The Jade Tower was the last in the line, nearest to the eastern section of the mountain that enclosed the town. Several stories up, Razien knew he would be looking face-to-face with an aged mirror of himself, one that was infinitely more critical of him than he could be himself. And once more, as he neared that […]
Tag: high fantasy
(USFB): Sixteen: Old Home, Old Faces
Duty was not something Razien feared. Whether it be to exhume a blood-tainted body from a burial ground or stand toe to toe with a Wretched call upon by the Spiritcatcher. However, his new task was something beyond his confidence. Riding to Roya through the night after an already exhausting day was a paltry request, but his purpose […]
(USFB): Fifteen: Atlai the Wyse
Jaium was a nightmare to behold; had his dark fur not been flecked with flakes of salt, he might have convinced every last one that he was taken by the tainted blood. As he set eyes on those nearest to the door, he growled low with irritation until his eyes set on Razien and Greshalin. […]
(USFB): Thirteen: An Empty Camp
It hadn’t been intended they were to leave still that day; however, with what news they had, as well as the captive lion, no one could argue the imperative of ensuring news was spread as quickly as possible. With two of the foxes in tow, just to keep extra eyes on their prisoner, they returned […]
(USFB): Twelve: Among the Pines
Chief Defender Biyorn was easily located after their visit to Soweyn. On the first tier, he sat at his post, a shack that partly cut into the cliff face as the temple had. However, through this alcove, it was apparent one could slip lower into the city. A shaft of light erupted from a hole in […]
(USFB): Eleven: Soweyn
The puma paced the circle opposite Razien, both weighing each other out, deciding which limb to take and how best to strike. Every movement was calculated, as had been well trained into each man. Before they engaged, the result was any number of holds, grapples, and impacts. It had gone the way of the wolf […]
(USFB): Ten: Chasing Ghosts
Razien sat beside Greshalin’s wagon that night, the day’s experience hardly breaking his composure. Gresh tried to press her paws to the rope burns that snaked through his fur, a steam of ice against the warm air building and fading as he denied the aid each time. He was sullen and irritated, but only in […]
(USFB): Nine: A Living Grave
Orathone held his breath counting down seconds in the void. It seemed utterly unreal that any sane person would bury another alive, punishment or not. The buck thought it had to be some type of bluff, an attempt to break him and keep him in line. However, it was clear enough that Razien had seen […]
(USFB): Eight: No Good Deed
The morning brought the unburdening of Orathone’s mind. Shadows were vanquished by the sweet rays of amber sunlight. Songbird’s tender choruses swept through the wind on a breeze infused with the calming aromas of nature itself. Yet, what kept Orathone from finding true peace in rising was the frantic tone Litheiuss took as he shook […]
(USFB): Seven: Shadowplay
There was little left to exchange between the two despite the sincerity both had willfully employed after the elk had been laid to rest. Between them still stood a gulf that was nearly unconquerable, yet neither could quite say why. Where the others, both the camps of West and East, would dissolve their equal parts […]
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