Aralim 128

Aralim had an idea, but—before he brought it to Tag’na’s attention—he needed to investigate its viability.  As Councillor Soot had said, a lord had been appointed to sift through the large volume of civilian leads to report only the ones with promise.  Aralim arrived at the Iron Palace to speak with the appointed lord; the guards directed him to a pavilion set up in the courtyard, partway between the Palace Gate and Fort Marana, which was built into the wall itself adjacent to the Palace proper. Continue reading Aralim 128

Farek 80

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

Therelin 23

The sun beat down on a rock-strewn beach, instantly warming the shoulders of the soaked travellers that appeared on the beach.  Therelin blinked as his eyes adjusted to the sudden light—moments ago, he had stood under the branches of weathered trees in the Keth rainforest.  He glanced at Myandin, then followed his old master’s eyes to a nearby hill.  The hill ran alongside the beach, curving until it blocked the beach from sight, almost perfectly rounded.  Fog was flocking in the shadows of the hill and the trees that dotted it.  The humidity wouldn’t help his clothes dry. Continue reading Therelin 23

Arn 64

Arn awoke from a restless sleep.  Nevo was calling him.  The guard waited outside his shack while Arn washed up and pulled on his clothes.  Gamden was already up—he’d left an hour earlier, passing Arn’s groggy senses, to help with some wall repairs to the rear of Quenden’s compound.

When Arn stuck his head out, Nevo waved him to follow.  “What?” Arn asked, not moving beyond his threshold.

Nevo sighed.  “Quenden wants to see you.” Continue reading Arn 64

Renado 76

Ren moved down the street slowly, keeping his head down and his hood up the entire way.  Kal walked ahead of him, marked by a dark blue cap.  They were still alone in Saanazar, in search of their friends.  The sprawling city was full of faces—none of them familiar.  They had left marks at their former locations, such as eyes scratched in wood or broken brick, and signs of a location to meet, like a circle for the Round Barrel Tavern.  There were too many places to look for such hidden messages and far too many searching guards.  Their friends couldn’t find them, and they couldn’t find their friends. Continue reading Renado 76

Aralim 127

When he reached the Iron Palace, Aralim told one of the guarding Aura that he would like to talk to Soot.  He followed the Aura until the steps up to the front of the Palace, but then waited.  The Aura delivered a note to the Second Court, which was mid-session.  Instead of interrupting their business, Aralim awaited a discreet reply.  The Aura brought another note in response to Aralim’s first.  Soot had written with a small wedge of charcoal: “We can meet after Court adjourns.” Continue reading Aralim 127

Farek 79

Farek decided to wait a few days after Valakono’s public announcement on the 10th, before he met with her to discuss his own future service.  She had told the city all about it now—their alliance with the Atmos Septi, their decision to join the war, and even Her Highness Haladia’s death.  A royal funeral was to be prepared for the 1st of the 3rd Moon.  The lone Matriarch even told her citizens that she would be selecting new peers in the near future, after a proper period of mourning had been observed. Continue reading Farek 79

Renado 75

Weeks passed.  Renado and Kalikus went from living under an overturned rowboat, to abandoned shacks in the slums, to a brief stint in a tavern, to a makeshift camp in an alley somewhere.  The Saanazar Guard pursued their telltale appearances with fervour and force.  Patrols moved day and night.  Sometimes, Kal would wake Ren up to hurry them away from a search party or the prying eyes of devout city-folk.  The loyal warrior also reported that the City Guard had descriptions of other members of Ren’s party—among them: Asar, Omma, and a few sailors. Continue reading Renado 75

Aralim 126

It took a few days to arrange a time to meet with Wella Hanez after the eventful wedding day.  As expected, none of the guards were able to turn up any leads after Soot’s attack.  At least the Councillor had survived.  Wella’s schedule seemed full of meetings with the wives of other city officials, or ladies of import themselves, but she managed to find an opening on the 8th and invited Aralim for tea at a waterfront brewer’s. Continue reading Aralim 126

Arn 63

After his confrontation with Nevo in the training yard, Arn began to take his training more seriously.  It was easier without the guard treating him like a slave—and Master Quenden’s insights might have played a secondary role in earning Arn’s attention.  Most days, he spent the morning chopping wood with Gamden and then moved on to sparring once his muscles were sweaty and sore.  He would sleep in a state of fatigue that thankfully robbed his mind of visits to the dreamworld. Continue reading Arn 63