Twilight came to the valley with a dusty purple sky, thunderheads illuminated in the distance by occasional flashes of lightning. My shift long over, I sat out under a desert willow, recorder balanced on the cast-concrete bench next to me. Deadeye’s German accent drifted from the device into the evening air as I transcribed my... Continue Reading →
The princess’s first understanding of the matter came after a playfellow’s innocent question: “Why don’t you have any cousins?” Her nurse, upon the repetition of the question that evening, cupped her charge’s face in her soft hand and stared into the princess’s eyes for a long moment. It was difficult, explaining the weight of it... Continue Reading →
In moments like this, Erven always felt like he stood at the top of the world. A short detour on his patrol had turned into a longer one, and now he sat with his back to the rocks, overlooking a valley that lay before him in autumn hues of gold, rust, and evergreen. The stream... Continue Reading →
Trading Day had come in a flurry of carts and left in a swirl of satisfaction. With coffers and pantries full, the Yarrow Leaf tribe had settled once more into that most pleasant of seasons—summer. Or, as Heather liked to think of it, Bee Tree season. On this particular dreamy summer day, she and Clover... Continue Reading →
September 29, 1852 My Dearest Jack, We tracked the Whatever Bird and Were-Rabbit into the jungles for a day. I carried the Maltese Poodle in her backpack the entire way, save when she had to be let out to do dog business. The way was most rugged. I believe the two animals have chosen difficult... Continue Reading →
September 27, 1852 My Dearest Jack, Success at last! I have finally caught a glimpse, yes, a glimpse, of not one but BOTH the Whatever Bird and the Were-Rabbit. Somewhat embarrassingly, the glimpse came right as they raided our latest cunning trap. I was not too pleased with anyone on the expedition, Bernie especially. It... Continue Reading →
September 25, 1852 My Dearest Jack, I have captured a bird. Unfortunately, it is not the Whatever Bird. In fact, it is an ordinary, garden-variety parrot. Two of them, to be precise, and they have taken up residence in the rafters of my tent. My knowledge of parrot-like nomenclature is not what it should be;... Continue Reading →
September 20, 1852 My Dearest Jack, In the span of three days, I have obtained a shadow and documented many different specimens of flora and fauna of the African Jungles. I have also discovered evidence of one of the strangest animals of these parts. Two nights ago, I was reading in my tent when I... Continue Reading →
Date: September 17, 1852 My Dearest Jack, I hope this letter finds you well. Hopefully the blistering heat of India has not driven you Totally Insane. I am well as I can be, and quite more excited than I ought to be. What must you think of your little sister now, adventuring in the deepest... Continue Reading →
After a few hours of work, an older boy joined their group. Rose stopped what she was doing to look at him curiously as he joined them. He seemed around nineteen, an Illyn native with vividly blue eyes. A belt crossed his shoulder to hold a hunting knife and pouch at his side. Lena smiled... Continue Reading →
Words In My Blood 