Arbolenx in Tree
by Maddie Sheriff
Baby Arbolenx
by Maddie Sheriff
Not long ago, I wrote a Creature Feature on the arbolenx, a feline, sentient creature that inhabits Mundia, the story world of my Vaetra Chronicles series. In Vaetra Unveiled, the first book of the series, a male arbolenx named Ru-Rahl plays a brief and minor role in helping the protagonist Jaylan on his mission.
When I wrote Ru-Rahl into the story, little did I know that his 1,500-word debut scene would become one of the more memorable moments in the story for many of my readers. Every reader who has spoken or written to me about Vaetra Unveiled mentions the arbolenx.
Some readers get really animated about them. Almost literally, in one case. A good friend of mine’s thirteen-year-old daughter did a couple of arbolenx sketches for me (thanks to Madison “Maddie” Sheriff for the sketches at right).
On Facebook, one of my readers suggested more arbolenx scenes in upcoming books. I mentioned that I plan to do some short stories featuring various elements of my story world, including the arbolenx. Her response? “No way, Ru-Rahl and his band should have their OWN series. I’m starting the fan club right now.”
Thus began the unofficial Arbolenx Fan Club. On the same comment thread, two other readers immediately joined in.
I don’t think I could have planned for a reader reaction like the one I received. In fact, I think it’s cool that I didn’t plan it. It was fun to discover that others share my fascination with the idea of a sentient feline with innate magic abilities. After all, I was the very first arbolenx fan.
