Madame Isis Essay Contest Winner: The Devil’s Candy Store held an essay contest judged by L. A. Banks. The winner, Portia Adams, receives the Madame Isis sword created by Hollywood armourer, Tony Swatton. This gold-plated, gem-encrusted, one-of-a-kind vampire-killing sword ended up in the hands of the Vampire Huntress Legend most deserving fan. The winner was announced Saturday, February 14, 2009 during the Twelve Tribes Convergence Summit in Philadelphia, PA. Here is the Winning Essay: “The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he didn’t exist;” then perhaps the second greatest was convincing the faithful that only one viewpoint could be correct. So those who still believe are distracted and preoccupied. Not honing the principles of religion—love, acceptance, faith, hope, good will, enlightenment, etc.—, but conflicting over how and who best to demonstrate it. Which name and prophets quoted, how to stand against evil, the role of man and woman, which race is “chosen” are details that distract people from the fact that we are on the same side, fighting for and believing in the same cause. And as we destroy each other, even those who hold faith prove no contest to evil. The Vampire Huntress Legend series has many profound messages: the power of love and faith, the connectivity of all things, etc. However, for those reasons, one of the most resonating messages of the series is unity, inclusion, and acceptance. The most obvious example of unity in the series is the Neteru Guardian team itself. African, European, Asian, and Spanish descendants live, fight, and love together for the greater good. After all, if God is truly creator of all mankind, then every race is “the chosen race.” Likewise, the inclusion of all family members in the battle is beautiful. Men and women are written in their complex duality and yet still shown to compliment; even the child brought a gift and played a part. It reminds us that we fight as family—physically, spiritually or otherwise, as one people. Lastly, the representation of all major religions is uplifting. “Which religion is right? If I spend my whole life praying but chose the wrong church will I still go to hell?” This doubt belittles faith and undermines the point of all religion—enlightenment, peace, and love. It`s profound to see how Jewish, Catholic, Christian and others, even less orthodox Wiccan and numerological, practices and practitioners can contribute to the Light and find acceptance under God. Of all aspects of unity represented, this is perhaps most difficult to comprehend and the most important to achieve. Also appreciated is the author’s realistic approach to the living situation. At times cultures clashed or were misunderstood and the team struggled. The continual triumph of each member in learning about each other and staying unified is a powerful message. I would make the best Keeper of the Sword because my appreciation of the series goes beyond fandom. I love the characters and storyline. I admire the author and tell my friends about the series. More than that though, I am touched by the message the saga brings to the people. I reference the ideas and scenarios when discussing the state and events of the world with friends who haven’t read it. Likewise, I researched the connectivity, symbolism, and numerology to gain new understanding. It was a pleasure to find minds to dissect and reflect on the information—religious, historical, geographical, etc.—provided. So the stories weren’t just read; the significance of each was absorbed. I hope to be able to apply all lessons learned, given and inspired, to my life. I currently practice aikido and archery, because I believe that real fitness and success require inner and outer preparedness; and I may not be a warrior the same as these amazing characters, but I still intend to stand for a better world. I would be honored to safeguard such a symbol of the real-life battle against the darkness in the world and in ourselves, and the perseverance of Light and spirit under God. - Portia Adams L. A. Banks wields the Madame Isis blade at the 12 Tribes Convergence Summit in Philadelphia.       Eric Battle, the original illustrator of Damali Richards and an artist featured in the Exotic Contraband: L. A. Banks' Vampire Huntress Legend concept art book pubilshed by The Devil's Candy Store.             Below is video of Leslie seeing the sword for the very first time. We took this because Tony Swatton couldn't be there when Leslie got to see the sword unveiled. the sword was not finished at the time. It still needed to be gold-plated and symbols etched into the blade and on the pommel. This was shot at The Devil's Candy Store booth during the San Diego Comic-Con 2008. With her in the booth is Aly Greaves of WildClaw Theatre.

 

Tony Swatton forging the blade for Madame Isis	Designed and made by Hollywood armourer, Tony Swatton of Sword and Stone. The 42" sword is one-of-a-kind and handmade by Tony Swatton, a master bladesmith who has created swords for Zorro, Blade, Pirates of the Caribbean and Hellboy. The blade is forged from stainless steel and has a cruciform cross-section based on L. A. Banks' description from her Vampire Huntress series.The hilt is cast in Bronze by the lost wax process and gold-plated around various gemstones that correspond to the body chakras.
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