Even after all these months, it felt strange being “one of the muscle.” He lounged against the railing of the footbridge and tried not to imagine everyone watching him. He imagined the passersby thinking, “What is Lord Gallendris doing here?” A part of him wanted to shout the truth at them—the truth that the Matriarchs wanted him dead for no other reason than greed, even in the face of the coming war. Continue reading Farek 99
The day began like the last few had, but Therelin knew it would end differently. He made small talk with Kren over breakfast, but he couldn’t help but watch Maia out of the corner of his eye. There had been much excitement at Tempest Tower since the summit two weeks past, but much of it had been lost on Maia. She quietly awaited the next bit of news from Saanazar, dreading the tidings and feeling ultimately powerless to do anything about them. Continue reading Therelin 49
The attack on Burnt Keep reminded Arn even more of Razaad. He could not imagine any other reason for the senseless violence—against even the unarmed servants within the stronghold—beyond a scheme of submission. It was a demonstration of power that would make even the hunters of Razaad uneasy. Of course, there had been plenty of guards. Arn had earned a few gashes, but nothing serious. On Razaad, he had never fought with an ally at both shoulders. Continue reading Arn 82
Life went on, for the members of Adrix’s squad. Ralist could not return to duty, but there was little to be done for his unfortunate situation. He passed the days drinking in the harbour, riding the edge of a coin between skipping town or continuing to hide in the slums. For the rest of the weary squad, the hint of a potential large job warranted double the training sessions. Between guard and escort jobs, Tirak proved his mettle against their very best. Even Adrix, the most experienced warrior in the squad, lost as many bouts against Tirak as he won. Continue reading East Storm Company 25
Smoke stirred Niamh’s nose until her other senses caught up. Groggy light—the rising sun through the crowded window’s glass fluttered her eyelids. The crawling of murmured voices danced in her ears. She slowly sat up on her pillows and saw her sisters of the Grey clustering about the windows once more.
For a disconcerting moment, she thought it was the day the raiders had first come to Saanazar all over again. Continue reading Niamh 9
Aralim asked around in Varravar, looking for any word of powerful magicians passing through. If Rattar had passed through the city, perhaps he had been waylaid between here and Numa’nakres. It didn’t take long to start hearing reports like those he had heard in Hawsi—of an elusive Conclave and of the distrust of magicians who might be working with such a sect. Many mentioned that the High Priestess of Maga had fled their northern neighbour at the Eye, but nothing of Rattar. Continue reading Aralim 161
The first summit of Tempest Tower was held in the courtyard, amid the tents and campfires that assembled before the steps into the Keep. Therelin, joined by Maia and Kren, joined the crowd of magicians. They noticed Devender standing near Irrith—another familiar face from the Isle of Dusk, though Therelin had never spoken to the high-ranking Conclave mage. Master Byranim, standing closer to the steps, gave Therelin a wave when he noticed him. Continue reading Therelin 48
As the first official summit at Tempest Tower grew nearer, Therelin began to grow excited by those who arrived. A few familiar faces from the Isle of Dusk had come for the new summit: Mistress Tarka, with whom Therelin had discussed the impact of secrecy; Mistress Kloro, who had shared her garden with the Ketho apothecary; and, eventually, Master Byranim himself! The warrior mage had once nearly sent Therelin on a mission to the Crimson Highway. Now, however, Byranim was missing an arm. Continue reading Therelin 47
After weeks of watching Master Kelren warily, Tali had seen nothing suspicious. She did not doubt the strange occurrence that Vaniya had explained, but she found nothing to add to it. The most notable thing that Kelren did was to meet with the rebels—when they were finally found by one of the East Storm “patrols.” The meeting confirmed—at last!—that Ghomal’s son, Anero, lived. He had last been seen heading for a rebel camp in some fishing villages north of Tav Rock. Continue reading East Storm Company 24
To the relief of the crew and their many refugee passengers, the length of Comet’s Cove was devoid of pirate vessels. Farek’s ship encountered a few defensive galleys around midday, and was permitted to dock not long after. The news they brought—of disaster in Saanazar—was sour for the dock workers and sentries alike. Continue reading Farek 98