I found Julay ensconced within her old quarters at Gossah’s Pleasure Emporium. She was sprawled across the bed, her face buried within the pillows. Silent sobs wracked her entire body. Approaching the bed with care, I pressed a hand against her left shoulder to gain her attention.
She whirled about to face me, her cheeks streaked heavily with tears. “What do you want?” she snarled, her violet eyes cold and unyielding.
“We need to talk.” Continue reading
Bursting through the inn’s doors, I scanned the room in the hopes of finding Julay ensconced within its very corners. Sadly, she’s nowhere to be found. Several men from my contingent stopped me along the way as I skirted the wooden tables in search of her. Ignoring their drunken queries, I shoved the door leading to the kitchen open and came across a very irate Rajah. The look he gave me said it all.
“What brin’s ye here?” he spat out, slamming a dirtied pot across the counter’s surface.
“I’m looking for Julay.” Continue reading
For days, I pondered the significance of the stone Giarrah had given me. Yet I could not fathom as to what I was meant to do with it. I’d taken it to Kimbar, hoping he’d be able to shed some light on its purpose. Unfortunately, he was just as clueless as I was.
Pushing my doubts and insecurities aside, I shoved the rock into a corner of my trunk and slammed its lid shut. I snapped my sword belt across my waist, sliding the blade into its scabbard. Thrusting my gold dagger into its slot across my right hip, I gazed into the mirror and ran my fingers through my hair. My shaggy mop refused to settle into place. Errant curls rose with every stroke of my hand, leaving my hair severely disheveled. I gave up trying to tame it and strode toward the open doorway. Continue reading
In the days that followed, I did my best to ignore the changes occurring all around me. The Spider Queen’s army now sat on the outskirts of our borders awaiting her commands as to what to do next. While things were not as chaotic as they’d been several days ago, we waited with bated breath for what was yet to come.
Much to my dismay, Daeanyara was still here within the castle. Her father had sent word she was to remain here until further notice. I wondered briefly if he was aware of the fact that she’d been brought here against her wishes to begin with. Still, such things weren’t of my concern and I was determined to do my best to stay out of her way as much as possible.
Reaching for a coarse sharpening stone, I ran it up and down the length of my sword. I was so focused on the task at hand that I was not aware of the presence residing in the room with me. A soft giggle soon echoed throughout the barracks. The sword and stone clattered to the floor as I spun around abruptly. Continue reading
I awoke to find myself completely shrouded in darkness. For a moment, I thought I was back within my weird dream. Yet something told me I was not. Rising carefully, I stretched my cramped muscles and gazed about the room. My eyes adjusted and I could make out every item within the room in vivid detail. Merging with the wolf had given me several unique abilities and this enhanced night vision appeared to be one of them.
As my other senses unraveled, my stomach growled with hunger. Pondering what I wanted to eat, my gaze settled upon a covered silver platter sitting in the middle of the table. Someone had obviously left it there hoping I would find it. Approaching it with care, I popped off the lid and stared at the small feast. Continue reading
