Silence after the Storm
This entry is part 10 of 13 in the series The Rusted BladeThe forest lay in perfect stillness around her, the bodies of the beasts she had slain strewn haphazardly all about. She stood, head tilted...
View ArticleA True Beginning
This entry is part 11 of 13 in the series The Rusted BladeShe heaved, great, gasping, shuddering sobs, still clutching the sword in her hand. Her tears that fell on the blade glistened and glowed blue,...
View ArticleDistant Whispers
This entry is part 12 of 13 in the series The Rusted BladeOnwards and forwards, path guided by faith, Orthael strode on. He did not see where his feet feel, he did not know where the end of his journey...
View ArticleExalted by Fiery Touch
This entry is part 13 of 13 in the series The Rusted BladeAt long last, Orthael returned the sword to its guard position and stood quietly for several seconds before realising there were no foes left...
View ArticleBlood Rain
“There is blood in the rain,” stated the Deep One, matter-of-factly. He stood at the deck railing, staring out over the city spread out below. “What do you mean, sire?” Kolster asked, looking up at the...
View ArticleServants of Fire
This entry is part 14 of 18 in the series The Rusted BladeMalika wiped away the tears from her eyes with the palm of one hand and gracefully rose to her feet, turning to face the newcomer. “Be you...
View ArticleOf the Dark, Of the Light
This entry is part 15 of 18 in the series The Rusted BladeMalika brought Morduth up so it pointed at the newcomer. Blue flame flared up bright and tall along the blade’s length, spilling over the hilt...
View ArticleAn Introduction and a Challenge
This entry is part 17 of 18 in the series The Rusted Blade“I ask you again,” Malika said. “Who be you, and how be it you come to be here, just at this very moment? Be you a final test, holy man or not,...
View ArticleFlames of the Fire
This entry is part 18 of 18 in the series The Rusted Blade“Orthael!” she spat. “Protector of life, servant of the All-Consumer.” Her voice dripped disdain. “Summoned by a local parish, no doubt.”...
View ArticleA Warm Glow
This entry is part 16 of 18 in the series The Rusted BladeOrthael watched the child raise her weapon to point at him, felt the Judgement shiver slightly in recognition. Through it, the All-Consumer...
View ArticleWeeping in the Willows
The child sits at the base of the tree, silently weeping. Her arms are crossed over her upraised knees, her face buried in her arms. Tears fall from her cheeks, staining her pants and the soil on which...
View ArticleSmoke Merchants
This entry is part 2 of 3 in the series Market of the MacabreHe winds his way through the chaos, trying to avoid bumping into anyone. Such a thing is nigh impossible here. But it hardly bothers him....
View ArticleSmoke
This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Market of the MacabreThe box rests on a small, round table, perfectly centered on its rough surface. The man who purchased it stands across the room, leaning...
View ArticleMoonlight
This entry is part 4 of 5 in the series Market of the MacabreIt is night now, and moonlight pours through the one open window in the room. The moon outside is full, the light it casts bright and rich....
View ArticleBlood and Runes
This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series Market of the MacabreHe wastes no time. Already the moonlight has crept across the box, and if he misses this opportunity, it will be weeks before another...
View ArticleSmoke
This entry is part 6 of 6 in the series Market of the MacabreHe licks his lips in anticipation, ignoring the searing pain of his torn tongue and the coppery taste of blood in his mouth. Carefully he...
View ArticleMemories Even of Memories
This entry is part 7 of 8 in the series Market of the MacabreHe dips his finger into the smoke, and it clings to his flesh like tar, even as tatters billow up and swirl around his hand. He lifts his...
View ArticleFrost
This entry is part 8 of 8 in the series Market of the MacabreHe resists the voices, even as they wrap around him. He fights but is soon overwhelmed. There are simply too many of them. He feels them...
View ArticleSmoke Priest
This entry is part 9 of 9 in the series Market of the MacabreThe smoke merchants pace along the streets of the Market. The cowls of their grey cloaks are pulled up over their heads, obscuring their...
View ArticleInto the Hands of the Smoke Priest
This entry is part 10 of 11 in the series Market of the MacabreOne of the merchants produces the sigil, wrapped in cloth, from an inner pocket of his robe, and sets it in the Priest’s waiting hand. The...
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