Alyssia crouched in a bramble patch, her cloak blending with the shadows. The wind carried the scent of pine and damp earth, but a far more interesting scene compelled her attention. Silvery moonlight filtered through the canopy above, casting an eerie glow across the clearing. She shouldn’t be here. The Council of Elders had warned … Continue reading The Ritual
Qilynn led Tumorgi and Kharys through the streets, following the captain’s directions. Guards at the gate of the Baron’s manor house welcomed them to the compound. They invited the group to help themselves to the refreshment table while they waited for the baron. Tumorgi took a plate, trying to follow Qilynn’s lead on sampling the … Continue reading Qilynn: Meeting Baron Wildhurst
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
Jeni Scott sat in front of the computer screen surfing the ‘net for the latest in video games. Bored with the same old thing, she searched for something different. She preferred video games similar to the tabletop role-playing games she’d played in college. Some of her favorites she’d played so much that they just didn’t … Continue reading Jeni
Qilynn Starpath watched the sailors throw heavy ropes over the rail to men waiting on the dock. They caught the arm-thick lines as they landed on the pier, wrapping them around sturdy wooden logs that disappeared into the harbor. “Drop anchor!” the captain roared. Qilynn grabbed for the rail as the ship bumped hard against … Continue reading Qilynn: Welcome to Southport
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
Tavern Tales
Poetry BLOG By Edge of Humanity Magazine
New Writing Engaging with the Sacred
50,000 Monkeys at 50,000 Typewriters Can't Be Wrong
J.J. Shaun 