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Hi, folks. The new release is here! But as I worked on it, I realized that this release and the previous release overlapped in the timeline.

So, we've got two different versions of the files below.

The first, which is labeled Ch 3 to 5, is the new release. It's mostly chapters 3 to 5, but a couple of these scenes will end up in chapters 1 and 2, and a couple of the earlier scenes will be moved here. If you only want to read the new stuff, this is the version to download.

The second version, labeled Ch 1 to 5, is the combined file. This includes both releases merged together, with all the scenes in the correct chronological order. Use this version if you want to re-read the whole thing, or if you want to download a copy to save for later.

You'll notice that one scene (Kevik's) from the first release does not appear in the combined file. That's because it's still a few days away in the timeline. I'll slip it into the next release. Since that scene has already been released before, it won't count toward my targeted word count.

I hope this isn't too confusing. I was so eager to start Book 5, I jumped right into the writing phase, but I should have done a little more planning first. That came back to bite me, and is one of the reasons why this second release took longer than expected.

But we should be on track moving forward!

I hope you enjoy,

--Ivy

Comments

Raman BNV

Great set of Chapters, Ivy! The reordering of some of the sections warrants a full reread, for sure. Sarette's survival in falling from a height is being addressed, at some stage, for sure. As is Corec's protection ability. Razai is also being brought back into the fold, so to speak. Leena's Traveling magic is powerful, and it is what ties all the group together. Yelena is not going to be pleased when she reaches Sanvara City and finds out that the Empress already knows about her, is she?? But, she will be forced to acknowledge that the Wardens exist and find a way to live, without too much demands on her, I hope. Will Yassi meet up with Yelena in Sanvara City? That looks like a meeting that will tell Yelena a lot about Rusol. Sarette going back to Snow Crown will allow her to learn more about her secretive abilities. The Zidari seem to have figured out that magic passes on genetically. I wonder why the North hasn't figured this out yet. If strong Arcane Mages marry strong Elder Mages and have kids, that would be the best way to get a person who had both magics.

Aspiring Sage

Thanks for the chapters Ivy. On re-reading, I just realized Pallis was 'killed' by the necromancy before the liquid stone killed the others. I wonder how that affected him? And so much new information about the stoneborne and their elder magic. Very exciting. I love how the threads are slowly coming together. And I love how we are seeing the birth of a new nation. Corecistan? Lol. And a dragon mascot to boot! Also loved the Empress. Well done all around. I do hope Treya can eventually remove Yassi's demonic curse. That would be awesome. And of course, the biggest secret of all now is who the mystery warden is!! My money is on Hera.

Jesse

Things could work out well for Yelena if the Empress and her can come to an accord. The lineage of the Empress has been protecting the Zindari and their secrets for awhile it seems. A Warden's secrets being similarly kept would allow Yelena to permanently settle in a big city that she likes. I don't think Yelena will react well if she finds out about Rusol altering the bonds to compel obedience. She mentioned she might have killed Corec for his uncontrolled bonding which didn't have anysort of compulsion effects, aside from the "drawn together" that all the bonds have. That said I am more worried about what Vatarxis said about removing a few more wardens and Hera having "a list". With Rusol not being on the list, I am not sure I care to see who else may be on said list.

Raman BNV

@ivy, do dangerous situations unlock higher magical potential for Corec and his bondmates? When Ellerie was in danger, Leena suddenly developed people transportation abilities. When her own life was in danger, Sarette developed some new kind of magic.. When Razai was in danger, she could call on the black mists magic

ivyveritas

For non-wizards, it's time, practice (not necessarily practicing the same thing), desire (that desire can be unconscious), and actually trying the new thing (you don't always know what you can do until you try it). For wizards, it's time, practice, and studying.

Aspiring Sage

So Ivy, how are you coming along on the next set of chapters? And when will you tell us who the new Warden is??? Lol

ivyveritas

I'm aiming for the end of the month, but it's going to be tough to make that timeline. The move has been much more intensive and painful than I thought, and I'm still dealing with the aftermath. On top of that, the cat has come down with some additional serious medical issues on top of her normal ones, and it's hard to get an appointment with a vet on any reasonable timeframe. So, I'll try for the end of August, but don't be surprised if it slips into September.

Aspiring Sage

And nothing about the new warden??? A little Itty bitty clue? Lol

Jesse

We need a Vegas Bookie to give us betting odds on who the new warden is (or who the old warden bonding people again).

Aspiring Sage

Hey Ivy, how close are we to seeing the sweet sweet looooot?!!? Err.. I mean chapter.

ivyveritas

It's not quite ready. 4500 words left to go on the first draft. After my last update, I hit a stumbling block on several of the scenes, and that has delayed me. I'm going to try to knock out 1500 to 2000 words today, but I start my new job tomorrow. It's a half-time job, so I'll still have plenty of time for writing, but I haven't finished unpacking or organizing the new place yet either. Including five days for editing, I'd say the earliest would be nine days out, and it could stretch up to two weeks (which isn't too bad overall, considering the move and everything).

Aspiring Sage

You will never get a complaint from me about your output. You are a world class wordsmith and that takes time. Best wishes on your new job and congrats on the move!

ivyveritas

Only about 2000 words left to go on the first draft for the next release, but I also need to spend some time reorganizing the scenes and changing the timeline. I'd give it three days, plus five more for editing. We're getting there, slowly but surely.

Jesse

I have a question Ivy, When Vartarxis was talking with Razai in High Cove back in book 2, he mentioned that the other Demon Lord that had sent the strike team to ambush Yelena had gotten successful once before. Did you have who that Warden was plotted out? Judging from the "every 400 years" pattern I seem to see between Wardens being called it looks like there is a missing one between Yelena and Shayleigh, then 3 missing ones between Hildra and Badru (Kono fits in there somewhere) and then the two that Badru had mentioned that preceded him (one of which he said was a she) and followed Hera. Just curious if that is a detail you had nailed down or just left undefined.

ivyveritas

There are several wardens who have died, both before and after the Burning. I have a tentative timeline of the order they appeared (in relation to those who are still alive), but I don't have too much in the way of other details. For something like that, where it doesn't really affect the current story, it's easier to wait to define it until it's needed.

ivyveritas

Okay, here's where I'm at: The next release is basically done ... except that during the beta review process, the feedback I got (which I agree with) is that I need to rewrite or replace one of the scenes. So, I'm trying to figure out how to salvage as much as possible, and I'm not quite sure what that means for my timeline.

Jesse

That is understandable.