beknwaka
New Member
So I want to start my novel with something catchy, something that grabs your attention and makes you want to read. So how about this?
The Oracle existed.
She had existed before the Eternal Emperor when The Empire was ruled by many different families, when nobility had jostled for power. She watched young men of court manipulate and posture, forming alliances for the benefit of their family, bargaining marriages and managing heirs. She had even watched on as wars had raged, bright coloured banners streaming across open fields as men fought for the throne.
She had existed when a new race of humanity had been born blessed by the Gods. Young children grew with specific skills, able to interact and manipulate the world around them. She had watched people react in both fear and awe unable to understand children who could talk to the Gods, create nature, control weather and with incredible strength, among other things. She had taken pity on those shunned by parents, helping them find safety among friends.
She had existed when Chaos had taken control of the Empire, a seeping and subtle power that manipulated the hearts of men. The intangible darkness grew like a plague across the land, only noticeable by the sense of gloom as people went about their jobs. She had stood among the cheering crowds as a young, proud man had walked up the glowing palace steps, taking his place upon the throne. Flanked by a small army of priests, bright red robes flowing in the warm breeze, a reminder of his power and of the Chaos that he would bring. She had listened to his glowing speech, his words of encouragement and promises that the future would be promising. Hearing the undertone of threat, the cold edge of his voice revealing subtle hints of pain and suffering that he would bring.
The Eternal Emperor had taken his throne.
That had been the birth of the Priesthood, a religion that grew like cancer. She had existed as the red robed demons had spread running like blood through the veins of the Empire, outlawing worship of all other Gods. She witnessed the burning of temples and the torture of their occupants with a sore heart. Huge stone monasteries were erected throughout the Empire, imposing black structures that marred the beautiful green countryside.
The Oracle had stood on the edge of crowds in small villages, listening to the twisted preaching of the scarlet imposters. Heard as skilled individuals were converted into demons and bad omens, made to pay with their lives for the colour of their eyes. Whereas blacked eyed children were called ‘Blessed’, chosen warriors of the one true god and were indoctrinated into the ranks of red.
The Oracle existed.
She had existed before the Eternal Emperor when The Empire was ruled by many different families, when nobility had jostled for power. She watched young men of court manipulate and posture, forming alliances for the benefit of their family, bargaining marriages and managing heirs. She had even watched on as wars had raged, bright coloured banners streaming across open fields as men fought for the throne.
She had existed when a new race of humanity had been born blessed by the Gods. Young children grew with specific skills, able to interact and manipulate the world around them. She had watched people react in both fear and awe unable to understand children who could talk to the Gods, create nature, control weather and with incredible strength, among other things. She had taken pity on those shunned by parents, helping them find safety among friends.
She had existed when Chaos had taken control of the Empire, a seeping and subtle power that manipulated the hearts of men. The intangible darkness grew like a plague across the land, only noticeable by the sense of gloom as people went about their jobs. She had stood among the cheering crowds as a young, proud man had walked up the glowing palace steps, taking his place upon the throne. Flanked by a small army of priests, bright red robes flowing in the warm breeze, a reminder of his power and of the Chaos that he would bring. She had listened to his glowing speech, his words of encouragement and promises that the future would be promising. Hearing the undertone of threat, the cold edge of his voice revealing subtle hints of pain and suffering that he would bring.
The Eternal Emperor had taken his throne.
That had been the birth of the Priesthood, a religion that grew like cancer. She had existed as the red robed demons had spread running like blood through the veins of the Empire, outlawing worship of all other Gods. She witnessed the burning of temples and the torture of their occupants with a sore heart. Huge stone monasteries were erected throughout the Empire, imposing black structures that marred the beautiful green countryside.
The Oracle had stood on the edge of crowds in small villages, listening to the twisted preaching of the scarlet imposters. Heard as skilled individuals were converted into demons and bad omens, made to pay with their lives for the colour of their eyes. Whereas blacked eyed children were called ‘Blessed’, chosen warriors of the one true god and were indoctrinated into the ranks of red.
