This week, I've decided to focus on my character Kieser Hartford, Commander of the Air Province Armed Forces. My first book is told from the point of view of four people following three primary progressions. Derek and MaTisha dominate, but there's the other two people, Kaio Geotellus and Kieser Hartford. Kieser is young, but he's prepared his entire life to serve his Thanmir and lead people into battle. He's not a glory hound. He is a man honor.
The major dilemma that I've faced with writing Kieser's portion of the story is that I have no experience with war. A man that leads others to their potential death doesn't do so lightly. He is serious and doesn't tolerate foolish behavior. His concern about image and reputation is important because he's supposed to be the man people look to, the man people trust. How does a man like him handle war? He's never seen it. There's never been war before, only slaughter, and that was before his time. When he kills for the first time, it's not easy, but he doesn't have the luxury of letting that show. His love for a woman is pushed aside for the need to guide the men that rely on him.
I've had to think a great deal when it comes to this character. He's plain old human, no special powers, no art to help sway events in his favor. He must rely on his instinct and act on his decisions.
I'll be watching Civil war movies for the next little while to find out what it was like to go up against people that you may have known, neighbors across a border. I hope what you read is believable and realistic.
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