The Sorcerer's Progress (Page 15 of 62)

In the next few days, I plan to catch up on a passel of reviews and do some badly needed fixes on early chapters.

After that, I have two big things to work on: Erevain's chapters, which are changing quite a bit, and the long-story arc, which you won't see immediately.  Both Merran and Jamen will get some time studying with Kirsey too: Merran because she can use it and Jamen ... well, Kirsey will find some latent talents there.  But there's a lot to do on the way.

I still have to finish the head-amp in the hope of selling the spare turntable, I've got two computers to get running again, and the other work will be never-ending.

Agree wholeheartedly. Except:

5) Same clothes, different faces and other physical attributes (that should count for something?) "Surely mr. Policeman, it wasn't me, it's just a coincidinc (sic) that we are wearing the same clothes. We were waayyyy over there minding our own business when this hideous crime you are referring to happened."
6) We prefer some minor attention from the cops rather than the attention we're getting now ...

Then again, in fiction, it doesn't have to be possible beyond doubt, just possible even if very unlikely ... To me, it was just waayyy too easy to bump into two people who wanted to change clothes, but I can let it go on the basis it's very unlikely, but possible.

Just my 2 cents.

In that neighborhood, there might be a dozen couples looking to swap!  But these two either never went to bed or woke early from fear.  Don't assume a 20th-century law enforcement model, either.  Or even a 19th century model.

Merran and Jamen aren't on a date.  They are on a journey, and they are improvising###########making it up as they go along.  Sometimes they'll take risks.

Anyhow, Merran and Jamen are making themselves scarce.  Shank's mare is a Standardbred in this case.

Still about 3 hrs from home.   I'm 3 hrs late because of construction and drivers who don't understand, or don't care, or don't care to understand, how their actions affect thouands of other drivers.

To quote Nero Wolfe, 'Pfui!'

Credit Rex Stout.  But your ordinary mooks still say 'phooey'.  It's only Kha or Geron who 'pfui', and never on cue.  Or ... maybe Airen or one of Saundon's retinue?

I like the bedbug idea, though.  I may use it sometime.

And, as The Great Schnozz would remind us, co-inky-dinks do happen!  (Evverrybody's got ta get inta de act!)

Oh, now isn't that a good thought...

Yes.  I actually explain this in the story.  It was people of one world who first discovered how to move across the sundered worlds, and they gave most of the world names in the style of their own place-names.  I chose Slavic, and in particular Russian, as my prototype.

But there should be a few worlds that are exceptions.

More likely Big Sky and Bitterwater.  Though someone might name pocket worlds after his daughters.  (Or after his hounds.)

Read =Albion's Seed= by, I think, David Hackett.  Before the 19th century in the Appalachians there were places with names like Tickle C*** Branch.

Waiting...!

'cuz that's not the kind of story I'm writing.  Your characters bang around like balls in a pinball machine.  Not for me.

Say, you didn't review the chapter called =Books for Pengrit=, did you?  What did you think of it?

OK, if Melayne has to sorrel Pengrit because she might reveal the gems that she carries, then I find myself condemning Melayne even more.

Here's the reason. The gems are made out to be important. Melayne hides the gems from the sorcerers on the same path. However, she choses the least competent and weakest of them (Pengrit) to sorcel. She doesn't magic the functioning sorcerers, limit them, bind them, or isolate them in random worlds. She choses a child and runaway to bind, risking that child's life for selfish reasons.

You're going to say that I don't understand how important these gems are. If that is the case, then I want a good and firm reason to justify Melayne's actions. The end of the world as we know it. The death of her only child. Destruction of multiple universes. That justifies binding Pengrit. However, it doesn't justify abandoning her. Giving the kid a sackful of gold, arranging for a family to care for her, taking her along to a trusted friend and having this person teach Pengrit…all of these are actions of a parent and responsible adult. Binding the kid and thinking, 'she can work as a drudge or a sex slave to survive…not my problem. It just matters that she is locked into this nowhere dimension and can't escape. Now I'm safe to carry these gems where they need to go."…this isn't the POV of a hero.

And I see Melayne as a hero. Did I explain it this time?