Hello!
Here’s hoping to ‘meet’ fellow authors and writers, and maybe share tips, struggles and successes.
I’m Carl Bathgate, of ‘C. A. Bathgate’, and I’ve been writing in some form or another since I learned to read. I write high fantasy action-adventure in the ‘Dragonshadowed’ series. Presently, the ‘series’ is four published book and a novella. All are available on Amazon. Book four is published through Raspberry Press, and I intend to publish book five with the same company in early to late 2025.
I’m told my style is ‘intense’, and written for adults as the main characters are 30 - 40, although teens have been very receptive. As it is the fantasy genre, there is a fair amount of violence. Nothing gratuitous, but rather the reflection of a Dark Ages or western Medieval culture. No porn or horror.
I do greatly value honest opinions, and am not offended by comments that some may consider negative or strong. Mostly, I’m here to learn and grow, and I can’t do that if the critiques pull punches. For me, ‘let me know what you really think’. Seriously and with thanks in advance.
About the Author: C. (Carl) A. Bathgate has been a fantasy role-playing referee since the earliest days of Dungeons and Dragons. His writing reflects his world and gaming style: interactive and realistic, original and inventive rather than rules-intensive. What began as a life-long interest in history and the fantasy genre has produced a burgeoning saga. He lives with a very supportive wife and two affectionate cats in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
E-mail: dragonshadowed@shaw.ca
Website: www.dragonshadowed.com
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An example of my writing from the first chapter of Book 3, intended to re-introduce the characters for readers familiar with Books 1 or 2; but orient new readers:
The day star’s early light glinted from the roof tiles as each person made their way from the tavern to the cobbled street. Gyrfalcon had hoped for an earlier start as his companions must endure a long ride while light permitted.
Tamsin had covered her silver scale armor with a deep blue clerical robe and dark green riding cloak. Her oversized riding bonnet sported bobbing green and blue plumes from the peak and trailed ribbons from the brim. She ducked as she entered the street.
Gyrfalcon suppressed a sigh. Another delay, but the hat will proclaim her noble status. Only nobles and actively employed guards were permitted to wear head coverings or carry weapons openly within Valdain. Exceptions were made for small folk working fields or travelling, but even these must remove their hats in the presence of their betters.
The scent of fresh baked bread and a sweet spice enticed Gyrfalcon as he joined his companions. The day star was already well above the glistening tiles of the dew-damp city roofs. Small folk opened shops, trundled carts, or set up street stalls. Vendors cleared throats and practiced calls in anticipation of another day of market trading.
The warriors completed last moment preparations. Rarnok gently deposited the larm, Volver, on his saddle roll. Areskel was already mounted upon the black stallion, Erlik. Dairug and Borre were the last to arrive.
Boulder held a string of plain konik horses. Most were pack animals, but the three largest were saddled. Some of the company preferred carmargue war horses for their size and intelligence, as well as their ability to emotionally bond with a rider. Koniks were less intelligent, but also gentler and easier to manage for poor riders.
Tamsin set her foot in the stirrup of her carmargue mount, Whicker, as a small white cat with pale blue wings fluttered to land at the front of her saddle. “Shadowcatcher!” she exclaimed happily. “Where have you been and what have you been doing?”
The cat mewed a return greeting.
The gates were clogged with the normal traffic of small folk and wagons at mid-morning. Even nobles escorted by feared black guards were required to wait until the worst of the congestion was cleared by swearing watchmen.
Two young knights and their attendant pages waited nearby, grumbling loudly enough to be heard clearly. “These vermin should be swept aside. There’s no good reason for nobility to endure their reek.”
“A quick charge with bared swords would clear them quickly enough,” replied his smirking companion. He pressed his horse to prance in a menacing fashion in the constricted street.
Gyrfalcon nudged Spirit nearer. “Would you be knights errant?”
The knights glanced at the temple warrior and sneered, “What’s it to you? Unless you fancy a tumble.”
The temple warrior smiled, all teeth. “The welfare of the small folk.” He lifted the cover of his shield, displaying the flying falcon crest of the Gyrfalcon. “I’d enjoy crossing lances.”
Knights and pages stared open mouthed. “The Gyrfalcon,” blurted one. The first sneering knight had paled. His companion said, “Lord, we were unaware. We beg forgiveness of our unbridled tongues.”
“Very well,” acknowledged Gyrfalcon. “Gramercy. See that you extend the same to these folk. But for a quirk of the gods, you might labor in their place.”
The group of horsemen retired to a side street, greatly reducing the congestion in the main avenue.
Gyrfalcon noticed the sergeant that had welcomed him upon their arrival to the city. It seemed a lifetime had passed. “Sergeant, a word if you please!”
The sergeant looked up with a scowl that quickly faded as he saw the mounted knight. “Yes m’lord. We’re having this lot cleared as soon as the mangy beasts can be beat.”
“Spare yourself and the beasts, good man. No need to issue strokes. It occurs to me that I’d not rewarded you or your men for your earlier service to the lady. I wish to correct that.”
The sergeant’s look was blank, unsure if he was to receive a sharp kick or milder rebuke. Gyrfalcon handed him a bag of coins. “For you and your men.”
The guardsman received the bag, and looked up with a broad smile as he weighed the contents in his hand. “Thank you, Lord! I trust that your visit was most enjoyable!”
“That it was. We need only enough space for the horses, and only for a moment. No need to clear the entire barbican.”
The sergeant thrust his chin up. “It shall be as you say, m’lord.”
Thank you for introducing yourself and getting this forum rolling Carl. It has been an utmost pleasure working with you and looking forward to your next book!