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
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
The next morning, Malusk, Skrie, and Theren sat in the common room of Ermina’s and broke their fast. Garrick had stumbled in near dawn, stinking of ale. He lay passed out in the room. Ermina, seeing Skrie’s worn vestments, directed the group to the Temple Square.“If’n yer lookin’ ta pay yer respects ta th’ goddess, … Continue reading Exploring Irewick, Part One
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
Books, games, music, and life — filtered through the mind of a writer, drummer, and philosopher who thinks too deeply about all of it. If it moves something in your chest, I'm interested.
Tavern Tales
Poetry BLOG By Edge of Humanity Magazine
New Writing Engaging with the Sacred
J.J. Shaun 