serial fiction

Through the door (part 5 — AI suggestions)

/ Greg Miller / Leave a comment

[An extension from part 5 courtesy of AI. I had to use a guided approach as nothing the AI suggested freeform was usable. Again, this content was offered up without any modification. ]

ALTERNATE 1:

The group was up before dawn and soon on the move. The terrain was rocky and treacherous, but Rhinna navigated them expertly through winding paths and dark caves. They crossed rivers that bubbled with strange magics, skirted giant chasms, and scaled tall cliffs. The journey seemed endless at times as if they were walking in circles, yet eventually the path opened up to reveal vast plains dotted with unending farms.

As they descended from the hills, Arianna’s mouth fell open in wonderment at the sight of Freehold. Its giant fortress walls sparkled in the morning light surrounded by lush fields of wheat and barley. In the distance she could see a large castle perched atop a hill overlooking it all. It was an unparalleled vision of beauty unlike anything she had seen before in Aldewater or Beyond.

After what felt like an eternity of walking, they finally arrived at their destination late that same evening. As Arianna stepped through the gates into Freehold city proper she couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief after their long journey through darkness and danger – but there was still plenty of uncertainty ahead as to what would come next for her on this new path in life.

ALTERNATE 2:

The next morning, the group set out in high spirits. Despite the demons’ attack, they had made it through the night unscathed. The sun shone brightly as they marched on, and Arianna’s heart swelled with hope. After weeks of being trapped in this cursed place, freedom was just a few more miles away.

The journey continued uneventfully until they reached an open field that stretched as far as the eye could see. Sunbeams licked at their faces and a gentle breeze blew past them. In the distance was Freehold – their destination and safe haven from this living nightmare. Everyone cheered at the sight of it and rushed forward with a newfound energy, eager to be free of Aldewater forever.

Arianna felt like she was about to burst with excitement and joy as she ran alongside Rhinna towards Freehold’s gates. At last, she would be able to reunite with her family and begin a new life away from this cursed world of shadows and despair!

ALTERNATE 3:

Arianna thanked her and curled up against her bag, allowing her eyes to close and enjoy the solace of sleep.

The morning sun slowly rose over the horizon, warming their faces as they prepared for their journey to Freehold. With a nod from Rhinna and Dathon’s staff lit up with a soft, bluish-gray light, the group set out on their final stretch of the journey. As they made their way across Aldewater’s terrain, Arianna could feel a sense of anticipation swelling in her chest – she was so close to reaching Freehold. 

The ground seemed to go on forever as they continued along the path that had been roughly cut away by Dathon’s staff, winding around rocky hillsides. Occasionally, they would stumble across an abandoned campfire or broken wagon wheel – evidence of previous travelers who had often gone back and forth between Freehold and Aldewater Castle. Arianna wondered what they had been like and why they ventured out into these dangerous lands only to return again.

As the morning hours dragged on, months of fear began melting away with each step forward. Eventually, after several long hours of walking through dense foliage and sweltering heat, a clearing emerged in front of them.

Flanked by two imposing towers on either side with massive wooden gates in between them stood Freehold – the capital city of Aldewater County ruled by Lord Thomas Westenfield himself. After looking upon its grandeur from so far away for many weeks straight on their journey here, Arianna found herself both terrified and excited at what lay ahead for them within

Analysis — There’s a fair amount I can use here, though the business in Alternate 3 which involved Dathon’s staff suddenly showing up was weird. Anyway, stay tuned, I’ll try and get something pulled together by the end of next week.

[ AI suggestions courtesy of Sudowrite ]

Through the Door (part 5 — consolidated)

/ Greg Miller / Leave a comment

[ Inspired by what the AI suggested, here’s a continuation of the story from part 4. ]

Arianna’s heart beat faster. There were at least two dozen of the creatures lurking in the darkness just outside the cave opening. “What do we do?”

“Fight,” Rhinna said firmly. “They must not get beyond the entrance, or we’re all doomed.”

She motioned to groups of villagers near the entrance. “You, you, and you bring your spears,” she said. “Form a line. Four to the left and three to the right. Two behind. Arianna, Magnus, and I will be in the center. When we strike, do it quickly, and don’t let them get too close.”

Long clawed fingers crept over the stones lining the entrance, behind which the demons’ low forms slipped into the cave’s torchlight. Crooked and hairy, the dog-like bodies glistened. In the harsh light, their pupils contracted. Low growls and hissing echoed off the walls. A chill carried in the air.

The young woman hardly had time to think of how scared she was before a shrill screech pierced the air. The demons charged forward, and without thinking, She lunged forward with her spear. 

With a sickening thunk, the spear plunged into the body of the closest creature. Black ichor oozed from the wound, and the demon grabbed the spear. But when it touched the shaft, a sizzling cut through the air and the acrid scent of brimstone cut through the air. The creature shrieked even louder as it jerked back. 

“Forward,” Rhinna shouted. At her command, the villagers yelled, charging the demons. Rhinna and Arianna ran with them, thrusting spears at the beasts. 

Snapping and snarling, the creatures retreated, slipping and sliding across the stone floor until they leaped back through the opening.

Arianna let out a shuddering breath and lowered her spear. Her heart still raced.

Rhinna turned and smiled at her. “You did great, young one,” she said, then clapped the young woman on the shoulder. “Now, let’s get everyone settled and get some rest. We’ll depart at dawn.”

Arianna nodded and returned to her travel bag, relieved they had survived. The villagers were safe – for the moment. But she’d gotten one step closer to escaping this world and on her way home. As she sat on the floor, Rhinna approached.

“We’re going to take turns standing watch at the entrance. We’ll let you know when it’s your turn.”

“Okay. Can I ask you some questions?”

Rhinna nodded and knelt next to her. “What do you want to know?”

“The demons. Have they always roamed around freely at night?”

“For as long as I can remember and as far back as my parents’ and grandparents’ time as well.”

“Where do they go during the day?”

“They appear to hide in the deepest and darkest areas of Aldewater, such as Shadow Valley and Graymoor Forest. No one knows, and those who have tried to find out often don’t return.”

“How do Dathon and his followers stay safe from them?”

“I presume it’s because of the Aldewater tree magic in his staff.”

Arianna yawned widely.

“Better get some sleep,” Rhinna said, patting her knee. “Your turn on watch is in a couple of hours.”

The young woman nodded as Rhinna stood. Before Rhinna went to rejoin Magnus, she’d fallen asleep.”

Magnus nodded toward Arianna. “You think she’ll take Dathon with her?”

“I just need her to get me close.” The older woman thumbed the hilt of her knife. “We’ll be rid of him, one way or another.”

“And if she tries to stop you?” he asked, pursing his lips.

Rhinna glanced at the young woman. “That would be unfortunate.”

[ Going to try AI suggestions for the journey from Great Falls to Freehold. Here’s the AI suggestions. ]

Through the Door (part 4 with AI suggestions)

/ Greg Miller / 1 Comment

[ I let the AI suggest what happens next ( from part 4) without any direction or suggestion from me. Also note this is raw, unmodified output. ]

ALTERNATE 1:

“What do we do?” Magnus asked.

“Fight,” Rhinna said firmly.

She motioned to the villagers. “You, you and you, take spears,” she said, pointing to the villagers with weapons. “Form a line here. You four go to the left, three to the right. Two behind them, then me and Arianna in the back. We’ll need to stay light on our feet and strike quickly. Don’t let them get too close to us.”

The villagers rushed to do as they were told. Arianna stepped beside Rhinna, gripping her spear tightly. The night demons growled and hissed menacingly.

“On my mark,” Rhinna shouted. “Now!”

At her command, the villagers yelled, charging the demons. Rhinna and Arianna ran behind them, thrusting spears at the beasts. The night demons retreated, snapping their teeth and growling.

The fight seemed to last forever as the villagers and Rhinna and Arianna parried and thrust with their spears, eventually pushing the monsters back. Panting and sweating, the two women watched them retreat into the night.

Rhinna clapped her hands. “Well fought, everyone. The night demons have been driven away.” She turned to Arianna. “Thanks to you, we all made it out of here alive.”

Arianna nodded, relieved they had survived and the villagers were safe. “Let’s get some rest and head out in the morning.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Rhinna said.

The

ALTERNATE 2:

Arianna’s heart beat faster. There were at least two dozen of the creatures lurking in the darkness. “What do we do?”

“We hold them back until the villagers are safely inside,” Magnus said determinedly. He pointed at Arianna, Rhinna and a few other strong men. “You four ready the spears and then, on my command, charge the demons.”

Arianna hardly had time to think of how scared she was before a shrill screech pierced the air. The demons charged forward, and without thinking, Arianna launched her spear forward. The demon ahead of her yelped in pain as the spear penetrated its body with a sickening thud. The others followed suit, and soon enough, the demons retreated back into the night.

Rhinna placed her hands on her hips and then let out a relieved chuckle. “That was too close.”

Arianna nodded, shaking and still unsure of what had just happened.

Rhinna turned to Magnus. “Now that that’s settled, let’s get these people to the King’s refuge.”

“Yes, let’s go.” Magnus said, waving at the villagers. “Gather your belongings, and we’ll begin our journey.”

The villagers quickly complied, gathering their meager possessions and huddling together for protection. As the group began to move, Arianna grabbed her travel bag and followed close behind, still shaken by the encounter.

She had agreed to this journey, but still, she could not believe the risks they were taking. Still, she had to prove her worth

ALTERNATE 3:

Arianna swallowed hard, her heart racing as the creatures edged toward them. Magnus stepped up and began reinforcing their position with an aura of confidence. Amulets and staffs in hand, Rhinna, Magnus and the villagers chanted a ward of protection.

The chanting lit the air around them as the night demons edged closer, then stopped as if meeting an unseen barrier. After what seemed an eternity of chanting, the creatures retreated, fleeing across the clearing and out of sight.

Arianna let out a shuddering breath and lowered her spear. Rhinna turned and smiled at her. “You did great, young one,” she praised.

Arianna blushed and nodded. “Thank you.”

Rhinna clapped her on the shoulder. “Now, let’s get everyone settled and get some rest. We’ll depart at dawn.”

Arianna nodded and returned to her travel bag. She’d gotten one step closer to escaping this world, and soon she’d be on her way home.

[ Analysis/Commentary – A little rough, but I was impressed by some of the specifics suggested. I might actually use a fair amount of it, in the next post. ]