“There are many good men—most, I think. But not all can be trusted, as you know too well. The same is true when you see a snake: it may be harmless or venomous. It takes practice spotting the difference. But if you aren’t sure, it’s wise to be on your guard rather than be bitten—it’s even better if you know how to cut off its head if it tries to strike.”
Very cool chapter with the girls’ discussion of how to make mincemeat of men!
I just remembered an absolutely fantastic and well-written book that I read in 1995 by René Grousset called “Empires of the Steps”. I think the scholarship has progressed since he wrote that book, but it was a rip-roaring good read and Grousset was one of the revered figures at IU’s Central Asian Studies department when I was there.
Thanks for your kind comment! I have to admit that this was a dark but also fun chapter to write. And I’ll have to look for Grousset’s book! It sounds like it’s right up my alley.
Whoa. Great chapter. There are a lot of quotable lines within this one regarding the natures of men and women. I love the outward strength of Anaita (is that her name?), especially being privy to her internalized doubt and the physical pains she’s enduring while keeping up with these wild, seasoned warriors. I really liked how you introduced a raid and Ana’s knowledge of how to kill a man without actually showing either of those things just yet. It’s a peek behind the curtain, a tease of the brutality of what’s to come. I love this story so far!
wow! thank you so much! this is such a thoughtful analysis. ana definitely comes to her new life with some skills, but i don't think any of her training could have prepared her for the harsh realities of the world she is now a part of. aric throws her in at the deep end, and we hopefully get to see a little of what she's made of--and what she lacks--at this point in the story.
Very cool chapter with the girls’ discussion of how to make mincemeat of men!
I just remembered an absolutely fantastic and well-written book that I read in 1995 by René Grousset called “Empires of the Steps”. I think the scholarship has progressed since he wrote that book, but it was a rip-roaring good read and Grousset was one of the revered figures at IU’s Central Asian Studies department when I was there.
Thanks for your kind comment! I have to admit that this was a dark but also fun chapter to write. And I’ll have to look for Grousset’s book! It sounds like it’s right up my alley.
Whoa. Great chapter. There are a lot of quotable lines within this one regarding the natures of men and women. I love the outward strength of Anaita (is that her name?), especially being privy to her internalized doubt and the physical pains she’s enduring while keeping up with these wild, seasoned warriors. I really liked how you introduced a raid and Ana’s knowledge of how to kill a man without actually showing either of those things just yet. It’s a peek behind the curtain, a tease of the brutality of what’s to come. I love this story so far!
wow! thank you so much! this is such a thoughtful analysis. ana definitely comes to her new life with some skills, but i don't think any of her training could have prepared her for the harsh realities of the world she is now a part of. aric throws her in at the deep end, and we hopefully get to see a little of what she's made of--and what she lacks--at this point in the story.
Thanks so much! I’m glad the darker aspects of the chapter didn’t scare you off! I promise, it’s not all like this ;-)