Before you dive in: Jeaniene and the two of us are having a chat on Zoom this Saturday at 5:00 pm EST. The event is sponsored by Ashland Library, and it will be an informal fun chat. If you would like to attend, register here. If you would like a signed book from this event, order here.
By the way, we have changed the bookplate design, because now we are self-published and not beholden to the Ilona Andrews name. The new bookplate will say House Andrews, so this batch from Blue Willow will be the last of those.
When we last left the inn, the debate led by the First Scholar was about to begin. We bring you the first half of it. Please note, we have manage to procure a better image of Prysen Ol, since the last one was slightly off the mark.
The white light bounced between sections, highlighting their retaining walls, and stopped on Team Frowns. A small section of the front wall slid aside, and a stairway unfurled from the gap, leading down to the bottom of the arena.
Ellenda rose. She wore a black robe with an elaborately pleated deep hood. It was an odd choice. I’d noticed it when their delegation took their seats. The fabric of her garment was very basic, almost coarse. It looked out of place compared to everyone else’s formal wear.
The Uma woman descended the stairs, approached the orbs, and lowered her hood. Kosandion became very still. Her face and neck were splattered with gold paint.
I had encountered only three Umas counting Ellenda, and one of them had stayed at my parents’ inn. He also wore the gold paint. I was six years old back then, and I told him he looked very pretty. My father apologized and later explained things to me. The Uma wore that gold paint when they were in mourning. Someone had either died or was about to.
It was a safe bet that nobody in the arena recognized the gold for what it was. The Uma guarded their culture very closely. But Kosandion would know. They were his mother’s people.
“Choose your opponent,” First Scholar Thek prompted, indicating the orbs with a sweep of his wing. They looked identical.
I killed the breeze. Gertrude Hunt had been pumping air through hidden vents to imitate a slight wind, but the air current wouldn’t be helpful for what happened next.
Ellenda put her hand on the closest orb. Its transparent shell popped like a soap bubble, releasing a swarm of glowing golden insects into the air. They surged up, turned, streaked to the Murder Birds’ section, and hovered around Pivor.
Pivor rose with a big smile, bowed to the left, bowed to the right, grinned again, displaying even white teeth, and made his way down the stairway that formed from his section. He crossed the arena and stood opposite Ellenda. They faced each other with ten feet between them. Tiny blue sparks by their ears announced their mikes being activated.
I restarted the air movement. A lot of species, humans included, felt more at ease with a light draft versus completely still air.
“The question the two of you must contemplate today is …” The First Scholar paused dramatically. “What is more important, happiness or duty? You have one hundred moments to consider your answer.”
The arena fell silent. Seconds ticked by.
The First Scholar’s egg turned white. The time to prepare ran out.
“Daughter of Uma,” Thek said, “The floor is yours.”
“Duty,” Ellenda said.
The First Scholar turned to Pivor.
“Happiness,” the Murder Bird candidate said.
Silence.
The First Scholar waited for a couple more breaths and turned to Ellenda. “You must defend your answer.”
“Happiness is fleeting, subjective, and selfish. Submitting to and successfully carrying out your duty ensures the continued survival of society.”
“Duty is equally subjective,” Pivor answered. “If I see a child being chased by a predator, is it my duty to intervene?”
“Yes.”
“But, by intervening I put my own survival at risk. I am an adult who survived diseases and the perils of my own childhood. If I am killed by the predator, would my death not be a greater loss to society than a child who has yet to mature? Could that child take my place and assume my obligations? What of my duty to my clan and family who depend on me?”
Ellenda didn’t answer.
Pivor kept going. “You say that duty exists to ensure the survival of society. I say that the purpose of society is to create individual happiness. Every law of a successful society is designed to help its members attain that goal. We seek to guarantee safety, access to resources, individual rights, and we even guard mandatory leisure. Therefore, the pursuit of happiness is supreme over carrying out one’s duty.”
“I would save the child. I have nothing more to say.” Ellenda put her hood up.
The First Scholar waited a few seconds, but the hood remained up.
“Very well,” he announced. “Thank you both. You may return to your seats.”
The two candidates rejoined their delegations. The white light bounced again.
One of the twelve delegates was an assassin. I was hoping for a peek at their cards during this debate. Some clue, something that might identify them as a killer. So far, Ellenda was defiant, and Pivor came off as selfish. Not particularly illuminating.
The light stopped on House Meer. Bestata rose, her black syn armor swallowing the light. She had attached a white cloak to it, made of lightweight fabric. I upped the draft, and the cloak billowed behind her as she marched down her stairway.
“Dramatic,” Kosandion murmured.
“Vampires often are. One time they visited this inn in secret, but they still had to introduce themselves, so they forcefully whispered their House creed at me.”
Kosandion smiled.
Bestata reached the orbs and planted her hand on one of them without hesitation. It burst, and the glittering swarm veered to the Dushegubs and settled on Unessa’s hair like a crown.
“Nice touch,” Kosandion approved.
“Thank you.”
Unessa sashayed her way to the arena floor. She wore a brilliant green gown that moved with every step, giving hints of the pale skin underneath.
“I pose the following question for your consideration,” the First Scholar announced. “What is the purpose of your existence and why is your purpose superior to your opponent’s? You have one hundred moments to consider your an…”
“Procreation!” Unessa said. She turned to look at Kosandion and smiled.
Bestata stared at her for a stunned second and looked at the First Scholar. “I am supposed to debate that?”
“Do your best,” the First Scholar told her.
“There are other things besides procreation. Devotion, the pursuit of personal excellence, learning, gaining expertise, passing it on to next generation.”
Knowing Thek, she had just earned all the brownie points. She was talking about martial prowess, and he was thinking in terms of academic wisdom, but knowledge was knowledge.
“Honor,” Bestata continued. “Pride in accomplishments. The glory of your House. A death that would be remembered. All of these are more important than simple copulation and reproduction.”
Unessa smiled. She was likely going for sweet, but there was a rotten edge to it. She looked slightly reptilian, like a lizard about to snatch a grub.
“And if your people stopped breeding, who would do all those things?”
“My people haven’t stopped breeding for thousands of years. It is an instinct. I do realize you’ve been brought up by logs but do try to think less like a stump.”
A long shoot slithered out from the large Dushegub in the front row of their section.
Bestata kept going. “It is unfortunate that you have been raised for the sole purpose of trapping a male with your looks, but you don’t have to be just pretty fruit on the vine.”
The shoot coiled on itself in a tight spiral.
“At least I am pretty,” Unessa said.
“Thank the gods for that,” Bestata snarled. “Nature had to give you something to compensate for your boiled egg brain.”
The shoot snapped out, launching a projectile into the air. Sean and I moved at the same time.
A pit appeared in the middle of the arena floor, sucking the projectile into itself. Long flexible tentacles erupted from inside it, grabbed the Dushegub, wrapped him up like a mummy, and pulled him into the hole.
The arena went silent.
A single breath passed and then the stands erupted.
The Donkamins made a weird ululating noise. The otrokar stomped their feet. House Meer stood up and clapped, roaring. The Oombole section turned into a 4th of July fireworks show with colors and fins flashing in a dizzying display.
The Dushegubs hissed and creaked in unison. Unessa opened her mouth and hissed at Bestata. The vampire knight sneered and bared her spectacular fangs.
Sean slid the pit toward the killer trees, the tentacles hovering straight up, waiting to snatch the next troublemaker.
I rolled my voice through the arena. I didn’t scream, I didn’t raise it, but it sounded loud, and it was everywhere.
“No interference with the trials will be tolerated.”
The Dushegubs fell silent.
The First Scholar spread his wings, calling for silence. When the arena complied, he leaned forward and spoke to Unessa. “Do you have a rebuttal?”
Her eyes narrowed. “I wasn’t told I had to bring one with me.”
Bestata spread her arms and looked around at the audience.
“Very well,” the First Scholar said. “This debate is concluded.”
Unessa raised her chin and shot a triumphant look at the Dushegubs.
“You didn’t win, idiot!” someone yelled from the otrokar section.
Kosandion put his hands together, covered his nose and mouth, and shook a bit, making strangled noises. It looked suspiciously like laughter.
Unessa turned toward the First Scholar.
“While crudely voiced, the assessment is undeniably accurate,” he told her.
She spun on her heel and marched back to her section, her hands clenched into fists.
Neither Unessa nor Bestata seemed likely to assassinate Kosandion. Unessa might try, but she would be very obvious about it. Bestata didn’t seem like the subtle type either. If either of those two targeted the Sovereign, it would be a direct assault. The way he spoke about it suggested a cunning hidden enemy.
“Instead of attacking the question, the knight attacked her opponent,” Resven said.
“She holds her in contempt,” Miralitt said.
Resven raised his eyebrows, but Miralitt didn’t elaborate.
Kosandion glanced at me. He was Caldenia’s nephew, so he knew perfectly well why Bestata reacted the way she did, but he wanted a public explanation. Perhaps it was for the viewers at home.
“The Holy Anocracy prizes personal excellence,” I told them. “They strive for a life of individual achievement. Bestata had to train and fight since she could walk. She knows she can kill Unessa in individual combat without even raising her heart rate. Now she also knows that Unessa’s thinking is underdeveloped. From her point of view, the Dushegub candidate is a useless pretty thing unworthy of her true effort.”
The light bounced between the sections and stopped on the Kai. Prysen Ol rose, swept his layered robe back with an elegant gesture, and descended the stairs. He always held himself with a kind of quiet dignity. Even as he was walking now, his gestures were small, his right arm was bent at the elbow and held across his body. He didn’t swing his arms as he moved, he didn’t take large steps. It was all very deliberate and restrained.
Self-control would be an excellent quality for an assassin.
Prysen touched an orb. The insects spiraled out, floated over to the Gaheas, and danced around Nycati’s purple hair, matching the golden diadem on his head. The Gaheas candidate stood up, a flawless graceful movement, and took the stairs to the arena floor.
An appreciative murmur spread through the spectators and died down.
“Interesting,” Resven observed. “Those two appear well matched.”
I had looked through the footage from yesterday’s dinner and something caught my eye. On paper, Nycati came from a scholar family, aristocratic, but mid-ranking, and all appearances indicated that he was selected for his merits and achievements. The head of the delegation, Naeoma Thaste, was the equivalent of a duke, one step removed from the royal family. He outranked Nycati by a mile.
Yesterday at dinner, Naeoma made a disparaging remark about Donkamins. Nycati looked at him for a moment, and the duke looked down. The Gaheas were psionics. They duelled by staring at each other. To look away was to back down, but to lower your gaze to the ground was like kneeling with your head bowed. Complete submission.
Only a prince could stare down a duke. Nycati was Gaheas royalty. I was sure of it.
A Gaheas prince, even if he had been raised in secret, would have survived dozens of attempts on his life. Most of them were experienced efficient killers by adulthood or they died. His delegation lied about who he really was. They could have done it because they secretly wanted to tie their bloodline to the leadership of the Dominion, or they could have done it because Kosandion was their target. Either way, Nycati’s chances of being the assassin had just shot up into the stratosphere.
The First Scholar surveyed the two men. “The question before you is as follows: Why are you here?”
“Before I can answer,” Prysen said, “would the honored scholar be so kind as to define ‘here?’”
“Indeed,” Nycati agreed. “It is a fair request. Does ‘here’ designate a physical location or a fixed point in time? Does it refer to our presence or our purpose?”
“How can we be sure that we are ‘here’ at all?” Prysen added.
The First Scholar puffed to twice his size, looking positively giddy. His eyes sparkled. “The interpretation is entirely up to you. You have a hundred moments to compose your thoughts.”
First ?
Very close combat today, but you are the winner!
Yay * makes a little dance of celebration*
Now onto this chapter… I feel like the last question could be asked in a job interview, especially with that ” interpretation is up to you” 🤣.
Authors never disappoint on the cliffhanger and the chapters. Can’t wait for the next chapter 💕💕
First? Only day I could be…
first
Well, it was the fastest I’ve ever been anyways.
It said I was 4th
Omg,
So sweet to be refreshing,
Thank you
This is soo utterly fabulous, thank you, House Andrews,
Yay and thanks!
TGIF!
wow!
I see 3 comments ahead of me. By the time this goes through, it’ll probably be 5 or 7…
I’ll say it was close combat. I literally just refreshed and already 7 comments.
Combat so close it would give the vampires pause hehe 😀
I loved this scene! Debate is really bringing out individual personalities, and it’s interesting that Dina is on space television as culture expert.
*Inserts wild speculation* If House Andrews is no longer beholden to their previous appellation, they’re going to publish all their new books with no author names, only a house crest. I propose something similar to this art by Matt Gaser.
https://www.mattgaser.com/projects/daydream-festival/
Or, they could adopt one of those celebrity couple names, like Benifer. I don’t see a way to combine Gordon and Ilona into an aurally pleasing word, though Gordonilon (emphasis on the second syllable) gives me Voltron vibes. Heheheh.
Ilondon?
Gilona Ordrews
Very Tolkien. The city of Gordonilon, ruled by the House of Andrews ever protected the sages of Illondon as a matter of sacred responsibility, defying the Dark One at every turn since the dawn of the age unto this day.
Friyay….
love Fridays & new chapters…
More space chicken screen time
Thanks HA… even with all the events this week… we got our chapter relief
First?
Not today, I’m sorry! Try again.
Happy Friday! Thank you for the chapter and all the Innkeeper guests shenanigans.
I lost it when I read Thek asked Unessa if she had a rebuttal and her reply “I wasn’t told I had to bring one.” Of all the answers in a debate, that has to be one of the goofiest responses I ever read. 😀
That would have had me howling if I weren’t already in tears from the “raised by logs” line 😀
That’s a good one too.
I lost it at “… they forcefully whispered their House creed at me.”
Clean Sweep nostalgia! 😀
Me too! I definitely giggled at that.
Ditto! I’m trying Very hard not to laugh at work…Loved the first debating pairs.😂✨
Oh! Oh! My thoughts also! Now I’m wondering what a vampire rebuttal might look like. Bet it’s some type of weapon 🙃
Trebuchet: T-rebuttle-chet?
House Andrews!
Top 100 maybe?
I can even offer you Top 30! 😀
Thank you for the update!!! Love these.
Side note – I read one of the above comments as “close wombat” instead of “close combat” and was very confused. hehehe.
You know what they say, always keep your wombats close and your Dushegubs slightly further.
Yup, yup, I’m pretty sure that’s the proverb.
Oh, I vastly prefer this visual of Prysen! Those two are an immense amount of sigh-worthy eye candy. Thank you for that.
The debates are so fun!! I love now Prysen and Nycati caused FS Thek’s eyes to twinkle. He’s enjoying his job, but these two seem to have sparked glee.
They almost out-koo-koed him! 😀
I was so waiting for this… i do love gaheas…he has my vote
Thank you for the pictures. They help.
+1
This is like sitting through a multiple course meal prepared by Orro. Each installment is perfection!
Exactly
+1
Ahahaha oh no. The only thing worse than one philosopher is more philosophers!
The internet suggest either a “ponder of philosophers” or a “confusion of philosophers” for the collective noun, but “a intergalactic debate of philosophers” is probably the one to go for when the philosophers belong to 3 different alien species 😀
I dunno. An Intergalactic Confusion of Philosophers seems to be accurate as well.
Confusion. Definitely confusion.
Nice!
Or an Intergalactic Dispute of Philosophers…since no two ever agree.
How about a koo-koo of philosophers?
mwahahaha!
Thank you!
I love it debate battles are the best.
Oohh this first challenge is already exciting!
Thank you for this chapter!
This is my personal best! Woo hoo…!
The Dushegubs really don’t learn do they?
Looks like we have secrets within most of the delegations – this should be fun!
(As always, thank you – hope you have a critter-free weekend)
At some point, if House Andrews feels like it, I would love to know the evolution of Dushegubs to sentience on their planet. That has to be a doozy!
Sentience on their planet seems to have kind of a low bar, honestly.
Fab, I look forward to Fridays now
Have we had a defintion of “moment” as in “You have a hundred moments to compose your thoughts.” please?
moment noun
mo·ment | \ ˈmō-mənt \
Definition of moment
1a: a minute portion or point of time : INSTANT
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moment 🙂
Oh well, I just wondered if it had some specific universal meaning in universe, because a second wouldn’t (I think? I learnt about this a looooong time ago) because it’s linked to how me count time which is wound up in our planet’s rotation (or I may be talking total rubbish, I do at times 🙂 )
I thought I remembered reading a definition for “moments” in one of House Andrews books but don’t remember where now.
was it the atosecond? or something smaller than that? (Sweep in Peace, George, elaborating on Orro’s “my fish can’t wait a moment more” speech)
nanosecond?
+1
That’s gold. The two candidates accidentally end up in a 3-way debate with Threk.
This is so much fun! I’m loving the debates and the whole story. Thanks for the Friday treat!
+1!
I have a conspiracy theory about Ellanda + Kosandion + the gold markings…🤔🤫
If you’re going to bring conspiracy theories to Horde class, you have to bring enough for everyone 😀 . Please share hehe.
Conspiracy theories are like salted cashews… you can’t have just one!
+1
yes share any and all conspiracy theories 🙌
Honey-roasted salted cashews
Ellanda is the assassin. She is simehow related to Kosandion’s mother. As he is “here” to kill him, she is in mourning.
That was my first thought.
Maybe her party contains the assassin and she is trying to warn him? Hmmmm? 🤔😁🤷♀️
I’m late to the conspiracy/horde party, but yes, I agree with you: it seems like Ellenda’s gold paint could be a veiled threat or warning to Kosandion. The constant frowns of her dominion delegation suggest something, too.
Perhaps she is wearing mourning colors because she is grieving something or someone she left behind. Even though she’s a contestant, she might not want to be there…
Hahahahaha unessa checking with the first scholar if she really lost
Happy space chicken because he found fellow professional nitpickers.
I lost it at “How can we be sure we are *here* at all” 😀
Nitpikus ergo sum.
Yes!
That’s probably worlds better than my lived experience of “I fret, therefore I am”
oooo good one!
My answer would be if we are not here, we are there, or we could be everywhere, or nowhere. 😁🤓
LOL that just reminded me of the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland!!
So exciting! Thank you.
For some reason I thought they all would have the same debate question. Silly me. Thek will be positively twitterpated by the end of the debates. I keep wondering if Kosandion has already made his choice or at least who he will not chose. Interesting about the gold for mourning. I still feel rather sorry for Kosandion having to live his life. But then I do not like political infighting and power grubbing. Well written and rather fun to read,
I think living in Texas has really done a lot for your writing, even if the excitement and fun don’t seem to correlate directly.
close to first?
What *is* close? Can we even ever know First, truly?
You’re first 60 😉
Now you’re channeling Thek!
Thek’s next question: “What does it mean to be first?” 😆
🤣
I imagine that SOME of the candidates have been eliminated. Certainly the rankings that Kosandion was given will ease the way towards eliminating some (at least the bottom 3-4). For example, if I remember correctly Dushegubs were close to the bottom, so flubbing the debate question too, gives Kosandion plenty of room to eliminate without much societal grumbling. Bestata, on the other hand, for those back home who felt Kosandion was ‘weak’, may feel justified by her continued agressive/belligerent/take-no-snot attitude.
Personally, I laughed so hard at her as a reader, but if I was a member of that society, and wanted HARMONY, insults and arrogance would be a big no for me.
Somehow I can’t see the Murder Trees leaving quietly when they are eliminated. Sean might get to kill something after all.
😆 close is as close does
So cutting, Bestata!
I know Unessa is part of the murderous trees gang but I did feel for her.
Thank you HA. Very exciting.
Aw, come on! She’s stupid as a stump…er, post…
Yes! I wish they had called her out for personal attack not related to the question.
Meanness and toddler name calling does not befit a strong vampire reputation
Thank you for the newest chapter. I love the debates especially the last question! My first thought was…what does “here” mean? So thrilled to see Prysen and Nycati follow suit. ; )
Oh those last two are First Scholar’s very favorites now!
Brilliant, and so enjoyable. Thanks for the snippet.
Yay Friday chapter!! 💖📚💖
Interesting pairings for the first round of debates. The “results” event should be lots of fun!
Was Ellenda’s choice of gold paint and her choice of the Murder Bird’s candidate to debate a subtle message to Kosandion? Her comment,”I would save the child,” a declaration of support in emergency?
I don’t think she intentionally chose the Murder Birds candidate 🙂 . The spheres are identical, they pick one at random and then the insects inside fly to a candidate.
And probably not random at all. Won’t be surprised if Dina has instructions on order and pairings either from Kosandion/his retinue or from Caldenia. He has already admitted that they do adjust the information seen by the public to help manipulate the ratings.
oh! somehow I had the impression that the candidates chose their debate partner.
The candidates chose from a number of identical spheres, so there is no way for them to tell who the partner would be until the golden insects released fly towards said contestant 🙂.
There are science fiction characters who strive for intelligent thought without emotion. The stories usually frame those characters as highly successful, though often harsh and maybe a little blind.
I really like that the Dushegubs, who have no emotion, are almost comically inept in this story. I keep waiting for the Secret Plot Reveal, because this is House Andrews after all, but it’s really funny so far.
Dinah learned to see a long time ago – witness what she noticed about Nycati. I wonder what will happen when Caldenia finally teaches her to hear as well?
I’d be thrilled to be tutored by Caldenia to see and to listen!
There’s a part of my brain that’s wondering what would happen if Kosandion picked the first scholar instead.
I wonder what the ratings would be on that?
THIS has got me rotflmao 😂
Yes yes yes! First Scholar for the queen mother of the Empire!
Loved the debate.
My anxiety over the impending assassination attempt is rising. . . I voted for the psionic in the poll.😱
oOoOO, the smexy menfolk are going to get all philosophical! I might also, like the First Scholar, be puffed up in anticipation!
Poor First Scholar. The first two debates must have been so unfulfilling for him!
I love the philosophical space chickens! ❤❤❤
The debate is soooo juicy. I especially love the way that the species presented so far are acting within their cultural/species normal parameters.
I’m with Scholar Thek!!!!!!!!
Oh, so very excited for the next installment. ❤️
I finally got to read it, and it was amazing! My interpretation/guessing is the Ellenda is mourning the death of a child. But is it a child that Kosandian could’ve saved but now it’s too late and/or that having heard the rankings she knows he won’t save the child? Or something else because the House Andrews imagination is sublime?! Brilliant instalment, thanks.
HA! So happy you are free to choose how you go forward.
Love this serial. So many options for the future action~
This is awesome. Best way to start my Friday. Loved Thek’s comment “The interpretation is entirely up to you”. I’m putting it on my list of things to causally mention during some kind of work meeting.
I want to use the “raised by logs”. I’ve known a few Unessas.
Thank you. I know you had a difficult week that involved medical issues. I did also but rereading Sweep of the Heart while at the drs helped me in staying calm and relaxed. White coat syndrome is not fun.
*hugs*
OMG, “ I do realize you’ve been brought up by logs but do try to think less like a stump.”
I am in awe
What an devastating insult to a tree-like being! LOVE IT!
It’s such fun meeting the other candidates, thank you!
This month has been a grind on so many levels… and yet, every week, Friday rolls around and I’m feeling low, and I get a notice that a new chapter was posted. And every week, without fail, I am both surprised (because I’ve forgotten it’s Friday) and my whole day turns around. Thank you so much for that.
I am *loving* this debate. I would love for their to be multiple rounds, even if I feel confident that it’s not feasible for pacing reasons. Just know that, in my head, this debate goes on all day.
A technical question: Did you find the picture for Ellenda and craft the symbol of mourning in the story to match the picture, or did you add the gold paint to the picture to match what you planned to write?
The picture was so perfect the gold markings were written in 🙂
It is a wonderful picture. Very evocative.
The picture was so perfect! This makes absolute sense! I continue to primarily be pro Nycati & Prisen Ol, but MAN ALIVE! Is she spectacular!!! Then again, maybe I wish for her a match that fits precisely what her heart, mind, and life would thrive with. Being a suitor for the Letero sounds stressful and exhausting!
This has been one of most favorite Innkeepers so far – even if my mind is mush due to life I general and I can t keep everyone straight yet!! HA you never disappoint!
Thank you for such a sweet installment; the story is unfolding in beautiful and unexpected ways! The different perspectives are refreshing and pairing the photos with the debaters was most kind. I’m enjoying each contestant, but I’m most eagerly anticipating the Fish Debate. I can’t wait to see what House Andrews does with them.
Me too, I can’t wait to see if the translators mangle the question and unintentionally offend someone.
Or maybe they’ll intentionally offend several someone’s and we gleefully watch the ensuing melee… Whatever scenario House Andrews pursues, its guaranteed to be interesting.
First Scholar Thek is amazing! I just want to squeeze him!
I appreciate the pictures of the candidates. It helps me to keep them straight in my head 🙂
Here for all the candidates pictures https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/intergalactic-bachelor-vote/ . Just in case someone has missed it 🙂
Just to see if I can get in the top 100, as this is the first time I’m seeing this post 2 hours after it’s live!
99th comment, by the skin of a vampire fang! 😀
Yay 🍾🥳
For some strange reason I thought I saw a blue box behind Nycati there for a minute 🤔🤣🤣🤣
The Doctor will see you now 😀
Love it
Love it in the here and now ❤️
First Scholar cracks me up after a hectic Friday. I’m so glad he’s included.
Lovin the debates. Such great insight into the characters, plus just plain fun. I love’s Ellenda’s “I’m saving the child and that’s all you get from me.” I think my favorite debate was Bestata/Unessa. You don’t get much better than forgetting to pack your rebuttals. I can’t wait to read the other match-ups.
And we got a jazz fins display!
Takeaways from the debate so far.
Pivor, a candidate for being father to Kosandion’s child, has just indicated that he would let the child die in favor of his own skin.
Unessa has an underdeveloped sense of critical thinking.
We now have a candidate to be brutally executed to keep the Dushegubs in line. Any speculations on means? I’m thinking burned alive, though wood chipper is also good.
I vote wood chipper. What a fantastically impersonal way to offend someone as you are killing them. Although maybe the wood chips would still be contaminated and able to grow. 🙁
O_o Really freaked me out with that idea. Hoping that’s not true or they’d have thrown a stick up out of their pit and waited for it to sprout.
So, basically Groot’s evil twin.
I was so not having a good day, this just changed everything…. thank you!
All of the Pivor and Unessa voters are going to have to pick a new favorite next round, those two are clearly not in the top 1/2.
“I do realize you’ve been brought up by logs but do try to think less like a stump.”
Oh boy 😀
“Do your best,” the First Scholar told her.
I imagine First Scholar shrugged helplessly and silently commiserated.
I too heard that commiseration tone loud and clear 😀
Good questions.
Looking forward the Nycati v. Prysen. I voted Prysen in the poll, but the description of Nycati in this chapter as potentially a hidden prince tipped the scales in his direction a bit. I still like Prysen, but…
Unessa how could to fail me like that? 🤦🏻♀️
She wooden know…
🤣😂🤣
You’re punny! 😁
OMG 🤣🤣🤣
LOL
I love the first scholar, especially his picture, it is beautiful.
Yes!
I love the first scholar. Again, it almost hurts when these segments end. So good. Thank you.
How I wish I could share a meal with House Andrews and discuss each debate. It would have been especially fun to contribute before hand.
Debate and civil discourse have been sadly neglected in our children’s education. Huzzah for exemplifying it in fiction. Nobody has been killed yet. The threat will hopefully become the deterrent.
Exactly what I needed after a long week!
Thank you!
Keeps getting better and better.
I hope Bestata is not the assassin because with that answer she is my favorite so far. And I added sound effects in my head when the murder tree was sucked down the pit. Made it kind of funny, but the poodle beast is looking at me like I lost my mind.
so long as he does not vomit a bathroom carpet in confused protest, you’re good!
I really love the story so far. Different and new twists everywhere.
Thank you so much 🙂
Love this! Thank you very much!!
Congratulations on your name change! House Andrews is a very fitting name indeed!
House Andrews just keeps getting better and better. Thank you!
A very Subjective chapter bringing to light each opponents strengths and weaknesses. With the last question the best of the bunch.
Interesting debate, and more interesting answers, which tell a lot about candidates.
To House Andrews label – I personally don´t mind, but many librarians would probably hate you as with any author with more than one pen name. “Will all the books be under Kim Harrison, or do I leave some under Dawn Cook?”
Hi Robin,
I think there is a little bit of a misunderstanding 😊, this refers to brand and marketing, on bookplates and further merchandise, for example.
It is not an announcement for a new pen name.
I hope this helps.
Thank you for clarification, I was surprised
Ooh….positively giddy reading this!
*HA!* “Why are you here?”
And forth came the answer to delight any learned scholar!
I am a little sad about Ellenda. I wish her traits were not stubborn or petulant. I’d love her as far from angry traits as possible. She’s my favorite but it’s clear she has no shot. I’d like her to have a spinoff series where she covers her skin in magic glitter and saves the worlds.
Her attributes are defiance and conviction, as we see in this chapter- I don’t think the intention is to code her as “petulant” or angry 🙂. She is mournful and dignified, not childishly sulky.
And if you look into the history of the Uma, which the voters from the Dominion are maybe not aware of since it is a closed culture, you understand why:
“ The Uma had been discovered a thousand years ago by Earth’s time by one of the slimier Galactic nations. The newcomers arrived bearing gifts and sweet promises, and it took almost twenty years before the Uma realized they were not being helped, they were being colonized. The invaders severely underestimated the Uma spirit. In less than a century, they were purged from the planet, and the Uma shut their doors to most of Galactic visitors. The lucky few who had been invited told a story of a beautiful world populated by fierce people.”
from https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-11-part-2/
She is probably even with Nycati in my mind, but I can’t help but wonder if the citizens of the Dominion might dismiss her specifically because she is the same race as Kosandion, rather than bringing interesting new genetics — and possibly jazz fins — to the match. But I really like her.
I’m so incredibly excited! These two are my absolute favorite candidates since our first meet! And their “clarification/debate” of the meaning behind the meaning of the questions make me [almost] as excited as First Scholar Thek!!!! And then your elaboration on Nycati….. exquisite! Thank you for this delicious anticipation!!! (partly bothered by my excessive exclamation marks… but let’s be real, they are accurately representative right now of my emotions!)
Yippeeeeee! That was great!
So many exceptional moments! And wouldn’t Kosandion and Ellanda make a stunning child?!
Thank you for another riveting installment
Employee Plant Sale order and a new Innkeeper chapter, my day is complete!
Interesting! Looking forward to next week’s continuation.
I wonder if Dina or someone did the matching and the insect globes are rigged, or if they’re actually letting the candidates choose.
I am really enjoying this Innkeeper story! It’s absolutely wonderful – especially with all the creative characters!
omg that was so much fun! Team frowns definitely won that one, but Uma isn’t coming across well enough. The murder birds just showed their true colors, heh, even tho the answer was well reasoned.
So, is the dushegub dead or just removed to durance vile? Dina did say they’d have to kill one to keep that group in line. And I loved the rebuttal Unessa didn’t bring with her, roflmao! Bestata actually seemed quite intelligent and a real possibility as a mate.
Looking forward to the next debate!! Prysen Ol and Nycati seem evenly matched indeed. Not just pretty faces! Hehe
Thanks much for this! I bet y’all had fun with this segment.
Aaannnd I´ve found my ship for this book. Prysen + Nycati would be perfect together! The way they both have fun playing around with the question and challenging the First Scholar instead of each other is so cute, I can´t even!
Plus, Prysen´s new image suggests a bit more contrast between them. And Nycati´s background made him instantly loveable – it´s a House Andrews specialty to present a minor character and in just a few lines give them so much background they definitely need their own book! I just hope Prysen can match that. So looking forward to next week now!
The Dominion wants to ship Prysen and Amphie from Team Smiles hehe, clearly he is Universally (see what I did there?) appealing!
😂😅 so good ModR! But also, I love them so very much, I don’t want either of them eliminated!!! Particularly at this stage!
They’re my two favourites too. Maybe a thruple….
These installments always improve my Fridays. Sincere thank you to House Andrews!!!
Debate by space chicken. Could there be anything better to lift the spirits? Ahh…
Thank you.
Great debate so far. The why are you here question reminded me of “Hitchhiker’s guide to the Galaxy” and 42.
Have a great weekend
Wait…why is she assuming there is only one assassin? Id be surprised if there are less than 3.
I think that’s mainly on Kosandion, but, as we can see, our intrepid Innkeepers are keeping everyone equally under surveillance 🙂
So one candidate, one person in the gallery, and then one random hidden/unknown one (maybe a chef tries and someone gets a redemption arc)
There’s always the Head Advisor/Grand Vizier Resven as one of them.
I myself have totally cut Caldenia out of the running for mate or assassin, because I’ve been wondering “What would make a woman of her status and power kill a family member out of the blue?”
I keep coming back to Kosandion’s reaction when meeting her; not fear, not hatred of a father-killer. Why would he be so … accepting?
My thought? The Father was either doing, or about to do, something that both Kosandion and Caldenia found so abhorrent/dishonorable/despicable that the only way to expunge it was murder. The question now, since Kosandion was still a “youth” despite being Heir — did Caldenia kill her brother, or did she just take the blame?
This^
I’m leaning towards Calendia covering for Kosandion somehow and/or the murder was about getting him on the throne.
Do we know what happened to Kosandion’s mother? I’m wondering if Ellendra being “defiant” has something to to with how his mother was treated?
Omg, awesome thoughts. I was thinking there must be a very good reason for Calendia to commit the murder. I’m thinking the gold paint is now an Uma warning that someone is trying to kill Kosandion.
Do you think Caldenia would eat a Dushegub? They would have a lot of fiber – keep her regular and all.
Love it!
First attempt of open violence effectively thwarted and no one has been eliminated as suspected assassins. Loving the debates!
Amazing chapter. My favorite. I will always love the vampire knights above all. Lol
Its a good thing that this is a different universe than Hidden Legacy. Imagine if Caldena and Grandma Victoria got together. They do sound like sisters!
That would be a cage match to remember, cage match being the only way of staging it that would be safe for the rest of us.
Oh yay! Battle of the thinkers
Yes
Nice! Excited for the next part.
I fell asleep waiting for the post and trying to be first in comments 😅🤣.
Well I guess these challenges are worthy because my ranking has taken quite the shuffle.
My 1st choice hasn’t debated but those who have debated have all moved up and down … poor murder chicken 🐓delegate took a nose dive. Unessa … Wow they need to go or poor Dina is going to have to cut down a tree 🌳
Definitely don’t want House Meer to WIN but she definitely won that round.
Most fascinating are Ellenda (Umas), Prysen (Kai), Nycati (Gahea) … want to see much more of these contestants
I am just so extraordinarily fond of the First Scholar. Not sure exactly why but he’s adorable and cracks me up and I love him. LOL
So good!
Thank you.
I Love your books
If you made this series twice as long as the Kate Daniels series I for one would be estatic and buy them all as usual.
More and more questions 👋👋👋👋 soo good. I await till next week oh House of Andrews
The First Scholar puffed to twice his size, looking positively giddy.
His eyes sparkled. “The interpretation is entirely up to you.
You have a hundred moments to compose your thoughts.”
So much for trying to run out the clock.
An egg timer! I love it. This is so much fun.
😂 A space chicken wielding an egg timer! I wonder if that was Sean’s idea as well hehe
This was so good. I can’t wait for the rest of the debates!
Thank you for posting this even amid your trying week. ((Hugs)) 😊
Sorry for the typo! I was hurrying and didn’t catch that my phone used *you’re* instead of *your*! 🤦♀️ I swipe and it’s not always accurate. I usually try to proofread, but obviously didn’t. 😬
No worries, fixed.
Thank you! 🙇♀️ You are an angel of grammar! 😇
Bahahahaha thank you!
I have a theory about Ellenda and the gold.
I wonder if the Umas live a long time and Ellenda knew Kosandion’s mother. If so I wonder if when she said she would save the child she means Kosandion but she wears gold because she doesn’t think she will be able to stop it.
Oh wow. If this isn’t THIS story, it definitely needs to be A story….
Exciting start to the debates! And, may I say, I just love First Scholar with his giddy enthusiasm and sparkling eyes 🙂 Go Thek!!!
Ha ha, a giddy First Scholar! Have always loved that picture of him 🙂
Great start. I hope the questions get harder. I hope Dina can see those who would qualify as a secret murderer. Great likenesses.
Today is International Tea Day.
I thought this was essential knowledge for House Andrews.
Loved the debate.
This was so funny… I continue to be surprised at Kosandian being so… human? Likable?
A lesson not to judge intergalactic tyrants by their titles, perhaps…
Is the yellow sparks truly random or is Dina controlling who is matched with whom?
I feel sorry for Unessa. She is a slave and don’t seem to know it. I get a feeling that Dushegubs will murder her when she loses .
Loving the debate!
Also was watching telly the other day and Nigella Lawson came on and my first thought was… Lady Wexyn!
Ahh, this is gorgeous! Thank you so much. I do enjoy the First Scholar, and he’s obviously enjoying himself.
Nycati was my choice because of his psionic abilities, I thought his abilities and his intelligence brought a lot to the table. But now that it appears he and his delegation have been duplicitous about who he really is, I don’t know 🤔
Happy Chicken. Happy readers.
I saw this today and cracked up thinking about the koo-ko 😂 (hoping the image shows up)
Hehe 😂
Haha, I love it.
He needs to marry Miralett. I know she’s not a candidate, but it seems like something is there.
Completely loving this addition to the series!
That wAs amusing
Next week on Sweep of the Heart: https://youtu.be/0N_RO-jL-90
OMG YES!
ROFL! Thank you for this.
+11111
Seconded!
Here! In whatever manner you decide to interpret. Will now bethinking of this all week. Love the First Scholar and his questions/comments.
Thank you!
wow, i LOOOOOOVEEEEE it
Thank you so much!
Im late to the party this week. Sat 8pm, luckily I get emails to remind ne there are posts from House Andrews.
I am loving this book 😍🥰
Thankyou very much, this is very exciting! I love house Andrews
Love, love, love this!
Thank you so much!
Bestata was awesome – I thought was hilarious that an otraker acknowledged the Vampire won.
Maybe I missed something but was it confirmed the assassin was amongst the delegations?
My money is on the Dominon retinue.
Let’s see, we’ve got some winner winners chicken dinners! Space Chicken is cooking with gas, and the candidates are racing their engines…mentally speaking that is…
Too bad Unessa’s is a weed whacker.
The registration was closed by time I got to it. Hope the event went well today. Any chance we can get a link to a recording?
You can watch the event on the Ashland Library YouTube channel here 🙂 https://youtu.be/XStE_qDZCYc
Thanks! You are the best.
No longer ‘beholden to the Ilona Andrews name’–can you elaborate on that? If you’re changing your book plates to “House Andrews” does this mean we might see that as a new pseudonym on the next book?
*Well, a future book, anyway
It does not refer to pseudonyms 🙂, more to branding and using fan nicknames freely in marketing etc.
I’m with Ellenda on her answer. At that level, duty would take precedence over happiness. Though happiness would be found. I have to admit, I really loved Bestatas answer and reactions the best. She dealt with Unessa as you would a spoiled child. Not to mention the quick reaction on the attack. Well done! The debate should prove very interesting between Nykati and Prysen. I like the new art for Prysen. I can’t wait for the next update. K
Cogito, ergo sum. (Descartes)
Cogito cogito, ergo cogito sum. (Ambrose Bierce)
Non cogitat, ergo non est? (About Unessa)
❤️😂
Omg,
Veritas vincit!
I’m loving this debate. 😀
Ooh I didn’t think I’d ever relate to the Dushegrubs, but I eagerly anticipate this answer too!
This is such a fun story. I’m eager to see part 3 of the debate.
I loved this snippet. I decided to go back and start reading from Chapter 1. I am not sure if this has been asked already but why does the Inn go through so much wood? Is the wood “food” or a source of energy for the Inn, supplementing the magic that guests provide?
Hi Z,
The Inns sometimes use prime matter to make the changes the Innkeepers require. These resources can also be synthesised, but it speeds things up to just provide the Inn with what it needs- be it wood, stone, fabric etc 🙂.
You can read more detail about it here https://ilona-andrews.com/2022/paint-names-and-fussy-chancellors/
At the beginning of Sweep of the Heart, Gertrude Hunt specifically needs a lot of wood as it is opening a new door to a new mystery location- as you just reread in Chapter 3 🙂:
“Not to mention that the inn was branching. Shortly after Maud and Helen left the inn, Gertrude Hunt began to grow. Inns branched for reasons known only to them. Right now in the far corner of Gertrude Hunt, a simple hallway formed of the striated wood that was the essence of the inn led to a barrier glowing with pale silver. Eventually that barrier would vanish, and a door would form, opening to another world or possibly a different dimension. That’s why the inn had been gobbling up firewood by the cord. When that door opened, which could be any minute, one of us needed to be there because we had no idea what lay on the other side of it”
From https://ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-3/
Is there a description of the orbs that release the golden insect swarms? I feel like I missed their introduction. I picture them as white and basketball size.
I want this book soooo much. I want it NOW!
Thus far this has been my favorite IA creation EVER.
Thank you, Ilona Andrews for the snippet. We enjoyed it. I wonder how many of the “failed” candidates marry other “failed” candidates.
Interesting about House Andrews tidbit. it could be like JD Robb is a pseudonym for Nora Roberts. Or Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle for Jayne Ann Krentz. Or something else.
Hey Lynn,
It’s not a pseudonym announcement, it has to do with merch and branding 😊
I hope your mother is ok!
Yay, debates! Thank you.
Intrigue! Subterfuge! Love it!
Uh-oh! A true debate! At least there is only one space chicken allowed to speak 😉
I once had an interview question – if you were on an island by yourself could you communicate? I love this question why are you here? How many levels can any person answer that on at any one time? I am here now because I love catching up with this story and wish I were sitting in the stadium as guests of Dina and Shawn!
I really want Bestata to lose, because I hate how snobby she is. Although First Scholar indicated that Unessa lost, Bestata didn’t provide a real answer to the question. She started straight off on attacking her opponent’s answer. Her snarky answer about her people never having stopped procreating because it is instinct may actually work in Unessa’s favor.
I wonder if Nycati and Prysen meant to suck up to the First Scholar or if that was a happy accident.
I think they simply are…birds of a feather!
Badum-tsss!
I’ll see myself out.
Unessa’s answer lacks nuance, but in reality is the correct answer. Biologically, procreation is the primary purpose of life, unless you are immortal. It is so important that it is hardwired into our bodies, so it is considered instinct.
In a true philosophical debate format, her opponent’s attacks on her (ad hominem) would be ignored/discounted/penalized, and the lack of an actual distinct answer would make Unessa the winner.
As always, a delight to read!! As soon as I begin reading anything by HA, I am quickly and completely sucked in to the world, characters, and action, and it is easy to suspend disbelief and become personally invested in the story. To me, that is the mark of a superior author or authors. It is the difference between just reading a story, or becoming immersed in it. I thank you again for sharing your talent and hard work, so I can leave behind the worries of the day, and escape to a world with wonders and characters it is easy to care about.
Sweep of the Heart is shaping up to be yet another shining jewel in the collection of HA’s works, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to get to read it now, and then again when it is published! I love the poll that you have created for us to vote ourselves, thus allowing us to be actively involved and in the same position as the audience in the story who will be voting for Kosandion’s (sp?) future spouse. Brilliant and fun!! 🤩
Dang it. I want to say I hate you because I only read bits and pieces. I don’t well waiting. But anticipation is wow.
literally lmao moments in this one. this story gets better and better! thank you, HA!
What happened to Gorvar? They saved him and then he dissappeared from the story. Did he live?
Hey Julie,
Gorvar is recovered and well, he did not disappear 🙂 – in fact you can see him in this very Chapter:
We were walking through the short dim hallway side by side. Beast trailed me, and Gorvar trotted by Sean’s side. The two animals had decided to ignore each other’s existence, concentrating on guarding us instead.”
He was also there in Chapters 10 and 11 during the introduction of the characters 🙂 https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-10-part-2-2/ and here https://www.ilona-andrews.com/2022/chapter-11-part-1/
Hope this helps 🙂
WONDERFUL! I can´t wait for more…
Great chapter – so fun to learn the personalities. Must admit, even though Unessa doesn’t come across as very bright or having any personal depth at all, Bestata seems kind of crude as well – completely caught up in her own superiority. Not likable.
And those two guys going off on the philosophical spin.. reminds of the roman rethorics. And a bit of myself at university when I could go on and on about something being transcendent immanense or immanent transcendence. Twenty years later I just get impatient with these pretty boys “what is your point?!”. Then they will continue “But what is a point.. is it a finite point in the universe or an infinite moment of clarity in the horizont of existential being?”
I love the First Scholar though, maybe because he has the intellectual depth and can put the youngsters in their place as well.
And nice to see that Kosandian can laugh too.
This is excellent. Thank you!
Thanks for the beautiful and fun chapter!
After this ending I think “Prysen and Nycati” became the favorites of First Erudite 😂😂😂
And also one of the “possible couples” I was shipping had a brutal and premature death😓
I saw on TV the Shooting in Texas, are Ilona Andrews ok? Is it near them?
Hi Sami,
Thank you so much for checking in, House Andrews are not geographically in immediate danger but of course, like the rest of us, really heartbroken and affected by another senseless and hateful act. I hope we will get to see the end of these horrors soon and our hearts are with everyone affected.
‘Her eyes narrowed. “I wasn’t told I had to bring one with me.”’
That was my ROTFLMAO moment for the week! Thank you!!
This is just pure fun, and I love it!
Awesome…we need this approach for presidential debates.
The video chat from the library event on Saturday was so much fun!! So cool to see House Andrews and Jeaniene Frost together! Books and updates, and of course Charlie the Frenchie and the cute bird! He seemed to be quite comfortable hanging out in your writing office. Has he visited there before?
This was wonderful!!!!!!