Extract From My Novel

Here is an extract from my novel. Its cheesier than a wine and cheese party without the wine (The working title is "Champion of Time". THE CHEESE!), but here goes. The group of adventurers have reached the Capital City of the Genian League (An Oligarchy run by a council of Elves, Humans and Dwarfs in a region called Genia). There have been a series of assassinations in the City (prompting a tightening of security) and Harken, the titular Champion of time, is trying to persuade the Captain of the guard to let them into the City. Harken's position as Champion of time is significant; he is immortal while he holds the title thanks to a trinket around his neck and he has emergency powers to take command of the army and even (with consent) the council.

'A guard armed with a crossbow appeared at a narrow window above the gate itself. “Hail,” he called “have your identity papers ready, the captain of the guard will meet you shortly.”

“Papers?” Teutorian and Joanne both looked to Harken.

Harken’s expression didn’t change “Let me handle this, the weight that I and Clarrisa carry in the City should be enough to get everyone inside.” He added quickly “I had not accounted for a raise in security; the gates are usually open so that people may travel freely.”

“A dozen republic officials have been murdered – assassinated – in the last month and many other important figures have gone missing.” Clarrisa explained “when I was last in the City, the guard was in uproar. No one knows for sure who is behind these killings, but the Council has put the blame on Gothan assassins, ‘sent to sow chaos in our midst’.”

The gate began to open. A grizzled, haggard man with a stubbly grey beard and an eye patch over his left eye followed by a troop of nine city guards strode through the gate and assembled in front of the group. The grizzled man – evidently the captain – leered at them through his good eye “Your papers please” he said coolly, extending a hand.

Harken handed over his papers and Clarrisa did the same. The captain scanned them and handed them back. “Welcome back to the City, Lady Clarrisa and Lord Harken.”

He turned to Joanne and Teutorian, who stood sheepishly next to each other.

“They have no papers, but they are with me.”

“M’lord” the guard captain protested “I must see their identification, I can make no exceptions.”

“You know who I am. Any friend of mine is a friend of the Republic. These people are not outlaws, nor are they spies.” Harken said calmly. “I venture to think they have saved my life on at least one occasion.”

“I don’t make the laws, M’lord” The Captain argued. “No papers, no entry, or the commander will have my hide.”

“You Craven fool!” Harken fumed, anger beginning to break through his calm façade. He took a step forward. The captain’s men all reached for their swords. The watchman in the window raised his crossbow.

A brief flash of battle lust flickered through Harken’s eyes. “Have your men stay their blades” he warned. “if I see an inch of steel, I will cut them down before their swords are drawn. You know who I am; an attack against me is an attack against the very Council itself.”

The captain leered through his good eye and nodded reluctantly “Very well, we will do things your way this time” he added coldly “M’lord.”

His guards parted and allowed the party through into the city.'

And there is the first extract. I hope it made sense; this is the first time i've done something like this.