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-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-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 →
And introducing…
Eliana Cooper, courtesy of the talented CustardPie! I love this image of Elie, staring out dreamily into the rain. This brief respite, when she can set aside her responsibilities, shut out the despised Deep, and sit quietly with Pip, reading and snacking, comes a little later in our story. So consider this a delightful preview!... 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 →