Hello, hello!! Hope your April has been going well so far 💖
I'm still chugging along on this chapter, but I'm at that unenviable point in the writing process where the same scene has multiple variations so it feels like I'm stuck in the same spot for weeks even though I am actually making progress 🥲
In case you didn't know, CH12's very lengthy process aside, for all the previous chapters I've generally given myself 3-4 months per update, and it seems like CH13 will take closer to 5-6 months, but I'm honestly just relieved I've got a routine going on lol. So yeah, I'm hoping the rough draft will be done late May/early June and the release date will be maybe 1-2 weeks after that for proofreading!
I don't have much else to report on that hasn't already been stated in previous progress reports re: the content of this chapter, so have another little preview instead for one of the public petitions the Crown will have to decide on ✨
“If they are willing to help,” the commander argues, “then why should we not allow them to?”
You shift your gaze to the priest, giving them permission to respond.
“The spirits are malleable creatures.” The priest addresses you rather than the commander, although they cast an irritated glance in the commander’s direction. “There is a reason we do not use them for battle: history has proven they tend to become unstable and aggressive as a consequence. I understand Arsur’s armies are in a difficult position, but the short term gains are not worth the long term consequences.”
“The history that the priest refers to was many centuries ago,” the commander replies. “Not to mention, it was the result of experiments gone wrong: magi who abused the spirits in order to test their limits. We would not exploit them in such a way. In fact, we would accept whatever restrictions you deem necessary—”
“So you say,” the priest interrupts. “But how are you to oversee such an undertaking?”
The commander exhales a short breath, seeming to be losing their patience, though they respond in a measured tone: “That would be part of the agreement we would discuss. Even if it is in a limited capacity, it would be of great aid.”
“It cannot be in any capacity, commander.” The priest scowls. “Setting spirits upon other people—”
“On our enemies—”
“Even if they are enemies, they are people all the same. Whatever spirit you use to harm others will have its nature changed forever, into one that is capable of inflicting violence on a whim.”
The commander smiles sardonically. “No different than people, then?”
Which side would your Crown lean towards? Let me know in the comments 👀