In the son, we see a a focus on ambition and arrogance, perhaps the result of a mostly neglected upbringing in an environment of wealth. Discipline seems to be almost entirely lacking, as well as any character growth based on overcoming a challenge.

While the fruit of the tree is recognizable, it seems to have rotted on the vine, if you don’t mind a mixed metaphor.

Wow, you think maybe I’ll make this book - which is the first 35 pages that I went to a lot of trouble to reformat, re-postwork and in some cases re-render, and which has a new short story that’s never been on the web, and which I’m sweating bullets to get out on a deadline - available to the people who’ve been loyal contributors to and fans of this silly little barbarian soap opera for years?

Ya think??? =D

Yes, next week when the thing has been done and gone to KaBlam for publishing, when I know I will actually have something to ship, *then* I will begin accepting pre-orders for The Challenges Of Zona, Volume One, Issue One.

Hwyla - Already explained his appearance and character, at least the genetic bits of it, in the comments section of the page. Still, always like a squee when I can get it.

Inquisitive Raven - The Down’s Syndrome kids I’ve known have generally been sweet, unlike Maldik. And, if he’d been born that obviously challenged, it’s doubtful he would have been raised at court. And, if he had, I can tell you as the author that Yanora would never have tried to push him as she has done. In fact, it’s an interesting idea you’ve just given me, that in an alternate reality she might have had a child who was truly a child forever, and given that she would never have expected him to be a fit candidate to rule, she might have been able to express a mother’s love more gently, and the relationship might have been more natural and healthy. As it is, his chromosomes are normal. It’s his spirit that’s warped.

Jason - If you read my description of the man, in the comments for the page you understand even better. Bear in mind Eleanor’s descripion of Henry as a young man: “He came down from the north with a mind like Aristotle and a form like mortal sin.”

Addup2 - Bad joke! Naughty,naughty joke!

SteinarB - Many things went into his makeup, and the man you see here. And yes, alas, he’s an idiot.

He’d still be an idiot though. Nothing to be done about that.

…Wherefore art thou, online purchasing link??

Possible JE?

Also, I am going to echo Lebbrin’s desire to purchase the book- but, being an unemployed Brit, I won’t be at Comicon either.