Since NaNoWriMo is now well under way, I thought I'd just toy with you all a little by posting my novel's prologue. The character featured in this has undergone a major overhaul since I created her in 2004. Now she is hard, tough and more than just a little damaged. I freaking love her. Anyway, enjoy.
And I wish all NaNo participants the best in their monthly write-a-thon.
Em
5,051 words.
Somewhere in the Southern
Realms…
A sign, nailed to a wall
outside a tavern of very questionable reputation:
WANTED!!!
For murder, resisting
arrest, assault on royal guards, high treason and witchcraft!
Short in height, slender
in build. Long, black hair, unruly in
appearance. Distinguishing features:
black eyes and a prominent scar on upper lip.
Often seen dressed in men’s attire.
Here could
be seen an artist’s impression of the bust and head of the criminal. Wild, dark hair floated around a thin face;
high cheekbones; furrowed brows over black orbs for eyes; and a wicked, almost
malicious, smile split down the left with a ragged and hideous scar.
This woman is highly
dangerous and no attempt should be made to restrain her by members of the
public. She has killed before and has
harmed several royal guards. Instead,
all sightings and incidents should be reported to Queen Layith of Theorosana,
or to the head of her personal guard, Lady Falienne.
Co-operation will be
rewarded handsomely.
By royal order of the
King and Queen of Theorosana.