Zola knew her freedom from the arena was close. All she needed was that last bit of armor. Well, that and live through the melee. Now that she’d made a name among the gladiators, she faced tougher opponents. Sometimes more than one. They told her the rules were simple. You fight. If you win, you … Continue reading Dreamstalker: Finding Freedom
The small chamber they entered held a table with platters of foods they’d seen at the celebration. Two doors led from the room. One opened into a well-appointed hall, the other into a small water closet. The opposite wall of the closet outlined another opening, a faint light shining through the cracks. Lyryk crept to … Continue reading Framed, Part Five
Lyryk woke to Biscuit’s cold, wet nose sniffling in her ear. Must you? She thought to the dog, grumpy at the rude awakening. Is time, came the reply. She reached over and shook Eliam’s shoulder, jerking back as he lashed out, anticipating his reaction. It wasn’t the first time she’d shaken him awake. He looked … Continue reading Framed, Part 4
The dissonance eased as Lyryk reached the ballroom. The varied shades of crimson, red, burgundy, and maroon affected her mood and her music took on the tones of a march. Eliam glanced at her from the corner of his eye and changed the tempo. She tried to follow his lead, but the weight of the … Continue reading Framed, Part 3
After the intermission, Lyryk returned to the stage. Eliam joined her a few moments later. His face was pale, as if he were ill. He picked up his harp and plucked a mournful tune. She tapped the rhythm on her drum, letting him set the tempo. “Are you alright?” she whispered. “Yeah,” he hesitated. “No. … Continue reading Framed, Part 2
Spymaster Tordak Hammersong had secured a commission for Lyryk Starsong to play on the fortieth birthing day of one Lady Pamila Redthorne. Rumors swirled around the Redthorne family, and nearby residents found them strange birds, indeed. Lord and Lady Redthorne invited the elite of Morganskeep to attend various celebrations throughout the year. And, every season, … Continue reading Framed, Pt 1
You board the trade and passenger vessel Sea Drake in Thayur, the major trade hub along the eastern seaboard. Your plan: to sail from Thayur to the northern desert port city of Abad-Noir, then maybe along to Brookhaven, Port Ramall, and eventually Noxport. These cities are all major ports along the main trade roads that … Continue reading The Sea Drake
My friend Danny Wright wrote this story. I helped polish and edit his words, but the story is his. Thorim is one character he plays with our small online Dungeons & Dragons group. Dreamstalker is, of course, my goliath barbarian. Thorim Deepbreaker stopped at the bottom of the stairs of the Hammer and Anvil Inn, … Continue reading Thorim Deepbreaker
“NO!” Zola kicked and screamed as Headman Bearleader and his guard dragged her out of the camp. “I won’t go!” She leaned down and bit the guard on the forearm, breaking the skin, the blood coppery on her tongue. Headman Bearleader cuffed her ears, hard. Stars sparkled her vision, her head rang with the blows. … Continue reading Dreamstalker
Dariyus Lamanya sat in the rear wagon, watching the road behind. Dari had signed on as a guard with Master Charvis when Brother Balasar deemed him ready to face the world outside the village. Yarjerit Balasar, Vater’s clan brother, raised Dari in the male-dominated clan after Vater died in battle. Brother Balasar recognized Dari’s divine … Continue reading Dari
A piece of my scattered mind.
Tavern Tales
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New Writing Engaging with the Sacred
J.J. Shaun 