Ahren sifted through the piles of tomes on the table. Some were histories, others, stories submitted by authors, and a few, tales from cultures now long gone. The Library’s collection was vast, and as time went on, only grew more expansive. I wonder what you’re researching today, Mother? She left the table, continuing her search …
If only we had more time. She turned to the moon, its pale light shining down over the maze of boulders and rocky terrain. Lisha narrowed her eyes, catching a sliver of something behind it, barely peeking out. Aluna was watching from behind Narune. If I could see you in full, I’d feel more confident, …
It was like the vision. The full moon shone high in the sky, its light lengthening the shadows across the cliffs and rocky terrain. There were no drums, however. Only an eerie silence greeted them. A soft wind blew, its chilling touch caressing her skin. Lisha shuddered, her tail swishing nervously. Something was wrong. She …
Many had gathered, far more than she could have imagined. Lisha looked at them, her eyes unable to soak in the sea of banners outside the Thunderhooves home. Each sat planted at the centers of the gathering Tribes’ encampments. Among stood hers. There are so many… The Thunderhoof, alongside the Sky Dancers, Ironhooves and a …
“You would take the word of a child?” Amid the soft light of lanterns, the warrior’s face looked that much more intimidating. Lisha averted her eyes, turning them toward the ground. She folded her hands together, her arms resting in front of her. “I take the word of a Windrunner Cho Sah,” Umanii replied. “Then …
Lisha shook her head, fighting to stay awake. Fatigue was setting in and her legs ached. The early morning hours seemed endless, but when dawn broke, she felt a spark of hope mingled with guilt. Lisha thought of her father. It felt wrong to leave him when he needed her, but the sense of urgency …
The stars shone brightly, and the moon was full. Lisha closed her eyes, feeling the breeze against her bare arms and cheeks. In her mind’s eye, she could see the grasses of the plains swaying on it. Yielding, but never breaking. Feel the wind. His voice was always clear and strong. She smiled as her …
“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, …
