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Hello,

I'm currently working on a project of sorts.

I'm working on a novel so to speak. I"ve been working on it for the last year now, but I haven't been able to work on it consistently. So far I have about 45 pages written. I thought I'd post a clip here and see what people think so far. Honest opinions is appreciated, though I know a small tidbit won't make much sense.

I apologize in advance for any spelling/grammar errors. I haven't proof read this portion yet. I figured I'd wait to do that for when I was finished.


Jered raced along in the bush, silent and swift as the ever-changing shadows that were cast by the thick canopy overhead. He deftly dodged various holes and gaps from instinct as he worked on removing his canteen strap from around his torso. Reaching the small spring, he plunged it into the water. Looking around as he waited for the water pouch to fill, he spotted something utterly out of place nearby.

A footprint was in the soft dirt by the water, and by the look of it, it hadn’t been there very long. Jered then searched the area for more signs, but saw none. The half elf walked back in the general direction the couple, being sure to aim ahead so as to meet up with them. Watching the ground closely, he came across another print. His eyes widened as he realized it’s different than the last one, and both were pointing in the direction of the small trail his wards were taking.

Deciding it would be best not to alarm the couple, he made a bit of noise as he tromped onto the path before them.

“That’s odd, someone has been on this path,” he explained as his eyes darted around the area. “From what I can tell, it was about three days ago. I found some footprints farther back before I left the trail, and more in a small clearing off to the west a short ways. Not much more than that, however. I’m sure it was nothing more than a trapper or hunter of some sort.” Despite saying this, the couple noted how the guide fingered his bow lightly as he carefully examined the surroundings.

The group continued on, with Jered looking pleased upon finding nothing else of note. The merchant trotted his horse forward until he was beside the guide. “Just where are we exactly, boy?” he asked Jered as he glanced around nervously.

“Well, we’re roughly one kilometer south and two west of Granbir, sir,” Jered started, his green eye locking onto the mounted form. “The path continues to be rather thick on both sides with foliage, and it will be difficult to do little more than follow the trail without making an immense amount of noise. Not to mention just how hard it would be to take horses through such dense plant life.

“If you like though,” the half elf continued, keeping his gaze on his ward.

“There’s a shortcut up ahead. A larger road branches by here soon, and we can take that until we reach another fork. The left portion of the fork heads back to the highway, and we should be in the city within a matter of hours.”

The merchant pondered this for a moment before nodding to the decision. A light tug on the reins and his horse slowed down to that of his wife. Telling her what their guide suggested, she nodded, her movements seeming slow and lethargic.

The two talked quietly to each other as the forest slowly thinned around them, and before either knew it the trail had widened into a modest road, giving them space to stretch a bit. Both looked around in surprise, not recalling exactly when they reached the road. Jered continued to walk on, however, watching the road for any sign of recent travel as though he expected the road to be right where it was. His gaze lingered on a broken twig along the edge of the road. Upon closer inspection, he found a bootprint similar to the second one he found earlier. Keeping quiet, he walked along.

“You know, there is not a lot to fear once you hit the main roads,” Jered piped up cheerfully, turning around as he walked so as to face his companions. A broad, comforting grin was once again on his face. “Roads such as this, while not patrolled as often by the Knights of the Sun, are still watched. Either by local militia or woodsguides such as myself.” Nodding to himself, he turned his back to them. “There are a few others too, but they are rarely seen. Most bandits flee at the sight of a group of three or four people. Most are far too cowardly to face anyone.”

The couple barely nodded at this remarks as they continued on. A few times both of them found themselves being lightly shaken by Jered. Concerned the journey was proving too much for both of them, he offered to stop and let them rest a while. The obese merchant snarled at so offending a statement. “Are you daft? I have to get there quickly! My shipment should arrive soon and I demand to be there before it arrives!” Kicking hard against the sides of his tiring horse, William bolted ahead of the the group, rage having given him some extra energy.

Jered and the merchant’s wife watched as he rounded the bend, the guide being sure to keep out of reach of the woman that uncomfortably leered at him like a piece of roast pig over a fire. The alarming thing to the guide is just how she managed to look so creepy while looking as though she were about to pass out from exhaustion.

A shout of alarm from ahead warned him that something was amiss. Taking advantage of the distraction, the woman quickly leaned down in an attempt to find a firm grip somewhere on the body of the half elf but missed. Not noticing the attempt, Jered quickly tore off ahead of the woman, tugging at his bow’s belt ties to get it free as he rounds the bend. She cursed as her hand swiped at thin air.

The catch itself won't appear for a bit yet, but I'm hoping it comes out the way I envision it. I won't say much (yet) so as not to spoil it.

I'm just hoping my idea of 'something different' hasn't already been done yet stare

I can see the use of religion in a fantasy book with elves in it. But cloning? I am not getting how that would fit.