She sat back against the large oak tree she had tied her horse to. In the west, the sun was setting behind the distant mountains forming the great desert’s eastern edge. She had been waiting at least four hours in case the others had made it through the gateway. She was alone again for the first time in days, a condition she was familiar with, but ...
Category: Fantasy
Aaron and Kirk entered the dining room. Desprae was already seated there, a cup of hot fruit tea in front of her. On the table were various fruits, cheeses, and meats. The pair took seats opposite Desprae and waited in silence. A minute later, Rarsirrien joined them.
“Good morning, everyone,” he said. The three looked at him. After last night ...
Rarsirrien had to wake Kirk and Aaron. It had been the most comfortable night’s sleep they had had since leaving the Rangers. Desprae had already packed her items and had even made them breakfast. Kirk and Aaron stared at each other.
“What have we done to deserve this?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe we should test it for poison?” Aaron jokingly ...
Everyone had been silent since leaving the small encampment of refugees from Hommlet. They had ridden non-stop, and it was mid-afternoon now. They would need to find another place to camp in a few hours. They had been following the river west, but it was slow going. There were no paths or roads here, and it was unusually quiet.
“I’m not complaining, ...
Rarsirrien checked on Kirk, then gently touched Aaron’s shoulder to wake him for his watch. Desprae had retaken her place and was feigning sleep under the light blanket she had been given. Aaron rubbed his eyes and got up. He sipped from the water and joined Rarsirrien a short distance away.
Rarsirrien showed Aaron the manacles. “She’s evidently ...
There were bruises on her face, arms, and legs. Rarsirrien could see where she had been whipped from the lash marks on her exposed back. Her captors had not been kind. Why? Rarsirrien had some experiences with Drow long ago, enough to know this situation was very unusual.
He turned to Kirk, “Help me get her out of here.” Kirk climbed into ...
Aaron felt the pace slowing. He guessed they had been traveling for about an hour and that they may be nearing their destination. A moment later, he felt the horse come to a stop. He would soon learn his fate and the fates of his companions. He heard the sound of Aleyn’s men dismounting and, after a moment, felt the ropes securing him to his horse ...
The trio had ridden a half-day from Greyhawk city without incident. At first, they passed many people and merchants on their way to the great city, but as they continued east, the number of travelers became fewer until after they passed through the town of Fork, they found themselves alone on the road. They had spoken little, Aaron and Kirk riding ...
Rarsirrien led the pair through now-empty streets leading down to the docks along the Selintan River. In a few hours, this area will be bustling with activity as men work to load and unload barges traveling to and from towns downstream. The river is the lifeblood of trade for the free city. Much of the food comes to the city over water as it is faster ...
As she walked down the long corridor, she stopped in front of a large, polished silver mirror and studied her reflection. Her hair was now jet black instead of the blonde of her youth. Her skin was paler now as well, but she had few wrinkles for a woman of her advanced years. She turned to her profile. Her slim figure was firm in all the right places. ...
Rarsirrien looked the pair over, and Kirk and Aaron cautiously lowered their swords. “We need to have a chat. However, this isn’t a conversation that should be had in an alley. Come.” He walked past them and headed back towards Cargo Street. Aaron and Kirk looked at each other. Finally, Kirk broke the silence.
“You heard the man. Follow him.” ...
Aaron glanced around the crowded room, trying to see through the smoke to the bar where Kirk was supposed to be getting their drinks. They had been trying to get into the Green Dragon for several days and had finally managed. The Dragon had a reputation for being a source of information and gossip for adventurers and, as a result, was immensely popular. ...