28th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (D.R. 1492), morning. Our third challenge has begun! Mirt steps down into the dusty training yard and saunters towards us. His cane glints gold and he twirls it casually while he walks. He is grinning widely. I feel as if my limbs were suddenly filled with lead. Having... Continue Reading →
Chapter Twenty-eight: First Class
28th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (D.R. 1492), shortly after dawn. As it happens, I am quite early. The street in front of Mirt’s estate is empty. I walk cautiously down overgrown paths towards the main house. It towers above the city, perched on an outcropping of rock that juts out over the sea... Continue Reading →
Chapter Twenty-seven: The Wanderer
27th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), shortly before highmoon. After talking to Mirt, I knew that I would need to seek out Durnan. And, here at his tavern, I may also find Volo. I can hope that the wily writer has uncovered new information for me about the Tears! And then…then there... Continue Reading →
Chapter Twenty-six: The Merciless
27th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), ten bells after highsun Mirt, Uza, and I stop in the wide doorway of the Lightsinger Theater. Fodder keeps going, plodding down the sweeping marble stairs and disappearing across the street. I briefly wonder whether the downpour will not damage him but realize that the marvelous... Continue Reading →
Chapter Twenty-five: Tuning the Harp.
27th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), two bells after highsun My heart cheered by the time that I spent at the Halls of Justice, I now turn my steps to the Font of Wisdom. I am cautious, looking around warily as I walk. But I see no one suspicious on my way... Continue Reading →
Chapter Twenty-four: Forgelight and Moon’s Glow.
27th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), one bell after highsun Passing through the now-familiar training courtyard, I see members of the Order of the Gauntlet, mostly Human and Dwarven, practicing archery. Among them is the young woman that I had such a pleasant talk with in the Records Hall. I wave to... Continue Reading →
Chapter Twenty-three: Now you see her…
27th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), one bell before highsun. I had been brushing delighted fingers against some of the nodding blooms lining our path. Now, startled, I drop my hand, Turning in place, I try to decide where to direct my respectful bow. “I am Lady Jeryth, Chosen of Mielikki. Eliana... Continue Reading →
Chapter Twenty-two: From Sweet Water to Secret Garden
27th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), nine bells after highmoon Good Morning to you!” The rider calls politely. “I wonder, have you seen a young man on your travels hereabouts? Looks like me. My brother, in fact. Lester, my brother, did not come home last night. Have you seen him?” “We... Continue Reading →
Chapter Twenty-one: Fresh air
26th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), ten bells after highsun. “Poppy, we know that you are a good girl. And we know that what happened was not your fault. But can you tell us a little about your corn husk dolls? How many were there? And when did they start talking to... Continue Reading →
Chapter Twenty: Dearly Departed.
26th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), early evening. Speaking in hurried whispers, Eliana and Vaikner describe the scene they encountered on the top floor of the tower. “It was horror after horror tonight.” Eliana mutters. “I couldn’t shake the thought that it seemed connected. I figured there had to be someone -... Continue Reading →