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 →
Chapter Nineteen: Husked.
26th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), shortly after sunset The half-hearted rainfall has stopped. But there is a damp heaviness to the air. I wrinkle my nose: the sweetness of the blossoming orchards is now pressing in on all sides with cloying over-ripeness. The night is not fresh. Tatters of mist reach... Continue Reading →
Chapter Eighteen: Honeyed Words.
26th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), distressingly close to one bell after highsun. Or maybe a little after… I feel like I am floating along the shining white paths that lead me out into the streets of Waterdeep. The time I spent with Amber today has made me so happy! We did... Continue Reading →
Chapter Seventeen: Warm Days, Hot Knights.
26th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), a little after eleven bells after highmoon Heart and steps light, I leave Tyr’s Temple. Passing through the outer courtyard of the Halls of Justice, I notice one of the trainee warriors with whom I had shared words of encouraging advice earlier, on my way in... Continue Reading →
Chapter Sixteen: The Calm before the Stormbringer.
26th Mirtul, Year of Three Ships Sailing (1492 D.R.), about ten bells after highmoon. Saer Savra beckons me through a heavy wooden door off to one side of the small work space behind her desk. A hallway lies beyond, less drafty but also darker and not as ornately finished as the marble-walled central chamber of... Continue Reading →