“While we wait to be granted an audience with the King, I’ll start teaching you the layout of the palace. You’ll need to know it like the back of your hand, so you can deliver messages along the fastest route possible. And once you’ve pledged to the King, I’ll even show you the secret tunnels,” Tarc wiggled his eyebrows, and […]
“You see, Boy, I’m in charge of the royal household and all its servants. And the King is in need of another runner to take messages back and forth in the palace.” The man knelt to be eye level with Mouse. “Would you be interested in that job?” Mouse nodded vigorously. “Oh, yes Sir. I’d take whatever job you’d be […]
“Well, Mouse, you need more than 5 lives if you want to last long out here. You’ve got to find a way to earn more,” Zeno looked at him reproachfully. “And you’re not to play Russian Roulette again.” Mouse just nodded, staring at the ground. “Do you have any skills?” The boy looked left, then right. He whispered, “I can […]
This is part 2 of Clever’s short story. Click here to read from the beginning. … “Thank you, Mister,” the boy said shyly as he stared up at Zeno. “Zeno, you can call me Zeno,” he replied. “What’s your name, boy?” “Mouse.” Zeno stopped walking and turned to the boy. “I’ll not be calling you…” He had planned to ask […]
The man slapped the revolver onto the table in front of Zeno with a rough chuckle. Zeno stared at the gun, waiting another minute for people to get extra bets in. He’d already placed a bet on himself. He grasped the revolver and placed it to his temple. His hand was steady and breathing even. This would be the fourth […]
After my morning reading, I decide it’s time to tackle some larger projects. The backyard has been overtaken by weeds, so I start there. I trim back the worst areas with a weed-eater, then yank the rest out from around my flowers with rapid intensity. I marvel at the garbage bags full of trimmings as I race them to the […]
I frown at the sink full of dishes. If only there were more hours in a day, I wish for the hundredth time with a sigh as I pick up a cup. “Well that wish won’t do,” a voice calls out from behind me. I spin, nearly dropping the glass. Before me hovers a wisp of a man clothed in […]
I make sure I arrive early for our departure, settled atop Diago’s saddle. My brother only glances at me with pursed lips, but doesn’t comment on my riding horseback instead of being safely tucked away in a carriage. I’ve invited two of my Ladies-in-Waiting to join us, ones who I know are proficient riders. It will benefit my brother’s cause […]
Queen Amaria arrived with much fanfare, but not that of a Queen of Rezia. No, her entrance was more fitting of a King. Instead of being helped out of a glamorous carriage, she rode in at the head of her retinue on a gorgeous white horse. Trumpets announced her approach, and flags in the sapphire and silver colors of Movalon […]
“I don’t want that,” I told my brother as he held out my birthday gift. He blinked at me and then exclaimed, “Evelyn, that’s no way for a Princess to behave!” “Well, that’s no riding cloak.” I crossed my arms and stared him down. “This is a very fine cloak made by the best seamstress in the Kingdom.” He held […]
