Good evening, dear readers!
I'll begin with a bit of clarification; I know that I had indicated that Chapter Seven was incomplete. I rescind that statement, in lieu of some discussion with my editors as well as some introspection on my behalf. The scene that I had planned to tack onto the end of Chapter Seven felt a bit rushed to me, and I plan on carefully re-writing it as the beginning of Chapter Eight.
Now, for the plea: know any good artists? I am actively seeking interested artists to do a bit of work inspired by this story! Now, I would fill those shoes myself, but let me assure you, dear reader, that my artistic ability is akin to that of an amputee with Parkinson's trying to recreate Da Vinci. Should you feel interested in doing a bit of work for Cantering Death, not only would you have my eternal gratitude, but I would without question feature your art within the story itself wherever it seems situationally appropriate. Drop me a line at kcanradio@gmail.com if I've piqued your interest! I will accept any and all submissions.
Moving right along: I am trying my absolute damndest to banish any lingering laziness. Admittedly, I have been recovering from a rather nasty cold for the past few days, but I more or less feel as though that I'm over the worst of it (save for the occasional sniffle). Also! I just learned that I'll have the next few days off from work - I am trading a few shifts with a coworker, so that will give me copious amounts of free time. Expect some rather lengthy updates in the very near future: much like a snowball tumbling down Everest, I feel like this story is gaining mass as it rolls along.
Thank you all for your continued interest in this story! You guys make me feel all warm and tingly, for lack of a better analogy.
Horrifically yours,
-Scriber
8913
Mares are immune to the virus while living. If they die with the virus in their system, it re-animates the corpse, thus zombifying it. Realistically, there are only two ways for a mare to contract the virus while living: intravenously (i.e., through a bite) or through other (read: nastier) means, say through the oral, ocular or nasal cavities. Theoretically, a mare could be attacked brutally, but as long as the wounds are not mortal, she could be inches from death and survive zombification. As long as the heart does not stop, that female victim would not turn.
As far as becoming carriers goes: for the sake of the fic, imagine that the zombie virus shares similar viral properties with, say, the common flu. Only a mare's immune system has the capability of building up antibodies to combat the virus, and said antibodies will eventually purge the virus from the mare's system in about a little over a week.
Kudos on getting into the technical details of the Cantering Death! Trust me, there IS a reason why only males can become infected while still alive and breathing - it all ties in with the plot, specifically the origins of the virus itself. All will be revealed in due time.
8917 Y Chromosome? or is it a magically-incited recessive mutation of the X-chromosome?
If this comment is too scientific, don't bother answering.