Yonnis’s skin prickled. He peered into the grime, not knowing which way to turn his horse. His eyes and nostrils were stinging. He tried to salivate to reduce the pungent taste of gunpowder smoke. Rhythmic musket fire and the cries of men were fading, and, most chilling of all, he could not hear the drums. … Read more
Esta looked hopefully at her “foster mother”. “Guardian” would be a much better word. Or, perhaps, just “guard”. Lady Deneesa’s face was red and puffy, her eyes were still full of tears, and of course she just wanted to spend time with her children in the temple, mourning her husband. But she was an important … Read more
He raised the telescope to the battlements over the gate. The sun glanced off the helmets of the militiamen. And then he spotted a tall black hat. It was easy to guess the sinister presence under it, waiting like a bird of prey. The motivation Yonnis had felt on seeing the end of the journey … Read more
Yonnis wondered whether he was now supposed to start some small talk about the weather. Squire Clayhills came to his rescue, asking him about his first official engagement—a visit to the craft sheds on the south coast that were building new nimble fighting ships for the navy. Yonnis was happily recounting his observations when he … Read more
On arrival at the barn, Seemo’s helpers set up a makeshift stage from some barrels and boards. The barn had been patched up after years of decay, cleared, and cleaned, ready for new hay and straw. Today, it would shelter the cropped heads of a few hundred army veterans from the sun. This was his … Read more
Rubin Aldor sat in Onfri’s beautiful garden, where red roses were blooming and the fruit on the trees was ripening. It was a perfect evening for watching the sunset cascading a red-and-pink radiance across the sky, promising more warmth tomorrow. Instead of thanking the weather gods, he felt like chiding them. They had given the … Read more
Nurse Tansi woke up suddenly, feeling troubled. There was a little gasp in baby Merri’s cry that was different. Beyond the thick stone walls of Bankside, the city was quiet. The dreary rain that marked Kimalloa’s winter had been heavier than usual. The Binar frothed and rippled rapidly between the banks, lapping over them in … Read more
With shocking irregularity, after vows were exchanged, the Yerallan threw up Queen Esta’s veil and kissed her on the lips, causing some of the guests to cover their eyes. Ah, she was a beauty! Even when one could see so little of her! The glory of summer was in her eyes. Onfri forced himself to … Read more
“Brothers and sisters! Welcome to Clayhills Place, as this fine house is now called.” The guests cheered Deneesa. She felt exhilarated. Was it the extended physical intimacy of earlier, or was it the prospect of a new power base, a national one rather than just a regional one? “Brothers and sisters, what a joy it … Read more
