Interview with the author --- Austen Tallman

The goblin wars ---- By Austen Tallman

In the spirit woods of Noranoth two elves and a dwarf trained with their weapons. An elf called Prince Falin had a hand-and-a-half sword and a long bow. The other elf Aroth carried a pole-ax and a long sword. The dwarf Horzoth wore an axe and a short sword. As they were practicing Falin noticed a thin line of smoke in the direction of the castle. He told his friends and they mounted their horses and rode towards the castle. When they got there the castle was aflame.
“What happened hear?” said Aroth
“Goblins overwhelmed our guards and burned down the castle.” Said Horzoth.
“How do you know it was goblins?” asked Falin.
“Simple the goblin body.”
“Oh.”
“Well what now?” said Aroth.
“We go after them of course.” said Horzoth. They walked towards the horses, about half way there THUD! An arrow stuck into the tree near Falin’s head
“What the...”
CRACK!
“Chain dem up we takeum widus.”
“Aahhh my aching head”moaned Aroth.
Hit you pretty hard didn’t he, chuckled Falin.
“Stop jabbering idyots”
an arrow thudded into the goblins shoulder
“General Fourclaw we’re under attack! Gluurrrrgggg!” he gurgled and then collapsed dead.
“AMBUSH!” yelled Fourclaw before he fell to another arrow.
Four more goblins fell before they ran.
“Who shot those arrows?” said Aroth
“Me” said a voice.
“And who would that be.”
“I am called Rotan head wizard of Grocin. Your names?”
Prince Falin stepped forward. “I am Falin. This is Aroth," he said gesturing towards him and this is the blacksmith of Noranoth, Horzoth.
Rotan inclined her head as the names were spoken.
“Will you join us” said Falin.
“Yes I think I will.”
“Do you have a horse”
“I will fetch him.” she returned a minute later leading a fine black stallion.
“Will you teach me magic” burst out Falin.
“Perhaps your majesty perhaps.
“Let’s move Falin”
They mounted there horses and rode towards the forest. When night fell they dismounted and made camp.
“Your majesty... began Rotan.
“Please, Falin.”
“Falin you asked for tutoring in the art of magic, it will begin now. This knife is a knife made for cutting wands please cut one each of oak, olive, holly, hazel, birch, and yew we need to find the one that suits you and your companions if they wish to study the art of magic as well.
“I believe it would come in handy.” said Aroth
“As do I.” agreed Horzoth.
“Then we will begin after you cut the wands.”
They returned a short while later carrying a bundle of sticks.
“Now we must whittle the sticks into the shape of a wand and attach the appropriate gemstone on the end of it.
“How do we find gems in this place” muttered Aroth.
“I just so happen to have a small collection” said Rotan in a conversational tone.
“Well how do we attach them.” asked Horzoth.
“You forget I am a wizard.” said Rotan.
“Well lets make the wands”
“A great idea.”
“All right.” said Falin.
“The emerald goes on the olive wand the topaz goes on the oak wand the ruby on the birch the diamond on the yew the opal on the hazel and the sapphire on the holly. Now I will tap it and some little wooden prongs will grow to hold the gem in place.” said Rotan.
“Ok but the ones that don’t suit us, what do we do with the rest of the wands.” inquired Falin.
“Sell them” said Rotan “you could use the money anyway.”
“All right”
Falin ended up with the birch Aroth with the oak and Horzoth with the yew.
“All right lets all get some shuteye” said Falin.
“Right with you Faaliiiin” said aroth with a yawn.”
“Good night.” they all said in unison.

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Austen began this story last year in 5th grade and has fine-tuned it to get it to where it is now. He has also written "The War of the Fangs" and "Dragons of the World" a kind of Naturalist book about dragons.

INTERVIEW SECTION.
G: What would you like to do next with this book?
A: I would like to make it a bit longer. I've been disappointed with other books when they end too soon.
G: Who is your favorite character?
A: At first I really liked Horzoth. Now its Falin. But, who knows, I may end up really liking Aroth.
G: Do you think they will all live to the end?
A: I am almost sure at least two of them will end up living.
G: Do you know who will die?
A: I am not sure yet.
G: Have you always like writing?
A: At first I really didn't like writing at all. Now I like to write books, but reports are still kind of dull.
G: When did you first start to like to write?
A: I first started to plan this book in about 4th grade. So about then.
G: Do you know what is going to happen next in the story?
A: I know what is going to happen in some of the story. But not all of it.
G: Can you give us a teaser?
A: Well, right now they are going to be headed to a dwarfan military island for reinforcements for the upcoming war.
G: Cool!
G: Who is the war against?
A: The goblins. You should know that if you read the book!
G: What gives you the inspiration for the story?
A: Well after I read Eragon, I wanted to write a similar story. Also, I am writing a story called "War of the Fangs" about a game my friends and I sometimes play at recess at school.
G: Austen, we love your story and are looking forward to finding out what happens next!