Into the Forest Niander rolls over in his sleep and regrets it right away. His eyes snap open and he lets out a croak of pain. He is in pain. Nothing is sore, it all just hurts. The fifteen hours of Ka’ala have just nearly killed him. The night before he was dropped off … Continue reading Episode Thirteen
Episode Ten
Fire, Mothers, and Meat The sound of boiling water leaks into Niander’s mind and quickens the fading of his dream. Something to do with a serpent made of black flames. The bubbling is deafening, and the heat is close to unbearable. “Ahh!” Niander falls off of a large wooden table and onto a mossy stone … Continue reading Episode Ten
Episode Nine
Drinks and a Fight Riktus, the Hims Hems shop owner, scrutinizes his work with a furrowed unibrow. Tugging in all manner of places and pinning where the fabric dares to bunch up. He sighs heavily and says in a Ruvic accent “If his shoulders vere broader, maybe I could let him go without cloak, but … Continue reading Episode Nine
Episode Eight
The Color Of Sunrise Niander’s body wakes up a whole minute before his mind is fully aware of his surroundings. The wounds that easily healed themselves last night are now moaning. He is content with staying in bed for the rest of the day, but the smell of breakfast makes its way under his … Continue reading Episode Eight
Episode Seven
Dinner With Horses Before Niander can begin to understand the spectacle he just witnessed, Ryker taps him on the shoulder and points him towards the stage. Malcolm, on his feet and trying hard to hide the redness in his wet eyes, pushes his way past the scribes attempting to help him. As a mark … Continue reading Episode Seven
Episode Six
Friends and Enemies Niander Salutes the judges, his father and Lord Lanker before joining the other winners. Gad walks over to the red pot and calls out, “Galel and Victor.” The two boys walk onto the stage as Vol is carted away, her eyes staring blankly at the sky. Victor waists no time, attacking … Continue reading Episode Six
Episode Five
Ceremony Fight Aaron smiles and pats his son on the back. Niander watches his father walk back to his seat and not until Nurse Agatha touches his shoulder does he realizes the wetness of his eyes. Quickly turning, he makes his way off the stage and back to his spot next to Victoria. He uses … Continue reading Episode Five
Episode Four
Rejoining Ceremony As the caravan approaches the garden Niander moves away from the window and looks at his friends. Only Michael allows the mix of excitement and worry to show on his face. Malcolm, stone faced, nodes to himself and adjusts the sword at his hip and staff in his hand. Gregory stands from … Continue reading Episode Four
Episode Three
Work, Worry and Gates The sun hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows over the caravans. Nurse Agatha had stormed the halls less than an hour ago making sure everyone knew they would be arriving in Weeping Valley before night fell completely. Looking out the window Niander can see the steep incline of … Continue reading Episode Three
Episode One
Caravan Tales “By the name of Baktu, if you bunch of hellions don't get ready I’ll tell your parents you died years ago!” Nurse Agatha, the head of the Abbey, storms down the Virin corridor. Only twelve hands tall and still more imposing than any of the young that tower over her. Looking out of … Continue reading Episode One
Thought of a Thinker 