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Renado 67

Trying to learn about the mysterious Archpriest Roithe was slower than any of Ren’s previous missions.  They spent the first week with nothing aside from his name.  It was Kalikus who once again brought Ren his first real clue.  A few days earlier, a meeting of the Archpriests had been called.  Kal’s contacts at the brothel revealed Archpriest Morrus’ frustrated remarks after the meeting.  According to Kal and the women of the Perfumed Palace, Morrus had ranted about the stress of strategizing in these trying times, without the attendance of the full council.  His words, according to Kal, were, “Even in these trying times, Roithe is nowhere to be found!”  That would explain why trying to find the elusive Grey Brother in Saanazar had produced no leads. Continue reading Renado 67

Therelin 18

Rikisi Disease was an awful ailment.  It covered the inflicted in sores, disrupted their eating habits, and burned off their body mass with fever.  When the merchant’s wife first asked Therelin to take a look at her ill husband, Therelin had found a man near death.  Now, nearly two weeks later, Master Mos’yim was able to sit up in his sweaty bed sheets.  While Therelin sat in a chair nearby, his hand held toward the merchant, the nearly-healed man leaned against the headboard and calmly read from a book.  At least he hadn’t commented how awkward it was to have a quiet Ketho man staring at him for hours each day. Continue reading Therelin 18

Farek 68

The mansion of Lord Wartha was impressive by Lo Mallago standards.  Farek dressed up for the occasion—an hour-long ordeal that involved shaving his beard down to its usual moustache, washing his hair, and buying a loose, clean linen shirt from the market.  Of course, House Gallendris’ wealth far exceeded the financial claims of anyone in Lo Mallago.  When he attended his self-invited dinner to meet Ofena, Farek did his best to act impressed, not condescending. Continue reading Farek 68

Arn 53

There was a place on the south side of the sandy island where one couldn’t see tell if they were looking at water or dirt.  The beach there was so gradual and long that the waves rolled in gentle and thin.  By the time they reached the middle of the beach, they were just a layer of crystal-clear liquid.  The sand looked the same with and without water over it.  This was a place where there could be no truth—only the possibilities of wetness and dryness.

This was Arn’s favourite place on the island.  He lay on the sand for hours on end—bored, sick, starved.  Here, all of his maladies seemed to drift away with the tide.  Here he could be both alive and dead.  Or maybe good and evil. Continue reading Arn 53

Aralim 117

Aralim had missed this.  Sitting on a cushion in the cool interior of the Iron Palace, inhaling the rich aroma of masterfully brewed teas, speaking with a man who had seen so much of the Path—there was nothing quite like it.

“I thought it would feel longer,” Tag’na said, pouring himself a square mug of the green tea.  He turned the tray toward Aralim; it slid along the two-foot raised table gently.  A dozen members of the Aura stood in the shadows nearby, waiting for whatever their master might request.  That was the only thing that Aralim’s fond memories did not include.  It had taken time to grow accustomed to the Eternal Emperor’s Aura, and it would take time again. Continue reading Aralim 117

Renado 66

The harbour of Saanazar was one of the largest in the Known World.  Renado had spent nearly half of his life in ports, but today was not a day full of nostalgic reminiscing.  The whooping calls of the sailors and the hubbub of the merchants seemed distant due to the glaring gaze of the robed sentries that accompanied Archpriest Par.  Renado and his men—just Woodro and Virn today—had not had to wait long. Continue reading Renado 66

Therelin 17

At the Lowtide Tavern, Therelin found a surprising turn of good fortune.  The Lowtide offered a humble rate for the bare necessities—a bed and a door that locks.  Supposedly, their renowned chef brought in enough income to discount the nightly rate to a point where Therelin could afford nearly a month’s stay.  And to boot, the Lowtide was located in a mercantile district adjacent to the wealthier estates on the mountain slopes—well away from Cobblestone Bog. Continue reading Therelin 17

Farek 67

Lord Sha’s instructions for contacting one of his chief spies seemed needlessly convoluted.  Nonetheless, Farek carried out the spy-craft as he had been told: he bought three apples from a particular market stall and asked the merchant if he could pay in Matriarch coins.  The man scowled and told him, “No, only Grey Sea coins or Lo Mallago chips.”  Farek shrugged and paid with Grey Sea coins. Continue reading Farek 67

Renado 65

Ren buckled his sword on quickly, grabbed his cloak, and hurried out the door of his inn room as quickly as he had entered it.  “Lead on,” he called to Urro as he strode across the inn room.  His volunteers had already gathered—Asar, Omma, Bran, and, of course, Virn.  Their gang strode out from Parla’s and cut a swath through the crowded street.  Woodro had been captured and they were going to get him back. Continue reading Renado 65