Eldania excerpt 1

The following is an excerpt from a Fantasy/Sci-fi Novel I am writing called Eldania: Children of God's Shadow. It follows the life of Johnathan Shultz, a young man who is one of many gifted with supernatural powers called Eldania. The Eldanian people came from the sons and daughters of the "sons of God' and the daughters of men. Because of their supernatural abilities, the Eldania were shunned by the other races of mankind and because they were mostly a peaceful people, rather than destroying mankind, they fled persecution. They settled on a large island in the Atlantic. We now call this island, in our mythology, Atlantis. Today, Atlantis is gone. Now the Eldan and the Dasi are scattered and leaderless. They still exist today, but most have mixed their race with other humans and their powers are forgotten. But what will happen when they remember?

Johnathan casually walked down Main Street, enjoying the crisp spring day. He gradually made his way through the steadily growing crowd of people heading home after a long day’s work. Glancing at the restaurants along the street, he’d decided to stop at a Subway for dinner when a familiar flash of golden hair caught his eye. Johnathan did a double take and quickly changed direction, following Shawna down the street.
She seemed to be heading somewhere in a hurry. He quickened his pace, hoping to catch up with his fiancée. "Hmm. Where could she possibly be going in such a hurry?" He wondered to himself. He picked up speed as the sidewalk began to head downhill.
Suddenly, Shawna stopped. Johnathan slowed down, thinking she may have sensed his approach. If she had, she gave him no indication. Instead, she remained beside the alleyway, curiously staring down the narrow street as if looking for something. She cocked her head, apparently listening, then stepped into the ally. Johnathan quickened his pace, wondering what could have made her stop.
As he approached the alleyway, he heard a man’s voice. He stopped by the corner, catching his breath, and listened closely. At first, he couldn’t make out the words. Then a tingle of cold fear ran down his spine as he made out the man’s voice. "Don’t be scared, sweetheart." The strange voice said in a taunting manner. "We aren’t going to hurt you." The voice chuckled, and two other voices joined it. That was enough for Johnathan. Suddenly rested, he strode around the corner and walked purposefully up to Shawna. Three men clothed in black and metal with brightly colored, spiked hair stood around his fiancée. All three glared at him, obviously displeased at his sudden appearance.
"Hello, Shawna, how are you?" Johnathan pretended to ask as he shouldered past one of the punks and stepped in front of Shawna, shielding her body from the three men. He nodded curtly at the leader. "I don’t believe I’ve met you." He said with a hint of disdain. "You must be one of those vagarious acquaintances Shawna avoids mentioning." The big brute glared at Johnathan. Johnathan and Shawna slowly began backing out of the alleyway. "Well, I assure you she doesn’t need to impose on any more of your time, so you can run off and disconcert someone else." Johnathan assured them. The other two punks looked at their leader for a translation, but the big thug just glared at Johnathan.
"Johnathan, don’t" Shawna pleaded. He ignored her, and continued to stare down the bothersome goon in front of him, his face tense. These were not mere muggers, but trained Dasi. Johnathan had to stop backing up so he could continue shielding his fiancée from harm, and ward off repeated mental attacks from the lead Dasi.
Shawna sensed the attacks and placed a concerned hand on Johnathan’s shoulder, praying. It was obvious they weren’t getting out of this without a fight. The villain finally broke off his mental attack and looked past Johnathan to Shawna. "Our business is not with you, Eliim." He said to Johnathan. "It’s with the Eldan girl." He growled, lowering his gaze at Shawna and flexing his fists.
"Any business you have with her is business with me, Dasi." Johnathan said firmly, crossing his arms, carefully watching the three men. The brute ignored him and continued to stare at Shawna.
"Johnny, please, don’t." Shawna pleaded again. "I can take care of myself." Johnathan glanced at her, cool determination in his face. She knew him well enough not to argue further. She swallowed hard and looked up to face the Dasi, who was still staring at her.
"You’ll get nothing out of us today, you can leave." She said, inwardly praying that the three would leave. The three men only smirked. "We aren’t leaving that easily, lassie." The leader taunted, and the other two laughed wickedly. "If we can’t do this the easy way," he continued, reaching for his side, "then we’ll have to do it the fun way." There was a red flash, and the three aggressors raised their swords.
Johnathan pushed Shawna back and drew his blade. "Run, Shawna." He directed, eyeing the Dasi with steely determination. She took a few steps back, but remained in the alleyway. Johnathan was about to argue with her, but the three Dasi charged. Johnathan raised his free hand, and the two smaller Dasi were violently thrown back against a trash dumpster. They groaned and fell to the street, dazed.
The lead Dasi paused, staring at Johnathan, then glanced back at his associates. "Another Eldan, huh?" He mused, then shrugged. "No matter." He began to approach Johnathan; his blade now raised in defense. Johnathan brandished his sword, glowering at the Dasi. The man charged, swinging his sword violently. Johnathan met the lead Dasi’s wild attack, and their blades crossed. The sharp crash of metal against metal echoed up and down the dank ally. Both combatants strained under the force of the blow, their brows wrinkling as each tried to force the other to yield.
Johnathan swung his blade around, and again their swords clashed. By now, the other two attackers had recovered and were circling around Johnathan towards Shawna. Shawna saw them coming, and one of the Dasi screamed in agony as a ball of fire engulfed his body, consuming it. The other Dasi stared at his companion’s ashes, then back at Shawna. Shawna crouched on all fours, her dark eyes staring down her attacker like a cat eyeing its prey. She licked her upper lip seductively and hissed. The Dasi stared in stark fear and took a large step back, becoming much more cautious.
The lead Dasi grinned as he met Johnathan’s stroke. "Your little girl’s got spunk." He quipped, jerking his head in Shawna’s direction. "I shall enjoy watching her die." Johnathan raised his eyebrows, unmoved, and jumped over his attacker, landing on his feet behind the Dasi. The ruffian spun around just in time to meet Johnathan’s deadly stroke. The Dasi raised his eyebrows and Johnathan barely managed to counter an attack as an invisible force blew him off balance. He slowly retreated, drawing the Dasi away from Shawna. "Too much for you to handle?" The Dasi leered. Johnathan continued to stare coldly.
Meanwhile, Shawna was turning, facing her fearful attacker, who was circling her timidly. "Aww, you don’t want to play anymore?" She purred, grinning wickedly. The Dasi just kept turning, wide-eyed, defensively holding his sword at arm length.
Shawna stopped circling and demurely leaned her head against her shoulder, staring at him in wide-eyed innocence. She blinked, and stuck out her lower lip, pouting childishly. "Did I scare the nice boy away? Pity." A wayward smile played across her face as she stared at her trembling opponent. She tensed, and pretended to lunge forward. The Dasi quickly stepped back, his eyes widening in fear.
Shawna crouched again, still impishly leering at her opponent. She was enjoying her little game of cat-and-mouse. "I sense much fear in you." She taunted in a fell whisper. The Dasi cast a pleading look at his remaining partner. "Sarcas, help!"
The uneasy Dasi’s cry ended in a faint whimper when his gaze focused upon his fallen leader. Sarcas wasn’t going to be much help. Johnathan’s blade found its mark. Sarcas stared vacantly in silent horror as Johnathan slowly drew his blade out of the defeated foe’s chest. Sarcas’ body fell to the pavement with a disquieting thud. The remaining Dasi stared at his dead leader in dismay.
Shawna confidently rose to her feet and began to slowly stalk toward the Dasi, eyeing her prey from beneath her dark eyelashes. Johnathan looked up from his defeated opponent and glowered at the terrified, lone Dasi. Shawna dramatically raised her left hand, and a pale blue flame leapt up from her palm. "You should be running." She quietly threatened her enemy. The Dasi fearfully glanced at the two sinister attackers and fled back down the alleyway, dropping his sword as he ran.
Shawna closed her hand, snuffing out the flame. "Guess his mother taught him not to play with fire." She pouted, glancing at her fiancée. Johnathan chuckled, then sighed wearily as he sheathed his sword. He slowly rolled his head, stretching.
Shawna walked up beside him and put a gentle arm around him. "Johnny, you didn’t have to do that," she whispered softly. "I can take care of myself." Johnathan slowly turned to her, gently taking both of her small hands in his. "I don’t doubt it." He quietly whispered back, his eyes full of quiet admiration, "But you’re a lady, one of the few I’ve met in this life, and you shouldn’t have to." He embraced her, and she laid her head against his shoulder. "Nmiti Anlat’ithetay, Shawna. I’ll always be there for you." He promised. Shawna smiled, although Johnathan couldn’t see, and held him closer.
Johnathan straightened up and gave a satisfied sigh. "Now where were you headed in such a hurry?" Shawna let go of him and stepped back, tucking her hair back behind her ears. "I was heading toward the Post Office, before it closed, to mail these wedding invitations first class." She answered, nodding at her purse. "But it’s a little late for that now."
Johnathan nodded as they walked out of the ally and started down Main Street. "I thought I heard a child crying in that ally," Shawna explained. "When I went to check, those three stepped out from behind a dumpster." She paused, then gratefully glanced at Johnathan. "I’m really glad you showed up. I was scared."
Johnathan put a hand on her shoulder and rubbed her back reassuringly. They stopped in front of a small family restaurant, and Johnathan looked up at the sign above them. "Say, have you eaten yet?" He asked. "All this saving the damsel in distress stuff has given me an appetite." He rubbed his stomach and looked at Shawna hopefully.
She laughed and grabbed his arm. "Alright, but only if I’m buying." She insisted, pulling him toward the door. "Lead on O queen eternal." He joked. Shawna rolled her eyes in mock disgust. "Boys, always thinking with their stomach." She quipped. "Well, that’s better than other things we could think with." Johnathan argued. "Not even going there, buddy." She said, cutting him off, an amused glimmer shining in her eye.
The small restaurant was quiet; the easy chatter from the few customers that were already there was barely noticeable. The patrons paid the couple little attention; they just sat enjoying their meals and talking. Johnathan and Shawna walked towards the counter and scanned the menu in silence.
Johnathan made up his mind quickly, but Shawna pretended to take her time. Johnny waited patiently, glancing playfully from her to the menu. After about a minute, he leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Penny for your thoughts, especially ones concerning dinner choices."
A well-placed elbow in his ribs made him straighten up quickly. "Ow," he complained, rubbing his side tenderly. Shawna just stared at the menu in mock innocence. "Well, that’s just made room for dessert." Johnathan muttered. He cast an accusing glance at Shawna. "That is, if we even get to dessert."
He decided to change tactics, and started to stare at his fiancée like a starving puppy. A smile crept across Shawna’s face and she strained to keep from laughing. Johnathan stepped in front of her and stared pleadingly into her eyes. She looked right past him up at the menu, an amused twinkle in her eyes, still trying to stifle a laugh. Johnathan whined pitifully, and Shawna lost it. "All right, you ridiculous oaf" she said laughing. "Let’s order."
They stepped up to the counter, and Johnathan looked down at a short, but very amused young girl manning the cashier. "The lady orders first, so she don’t forget." Johnathan said, chucking his thumb over his shoulder at Shawna. Shawna stepped forward and directed a threatening glance at Johnathan.
"What do you have?" Shawna asked, turning to the cashier, a mischievous grin plastered on her face. The girl caught on quickly. "Well, let’s see." The young girl said slowly, turning to read the menu. "Tonight’s special is…." Johnathan painfully moaned and the cashier paused. Shawna decided to be merciful. "I’ll have the special," she told the cashier, "And whatever he wants."
Johnathan placed his order, and they picked out a table and waited for their food. "A lot of thanks I get." Johnathan mumbled. "I save your life and you try to starve me to death." Shawna stared at him in mock astonishment. "I’m sorry, were you hungry? Oh, I’m so sorry." Johnathan rolled his eyes at her from across the table.
She smiled, and playfully kicked his shins under the table. "Hey, no footsie." Johnathan complained. She giggled mischievously and hooked his left ankle with her foot. He responded by catching her other foot with his free one. They kept at it for several minutes, both laughing quietly at each other while they waited for their orders.
"Ahem." They both straightened up like two wayward children and guiltily stared at the waitress, who was waiting there with their food. "One special and one number three with a side of okra?" She asked, trying to hide a smile. "Mine’s the special," Shawna responded, attempting to conceal the crimson blush that had crept across her face. The waitress set Shawna’s plate in front of her, then placed Johnathan’s down in front of him. "My name’s Samantha, I’ll be your waitress this evening. Please let me know if there’s anything you need."
"How about a straight jacket for the goof here?" Shawna asked the waitress. "I’m sorry, we’re fresh out." The girl replied. "But I’ll see what I can find." She walked off and Johnathan smiled deviously at Shawna. "I’m a goof, huh?" He asked her, and then appeared to reconsider. "Well, I guess anyone that would ask you to marry him would have to be well off his rocker." Shawna’s dark eyes flashed, and she kicked him again, hard. Johnathan groaned painfully. "You’d better shut up and pray, boy." Shawna ordered. "You’re going to need it." "Medic." Johnathan moaned.
(C) 2005 Joshua Chaffin, all rights reserved.

Others Quotes

Thought I'd follow that last one up with some quotes by other people that I found interesting, funny, or inspirational

"All I am is another fellow human that has at last, after many wrong paths and failed attenpts, found Jesus Christ." - Gary Gygax, creator of Dungeons and Dragons

"My Druid is Christ, the son of God, Christ, Son of Mary, the Great Abbot, The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost." - St. Columba 

"Love is when the happiness, security, spiritual growth, and physical health of another person is as important to you as your own." - Josh McDowell

"For Christ's presence to redeem, Christ has to be present. ... If Christians find the secular marketplace a disagreeable place, it will hardly get more agreeable for the lack of Christian presence." - Stephen R. Lawhead

"Fire, water, earth and sky
Mysteries surround us, legends never die!!" - Blackmore's Night

"I have been reading poems, romances, vision-literature, legends, myths all my life. I know what they are like. I know that not one of them is like this." - C.S. Lewis; professor of medieval and renaissance literature, Cambridge University, of the Christian Gospels

"You love people and use things. You NEVER use people and love things." - Dr. Freemont.

"Truth is exclusive - at least to some degree - for it must exclude as false that which is not true." - Josh McDowell

"We do not retreat from reality, we rediscover it. As long as the story lingers in our mind, the real things are more themselves... By dipping them in myth we see them more clearly." - C.S. Lewis

"Why do you wish for ignorance when the knowledge you've been given has the power to change the world? Don't wish for ignorance... Wish for a better understanding of the knowledge you've been given." - Lydia Chaffin

"The very purpose of a knight is to fight on behalf of a lady."
― Thomas Malory

"Knowledge of our world is to be nurtured like a precious flower, for it is the most precious thing we have. Wherefore guard the word written and heed the word unwritten - and set them down ere they fade like so many sublime rainbows after Kozah's fury has abated, or a beautiful dream in the morning hours. Learn then, well, the arts of reading, writing, and listening true, and they will lead you to the greatest art of all: understanding." - Alaundo of Candlekeep

"I was reticent to say the fact, you know, that I was a Christian, mainly because I was afraid that I would give Christianity a bad name because I did D&D. So I did, I kept my mouth shut. But I just decided no, I’m not going to do that any more." - Gary Gygax, creator of Dungeons and Dragons.

The battle zone where the armies of light clash with the armies of darkness is a dangerous place – a place where tremendous pressures come to bear, where lives and souls can be damaged or lost. But where there is danger, there is also opportunity. -Stephen Lawhead

To those Christians who look out at the world and lament, "Look! The night is coming! The Evil One is winning!" I say, "Yes, but greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world! We can turn back the night!" - Stephen Lawhead

To fit into the patterns of evangelism, artists have often compromised, and so prostituted their art. But Handel with his Messiah, Bach with his St. Matthew's Passion, Rembrant with his Denial of St. Peter, and the archetects of those Cistercian churches were not evangelizing nor making tools for evangelism; they worked to the Glory of God. They did not compromise their art. They were not devising tools for religious propoganda or holy advertisement. Precicely because of that their works were deep and important. - H.R. Roomaaker

The only thing necessery for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. - Edmund Burke

An individual Christian may see fit to give up all sorts of things for special reasons - marriage, or beer, or the cinema; but the moment he starts saying these things are bad in themselves, or looking down his nose at other people who do use them, he has taken a wrong turning. - C.S. Lewis

You can shut Him up as a fool, spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsence about His being a great human teacher. He hasn't left that open to us. He did not intend to. - C.S. Lewis

Preach as never sure to preach again. As dying man to dying men. - Richard Baxter


Annonymous/Unknown
Hot girl at 3 o'clock. Two wingmen, should be no problem. Cleared in hot.

Words make you think, music makes you feel, and a song makes it possible to feel a thought.

Dance like nobody’s watching, love like you’ve never been hurt, sing like nobody’s listening, live like it’s heaven on earth.

We come to love, not by finding the perfect person, but by learning to see an imperfect person perfectly.

If we meet, and you forget me, you've lost nothing. If you meet Jesus Christ, and forget Him, you have lost everything.


Latin Quotes

Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re. (Gentle in manner, resolute in deed.)
Audentes fortuna juvat. (Fortune favors the bold.)
Fiat justitia, ruat coelum. (Let justice be done, though the heavens may fall.)
Amor animi arbirio sumitur, non ponitur. (We choose to love, we do not choose to stop loving.) – Syrus
Cui peccare lice peccat minus. (One who is allowed to sin, sins less.) – Ovid
Est autem fides credere quod nondum vides; cuius fidei merces est videre quod credis. (Faith is to believe what you cannot see. The reward of faith is to see what you believe.) – St. Augustine

Mass insanity

Well, I can't think of anything better, so I'll start off with a few personal quotes. Some are spinoffs of quotes I've heard before. All speak from personal experience in some way.

"Time cannot erase the pain of a broken heart. It cannot ease the loneliness of a tattered soul. Grace alone can forgive and restore the broken, and God alone can give comfort to the longing heart."

"If I do not believe my choice of religion is superior to all others, what satisfaction can I derive from an inferior religion?"

"Blind belief is as vain as unbelief. For me to trust my eternal destiny to something I am not sure of is foolish."

"We are called to an intellectual, not a blind faith. Any Christian system of education should stimulate a person to think independently, not within a Theological or doctrinal box, but outside of the box."

"Anyone can act like a religious bigot. It takes an act of God to love the unlovely."

"It is easy and natural to love those who show kindness to you. But to love someone, to choose to love someone, in spite of the suffering he or she may cause you, and despite the fact that they will never love you equally, that's Christ-like love: love of the unlovely."


"If I wanted you to understand what I said, I would've used smaller words."


"Dishonest, sure, but unloyal has never been something I've been justly accused of."

"Clothing, music, art, or literature does not make the man; they are but reflections of the heart or masques of the soul."


"To be unloved is a living death. But to be loved for something you're not is living hell."