As I slowly introduce you all to my book characters, I must begin to inform you all, of whom they are, and a little of their backstory, naturally!
-Wiki Of Wonderland-
Camden Burrows, Whitewood's chief and commander of the Queen's army, and right hand to Queen Faye, located in the city of Whitewood, Country, Wonderland. Before I write any further, many have asked me... "Why did you name your series Wonderland?'' Only logical explanation I came up with, was... "It had a good ring to it, a natural connection to a fantasy world!"
Although the series still holds all their respective titles, as they were once "stand alones,"
'A quest for the four keys in Wonderland' - book 1, 'Beyond Wonderland' - book 2, 'We are Legion, We are Wonderland' book 3, were placed as a three-in-one, to give the reader the ability to follow the series closer, and many love the idea of three books in one, especially as an e-book for under ten dollars!
Wonderland has consistently hung on to amazon's rankings in the top 100's, a few times in the last years. It has been a joy to write, and I hope you'll pick up your copy soon! [See link below for purchase].
So without further-ado, here is the blog I promised everyone.
Camden's back story tells us very little in the begging stages of book 1 and 2. We know of his father - Richard Burrows, who also served the Queen and army in the past, who was then murdered at the battle of the "Diamond Sea" three years prior to Camden's discovery of his own identity. Queen Faye made a pact with Camden's father Richard, to never openly reveal who Camden really was, for fear of being hunted by odious forces, known to Wonderland as "The Black Covenant''. However, the book of "Wonders, Wonderland's enchanted book of ultimate guidance" will tell a different fate for Camden, as he later becomes King of all Kings. Almost as if, Camden's story would mirror Jon Snow's life, except, they are worlds apart from being even remotely the same, and here's why...
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- Jon Snow was a bastard for most of his life on G.o.T.
- Camden Burrows is the child of a well to do family ( not of royalty ) possessing their own secrets ( revealed at the end of book 2 'Beyond Wonderland' ) born in wedlock
to Richard & Roberta Burrows in Whitewood, Wonderland.
- Jon Snow's true patronage is revealed in adulthood or, as they say in the books, he was a teenager.
- Camden's identity, different than patronage, was only revealed to him at the age of
twenty five.
A few things they may have in common is... Their unmatched loyalty to their
cause and houses, their bravery, and alliances created through marriage! Yes, it
is most definitely accurate, that both characters have a duty to fulfill, but Camden
Burrows becomes a powerful entity of the "White Covenant", where as Jon Snow, is heir
to the Iron throne.
They are incredibly handsome both Jon Snow and Camden Burrows...
So, while Jon's hunger becomes increasingly evident in baring Dany's child, and to prove the witch's prophecy wrong, Camden's fate lies in the one who he'll marry, whom isn't related to Camden at all.
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Pairing these two characters was essential, for the mere fact that they share similar traits. The values of honor, loyalty, and courageous hearts and minds that beat as one. I love the fact that Camden is a visionary and creates a world in Wonderland beyond anyone's expectations, while Jon is most excellent at pitching his ideas and convincing everyone in his path. Both are true warriors to their worlds.
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Jon meets Camden
"Lightning & Ice"
A short story by: Author Lory La Selva Paduano
*All rights reserved to the writer of the Articles, Short Stories & Blogs. This is a work of fiction, and cannot be replicated without consent from the author.*
© Author Lory La Selva Paduano.
King Camden and his army found themselves once again a world away from Wonderland. The winter's storm intensified, as the pack moved quickly to find solid, warm ground. In a sea, where ice was becoming harder than rock, their iron boats were now stationary. Crossing on land was the next strategical move, but the King had reservations, for his mind forewarned him there was trouble in the distance. Resisting the powers of his own mind, the King persisted instead, as one King from the members of the panel, and all the rightful Kings of their own cities in Wonderland, mainly named "The Brotherhood" came forward to have words with the King.
"Your grace, we've never encountered such harsh terrains and weather like this before, we must leave at once, this is but a stinking shit hole!" said Robert Northstar, the commander of the armies of "Tall Towers" of the city of "Innits" in Wonderland. The King gazed at Robert for minutes, as the pack all agreed silently, as the other Kings heads were nodding frantically, approving of Roberts words.
"If we leave now we'll never know what could have been, besides, I feel something drawing near, and it isn't all that evil, but it is surely running from something!" replied King Camden.
The thumping of a horses hooves in the near banks of the snow filled landscape, could be felt by the King. It made him uneasy, and the panel stayed silent and close, with their swords drawn and ready to take on what ever lay ahead. Conquering was part of the King's blood, as he had sacked so many countries and cities before claiming them as allies to Wonderland, some would often call this the King's "recreational time''. For some Kings it was hunting, for others jousting and athletic tournaments, but not for this King! It was ingrained in his soul, and it had embodied his ever lasting warlock fibers. His reputation followed him everywhere.
A shadow in the path before them, covered by blowing winds of snow and ice pellets, a silhouette at best, and the pack stuck even closer to one another now. The image had become clearer and clearer, a rider! On a horse, passed out, who dropped at the Kings feet, and the panel gasped for air. The Kings moved swiftly to aid the rider, King Camden set up a tent, quicker than the eye could blink, and yelled for help.
"Move! C'mon, let's get him inside and strip him bare!" the King was hands on as always, the rider was comatose as they all sat in a circle watching the mysterious figure come in and out of his ordeal.
Hours had passed, the water the rider drank, was helping to keep him hydrated, and as soon as he came to, the King wasted no time in getting his story.
The rider glared at everyone as he desperately tried to sit up in his cot, while others forbade him too. "You must get proper rest and lie down after you've eaten" said King Camden as the rider gracefully accepted a bowl of pigeon stew from King Robert.
"Thank you" said the rider and King Camden stared the rider down and made him noticeably uncomfortable and spoke again.
"My name is Jon, I need to get back to my people" Jon couldn't be held up by anything this unimportant he thought, the army of the dead was coming, and this panel was curious to him, as he peered at everyone in confusion. He wondered where the pigeon came from? There were no pigeons at EastWatch this time of year, even Ravens had a hard time flying in this treacherous scenery. He caught on that sorcery was at play here, and demanded to leave at once.
"Jon, we're not the enemy, please sit, and I'll tell you who I am!"
Jon was weary as he had always portrayed himself to be, and sat back down again with very little trust and listened attentively to the King.
"I'm King Camden of Wonderland, King of the North, defender of all elements, King of all Kings!" Jon smiled and chuckled and replied to his comment.
''I'm just a bastard of Winterfell whom was named King of the North by force, so if I'm King of the North in Westeros, what North do you rule?
The King felt a cloud of confusion lingering over his head, he had never heard of Westeros before, and replied to Jon's question.
''Why Wonderland of course!" and Jon laughed hysterically and couldn't help but add to his frivolous response.
"Never heard of it! Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got somewhere important to be, the future of my people rests on that alone, let's be done with the formalities."
King Camden couldn't help but laugh as well, and the pack followed like brutes in a tavern of drunks.
"What are you running from?" asked King Camden and Jon sighed heavily for this would have to be the millionth time he told his story, the ultimate story of Westeros.
"I can't explain, but the army of the dead and it's leader, the Night King, are our biggest threat, we need to gather all the men we could, and right now we're outnumbered if I keep talking to you!" Jon's heart was beating rapidly, he hoped that would have been suffice, and the King spoke once more.
"Threats? We've encountered them all, we're well versed my panel and I on these matters" and Jon reflected on the words he spewed as the King poured himself another glass of wine.
Fully equipped, the shop was set up comfortably for any royal member to indulge, and Jon loathed the fact that magic was everywhere in that tent. A glimmer of hope sparked in Jon as he spoke once more.
"Then join us! We need all the help we can get, you seem like honorable men, worthy of your titles, and skillful in combat!"
The King watched Jon closely now, and saw a need for the cause. He was telling the truth, he read his thoughts, which included warfare, death, (his own death), love and duty. The King knew he was sincere and replied to Jon's request.
"Oh that we are!, But you're no lover of magic, and I can see why, you've encountered some witch who gave a false prophecy and passed a bad sentence with grave consequences that followed. I can assure you... we are not of that kind''
To be continued...
If you have enjoyed this inter-meshing story line, and all my previous blogs on G.o.T, please share with friends and family alike!
Wanna chat? You can reach me here - @ lorylaselvapaduano@gmail.com
Or my fan page - www.facebook.com/KingCamden
Cheers - Lory