A GROUP OF MONKS fled with the forest snapping at their heels. The forest itself squealed with bending tree limbs and groaning trunks; the deafening thrashing of lush branches grew wilder as the exhausted and despairing monks burst into a clearing. They prayed to be able to see the next village from the treeline. It … Continue reading Unsettled Spirits
Captain Hass was still laughing when the looming tower-like fin of a submarine glided alongside their lifeboats. For years, a hijacking operation targeted yachts and small ocean liners resulting in stolen ships and victims abandoned in lifeboats. Scores of lives and livelihoods had been disrupted and ruined to the degree of bankruptcy and suicide however, … Continue reading Fish in the Water
"Now please take the lady for a chat at a table that isn't mine so I can eat my breakfast in peace." I exhaled. "Thank you." Still seated, Zvonko stared up at me. "Mesa," he said in a low voice, "what are you doing?" I lowered my voice, too. "Something stupid out of blind panic." … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 15)
I sleep well anywhere. My cot below deck aboard The Constellation was no exception. I woke instantly when a steward made rounds for wake up calls at first light. I dressed and ducked out into the narrow passageway. Lally stepped out of his own compartment and we saw each other as we secured our respective … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 14)
The Bandit's captive surgeon Dr. Fourier knocked politely at the study door out of habit, earning yet another disapproving growl from the bull-like sailor guarding the door. The color drained from Fourier's face. "Apologies," he mumbled. He lowered his hazel-green eyes to the small cart of breakfast things intended for the prisoners being held in … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt. 13)
Mario was glad to have a moment alone even if it was in a dimly lit shower stall. According to Nathan, the dormicile for the human slaves commanded by the king was actually outside the main castle or palace or wherever they were---not inside, like he originally thought. A few of the passageways leading there … Continue reading The Dragon King’s Medic (pt. 9)
The Bandit was a proud vessel. Lined with guns down either flank, she gave every appearance of a navy ship until her colors bespoke piracy for which, proven nimble for her size, she was more than adept. Presently, The Bandit was anchored quietly in a private cove at the foot of the small island of … Continue reading Skill, Luck, and Terrible Ideas (pt.12)
“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)
Duri Rolvsson 