TAGALONG REWORKED AND REMASTERED!
Posted on July 6, 2018
Tagalong was one of the first books I wrote. Published back in 2011, it's a novel that overflows with creativity. Having spent the last two months reading it over again with my more seasoned and critical eye, I worked it over to make it a stronger novel. It's interesting to see my development as a writer. Each time I revisit an older project, I come away with a clearer idea of what I want to achieve as a writer. Tagalong is now a stronger and more vital work thanks to my 2018 insights.
Looking for a fun summer read about a bully and a geek trying to uncover the dark truths of a near-perfect magical realm, where adventures unfold with manufactured precision, then Tagalong is your next read.
Here's a glimpse at one of the later chapters:
Rock Bottom
King Vilkagg was the closest merdragon to the shield. Dylan was intimidated by the size of the beast. Matching the bulk of a sperm whale, the hybrid had the head of a dragon. Its torso, while human in appearance, was covered in scales. Its lower merfolk half was longer and trailed behind it like a serpent's tail, the fins at its end a faint reminder of its aquatic nature.
The king spoke with his mind. Marter Kul seeks to impress us with more gifts. Vilkagg sized them up. A weak-willed One-Eye and a mischief beast, not really suited to our purposes.
Grimble barked, "And what are your purposes? What do you need of Sorceress Clarisma?"
Marter Kul pulled the gremlin back from the barrier. He whispered, "Do not anger him. Their dragon nature makes them temperamental."
Grimble spun and said, "I don't need you to tell me that! You don't think I've met a dragon or two in my day? Worked with a raggedy firebreather on a quest once. Always so stuck on himself." Grimble glared at the cyclops. "I know about dragons. What I don't know is their intentions with her."
Isn't this cozy, sorceress? You have a little protector. The king's thoughts intruded into their drama.
"What do you want with her? Just give me an answer!" Grimble was uncomfortable with their adventure. It didn't move forward with purpose and clear motivations. He desired the comfort of his scripted quest. At least there the villains were direct about their plans.
Very well. I'll keep it simple. Duncan knows we need a unique magical essence. Your sorceress, her soul, is exactly what we need. By sending her to us, he wishes to solidify our underwater nation's might on his side. King Vilkagg swayed in the current.
"Why didn't you knock down my barrier? It's clear you have the muscle." Clarisma was not fearful.
We wanted to see the strength, the durableness of the goods the wizard offered us. Your essence is very strong to last a day under the pressures of the deep. The merdragon gestured for two of his guards to approach. We've seen enough. It's time to bring our business to a close.
"Wait, you can't!" Grimble squawked. He placed himself between Clarisma and the barrier. The two guards the king had summoned were moving backward in preparation of rushing the bubble. Their tridents were already forward at the ready.
"Stop, gremlin! You cannot change this!" Marter Kul tried to drag the tagalong away.
Grimble shot the cyclops a look. He hissed, "I told you, I know a thing or two about dragons. I can work out a deal. They're hopeless gamblers. They can never turn down a dare. Trust me."
"King V, I have a proposition for you." Grimble puffed out his chest and swaggered over to the barrier.
The king stared at the gremlin.
"I bet you guys think you rule the ocean. You probably think you're the greatest warriors this side of the tide, huh?" Grimble arched his left eyebrow.
We do not need to qualify our skills. The king motioned for his guards to wait. What are you getting at?
"I had a simple thought, a notion really. A tiny wager to make this little episode have a bit more flavor." Grimble turned his back on the merdragon. "Nah, you wouldn't go for it. I guess it would be best for me to save my breath and hope I can swim to the surface."
There was fire in the king's eyes. Marter Kul looked at the other merdragons who had all swum closer. The spark danced in their eyes too. The gremlin had them all intrigued.
What is it, insect? Vilkagg bared his teeth.
"How about we have a little contest? We win, you send us back to Duncan. You win, you go ahead with your soul plan for the sorceress."
Marter Kul was dumbfounded at the assuredness the gremlin radiated. Grimble's confidence dropped a measure when he mentioned Clarisma, but the cyclops was sure the merdragons hadn't detected it. They were all truly caught up in the excitement of a possible wager.
I'm listening. Vilkagg was fairly drooling at the prospect of a contest.
"A faceoff of sorts. I bet one of us can get to the bottom of this trench without your finest warrior leaving a scratch on them."
Foolish imp. That's not a fair wager. None of you could do that.
"I see. You're backing down from a silly dare. Really can't blame you. I wouldn't do it if I had the upper hand. Just thought I'd try." Grimble stood next to Clarisma.
Which of you would try this stunt? Maybe it would be wrong for us to deny you such a mindless and hopeless request. Vilkagg did not like to lose face.
Grimble winked at Marter Kul. "That would be me. I'd be the warrior who would try to get to the bottom."
Laughter floated through their heads. You? Tiny little you are the warrior who would do this? Vilkagg rolled about in the currents, gripping his sides as he fought to control his amusement.
"Yeah, you send your mightiest warrior to try and harm me. If I make it to the bottom without even a simple scratch, you let us go free. You up for it, King V?"
The merdragon bit his lip. Very well, I will humor you. You make it to the bottom without a mark, and I'll send away all you filthy airbreathers. But know this, you will be facing me. I will be the one to slice you open. He held up his claws, rotating them for the gremlin's benefit. I will give you a moment to prepare yourself.
Vilkagg turned his back on the threesome trapped on the ledge.
Grimble wasted no time. He wagged a finger at Marter Kul. "I need your help."
"Don't look at me. You talked yourself into this."
"Turn me to stone, you buffoon! Turn me to stone and throw me over the edge. I'll sink fast and that Numbknob won't be able to cut me open, not even a scratch. He'll have to let us go."
Marter Kul froze. The gremlin had lost his mind.
"Be quick. I know it'll work!"
"I will not be a part of this foolishness. You have no idea he will honor his word."
"Believe me, his dragon side won't allow him to back out. Dragons are hardwired to honor their word." Grimble grew impatient. They had very little time.
"Do it, cyclops," Clarisma said. "His plan has merit. Dragons are creatures of honor. The will pay allegiance to any oath they make no matter how silly or treacherous." Clarisma touched the gremlin's cheek, boosting the tagalong's confidence and leaving him slightly lightheaded.
"Very well. Prepare yourself, gremlin." Marter Kul shook his head.
Grimble curled up into a ball, tucking his head between his knees and wrapping his slender arms around his shins. He reasoned a compacted form with no weak arms or legs exposed afforded him his best chance of seeing his foolishness to its end.
The cyclops removed his cowl and froze the gremlin with cold efficiency. He picked up the stone gremlin and stepped toward the edge. He glanced back at the sorceress. "Will the barrier collapse if I throw him through it?"
"I can control it enough to allow him to pass through." Clarisma focused her attention on the barrier. Renewed by the courage the tagalong had displayed, her energies brightened the bubble.
Vilkagg addressed his captives, seemingly unaware that the gremlin was now a statue. Marter Kul wondered if the newfound brightness bestowed on the barrier was preventing the merdragon from seeing Grimble's new state.
Do come along. On your way, gremlin. Vilkagg smiled.
Marter Kul flung the gremlin through the barrier without a word. He watched as Vilkagg took off toward the plummeting statue.
Swimming alongside the gremlin, Vilkagg stared triumphantly up at the sorceress and the cyclops. His glowing trident thrust his next action into the spotlight. He rammed his clawed hand into the gremlin, surprised the tagalong didn't try to evade his attack. He was even more surprised when his claws bounced off the cold stone of the gremlin.
Uncertain what had just happened, he began a flurry of jabs at the sinking target. None of his claws could penetrate the gremlin's hardened skin. His anger boiled as he flew into a frenzy, attempting to slice open the gremlin, but only succeeding in causing the stone beast to rock ever so slightly as it continued down into the depths.
Abandoning his target, Vilkagg swam back to the bubble. His eyes, narrow slits, cast spite at his captive audience. What did you do? That gremlin is like a stone.
"Not like a stone. He is a stone." Marter Kul flapped his hood. "My mother's gift. I'd show you, but I doubt you'd like to end up like the gremlin."
Trickery! You knew my claws would be useless! Vilkagg swayed back and forth, agitating the currents around him.
Clarisma kept her voice calm and direct. "You are a creature of your word. Grimble will make it to the bottom without a scratch from your claws, Vilkagg. Release us! Send us back to Duncan so we can be of some help!"
The merdragon king's mind fumed. He stared at them for a long time. Finally, he smiled. You are smart indeed. I will honor my request. I will release all air-breathers. You and the cyclops will be sent back to meet your fate with the Wizard.
"And Grimble? Send your guards to retrieve him and send him back as well." Clarisma said, relieved the tagalong's plan had worked so well.
Ah, there's the catch. I only have to send you air-breathers back. Grimble stays. In fact, he stays at the bottom of the trench. Why waste my guards' energy over a creature of such little consequence.
"What are you saying?" Clarisma's concentration wavered. Her bubble slipped, becoming smaller.
I will honor the intent of my words. Air-breathers, like the two of you, will be sent away. The gremlin, in his stone form, no longer draws a breath. I have no obligation to send him away. Vilkagg's eyes flashed with madness.
As the spell the merdragon king summoned with his trident pulled them back to the Wizard Duncan's castle, Clarisma wept, burying her face in her hand.