“Isn’t this splendid, Garron!” He was like a child, his face lit like the sun at noonday. “Garron?” “Yes, Arena Master.” “Must you brood? I swear, you are the most miserable man I have ever known!” A roar sounded from the coliseum floor. Drawing Saetrum’s attention. Garron curled his lip, watching as the six gladiators …
Upon exiting the villa, Uxalen held his breath, after passing through the arbor and into the gardens. Three pergolas sat over the u-shaped walkway surrounding an enormous pool of water. Atop them grew roses and violets, both hanging loosely, but well trimmed. Their branches were shaped and woven around the pergola’s support columns from with …
The smell of oil and metal was calming. The sound of the hexitool clicking as she tightened the bolts soothing. Eleesa looked around the chamber. It was growing cramped from the sorted pile of parts and mechanisms she had created at Saetrum’s request. No, not request, order was a better word. Nine months… Has it …
Saetrum sat back in his chair, arms propped, his hands folded, and chin resting on them. The crowd was full of vitality. Their shouts and jeers throughout the day had rocked the coliseum. Through it all they periodically chanted two names: Uxalen and Eleesa. Neither name was chanted simultaneously, but the demand was clear. In …
The smell of urine was the first thing to assault her nose. The sound of chittering rats was the second. Both pulled away the fog in her mind and Eleesa slowly opened her eyes. She turned her head; her gaze falling on a large rat staring at her a foot away. Eleesa held her breath, …
“A thief you say?” Garron asked. “Yes, Inquisitor,” the centurion replied. “We were attempting to apprehend her once the merchant identified her, but she bolted into the arena. From what we know, she’s Charnoan and a Maker.” Garron looked beyond the doorway, past the booth where the Saetrum was reclining in his chair and toward …
Garron observed the saberquill’s slow approach toward the sauratian. He narrowed his eyes, watching the sauratian’s movements. How long will you toy with that beast, lizard? “Is the great Garron suddenly interested in gladiatorial combat?” Saetrim asked. “I’m speechless.” Garron drew his lip taught leveling his gaze at the arena master. “The fight is over, …
Cassius smiled in response to the thunderous roar of the spectators above him. Their shouts reverberating through the coliseum’s masonry, giving him chills. He gazed at each of the gladiators in their cells, noting the apprehension written on their faces as they awaited their fate. They were newcomers, all of them, taken from prisons throughout …
Leif trembled, soaking in the warmth of Lenella’s naked body pressing against him. He closed his eyes, absorbing the sensation, and yearning for every ounce she could offer. He smiled as Lenella slept, her hot breath against his bare chest sending ripples through him. It was tempting to wake her and start the dance …
The cold Sokoran wind spread across his body like a blanket. Each gust brushing annoyingly against his fur and muzzle. There were better places to be than this accursed land, but curiosity won over reason. Talyn cringed at the sound of the snow crunching beneath his paws. It was as unnatural as the sensation of …
“You’ve come a long way, Ranger,” she said. Leif nodded. “It’s been a tough winter on everyone this year. I’ve seen my fair share of terrible things.” The Shaylin paused, then turned to face him. “I think you have,” she said, her eyes meeting with his. “Probably more than most.” Leif shuddered. Her tone carried …
Talyn eyed the bleak winter landscape, his thoughts drifting. It’s almost time. He turned his head, studying Lief from over his shoulder. He wasn’t saying much, but for now, it was best not to push him. The ranger needed to simmer, allowing his thoughts carry them on whatever wind was appropriate. I wonder what you …
