(Click for links to previous chapters.) Alan, Mynar, Jes and Lej are all huddled in Mynar’s library, searching grimoires, lore, and histories for any rumor of animal sacrifice in spells, so it falls to me to show Hunk the village, and make him and his group our offer. “We can live in the houses?” Not … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 87

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) “He has many who serve him because they want the power he gives them, but there are others who are forced, because they already have power he wants to control, or because he wants to use them as he used my sons, forcing muteness on them to protect … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 86

(Click for links to previous chapters.) Since Murr’s request for an audience has to wend its way through multiple levels of protocols, I have plenty of time to update father and Mynar on what Tmal has reported and what we have subsequently found out. “I should probably talk to him.” Mynar and I both ignore … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 85

(Click for links to previous chapters.) At least Celeste’s message puts an end to the argument—or more likely just causes a pause in the argument—as father, Mynar and I try to decide what to do, especially since we can’t offer a rational explanation as to why we are doing anything. “We should light the Spires—at … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 84

(Click for links to previous chapters.) I gently pull Tmal from the edge of the arguing mass and urge him into a quiet corner. I ignore the raised voices; they had yelled in the council meeting, yelled in the hallway, and are still yelling over dinner in the great hall. They will probably be yelling … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 83

(Click for links to previous chapters.) The Betrothal Ball meets everyone’s expectations, which is saying a lot. The fall air is crisp, making the bonfires in the streets comfortable, and the whole castle is decorated to celebrate the fall harvest. But best of all, I can dance with Alan as much as I want. My … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 82

(Click for links to previous chapters.) The murderer’s room is disappointingly normal, maybe just a little too neat and orderly, but no stench of Sorcery, no grimoires, no arcane symbols drawn in blood. “There is no sign he was a user of any power,” Jes decides and Alan agrees. “But he was definitely the murderer,” … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 80

(Click for links to previous chapters.) Taver arrives, bringing Gregor, and Bevin is already here with me.  Hunk is impatient to tell his story, but I make him wait until Alan and Jes arrive. “Do you need me,” Alan whispers, “I have already sent for Zar.” This time he really does need to whisper; he … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 79

(Click for links to previous chapters.) “The spell’s directions are clear, and I have all of the required elements, but I have never performed it, so I cannot guarantee it will work.” The ex-ShadowWalker just looks confused. Maybe he isn’t used to being told the truth. “But you think it might work?” “Yes.” “Then I … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 78

(Click for links to previous chapters.) Seven dead, three identified. And the murderer is still out there. Every night I dream of new graves. Two weeks have passed, and Sister Mays believes the danger over, but the camp remains, and will for two more weeks. Father has called me back home to help hunt the … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 77