Much of the action of the Wolves of Winter Part Two takes place in the north west fishing port of Heliop. As I was putting together a scene this week I found myself thinking there was something very familiar about the frontier town I had created.
Its funny how subconsciously, influences from your life creep in - I can see John Wayne and Dean Martin, sauntering down the main street with trouble in their eyes and justice in their pistols; the trees are pressed depressingly close about the town and pine forests don't let up for miles, and like during my recent trip to Sweden you can sense the claustraphobia that grips the denizens of the towns many drinking dens. You start to think about what music might be playing if this scene had a sound track, and I can hear something soaring from Dio era Rainbow or Sabbath.
The beauty of writing though, is that when you read it for yourself, you will bring your own imaginings to the piece, and they're all equally valid. One thing's for sure, Heliop is a human quagmire - spend too long in the town and you may never get out - Rulnik better watch his step!
Until next time, up the elves!