I’m busy revising my WIP, Fevered Fuse – Book 1 in my Snowdon Shadow series – following some invaluable feedback from my three beta readers, which is allowing me to hone the novel some more.
Among the comments was an intriguing one from my diligent queer diversity reader:
Sparkle’s character is so strong and is so appealing, esp. to the younger generation who also love anime and comics, I wondered if you have considered getting an illustrator to have a look at your book and possibly create a comic book character out of her as well? I have a background in merchandising and I just kept thinking how unique and sexy Sparkle is – she could be perfect for merchandising, if you were interested in going that direction.
So, I pursued the idea – well, the first step on an intriguing road. I approached Jonathan Temples – http://jonathantemples.co.uk/ – the illustrator who did the cover for my debut novel, Spiral of Hooves and much more for other clients, and I asked him for a concept image.
What do you think of his image below? What does it say to you? What mood does it evoke? Which character is which? Where are we? Do you want to open the pages and read on? Or is this not how you envisage my characters?
Okay, I’m trying to let you react before I say more.
This echoes a scene in the novel – with a little bit of artistic licence. For me – and my wife – it captures the right mood, the Welsh setting, and the two main characters. Jonathan made some suggested changes, but his initial drawing provided the right starting point.
But where do WE go from here?
Sparkle Anwyl and Kama Pillai need your input, please
If one side sacks a capital is that a victory? Or not if the enemy takes revenge? The capture and sacking of York did result in retaliation – the burning of the White House – but neither proved decisive.
However, since Gregory Wendell, the author of the diary in ‘Seeking A Knife’in my Snowdon Shadows series, was an RN officer stationed there, it impacted on him.
How much do you know about the War of 1812? Were you aware of where York was? No, not York as in Jorvik. The York in Upper Canada. Does burning the White House even seem feasible?
Although there were few victors, the War of 1812 saw a power-shift at sea, from the Royal Navy to the burgeoning US Navy. Although today, the Royal Navy remains a force not to ignore.
Gregory Wendell, the author of the diary in ‘Seeking A Knife’ in my Snowdon Shadows series, is an RN officer who encounters the USN on the Great Lakes.
How much do you know about the War of 1812? Do you envisage the US Navy as always as powerful as today? Have you seen any of the early ships?
At last I can give you the Final Part of Azure Spark, the investigation featuring my Welsh detective Sparkle Anwyl and her partner Kama Pillai. I hope you’ve already joined these main characters in my Snowdon Shadows series.
The case evolved into a novella as I edited the posts into three acts. I suspect not everyone got to read ‘Azure Spark’ last year so this will be your chance to catch up. Enjoy.
Lake Ontario was a distant vista when I spent a year at college in Toronto. But it proved a crucial area in the War of 1812 for Gregory Wendell. The author of the diary in ‘Seeking A Knife’, Book 3 of my Snowdon Shadows series, is an Royal Navy officer who sees action on Lake Ontario, prior to meeting a Choctaw girl.
How much do you know about the War of 1812? When I studied British history in the UK, it was a footnote to the Napoleonic Wars. But now I’m learning, initiated by spending a few years in Canada. So far, everyone learnt little about the War at school.
Masterpiece. Same colours. Same brush-strokes. Smells original.
The stolen replica of Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night? I study the painting on the easel – and Tesni Szarka’s face. Expressive as her gestures.
The artist smiles and signs, “Once each masterpiece. Stay priceless.” Then she motions to seats by a picture window with a view through the trees towards the rippling stream. “Coffee?”
Kama nods. When we’re alone, and as I scrawl notes, she asks, “Did you pick up more?”
“Yes. Hidden meanings I need to interpret. Patience.”
I grew up learning the connotations beneath sign language. An advantage Kama needs.
My tattoos tingle. R for Rationale and Robbery. U for Unique and Urgent.
Kama is scanning the room.
My focus is on Tesni’s work desk positioned in the natural light. Her current project isn’t a painting.
A blue cracked ceramic pot. No clay. But a sanding tool. Smoky epoxy stings my nose.
R for Repair and Restoration – not Replica. C for Cracked Ceramic.
My analysis is interrupted by Tesni’s return with a cafetière, mugs, jug of milk and sugar bowl on a tray. But she’s noted my observation of her workspace.
“I broke. Repair. Return later.”
E for Epoxy and Excuse. S for Sander and Smoky – and Sapphire.
She pours the coffee and passes us mugs of welcome black warmth.
Kama points to the painting and signs. “And that?”
Tesni sips her coffee, brow furrowed.
“Painted for Urien. Someone try steal. Safer here. We protect. Together-please.”
A mnemonic forms – SECURE. Or RESCUE? Both. She rescued the painting, so secure – if we help.
More notes, then I scroll through my smart-phone to the active CSI report. Chips of pottery…ash.
Tesni tackled the thief – she was at the scene. I show Kama the evidence. “We’ll need her DNA.”
As Kama explains to Tesni about the sample, I examine the ‘weapon’. On closer inspection, the urn looks old – or aged with the same techniques Tesni uses.
“You made this? Another replica?”
She shakes her head and gestures distance. Then signs ‘Abroad’.
Another artist. From the plum blossom, I guess a replica of an antique Oriental vase.
“Whose ashes?”
“Urien’s wife.” Tesni drops her head in her hands and sobs.
L for Loss and Lonely. A for Ashes.
She calls the collector by his first name. Did she know his wife? Is that why she was at his house? Is he a loner too?
W for Wife. F for Familiarity.
Kama reaches out a hand and squeezes Tesni’s knee. The artist looks up and wipes her tears. She stands, then fetches an A4 pad and a calligraphy pen.
On the paper she writes in flowing italics, ‘You need more. My written statement?’
We nod and let her write.
FLAW.
In our approach? Her story? The CSI report?
We leave with her detailed statement, which needs corroboration. Plus, the painting and the urn – vital evidence. Tesni hesitates over us taking them, but we reassure her they’ll be protected in police custody.
W for Witness or S for Suspect? A for Attack.
SAW
For now, we have to class her as a vulnerable witness. Disabled, even if she did fend off the intruder.
Have we increased her danger? Even if my uniform colleagues now watch her house?
A return trip to Llandudno to talk to Desmond Deckard arises as Tesni’s statement claims he imported the urn.
“Bespoke so unique. Ordered specially for Mr Cadwallader – after his wife passed. It’s a replica of an antique Chinese vase. However, as it was crafted abroad, you must talk to my sister and co-owner. Carys handles our imports.” He escorts us to her office.
Carys Deckard is younger than Desmond – and fitter. Early forties. 5 feet 11. Tall and slim.
She smiles as we enter.
“I missed meeting you appealing ladies, when you called before. What can I do? Any excuse to assist you.”
Kama ignores the beguiling undertones.
“Is the artist who made the urn a regular supplier? And where are they based?”
Carys hesitates, then looks at her computer monitor.
“In Hungary. The artist calls herself Aranka.” She scrolls her mouse and clicks. “I wish I had more. Is this important?”
R for Relevant. I write down the name. A for Aranka. But I let Kama pursue.
“Yes, more details could help resolve this. Anything.”
“Aranka is not one of our craftspeople. I only expedited the import of the urn for Mr Cadwallader.” She stares at the view, hand on her lips. “His contact…and the urn was a gift – no charge, except import costs.”
G for Gift.
Kama’s phone rings – DCI Baines.
We move out of earshot and listen, heads together.
“Forensics fast-tracked their analysis. Same ashes in the urn as at the scene. Plus, Tesni Szarka’s DNA is all over the house.”
T for Tesni Traces.
“Her statement implied she visited often” says Kama.
“There’s more – she shares DNA with the dead wife and Urien Cadwallader. She might be their daughter – if she knows.”
F for Family. GRAFT. By who? Why?
“Urien Cadwallader is conscious. Interview him – gently. He may not know either.”
***
Word Count 988: FCA
Comments are welcome as usual, and the following applies:
WINNERS UPDATE – 30th April 2020: Many congratulations to the winners of the April 2020 Challenge. This month there were more talented writers on view. Details of all the entries and winners have been announced here:
Writing Wings 