Looking Back, Moving Forward

It’s hard to believe, but today marks the second Noble Day. That’s right — two years since Noble: Betrayed first saw the light of day, since Simon and Gwendys settled their domestic feud, since Dayron’s baby griffin hatched, since Auster Magnarok…did what Auster Magnarok does. The world of Noble has grown a lot in these past two years, and, well, so have I. The massive chapter of secondary school has closed. It’s funny how the past sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Nobody I want to remember from that part of my life is going anywhere, so all I will really miss are the little things — hearing the class next-door erupt into laughter over something ridiculous, making an army of jokes about your godawful Computer Science teacher, watching the joy light up on everyone’s face when the bell rings during RE. If anyone reading this went to school with me, the fact that you’re reading this means that I’m going to treasure our time together forever. Thanks for the memories.

But Oxford Law is calling me now. It’s a bit daunting, sure, but I just see it as the next life-defining, morbidly intense adventure waiting to be written. There’s something thrilling about stepping into a new place that feels both timeless and brimming with possibility, especially as my parents didn’t go to university. I’m sure I’ll be posting about it constantly.

As much as we celebrate, we also mourn. Recently, my cousin twice removed, Benigno, passed away. With all the love and respect in my heart: Benigno, nunca te olvidaremos. Que tu espíritu siga brillando en el cielo. Descansa en paz.

And then there’s John Buckley, a deputy head at my secondary school who lost his brave battle with cancer. In Noble: Betrayed I immortalised him through the minor character of Stableman Buckley, and I have had a lot of fun writing the character in Noble Divided, which he has a much bigger role in. Consider it my tribute to him.

Now, onto the real reason for this post: what’s this website all about? It’s simple, really— a place for updates, musings, and everything in between. I’ll be sharing as regularly as I can, but the blog will mostly serve as a hub for writing updates. Think of it as the quiet space between the noise of social media. Speaking of which, I’ll still be active on there, too, but here’s where the deeper dives will happen.

I’ve already posted two samples for you to dig into. First, there’s the chapter for Kristyne Pargion — the young princess on the run from the man who murdered her sister. My followers on Instagram chose her chapter to be the first release from Noble Divided, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Then there’s Master Misfortune, which takes a rather biting look at the digital world we’re all tangled up in — Act One, Scene One (it’s the chapter name, not a play) is live, and it’s ready for you. Oh, and if you’re in the mood for a little brevity, you’ll find a short poem titled We, the ice and ever ticking tucked into the bibliography.

As for what’s coming up? Here’s my current release schedule:

• October 4th – Kristyne Pargion chapter, Master Misfortune Act One, Scene One, and We, the ice and ever ticking
• October 11th – Lord Tobas chapter, who won second place in the Instagram poll
• October 18th – Dontin Slait chapter, who won third place in the Instagram poll

Depending on how I feel and how many people read the chapters, I might throw in a fourth sample chapter for Noble Divided. Just ask me really nicely 😉

Finally, a massive thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey so far. Whether you’ve read the book, followed the updates, or just stumbled across this page — thank you. It means more than you know.

Love you all.

— Dylan