Category: Farek

“I still can’t believe it…” Diaren murmured as their rowboat neared the docks.  Though the North Fork was still wide, Ith’s river access was as bustling as any ocean port Farek had seen.  Lord Gallendris sat in the rowboat with his guard friends, staring up at the towering stone walls of Ith.  He had read about them, but he was nearly as stunned as Diaren—the late Mage Kings had raised slabs out of the earth taller than any castle Farek had seen before.  Whatever the city looked like inside, it was concealed from their river vantage. Continue reading Farek 89

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

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

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

Sea’s Sword cut across Comet’s Cove toward Sheld.  They would arrive this afternoon, according to the ship’s crew.  Sheld was not one of their ambassadorial targets, but it was an important city on the coast of Radregar.  Farek had heard little of the city since the Matriarch’s plan to swindle Lo Mallago from the crime family had been played out.  Supposedly the city of Sheld now belonged to the Grey Brethren, but it was unclear how. Continue reading Farek 85

Life aboard the Sea’s Sword was a little tight—no one had accounted for quite this many guards when they were planning the voyage—but Farek didn’t mind.  Whether he was mincing witty insults with Lord Sha, awkwardly stammering his way around his hallway encounters with Miss Roek, or playing ten-card draw with his veritable gang of henchmen, Farek’s spirits were higher than they had felt in months.  He loved to travel, and the stress of his present voyage would not sink in until he reached the mainland.  Presently, the ship was sailing through the always familiar waters of the Orrish. Continue reading Farek 84

The Sea’s Sword dropped anchor near the border buoys of the Noress-That-Was harbour.  The light red mainsail, with its Gallendris coiled sword emblem, was hoisted up and a section of the ship’s side rail was thrown open to allow a rope ladder to be run down the hull.  They were taking on more passengers—the delegates who would join Lord Gallendris’ voyage. Continue reading Farek 83

Farek’s visit in Soros was not nearly long enough.  He spent as much time as he could with his sisters, visited Norrey’s for two separate and very full evenings, and caught up on his rest in the comfortable bed of his home.  He had assured Matriarch Valakono that his quest would begin before the Moon had waned, so halfway through, he began preparations for the venture.

All his loyal guards agreed to join him—even Ralla who was not even officially employed by the Gallendris household.  Devender, as he had warned, would soon depart.  He told Farek he could accompany them to Sheld, and then go his own way. Continue reading Farek 82

The hills of Var Nordos were creased into sharp ridges only nearer to Noress-That-Was.  Though locals called them “the mountains”, the occasional fishing village was really nestled between grassy rises and forested slopes that could hardly be considered true peaks.  Farek and his guards had followed the road on the north side of the ridge, between green land and blue sea.  Now, at last, they neared Soros again.  Farek was always gone longer than he planned. Continue reading Farek 81

Yet again, Farek sat in Matriarch Valakono’s decision room.  This time, the ruler was advised by a number of her trusted underlings.  Between Farek and Valakono sat Lord Sha and Grand General Coranno—the latter had just returned from Squora.  Archpriest Hartho had again accompanied the Noressi to their capital, after setting at ease the hearts and minds of his fellow Archpriests, and informing them of Valakono’s decision to move ahead with the alliance.  Hartho sat across from Farek, with Erril seated next to him. Continue reading Farek 80