This is the content from 2002, the year I actually completed NaNoWriMo.
Bonus Material: The Unrelated Short Story and Part 2
Excerpt Special: The Interview
... "Who-- You must be Andrew Wolfe, my instructor."
I smirked a bit. "You must be Thom Amberlite, new recruit. Nice place they sent us to, hmm?"
"I... suppose so. I see no princess, no castle, no armies. Are you to train me in the mystical arts before we see battle?" I probably shouldn't have expected him to take any real enjoyment in the pastoral scenery. This was his first assignment, so even being dropped in the middle of a desertman's harem wouldn't have fazed him much. I suspect the girls might have seen it otherwise, of course.
"Well, Thom, here's how it works. First, in our line of work all training is done on-the-job. Second, you see nobody because nobody is supposed to witness our arrival. And third, if we do this right there won't be much in the way of battle. We're here to rescue the princess and restore her to her rightful throne. Wading in pools of blood would be counterproductive. If you want to slaughter something I'm sure we can find you work involving livestock."
That put a bit of starch in his spine. He gritted his teeth a bit and said, "If your method of teaching consists solely of mocking your students, it is no wonder there was such deliberation upon your appointment to this task."
For his sake I didn't laugh too long. "I wouldn't say that mocking is my sole teaching method, but it does tend to cut through a great deal of tedious posing and pomposity. If I were you, I'd get used to it. A thick skin is one of the many traits we encourage and try to develop in our line of work." I let him ponder that for a few moments, then continued, "Along with those mystical arts you spoke of, a sense of time and place, and perhaps most importantly a sense of humor. You may have been warned that I pride myself on a high degree of that last quality. If this is going to be a problem, now's the time to say so."
He did manage to smile at that, then reply urbanely, "No, revered teacher. I shall not be deterred by your manner. Despite certain qualities that place you in less than the fullest esteem among our superiors I am told that you are among the most capable and powerful of our kind. I shall do no less than my utmost to acquit myself with honor under your tutelage." This pretty speech was capped off with a courtly bow. ...
Current Mood:
Blogroll
Blogroll Me!
This is my blogchalk:
United States, Oregon, Portland, Southeast, English, , Karel, Male, 31-35, Anime, Technology.
