Shade Hightower looked out the barred window of his prison cell. He had an excellent view of the Isles of Penitence. Were his death not imminent, he might have enjoyed the view, the waves crashing against the rocky shoals, the sun reflecting off the shallow ocean waters. As it were, he stared blankly at the sky, wondering how he was going to get out of this predicament. "Hightower!" came a warden's voice from behind him, "Get over here. We're shoving off in two minutes." Shade turned his head and stared at the warden. Would he be the one to kill him? Shade hoped so. He looked strong, but Shade saw that he stood heavier on his right side. Exploit the left side, Shade thought. Shade walked slowly towards the warden. His arms were bound behind him with elf clover rope. The rope was a curious thing, the like of which Shade had never seen on the Astoran Continent. Not only did it hold his wrists tight, it prevented him from using his skills, what these lesser races called magic, sorcery, witchcraft, or other such nonsense. It was useless to try to escape now. The opportune time would be on the Island of Execution. The warden pushed Shade down the cold, stone corridors of the prison. He made sure to twist his staff into Shade's back as he prodded him forward. Shade imagined what he would do to this warden, given the chance. Shade was eventually led to a small boat tied to the main docks of the prison. Four wardens stood waiting on the docks. The warden leading Shade must be the fifth. The people of the Western Isles were sticklers for rites and rituals. It was silly, really, Shade thought. Everything here at the prison revolved around the number five, five representing the five forces of nature: earth, air, water, fire, and light. There were five islands that made up the Isles of Penitence. Those who were imprisoned for murder had to wait five days until they were executed. When they were executed, it was by five wardens on the Island of Execution. It was such an archaic way of viewing the world. It was the half-blood's influence on the region. They had such a shrouded past, one might even say mysterious. Yet it was this mystery that brought Shade down to the Western Isles. Most Astorans never strayed from their home, seeing no reason to associate with races that had nothing to offer them, that were inferior. Shade did not see the world in that way. The other races had plenty to offer. This elf clover rope that bound his hands, for example. Shade needed to get himself some of that. It was extremely powerful. Why not just kill your opponent, Shade could here his Astoran peers ask. Ah, but sometimes you do not want your opponent dead, Shade thought. Sometimes it is better to have him alive, at least temporarily. Shade was . . .
Aldora Stories
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The SinkHarry Frost
Experiment with the Gorgeous Gang. Free consideration of sexuality. An operative struggles with the demands of partisanship, and of love. Mostly just so as we can see Xien briefly. I'd like to know what people think! Xien is Cecily's.
Profanation of TeachingsPanu Karjalainen
Chapter 4
A short collection of tales written by a Divai mock-savant. Chaptered, but the order of reading is irrelevant. Pick what interests you most.
A Young Man MarriesPanu Karjalainen
Unable to sleep, Mbhual recalls his recent marriage. Bits of Nerrime wedding traditions. Fragmentary.
The Paladin's NightmareAnson Brehmer
A piece of flash fiction horror. A noble knight hunting a necromancer comes under attack, and has to be taken to the local doctor. But..
Shadow Tale: The Thief in the NightAnson Brehmer
Just a Miirian cautionary tale...
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In the Pit of BrassCecily Webster
Morbid wee tale written mostly under the influence of too much sugar. (see notes)
Resolution:ExcerptRonnie Walton
Two vast armies battle to decide a conflict between two men. This is only the beginning.
Sorcerer FishingHarry Frost
Sorcerer, bored; capable of and inclined to imbalance. Mildly experimental, as ever trying new ways to write hows things look and feel. Inspired by Cecily's "Sorcerer Fishing". There had to be a fish...
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To Darkness, To LightCecily Webster
Chapter 5
Being the account of Falin Nar-Masaden, stolen and brought up by the "Vudei Tahilé". Work in Progress.
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In the Shadow of the SaintPanu Karjalainen
A story I've wanted to write more or less since I first learned of Miir. A House worker past his prime has a not-so-stellar day.
Shamma BantawiPanu Karjalainen
Divai ritual. And cultural perceptions on elves.
The Game of HandsPanu Karjalainen
A little story describing an erratic kind of priest among the Nerrime. Also, I've always wanted to write peleppar... As much about the benefits of taboo-breaking as anything.
Brennu Ulrikssaga (The Saga of Burnt Ulric)Harry Frost
The king of Garrelsland (one of the more obscure Western Isles) in his mead-hall, coping with a peasant insurrection. Attempt at comic relief.
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A Rose Before the Joining TreeMichael LaReaux
Chapter 5
Hephennia, a cat-spirit, emerges from the sea in a newly reclaimed body of a beautiful young woman, but before she can fully possess it, she must unravel the mystery of the girl's profound hate.
The End Of An EraP Squiddy
Short stand alone story dragon death birth
The Vale and the Deep Cogent WoodHarry Frost
Love, folk-life and religious conflict in tribal, pre-Empire Heath. Inspired by some traditional English folk songs, including 'Long Lankin', which provides the model for the raw, haunting (frankly disturbing) style I'm experimenting with. 1st effort.
Shadow Tales: Alone In The DarkAnson Brehmer
Chapter 3
They tell cautionary stories in Miir about the Shadows. They say that the Shadows are alive, and will punish the wicked. One thief puts this to the test: if he can survive a night against the Shadows, he will be a free man. If not... (Work in Progres
Letters to a FriendPanu Karjalainen
Chapter 1
My first entry to the Marco Polo project. Please see author's notes and inspiration for what others have done.
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Pride HuntingCecily Webster
Working title. For the Marco Polo game - Solaqui, from the viewpoint of an aldoran vampire. Blame Panu for the khygwi.
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Listen to the Siren's SongApril Halcomb
A poem about a Siren
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