Aralim 141

It took the better part of a week to organize their tour of Numa’nakres—and Aralim heard not a word from the still-pouting Eternal Emperor.  It might have caused him some frustration, but Aralim’s damaged relationship with the Emperor only manifested as a slight distraction while Miresh walked the Path at his side.  Arranged by Master Enarrin, Master Velad’na would accompany Miresh and continue her training as they ventured from city to city.  Of course, Narr would be continuing his vigilant protection of the Grand Mage’s apprentice, while Nill followed, eager to learn more of this new land. Continue reading Aralim 141

Arn 70

Arn charged—heart pounding, shins shrieking—through the foliage.  The creature was after him.  He was the prey, not the hunter.  He had always been the prey.  Sharp branches cut at his cheeks, wide leaves slapped off his shoulders.  He plunged down a slope, half-sliding, half-falling, coming to rest on his feet—back slicked with mud.  A growl—loud enough to fill his ears with guttural reverberation—preceded the beast.  Arn took off again, fingers clutching the moss as his feet skidding this way and that. Continue reading Arn 70

East Storm Company 2

The gradually rolling hills of south-east Radregar were home to scattered forests, secluded forest tribes—human and Primal—and the occasional civilized town that owed its loyalties and taxes to the bustling port of Eastpoint.  One such town, a particularly remote village called Velend’s Grove, had recently taken up arms against the city.  And so, the rolling hills became a temporary home for yet another group—a full battalion of East Storm Company mercenaries. Continue reading East Storm Company 2

Farek 88

There was a place along the Raena River where a cliff afforded a rare opportunity to observe a Primal village.  It was Enora Roek who brought it to their attention; supposedly scholars journeyed from far and wide to study the species from a presumably safe distance.  Even Lord Sha was intrigued and brought one of his guards.  Miss Roek brought her guard and servant, a quiet man named Riyad, while Farek brought Matek.  They disembarked from the Sea’s Sword and went in search of unusual sights. Continue reading Farek 88

East Storm Company 1


It had been after sunset when Tirak arrived in Eastpoint.  He had come most of the way from Saanazar along the Raderan coast, skipping from fishing ship to fishing ship.  It had cost him a pretty coin, but not as much as chartering passage on a proper ship out of the port.  As such, he had been let off a few miles to the west of Eastpoint’s busy harbour, and had walked the final stretch along a dusty old road.  The blue light of the twilight had been interrupted only by his arrival at a ring of torchlight by Eastpoint’s only land gate. Continue reading East Storm Company 1

Therelin 29

The sun was slowly setting over the hills when the two men appeared on the old wooden dock.  One held an old driftwood staff, while a plain iron sword hung from the back of the other.  They remained frozen there for a moment, as though they were no more than ghosts.  They looked up the cliffs at the tiered city, each rising layer fronted by stone buildings to weather the storm but concealing softer wooden buildings and even orchards in some places.  A river ran through the center of the city, splashing down each level.  Sometimes it ran between old worn rocks, dotted with moss or hunchbacked trees.  Other times it plummeted through a man-made canal.

Then one man turned to a passing dock worker.  “What’s the date?” Therelin asked. Continue reading Therelin 29

Farek 87

The city of High Raena was magnificent.  Its grand archways and weaving cobblestone alleyways were lined with murals, and echoed with the telltale signs of drums, harps, and flutes.  The grandiose architecture called to Farek, the masterful music warmed his soul, and the eloquent voices of skilled poets tempted him to put aside his quest—if only for a night—to enjoy the vibrant culture of a city of the arts. Continue reading Farek 87

Aralim 140

It took Hayan a few days to learn the real name of the man known as Soot.  Aralim spent that time eagerly poring over the pages of Devran’s book.  For the most part the chronicler had kept his writing concise, but his religious condescension leaked through to stain the pages nonetheless.  Still, he gave an honest effort to portraying the Path as a valid belief system—and one that was recognized by the Eternal Emperor.  Overall, he had expected worse. Continue reading Aralim 140

Farek 86

Sea’s Sword drifted toward the blockade of mismatched ships, waiting for the signal to advance safely.  It had been a long voyage around Rockfall Point and the Sorvin Isles.  Farek had marvelled at the rocky isles—like mountains from Tieko’s Ridge that were only separated by moats of ocean.  Across Tieko’s Deep they had found the Sunset Strait and a veritable fleet of ships defending the way to High Raena.  It seemed that the Joyous King was already prepared for war. Continue reading Farek 86