed, people are also capable of killing dogs. So that by itself is not proof positive that Black is a demon from hell.
But... he's one evil motherf... yes, 'mother', will do.
And he's got a suitably diabolical scheme, setting Heyward against Von Zahringen! Pitting good against good, whilst the Forces of Evil (tm) continue to grow in the background.
Heyward seems to be overwhelmed by Rutledge/Black's aggressive designs. I mean, there's the dead dog still lying there, there's the complete lack of any evidence of an Indian 'assassin', but does Heyward challenge him? Nossir. Of course, that little gimmick of Black, casually aiming a pistol at Tom, could explain a lot of absent-mindedness. I doubt I'd be thinking very clearly if a canocidal maniac were waving a gun in my general direction...
Black clearly likes to play with his victims a bit. He could've killed Tom easily, but instead he'll just abuse him for a while longer first, using him for his own plans. It is almost as if Black has taken on some of the less savory characteristics of the late Rutledge: his hunger for power, his ruthless manipulation of people... Of course, typing these words, I realize that those characteristics were probably present in Black before he had ever even heard of Rutledge.
Finally, I'd like to say that Msr. Preston has managed to lower his standing another couple of notches. Okay, so he's insecure and immature, given to violence. So he likes to blame others for his own failings. Fine, that's all familiar and well-known. But going behind Heyward's back, directly to Rutledge, that's just backstabbing, ungrateful, pointless, egoistic behavior. Especially recalling one of the real Rutledge's last thoughts, about how he was so disappointed in the way Preston had developed (because Rutledge didn't have any use for a public embarrassment and loose cannon, not for any altruistic reasons). Preston didn't achieve anything with it, except snubbing Heyward once more, the only friend he still has.
In short, were he not just married to Cassie, I wouldn't mind terribly if he were just to fester away in some long-forgotten hellhole on the frontier, commanding five men and a goat, 'guarding' the frontier from any Cherokee encroachment, never to be heard from again. I really dislike him by now.
Which means I really ought to compliment your writing. It's not often that I develop as deep a dislike for a character in a story as I just did for Preston. Sure, I'll call Boo and Hiss for many a bad guy, but this Preston has just sunken so far below that. Bravo! I guess...
But... he's one evil motherf... yes, 'mother', will do.
And he's got a suitably diabolical scheme, setting Heyward against Von Zahringen! Pitting good against good, whilst the Forces of Evil (tm) continue to grow in the background.
Heyward seems to be overwhelmed by Rutledge/Black's aggressive designs. I mean, there's the dead dog still lying there, there's the complete lack of any evidence of an Indian 'assassin', but does Heyward challenge him? Nossir. Of course, that little gimmick of Black, casually aiming a pistol at Tom, could explain a lot of absent-mindedness. I doubt I'd be thinking very clearly if a canocidal maniac were waving a gun in my general direction...
Black clearly likes to play with his victims a bit. He could've killed Tom easily, but instead he'll just abuse him for a while longer first, using him for his own plans. It is almost as if Black has taken on some of the less savory characteristics of the late Rutledge: his hunger for power, his ruthless manipulation of people... Of course, typing these words, I realize that those characteristics were probably present in Black before he had ever even heard of Rutledge.
Finally, I'd like to say that Msr. Preston has managed to lower his standing another couple of notches. Okay, so he's insecure and immature, given to violence. So he likes to blame others for his own failings. Fine, that's all familiar and well-known. But going behind Heyward's back, directly to Rutledge, that's just backstabbing, ungrateful, pointless, egoistic behavior. Especially recalling one of the real Rutledge's last thoughts, about how he was so disappointed in the way Preston had developed (because Rutledge didn't have any use for a public embarrassment and loose cannon, not for any altruistic reasons). Preston didn't achieve anything with it, except snubbing Heyward once more, the only friend he still has.
In short, were he not just married to Cassie, I wouldn't mind terribly if he were just to fester away in some long-forgotten hellhole on the frontier, commanding five men and a goat, 'guarding' the frontier from any Cherokee encroachment, never to be heard from again. I really dislike him by now.
Which means I really ought to compliment your writing. It's not often that I develop as deep a dislike for a character in a story as I just did for Preston. Sure, I'll call Boo and Hiss for many a bad guy, but this Preston has just sunken so far below that. Bravo! I guess...
It took several weeks, but I've finally caught up with the AAR. It's been amazing reading. Too bad a lot of the early pictures are missing. I hope the story will be made into a PDF-file with all the pictures. As a matter of fact, it should be published as a book! Keep up the good work, CK!
-- RS
-- RS
Draco Rexus: You thought that was a pleasant scene? This next one should thrill you.
J. Passepartout: Hopefully Heyward will eventually snap out of it. He's spent so much time trying to settle into his new 'life' it may take a bit to convince him things are going very wrong, very fast.
coz1: Black does indeed like games. Plus, there's no sense in wasting a perfectly good pawn. There's another reason he didn't kill Heyward, which will be made clear over time. (And not 'cause he's the protagonist! )
Machiavellian: As DW later says, Rutledge never heard of HP Lovecraft. Still, he probably should have realized something was wrong. He hesitated just that instant too long because he's always open for a deal.
Regarding the Cherokee, though they'll try to get some help right now they have only one ally: Your friend and mine, von Zahringen.
Lews Therin: You're absolutely correct. Stewart's mission was to make sure the United States lost against Britain. That would rebuild the 'original' timeline where the US never formed, World War I ended in a draw, and World War II wound up with Paris and London being A-bombed after a seven year stalemate.
Stewart failed, so Black has to concede the US isn't going anywhere. However how the US will develop is still very open. As you said, one that is either substantially weaker or substantially different could still save Black's agenda. As he said while killing Stewart: "If I cannot destroy this country, then I will crush its soul."
Dead William: Hmm, better find your sabre. We may need you soon!
Storey: As I mentioned to Coz, there are reasons Black isn't going after Heyward right now. I like your idea though, I could definitely see Black settling in to enjoy Exeter going to work on him. Incidentally, I was thinking of some of your anecdotes from 'Three Countries' when I wrote that line about women taking their time.
Stuyvesant: Well, Black's an evil mom. That's undeniable. His plan for the Cherokee is also suitably diabolical. Will our heroes realize it in time?
Heyward's ... overwhelmed isn't a bad word. While Coz1 was right earlier, and Heyward owes the REAL Rutledge a boon for introducing him to Mrs. Whiting, the very fact Tom now has connections he really cares about in Charleston is going to slow him down. It's a lot easier for an outsider to say something's wrong and flaunt the system then a member of the community, and he has to tread carefully or she'll be the one to suffer. He knows, at least subconsciously, that even Rutledge was never this bad...but proving it's a bit more difficult.
Similar to Rutledge (though far nastier about it), Black understands manipulation...thus the casual pointing of the pistol, and forcing Tom on the defensive. As long as Tom was defending, he wasn't asking questions about the Indian or countering Black's demand for an invasion.
Preston right now is extremely...unlikeable, for pretty much the reasons you pointed out. No matter what excuses or insecurity he has regarding Cassie's previous marriage, he's carried it entirely too far and now he's effectively stabbed his staunchest ally. When we first learned about Cassie a few suggested this might drive John insane again. In a way that's true, but whereas before he fell into a deep depression, now he's drifting towards paranoia. Unfortunately for him (and everyone else) he's picked up a new friend.
ravensuominen: Hi, Raven and welcome! I'm glad you could join us. I do have plans to make this a pdf (given time, patience, a little of God's grace, etc.) in time, with at least some of the pictures (maps and such) restored. As for a book...ignoring for a moment the copyright questions, it'd take a massive rewrite. Still, that's why I enjoy having this chance to chat with the readers and read their feedback - it shows me what's working, what's not working, what would need said rewrite, what people would like to see and so forth.
J. Passepartout: Hopefully Heyward will eventually snap out of it. He's spent so much time trying to settle into his new 'life' it may take a bit to convince him things are going very wrong, very fast.
coz1: Black does indeed like games. Plus, there's no sense in wasting a perfectly good pawn. There's another reason he didn't kill Heyward, which will be made clear over time. (And not 'cause he's the protagonist!
)Machiavellian: As DW later says, Rutledge never heard of HP Lovecraft. Still, he probably should have realized something was wrong. He hesitated just that instant too long because he's always open for a deal.
Regarding the Cherokee, though they'll try to get some help right now they have only one ally: Your friend and mine, von Zahringen.
Lews Therin: You're absolutely correct. Stewart's mission was to make sure the United States lost against Britain. That would rebuild the 'original' timeline where the US never formed, World War I ended in a draw, and World War II wound up with Paris and London being A-bombed after a seven year stalemate.
Stewart failed, so Black has to concede the US isn't going anywhere. However how the US will develop is still very open. As you said, one that is either substantially weaker or substantially different could still save Black's agenda. As he said while killing Stewart: "If I cannot destroy this country, then I will crush its soul."
Dead William: Hmm, better find your sabre. We may need you soon!
Storey: As I mentioned to Coz, there are reasons Black isn't going after Heyward right now. I like your idea though, I could definitely see Black settling in to enjoy Exeter going to work on him. Incidentally, I was thinking of some of your anecdotes from 'Three Countries' when I wrote that line about women taking their time.
Stuyvesant: Well, Black's an evil mom. That's undeniable. His plan for the Cherokee is also suitably diabolical. Will our heroes realize it in time?
Heyward's ... overwhelmed isn't a bad word. While Coz1 was right earlier, and Heyward owes the REAL Rutledge a boon for introducing him to Mrs. Whiting, the very fact Tom now has connections he really cares about in Charleston is going to slow him down. It's a lot easier for an outsider to say something's wrong and flaunt the system then a member of the community, and he has to tread carefully or she'll be the one to suffer. He knows, at least subconsciously, that even Rutledge was never this bad...but proving it's a bit more difficult.
Similar to Rutledge (though far nastier about it), Black understands manipulation...thus the casual pointing of the pistol, and forcing Tom on the defensive. As long as Tom was defending, he wasn't asking questions about the Indian or countering Black's demand for an invasion.
Preston right now is extremely...unlikeable, for pretty much the reasons you pointed out. No matter what excuses or insecurity he has regarding Cassie's previous marriage, he's carried it entirely too far and now he's effectively stabbed his staunchest ally. When we first learned about Cassie a few suggested this might drive John insane again. In a way that's true, but whereas before he fell into a deep depression, now he's drifting towards paranoia. Unfortunately for him (and everyone else) he's picked up a new friend.
ravensuominen: Hi, Raven and welcome! I'm glad you could join us. I do have plans to make this a pdf (given time, patience, a little of God's grace, etc.) in time, with at least some of the pictures (maps and such) restored. As for a book...ignoring for a moment the copyright questions, it'd take a massive rewrite. Still, that's why I enjoy having this chance to chat with the readers and read their feedback - it shows me what's working, what's not working, what would need said rewrite, what people would like to see and so forth.
-= 115 =-
5 January, 1783
Charleston, South Carolina
O' beautiful, for spacious skies;
But now those skies are threatening.
They're beating plowshares into swords,
For that tired old man that we elected king.
...
Happily ever after fails,
And we've been poisoned by these fairy tales..
- "End of the Innocence", by Don Henley
Mister Black wasn't his real name of course. Even he wasn't sure what his real name was anymore, he'd had so many over the years. Still, he liked Mister Black - simple and to the point. Maybe he'd keep it after all this was done.
Black, then, bowed his head respectfully as the Reverend Malcolm Coleridge led the meeting through its opening prayer. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the men of Charleston mouthing their meaningless words, eyes either closed or glazed over in expressions of pious stupidity. He didn't really care about the Christian belief system, but he found it highly amusing his plans would come to life in a church. On Sunday. And Three Kings Day no less.
He'd spent the past few weeks planting the seeds of paranoia and fear in the Carolina community. He'd expected some resistance, but under Carolina's thin shell of confidence was the knowledge that the last war had been too close, that Exeter almost succeeded in destroying them, and the nagging suspicion that their northern brothers weren't so brotherly. People, Black found, were eager to blame someone else for their problems, the more different the better. A corrolary to that was one would tend to seek solace in the arms of those who were like them and shared their belief system. Thus the Carolina Patriot's League was born.
On paper the League was completely apolitical, but when a group's membership consists of most of the voting population their opinions are going to receive undue consideration. The League was open to anyone over the age of fifteen, so long as they were also 1) male, so as to avoid the taint of Eve, 2) white, being uncorrupted by pagan influences, and 3) Christian, as those who cannot accept Jesus as their savior are certainly damned and their counsel suspect. Black hadn't even had to suggest controlling membership, and he found that amusing also.
There'd been some rather pointed questions over the last month about the 'Indian assassin,' and if Black had any regrets it was not producing a body. Still, a mixture of putting the questioner on the defensive and general fear answered here as well. After all, body or not who'd question the word of Edward Rutledge?
"Gentlemen?" The sanctuary of St. Michael's Church was packed. Men occupied every pew, and some of the latecomers, leaning against the walls by the door, straightened. Black composed himself, shifting into a languid southern drawl. "How very happy I am to see you tonight!"
----
In the rearmost pew, Thomas Heyward listened as Rutledge launched into a general comparison of a Carolinan's character with the 'animal worshipping savages.' Around him men listened intently, some murmuring agreement with Rutledge's darker conclusions while others hung on every word as if salvation from an unseen menace waited on the other side. It'd been like this since the assassination attempt - fear and anger gripped the state. An Indian had wandered too close to Beaufort a week ago and been lynched for his troubles. The constable's investigation wouldn't have fooled a six year old, but no one seemed to mind.
Once he'd tried to talk to Rutledge, but after a short reminder of his failure to defend Carolina from Indian attacks the lawyer emphasized the ongoing threat. "Thomas, I sympathize with your concerns, and you may even be right in saying one or two men may have gone farther than you or I might wish in the name of justice. While I do regret that, I hope you will agree that the security of our people must take precedence. I would rather rely wholly on the Carolinan character to know what is just, than to be too soft and leave us vulnerable to these outsiders who would destroy our way of life."
That, more than anything, stayed Tom's hand. If Rutledge was right, then Anne was in danger. Of course, how often was Rutledge right?
"...to root out sedition in all its forms." Heyward's head jerked up sharply.
"We have always prided ourselves on our openness, gentlemen," Rutledge explained, spreading his arms wide. "Anyone who sought solace and was willing to be part of our community has always been welcome. However, have we been too generous? Was it not a northern general turned traitor who led our boys to their death in Cherokee Country? Who is to say that traitors and spies do not lurk here even now, Perhaps in this very room?" Men looked back and forth uneasily and Rutledge nodded emphatically. "Precisely."
He thumped the podium and pointed at one man who'd asked too many questions. "Reginald, is it not our Indian 'neighbors' who raid our outlying farms? And what about your slaves? Who among us has not had to hear their uneducated, self-serving opinions? Make no mistake my friends, there are many who would happily see us laid low. Some would even call themselves our brothers in arms, or need I remind you of last year's treaty?"
"Damned straight!" someone shouted.
"You're in a church!" Coleridge reminded everyone sharply.
The crowd growled and rumbled in support of both sides until Rutledge raised his hands. "Gentlemen, please! That is why it is not only justified, but right for us to control any seditious elements at this time. The policy your representatives make, policy that will reflect the will of this League, must be followed for the duration of this crisis. Gentlemen, we," Rutledge gestured to the entire room, "know what is best for Carolina. Opposing ideas right now will only confuse the issue and sap the will of those we ask to act in our name. We can work out our problems within this sanctuary and in counsel with each other, but to the rest of the world we must present a united front!"
More agreement, but this time a hand shot into the air. "A free press," a small voice piped.
"Is necessary for the freedom we cherish," Rutledge answered firmly, focusing on the editor of the Post and Courier, South Carolina's sole newspaper. "However, we can certainly ask and require the free press to show restraint when dealing with seditious elements acting contrary to the interests of the people. We can count on you, can't we Mark?"
Mark Pratchett swallowed as the entire room focused on him. "Aye," he murmured.
"Good!" Rutledge looked around. "Now, as some of you know when spring settles in we have plans for these savages." A few answering grins. "We don't want information reaching their leaders about our intentions, nor do we want saboteurs, murderers and rapists plaguing Carolina while our men are busy elsewhere. Therefore, the Assembly has passed a resolution requiring all unowned Indians to report for registration and internment, later to be sold at auction with the funds going to the Army."
A few more growls, mostly approving. After all, a surplus of slaves should drive costs down. Two known bounty hunters nudged each other, working out how much their collection fees should be.
Heyward started to raise his hand and object, then hesitated. It was well known he'd bickered with Rutledge for years over the fate of the Cherokee. Those who knew saw him as soft on Indians, and..." He glanced around at the eager, predatory faces. "...they'd probably tear him apart. Miserably he lowered his hand.
-----
Black noticed the movement out of the corner of his eye and frowned at his 'favored' general. Perhaps Thomas was just uneasy. It was a matter of record he'd tried to stop Jasen's campaign years before. On the other hand, Henry had insisted he'd found his twentieth century rival. Black assumed he was only trying to save his miserable life, but.... yes, he would have to watch Thomas closely. He had an idea or two there as well.
"Lastly, to assist with collecting these Indians, prevent further attacks on our homes and see into any traitorous elements I've implemented a new police force answerable directly to the Assembly. The Carolina Guard's sole purpose will be to maintain the sanctity and security of this community. After much searching, I've found the perfect man to lead this effort." He glanced at the front pew. "John Preston?"
Heyward's reaction convinced Black this could prove amusing as well.
---------------------------
9 January, 1783
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
"The Twelfth Congress of these United States of North America will now come to order. Gentlemen? Thank you. Thomas Jefferson of Virginia presiding." The clerk sat and pulled his stack of papers closer.
John Rutledge only half listened as Jefferson led them through the now traditional oaths to God and each other to offer their lives, wealth and sacred honor for the good of the fledgling nation. This was only his second year in Congress, and already five of the twelve senior delegates had retired. Six of thirteen if one counted Georgia's empty seat, which no one did. Rutledge didn't blame them for leaving; John Hanson of Maryland had explained it the best: "The war is over, my friend. Our nation is safe and the crisis passed. It is time to leave governance to those willing to make a lifetime's work of it."
Rutledge was not willing to make a lifetime's work of it, but his brother had been clear. "Don't return to Charleston. You're still needed to represent South Carolina's interests, especially now." John obeyed, but only because he agreed it was important to push the Cherokee war through Congress. He didn't like it though. He wanted to go home, and he wasn't sure he cared for his little brother acting so high and mighty. Maybe in the spring...
"The first petition comes from South Carolina," the clerk announced. He looked around to make sure everyone had read the summary. "Mister Rutledge, do you wish to present your case?"
Rutledge stood and swept the room with his gaze. Like Edward he was a lawyer by training and knew how to prepare a speech, though he thought one hardly necessary in this case. "Gentlemen, there is not much I can add to the summary you were given. You are no doubt aware of the numerous Indian uprisings throughout the western territories. We have reason to believe the Cherokee in particular are raiding through Georgia and the Carolinas, and one of their assassins tried to murder my brother. In the west the Lakota and French continue to fight. We believe this points to a general uprising by the various Indian tribes against our presence. South Carolina invokes the mutual defense pact inherent in Article III and asks the Congress for their support in a war to suppress the Cherokee before they can organize."
Several men cleared their throats or signaled for Jefferson's attention. He finally settled on William Ellery, a former delegate newly reappointed from Rhode Island.
"Sir," Ellery rose. "With all respect to whatever trouble your brother has suffered, we've traveled this path before. It was perhaps five years ago when your own brother told us the Cherokee were raiding the Carolina border and he sent General Exeter to counterattack with disastrous results."
"Damn straight," muttered John Adams, now the most senior delegate of everyone in the room.
"South Carolina maintains that we were under attack then, and I assure you we are under attack now. The Cherokee do not respect our borders."
"Yet then you saw no need to involve Congress and tried to start a war," Ellery pressed.
"An error," Rutledge replied stiffly, "since dealt with. I'm speaking with you now, am I not?"
Jonathan Andrews, aka Captain John Andre of His Britannic Majesty's army, sat in New Hampshire's seat while they bickered. If he'd known it, he would have been able to commisserate with John Rutledge. Like him he didn't want to be here. Like him he seemed to have little choice. Andre had looked forward to stepping down once the war was over, but the British Colonial Office had forbidden it. "Having a man actually in their deliberations and able to affect them is beyond value." They promised his career would be bright indeed if he hung on just a little longer, while hinting that any failure on his part would prove ... tragic.
"But we have a truce!" shouted Thomas Miflin, the new delegate from Pennsylvania when confronted by the idea of a Shawnee invasion from the west.
"What is a truce to an Indian?" countered James Madison of Virginia. So long as Pennsylvania didn't expand further he could care less if the Carolinas wanted to grow. Plus, maybe it'd convince Edward Rutledge to stop mucking in Virginian affairs. "Mark me, if they can take their land back and some more besides, they'll forgot about General Wayne and his treaty soon enough."
The petition looked about deadlocked. Massachusetts, Rhode Island and a furious Pennsylvania duelled with the Carolinas and Virginia for support. As the melee swung on the so far neutral delegates, a courier burst in. The clerk took his message, unrolled it, cleared his throat, realized that failed to hold anyone's attention and 'accidentally' dropped his bound copy of the 1778-1779 Congressional decisions on the floor with a thunderous BANG!!
"Gentlemen, we have news of an Indian uprising near York (Toronto), Upper Canadian Territory. It appears they have some three thousand under arms...and they're advancing towards the Hudson River valley."
Here we go again...
Hudson River? John Jay of New York surged to his feet, furious. Why did every army in God's kingdom have to go through his state? "I'm ready for a vote!"
"Now just relax, John," Adams began.
"Seconded!" Rutledge piped.
A minute later it was over. Nine to three, the United States was going to war.
I read that line and I could almost feel my stomach starting to knot. That's just ugly. Registration, internment, it all sounds a little too close for comfort to well-known episodes in real life history.
And then, CatKnight, you managed to top that with the appointment of John Preston as the leader of the Carolina Police (or Militia, or 'Self Defense Forces', or whatever pussyfooting name one could give it. An army, raised by Carolinians, for Carolinians, and damn anybody else who might think differently, that's what it is).
I must admit I was most displeased learning that Preston, paranoid, egoistic, violent, immature John Preston, was conspiring with Black/Rutledge against Heyward and taking command of these forces. I guess it's fitting: looking at the wars in former Yugoslavia, or the situation in large parts of Africa, or even in Afghanistan, it seems that militia leaders are almost always men (thugs) who feel they have been wronged in life, who have 'only the best interest of everyone' on their minds and would never do anything selfserving, and who have a decidedly overoptimistic view of their own importance in the world. Yes, I can just about see Preston commanding the 'heroic' assaults on Cherokee villages, overseeing the capturing or butchering of their inhabitants, looting their homes and animals, and finally burning the whole place down, completely confident that he is doing the right thing and that God himself could not want it done any different...
As you can tell, I'm getting more than a little bit fed up with Mr. Preston. I am starting to wish him ill and at this rate it won't be long before I'll be actively rooting for his departure from this earth...
Definitely a good thing that I'm getting away from the forums for a few days. It might give me the chance to relax, put things into perspective ("It's only a story, man!"), calm down, maybe avert a massive heart attack or stroke caused by the mere mention of John Preston.
I don't think I've ever felt so offended by a fictional character. I don't care much about Black: he's just an evil dude, that's his role, he'll eventually pay for it (that I assume, at least). But Preston: he's just turning himself into a lackey for Black/Rutledge. He should know better, he should be making up for his asinine behavior, but instead he just allows himself to sink deeper and deeper into depravity.
Congratulations on your excellent writing and plotting, CatKnight. I think I'll go and have a liedown now.
Dead William: Hmm, better find your sabre. We may need you soon!
Found and sharpened! Ready when you are sir! A mad dash and an honourable burial will likely be the end, but I will die like a game fellow!
I will no longer call Preston Preston, until things change, he's the Prat, and then I'm expressing myself delicately.
The sad thing is that Black probably didn't have to show up at all. The Americans could have done it all by themselves...
Stuyvesant, I completely agree. If I were a drinking man, I would be filling up right now.... Great update Catknight! DW
Found and sharpened! Ready when you are sir! A mad dash and an honourable burial will likely be the end, but I will die like a game fellow!
I will no longer call Preston Preston, until things change, he's the Prat, and then I'm expressing myself delicately.
The sad thing is that Black probably didn't have to show up at all. The Americans could have done it all by themselves...
Stuyvesant, I completely agree. If I were a drinking man, I would be filling up right now.... Great update Catknight! DW
The one highlight amidst all that bad news about Black's league and the bickering in Congress is that Black is not 100% certain that Heyward is the twentieth century man. I had thought that Black was keeping him alive in order to maneuver him into some despicable position, and destroy him, but instead, Heyward now has time, possibly enough time to figureout what is going on.
Black and Preston in cahoots (even if unknowingly)? That ought to be a pair.
A masterful way of describing this run up to war with the Indian tribes. And if successful, no doubt helpful when it comes time to deal with the British once again.
And there must be some pretty serious behind the scenes wrangling to get all this in order as Black (it seems) has desired it. Heyward is going to have his hands full with this "game."
A masterful way of describing this run up to war with the Indian tribes. And if successful, no doubt helpful when it comes time to deal with the British once again.
And there must be some pretty serious behind the scenes wrangling to get all this in order as Black (it seems) has desired it. Heyward is going to have his hands full with this "game."
I agree with Passepartout, the only "good" news in that entire scene is that Mr. Black does not know that Tom is from the 20th Century. We can only hope that error gives Tom some time to get his head in the game, so to speak, and start finding a way to combat Black's actions.... if there is even a way to do so.....
I also have to agree with Stuyvesant and DW, Preston (or Prat to steal DW's line), is firmly one that can... ah, drive one to drink or even possible consider physical violence, and he's only a freaking fictional character! Which is good for him, 'cause if he weren't I think quite a few of us would be looking for his grave to go and take a leak on it, eh? Again, a sign that Cat is one helluva a great writer!!
I also have to agree with Stuyvesant and DW, Preston (or Prat to steal DW's line), is firmly one that can... ah, drive one to drink or even possible consider physical violence, and he's only a freaking fictional character! Which is good for him, 'cause if he weren't I think quite a few of us would be looking for his grave to go and take a leak on it, eh? Again, a sign that Cat is one helluva a great writer!!
Great story, CatKnight! I've finally caught up from page 1 to the current installment.
Which means now I have to wait for the next update, like everybody else.
Which means now I have to wait for the next update, like everybody else.
Haha, you have to suffer with the rest of us.
If Black doesn't remember his original name, what does that imply about his nature? He appears capable of time travel and possession, and is so old he does not remember his beginnings. He may not be the Devil, but he is not a human it seems, and therefore must be from a different plane of existence. Very mystifying, but I have come to the concluson that we are getting more information to work with on these people.
If Black doesn't remember his original name, what does that imply about his nature? He appears capable of time travel and possession, and is so old he does not remember his beginnings. He may not be the Devil, but he is not a human it seems, and therefore must be from a different plane of existence. Very mystifying, but I have come to the concluson that we are getting more information to work with on these people.
With Black intent on destroying "America's soul" I wonder what your goals are in-game. That is, are you trying to establish a US with certain domestic policies or relations with the Indians in order to win a "victory" over Black? Or is your game strategy still the standard landgrabbing megalomania?
Although Stewart was killed long ago in the story, now that we see more hints of Black's true nature (though much remains hidden) Stewart seems quaintly simple in comparison. It's just ironic that we thought of him as the supreme villain for so long, and now he is little more than a footnote compared to Black.
Although Stewart was killed long ago in the story, now that we see more hints of Black's true nature (though much remains hidden) Stewart seems quaintly simple in comparison. It's just ironic that we thought of him as the supreme villain for so long, and now he is little more than a footnote compared to Black.
Ooh! I must say, it warms my heart to see that John Andre has not been killed (or executed), and is being found useful in some capacity nearby so we can watch his character develop.
I'm just catching up through your last week (and meanwhile still intending to catch up from the beginning, too).
Oh, Catknight! You have a gift for dialogue! And for pacing, flow, mood, timing, situational humor... Each are relatively rare talents, outside of professional writing. The combination of each in one author is even more unique.
The whist game held me rapt!
I discern that you have a certain talent for understanding organizational and personal politics, too.
If you've not already, I hope you will seriously consider writing for publication. I would look forward to it!
Rensslaer
I'm just catching up through your last week (and meanwhile still intending to catch up from the beginning, too).
Oh, Catknight! You have a gift for dialogue! And for pacing, flow, mood, timing, situational humor... Each are relatively rare talents, outside of professional writing. The combination of each in one author is even more unique.
The whist game held me rapt!
I discern that you have a certain talent for understanding organizational and personal politics, too.
If you've not already, I hope you will seriously consider writing for publication. I would look forward to it!
Rensslaer
I have just read some of your posts, mostly recent posts, to learn more bout the writing skills. Thanks for the tips again btw, they are most appreciated.
I dont have a full understanding of the story so far but i focused more on the writing aspect. The previous poster has put it in far better words then i probably can, but it was spectacular. Not one word too much or too little. The dialogue is indeed very strong and believable. Will follow this one and read backwards to get the storyline.
cheers
I dont have a full understanding of the story so far but i focused more on the writing aspect. The previous poster has put it in far better words then i probably can, but it was spectacular. Not one word too much or too little. The dialogue is indeed very strong and believable. Will follow this one and read backwards to get the storyline.
cheers
Stuyvesant said:
Appointing Preston the leader of the Carolina police was perfect.
Perhaps your frustration Stuyvesant with Preston is because he's all too human? Most people go through what I call a "jerk" phase in their life. It usually happens in the teen years when most of us were moody, Ill-mannered, self-centered and just a general pain in the ass. Therefore a real "jerk". Most of us grow out of it but some don't. I don’t think Preston ever did and that combined with events in his life have produced a truly unsympathetic character who the reader will enjoy seeing die. But the writer will of course resist the reader’s desires and keep this character around.
It is however a tightrope you walk CatKnight. Unsympathetic characters are in my opinion the most difficult to keep interesting for the reader. I look forward at seeing how you do and if Stuyvesant goes into a fit of apoplexy. Joe