Like many writers, I keep notebooks everywhere to write down ideas as they pop into my head before they disappear forever. Sometimes I can turn a few phrases into one or more stories later on, or at least an into a character idea. Other times the fragments scribble in my notebooks are nothing more than … Continue reading Notebook Scribbles
“Mesa! Always on time!” a woman crowed down at me from the deck of a twin-masted luxury schooner emblazoned with the words ‘The Constellation’ visible clearly in the first warm rays of morning. On deck, a half dozen deck hands were prepping the shop for launch. “Good morning, Captain,” I said. Lally and the others pause … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 9)
Captain Helias dragged Cayn by the arm until he walked on his own, however once his arm was free, he began to hang back immediately. “I’m supposed to remain with the humans,” Cayn insisted, “until the King sends Celia for me. ” “We’re not going far." Helias stopped midway down the corridor in a spot … Continue reading The Dragon King’s Medic (pt. 7)
Panic flash-froze Lally’s heart. They were at a serious disadvantage. Miss Hunt stood less than a pace away from where the three men sat on the ground with their backs to the building. None of the men were armed. Lally and Zvonko were hobbled by injuries, and Mesa was sandwiched between them. On a good … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 8)
Josh forgot his stage fright as he became immersed in the exchanges between the sorcerer and his frying pan. Absorbed in the rules and tension, he listened closely along with the four unyielding referees who governed the game. Four minutes elapsed without either side scoring. The current topic was "companions". King: "I like the word … Continue reading The Frying Pan (pt. 8)
I hope no one expects me to be able to find my way back, thought Mario as he stole a wary glance over his shoulder, because I won’t be able to. The palatial labyrinth of massive menacing double doors gradually gave way to passages of smaller and less elaborate doorways. Normal sized doors, by Mario’s … Continue reading The Dragon King’s Medic (pt. 6)
I can't sleep. Exhausted, Lally scowled at the dark ceiling with an hour remaining before sunrise. He didn't normally dream when he slept, however ever since Captain Green's crew hurt friends, his subconscious replayed the nightmare of that day every time he closed his eyes. In his dream, the broken bodies of his friends were … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 7)
Every TV news station, radio station, and streaming service across the globe covered the last chance redemption challenge between the infamous sorcerer bent on world domination and the magical frying pan. Bars and restaurants---any place with a large screen---were packed with patrons who watched together in riveted silence. Teachers turned on the match in their … Continue reading The Frying Pan (pt. 7)
Captain Helias had been present at the crowded Lord's Meeting when Dragon King Vanentin excused himself from the stately room in the same breath as his ruling, resulting in a tumultuous stir among the attending lords and nobles. Vanentin's sudden exit alarmed Helias. Where are you going? Something's happened. He straightened from where he leaned … Continue reading The Dragon King’s Medic (pt. 5)
With Miss Hunt hovering over him like a breaking tidal wave, Zvonko dropped his eyes to the bronze pint of ale on the table. The downward tilt of his face in the candlelight underscored his dark circles and bruised eye. Calm down, girl. Hunt took a step back. She hated snapping at Zvonko. He meant … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 6)
Duri Rolvsson 