Raya 56

The man outside the prison who worked toward freeing Raya was named Saring.  His letters were the only thing that kept Raya sane throughout her isolation.  She asked him why he offered his help to her—he said only that his life had been forfeit the day Raya had spared him.  She asked what his plan was to free her—he wrote back that he thought their days in the yard were the best opportunity.  Raya and her friends had only been allowed to walk around the yard once so far.  Today was their second opportunity. Continue reading Raya 56

Farek 64

Though Jannia offered to take a turn, it was Farek who reluctantly leaned behind the iron-barred cell in their basement the next time that Sha questioned their prisoner.  He felt responsible for everything that happened to Lannon now, so he would endure the sessions as well, like a separate, unharmed companion for their captive.  He watched Lord Sha take position, crossing his arms while the bald torturer slid into a chair near Lannon’s slumped shoulders.  The wooden box remained closed, for now. Continue reading Farek 64

Aralim 113

From Old Numa, the Ambassador and his companions sailed to Maykren.  Aralim met a second time with Captain Yau, who continued his raft service.  The man had expanded his business and now owned a few rafts, each staffed by a single crew member.  His business model—of having the passengers of his rafts help crew them—seemed to be working for him.  To Devran and Lerela’s chagrin, Aralim decided to hire one of Yau’s rafts. Continue reading Aralim 113

Farek 63

It had been a confusing discussion, after Lannon’s last interrogation, between Farek and Jannia.  First, they debated the likelihood that Lannon had lied.  Farek was inclined to trust this accusation levelled at Lo Mallago for two reasons—Lannon had learned a well-guarded secret somehow and it also fit.  If each story the assassin had told was a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, this one fit Farek’s empty space, while the Grey Brethren did not.  The two tales might be connected, but Farek had not yet seen any proof of it. Continue reading Farek 63

Aralim 112

In Old Numa, Aralim finally went back ashore.  He had not bothered when they resupplied in Hawsi.  After all, he had no interest in reacquainting with Gathim, his would-be assassin, whom they had left there the year prior.  Unlike that fateful voyage to Hawsi, Aralim had only pleasant memories of Old Numa.  He went ashore to retrace his steps with Miresh and to remember those simpler days. Continue reading Aralim 112

Farek 62

From behind the positioning of Lannon’s prison chair and behind the iron bars of the prison cell, Farek’s frown could not be seen.  He folded his arms and leaned against the brick wall as he watched Lord Sha enter the prison cell.  A short bald man entered behind Sha, carrying a small wooden chest; as he entered the timid individual placed a flat piece of metal in the wide brazier in the corner, leaving the utensil’s leather handle at a safe distance from the flame.  Lord Sha’s guards positioned themselves outside the cell, near the door of the entire room.

Lannon, lifting his head weakly, managed a whimper as he saw his torturers returning.  There was little introduction this time—Sha folded his arms and nonchalantly asked, “Where’s the coin stashed, Lannon?” Continue reading Farek 62

Therelin 14

The smaller moon, hovering halfway to its zenith, could not be ignored.  On Keth, Caidolis was just another face of the sun and moon spirit.  If it could be construed as any omen, it would be one of danger.  Therelin could not decide, as he walked through the streets of Saanazar, rounding the sprawling estates near the Grey Temple, whether it symbolized the danger he had been in upon receiving the letter—or the danger he was in now by going to speak with Master Nolicrin. Continue reading Therelin 14

Farek 61

Farek looked at Jannia’s hand in concern.  She held two reeds in her fist, their heights matched.  Farek was to choose one to resolve their indecision.  Lord Sha had agreed to permit one of them to attend Lannon’s interrogation.  While they agreed it was necessary, neither Farek nor his sister wanted to witness the things that would transpire in that cell. Continue reading Farek 61

Renado 61

The city of High Raena was the first semblance of familiarity to Renado in many months.  He had been here several times during his life, but his last visit had been over five years ago.  A lot had changed during that time.  The dome roof of the Joyous King’s Palace rose over the city, just as it always had, but now the second moon was rising behind it.  Though the moon had been hidden during his approach to High Raena, from the east, Ren now walked southwest.  They had entered from the north gate of High Raena because the Sunset River, now nearly devoid of ships, prevented the existence of any gates on the east side.  That was another difference—High Raena’s waters had been as busy as the harbours of Saanazar or Sheld, when Ren had last visited. Continue reading Renado 61