(Click for links to previous chapters.) We broke camp before first light, and stopped for the mid-day meal early to ready for our entry. The casings are removed from our banners, and the three standard bearers move to the front of our procession. Cloaks are thrown back, emblems showing clearly, both Royal and Wielder, and … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 50

(Click for links to previous chapters.) The trader is thrilled. His trip has been enlivened by actually seeing the Wielder on a quest. Tarver reassures him we are merely on a routine visit to several cities. The trader, Mylo, nods his understanding while putting a finger over his lips in silent promise that he won’t … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 49

(Click here for links to previous Chapters.) Riding down a muddy road gets old really fast, and more than old after five days. We had camped around inns twice, getting warm meals they didn’t have to cook for everyone and rooms for me and Taver. The priests refused to leave their squadrons and Alan, barely … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 48

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) We eat breakfast early, Mother and Father joining us this morning, the staff protectively building a little three sided room around as with screens trying to shield Mother from the worst of the drafts. When you live in a castle drafts are just the way of life in … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 47

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) My Ladies have gone mad; they want to pack ball gowns and jewels. They might not know where I am going, but they know I’m going with an army battalion and that should give them a clue. I chase them out and pack myself. All I need is … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 46

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) Snow melts, turning city streets into rivers, roads into mud, and dispositions sour. Father and Mother debate for days about arresting Orsin, hoping the mysterious letter from Afred will provide evidence of his guilt. Neither are willing to take the gamble. I start for the stable, intending to … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 45

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) Chapter  Forty-four “Why are you up here?” Alan’s question doesn’t surprise me, I heard the rustling of someone filtering through the guards on the steps below.  I am surprised it isn’t Mynar; he is usually the only one who follows me to my favorite tower. “Watching,” I answer … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 44

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) I have overloaded the rumor mill with Lej’s lecture to my guards; there are arguments raging about the existence of the communes, if they were historical or fable.  The historians are weighing in with a great number of words, and even my inventive journeyman bard is supporting the … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 43

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) I try to decide if I want to talk first to Alan or father.  As I’m looking around me, thinking, I see the priest on duty with this group of guards, and decide what I really need to do first. “Sir priest.”  He looks surprised, I usually try … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 42