Writing is not really something one can or should put a deadline on (though people do it often). Whenever I write something, I tend to go back to it multiple times and try to improve it, which is why I find it hard to say 'it will be done in a week from now'. The Third Extract, which I intend to post here, is no exception. I'm still improving it, because some elements are giving me a headache. Hence, it's still not done. However, I did try to illustrate an object mentioned in this extract. Rather than posting the drawing at the end of the month (like I promised when I mentioned the Gallery of Characters), I am posting it now, ahead of the Third Extract, so that you can visualize it before the extract is here. I did the drawing myself and may work on it some more in the future, but here is the first version. Hope you like it.
The drawing you see above is the mask of the King of Dreams.The King of Dreams was an obscure warlock who, like many others, had suffered at the hands of the Paladin knights. But unlike most alchemists and warlocks who fought the Paladins using conventional means, such as swords and black magic, Vlad (The King of Dreams) made the dream world his favorite battleground. He had the power to conjure such nightmares that left grown people shaking, afraid to fall asleep. By invading their dreams, Vlad would drive them insane or rob them of sleep and rest, forcing them to end their own life.
Like Oberon and many others, The King of Dreams met his end at the blade of a paladin sword, too.
Legend has it that whenever he walked the dream world, he wore a mask inscribed with magical runes and symbols. The paladins made sure to bury him along with the cursed mask...the mask of The King of Dreams. The location of his grave has always been a closely guarded secret.
