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Epilogue
A fire crackled on the hearth, staving off the chill of winter and creating a small island of light. The tale had taken three days to tell, serving as the closing story on each night of the feast. I could not recall hearing a more silent crowd than the one gathered at the end of the story. The king had dedicated the feast to Jharad’s memory, and the toast to him had concluded the festivities. Of…
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The Decision
Tzala stood in water red as wine, holding Akhendi’s severed head by the braids like a macabre pendulum. He gave a cry of victory, echoed by his men. They had swarmed the drowned fortress, and though the battle had been difficult, their enemies no longer had the numbers or the defenses to withstand them. Their victory had been decisive. Whooping wildly, Tzala climbed a pile of rubble and stood to…
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The Dilemma
“Jharad? Are you there?” Lithra asked, suddenly gripping the speaking charm as if it were a lifeline. “He’s here, but not for long,” came Resca’s voice. The fear in his voice had vanished instantly, replaced by pure menace. It had all been a show to draw Jharad in, for whatever trick Resca had pulled. “Curse you to the blackest pits of the void,” Lithra shouted. “Let me speak, old friend. I am…
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Breaking
He took a moment to regain his composure, taking a deep breath. A small voice emanated from his speaking spell. “Lithra,” came Jharad voice. “I think I found him. They did switch the signs. I can see daylight up ahead. I’m going to press on, in case he gets away.” “I’m coming,” Lithra said. He sheathed Avenger quickly, heedless of the gore on the blade. “I just killed Anakh and the dominator.”…
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Menagerie of the Damned
Menagerie of the Damned
Lithra thought fast. He needed light, and he needed space. Fire would provide both. With a word, his sword burst into flames, and he spun it around in a dazzling display intended more for show than real damage. In the wavering red light, he saw exactly how much trouble he was in. The whole room was lined with cages, all of which had been opened. Lithra was surrounded by dozens of creatures of all…
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The Catacombs
Lithra screamed in feral fury and charged at full speed, but he hadn’t made it ten feet before a massive stone slab slid from the ceiling and crashed into place with an ear-bursting boom. A blockade, so that defenders could hole up safely in case of attack. Lithra came to a halt just short of the stone, Jharad right behind him. “How do we get past this?” Jharad asked. Lithra didn’t know. The…
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Things That Run
With a roar like the death of the earth, the water in the reservoir leapt to freedom, falling toward the fortress like the arm of god, an almighty fist mailed in mountain and stone. A few lucky souls saw the impending doom and managed to retreat into the caves. The rest were pulverized beneath the hammer blow of water and rubble. Lithra pulled himself to unsteady feet in time to watch the torrent…
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Dams and Wells
Lithra and Jharad climbed into the chariot and raced along the mountain trails toward the upper ring of the fortress. When they had come as close as they dared, they tethered the animals and proceeded on foot. This close to the reservoir, wiry shrubs and hardy bushes managed to make a living from the poor soil, and they used this cover to make it nearly to the walls of the fortress itself. Some…
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