SAMPLE PIECE I

Rina, Lulu and Ana are close friends. They lived in the same neighborhood. Lulus red
painted home was at the edge of the block and close to the main road. Rina and Anas houses
were beside each other around six houses from the friend, Lulus. They have been friends for
most of their lives. Even Rina and Anas children are also very good friends. Lulu is divorced
and her only son working abroad. Rina has a daughter named Nikka and Anas daughter who is
about the same age as Rinas is called Rose.
Rose and Nikka went to the same school and are also very close with each other. Both
were very intelligent and quite stunning. Rose has green eyes, auburn colored hair and stands
about 5 feet and 9 inches. Nikka has hazel eyes and blonde hair. She stands 5 feet and 8 inches.
Both are very popular and are sought after by many boys.
Two boys, in particular, are interested in the girls, Richard and Anton. Richard was
around 6 feet, had dark eyes and hair and was well built since he went to the gym a lot. Anton
stands at around 6 feet and 2 inches, had blonde hair and gray eyes. He as not necessarily buff,
but has an athletic form. These two are also close friends. They both have a bit of a reputation of
being bad boys.
One cold October afternoon Rina and Lulu were having hot chocolate in the living room
of the latters house. The host, Lulu asked Rina: so how is your daughter? She is not giving you
any trouble? Rina shook her head and replied:no she is a good girl. Lulu shifted in her seat
and said:so why the distracted look when you made mention of her? Rina took a sip of her
chocolate and responded:well she is with that fellow, Richard more often than usual.
He is not courting her is he? Lulu asked. No, they are just in the same group for some
school project I think. Rina said. But I am not at ease with the boy. He seems untrustworthy.
She added. Maybe you are being a bit too suspicious? Lulu said as she gulped down some
chocolate from her violet mug and leaned back on the backrest of the couch. Well, I trust Nikka
but not that boy.
Lulu stared up at the ceiling and said:you know Rin, I heard something similar from Ana
the other day when we were out for some coffee at the mall. What was the boys name? Hmmm,
let me try to remember. She scratched her temple as her eyes darted from the ceiling to her
friend sitting right across her. Damn, I cannot seem to remember. Anyway we can ask Ana
when she gets here. They were expecting their other close friend to arrive for their weekly
gatherings. They heard the door open, and they turned towards it just as their friend Ana entered
it.

Traffic was bad at the intersection. Ana said as she entered the living room and took a
seat on the empty couch right across Rina and Lulu. So what is up? She asked. Rina
started:An, who was that boy you were talking about that was seeing your girl more often
lately? Rina said. Lulu added: what was the boys name again, An?
Oh, let me remember, hmmm, Anton, that is his name Ana responded. So this is also
the boy who has caused concern for your girl? Rina asked. In the same way that I am a bit
worried about my daughter. She continued. Lulu added:it seems we do have something
interesting to talk about this afternoon.
Rina said:oh and it gets more complex than this; with Nikka, she was irritated the other
day since that boy, Richard was pestering her to go out. I could not help but notice that. Ana
added:well, I know more. The other day Rose was on the phone with your daughter Rin, and I
overheard her talking about that boy, Anton and how he is sort of pressuring her to do
something, and she was complaining to Nikka about it. I could not help it, but browse through
her mobile when she left it on the dinning table and I read several disturbing messages. She
adjusted how she was seated. Lulu said:oh do continue. As she and Rina eagerly awaited Ana
to continue her narration.
Ana continued:I learned to my shock that a boy named Anton was pressuring Rose by
threatening her to spread rumors that she cheated in her Literature exam where she got a perfect
score. The guy was asking that she date him. And I also learned that his buddy a guy named
Richard was also involved. In forwarded messages from Nikka, I found out that Richard was also
pressuring her to go out with him. If not, he will say that Nikka helped Rose cheat. And that is
the plot here. In my opinion, it would damage our daughters reputations as outstanding students
if this continues. The distraction and distress alone are trouble enough. Rina and Lulu nodded in
agreement.
We have to do something. Rina said. I have an idea. It is devious and a bit overboard,
but will likely work. Lulu added. Ana said:well, lets hear it.
Lulu said: we can abduct them for the night and threaten them to stop and release them
just before morning. We can use my black van to do that. Ana replied:gosh Lulu where did
you learn things of that sort? Lulu snickered and said:well, I have a cousin who works for the
mob down in Chicago, haha. Ana added:Since we seem to be considering doing this, we might
as well use my house as the place to trap them since that boy Anton has already been there.
All we need to do is get them there, Ana said. Rina suggested:I do remember that the
girls will be at their other friend's house next Wednesday, we can do it then. And Ana can use
Roses mobile to send a false message to Anton and Richard to be luring them to go to my house
where we will be waiting.

SAMPLE PIECE II
A cold wind blew, sweeping up snow as it blasted across the trail. The leaves on the trees
that lined it rustled. Marcus held a sword in his right hand and the one handed axe in the other.
He trod lightly as he walked. His body was tense and poised to spring into action. He steadied his
breathing as he looks around. He was certain the barbarian he was chasing ran down this path.
It was twilight and in a few moments dusk would descend all around him. He his gaze
moved from the path to his feet. He saw crimson there. He crouched and slowly placed his axe
down the snow-covered ground. With his free hand, he felt the blood stains by his feet. He felt its
warm sticky constitution between his fingers. He did come this way. This is fresh he could not
have gotten far: He thought.
A short distance from him, he thought he saw a figure of a man. He quickly took hold of
his axe and began to walk towards the tree line where the path ended. He readied and told
himself:it is just one man, what can he do? He is in furs and rags. I am in fine armor.
The wind blew then suddenly the gale began to abate. He did not like it. It was too dark
and calm. His prey must be here. The blood trail led to the woods. Again he saw traces of blood
on the leaves of the bushes. It was fresh and still dripping. Marcus thought:He was just here. He
is close. He pressed on passed the bushes towards the woods.
He then stopped. He thought he heard a sound. Convinced it was nothing he moved on.
The fading light yielded more to darkness as evening approached. The commander said to be
back quickly. But I am not going back without this one, he thought. As his mind pondered his
prey at the corner of his eye, he noticed something, a glimmer a short distance away.
As it got closer it became more familiar. Its edge caught the light as its slim and short
length whisked towards him. It was now too close to dodge so he did the only thing he could, he
swung his axe at it as it neared him. Luckily he was able to deflect it. He now realized it was a
knife, small and good for throwing. Close by, he saw movement. A figure was running towards
him with sword in hand and a round shield held in another. His adversary has finally revealed
himself.
Marcus prepared to block as his enemy leapt at him and attacked. Marcus Gladius
caught the opposing blade as he swung his axe which his enemys shield caught as well. They
backed away from each other preparing for the duel to come.

SAMPLE PIECE III

Danton sat comfortably in a chair on the balcony of a mansion on his country estate. He
had only a long towel to clothe himself. He could feel the morning chill as he admired the mist
slowly receding from the woods a short distance away. The balcony door opened, and Elise
joined him on the balcony. He has been seeing her for several months now her beauty still
stunned him. Her red hair, deep blue eyes, silky white skin and wonderful form still captivated
him.
Elise stood next to Danton, and he could see that she was wrapped only in the blanket she
used the night before. Their eyes met as she leaned close and smiled at him before she proceeded
to kiss him deeply. This highlighted another trait he liked about her. She was straightforward
with her passions. And she often would take the first opportunity to indulge them with virtual
abandon.
As they kissed Danton pulled her close and onto his lap. Memories crept into his
consciousness. He remembered her long flowing hair covering their faces as they kissed. He
remembered their struggle amidst the sheets, the tight grasp of her hands behind his back and her
distinct scent that filled his nostrils.
He remembered her passionate touch and her dilated azure eyes as she invited him forth.
He remembered when he went skydiving that wonderful feeling of falling. This cocktail of
sensations all emanated from a mere kiss of this woman now in his arms. Just as they began to
drown in the moment they broke from the kiss. The ending left much to be anticipated and
cherished.
Elise leaned back on Danton as he propped his chin on her shoulder. Neither of them said
a word to each other and yet both of them were enmeshed in the thoughts and expression of each
other. The sky was gray, and the morning fog was yet to recede completely. Their warmth kept
the chill at bay as their company stoked that warmth further. They again kissed this time longer,
deeper and more intense than the one a moment ago.

SAMPLE PIECE IV
It was around four in the afternoon when Raph got to his friend, Nicos place. He made
his way to the third floor of the apartment complex that his friend since childhood lived in. He
finally stopped at the door of his friends apartment. The blue door had silver numbers on it. He
checked his mobile phone and saw that he had no new messages or missed calls. He also noticed
that it was already 4:10 in the afternoon. He knocked and called out his friends name. After
getting no answer he knocked again and this time he added:Helloooooo!
A short while later Raph heard the door being unlocked. His friend greeted him. You are
early Raph. I will still take a bath. Nico said. Raph calmly nodded and said that is fine and that
they time Nico let his friend in and led him to the living room. I will just take a bath. What
time did Lya say she will arrive at the D-Bar with her friend? Nico said as he turned the
television on so that Raph had something to do while he waited for him.
Lya said around seven thirty. Raph answered. Nico then said:I see. I will take a bath
first. Relax and I will be back in a bit. Raph sat back on the couch as he gave his friend a nod of
agreement.
As Nico left the living room Raph began to browse through the various cable television
channels. Around twenty minutes later Nico peered his head through the door leading into the
living room and called out to Raph.I will just get dressed. Raph replied and said:sure. He
then resumed watching the television program that was on.
When Nico re-emerged dressed in a dark blue polo shirt and black jeans. Shall we go?
He asked. Raph looked up. As he stood, he said:looking good. He then reached into the pocket
of his jeans and checked his mobile phone and it showed him that it was 4:53 pm already. They
opted to head for Raymond Avenue and to Grill and Platter, a mid-range but very posh restaurant
for dinner.
As they commuted to the restaurant, Raph asked Nico:Are you excited for tonight? Did
you bring everything you need, extra money, your humor, wit, courage, etc.? Nico noticed his
friend's particular emphasis on the etc. and he laughed as the cab entered Raymond Avenue.
Yeah, I have everything I need. Duh! I am not a rookie at this. But conceded I am not a master
at this like you. Nico added. This time it was Raph's turn to laugh. I was just checking since
this is the first time you are going to meet Lya's friend after all. Raph commented further.
They got off outside of the Grill and Platter. Raph said:hmmm there are not many
people here. He then reached into his pocket and took out his mobile phone and sent Lya, his
girlfriend a message saying that Nico and him are at the Grill and Platter to eat dinner.

SAMPLE PIECE V
The summer breeze blew throughout the plains and up to the hill where the region's
social, economic and political center was. Sendai and at its center the Izumo Castle is the
ancestral seat of the Izumo Clan. The current lord of the castle, Izumo Hibiki was in the
courtyard.
He was a man in his late twenties. Although he was not very tall he was lean. His head
was shaven and had the traditional samurai top knot. His blue and black kimono bore the crest of
the Date clan. Tucked under the obi or sash of his kimono was his daisho or set of Japanese
swords that all samurai had and wore. The long standard sword is the katana and the shorter
blade is the wakizashi.
As he strolled through the courtyard of his castle, he thought of his plans for various
improvements he wanted to make to Sendai. He laughed to himself as he realized that during the
Tokugawa peace warriors like him shifted their focus from swordplay and warfare to
administration and governance.
He wondered how long this peace would last as he recalled what his father told him of
the time before the end of the age of constant warfare among the various regional warlords. His
father and his grandfather fought in the wars that consumed Japan. Lord Hibiki paused as he
heard footfalls on the wooden floors of the building behind him.
As he turned he heard the footsteps make contact with the ground and he saw one of his
samurai vassals approach him and bow deeply. He recognized the man as Yamada Kenda. His
vassal also had the same hairstyle and set of swords tucked under the sash of his kimono. The
difference was the man wore a white and brown garb which also had the crest of the Izumo
family. Also Kenda was older than the lord. He was already in his mid thirties. He was also a
close friend of Lord Hibiki.
After bowing Osamu spoke:my lord, Sensei Konda seeks your audience. Lord Hibiki's
eyes widened as he said:I almost forgot, I asked him here this afternoon. Show him to the main
hall and I will join him immediately. Kenda again bowed as he said: as you command, my
lord. He then turned and hurriedly left in the same manner as he came. Lord Hibiki spent a
while longer in the courtyard before walking towards the same direction his vassal took and he
disappeared into the structure that bordered the courtyard.
By the time he entered the main hall of the castle, he saw Sensei Konda already there
with another of his retainers Ikeda Shingen. Shingen was around the same age as Lord Hibiki.
They grew up together and Shingen's family has been vassals of clan Izumo since the house
gained prominence during the time of Minamoto no Yoritomo. Beside Maki was a tall man. Lord
Hibiki approached the two the men. They bowed deeply to the Lord just as the Lord stopped a
few paces from them. Lord Hibiki returned the courtesy by also bowing, but not as deeply.