Rafe cursed under his breath. Aledia, Wilhelm, and Jacob watched from a distance as Rafe approached the small village. How had he gotten roped into this? He didn’t want to condemn anyone to the darkness. This was too much. The village was quiet and not a soul was in sight. The apples hung dimly from […]
The wine was still pouring from the fountain as they entered the village. The square was bustling with life and energy. Jacob stared for a moment. How could a town so full of life be so close to a place filled with death? As they walked through the square, people stepped aside. He arched a […]
The boat came to a stop with a soft crunch. The sand on the dark sanded beach jolted the boat to a stop. Darkness surrounded them and pushed down on their shoulders. Aledia breathed in and shivered. This was nothing like the dark of the tunnels above. She was starting to wish for those winding […]
The only sound in the cavern was the water sloshing the side of the boat. With every push, the boat glided along the otherwise dark cavern. Only the light flickering at the front and back of the boat provided any light or direction. Jacob watched the torchlight dance with the shadows on his hands. How […]
The trickle of water sounded closer as they ventured into the cavern. The dark was all-encompassing. It swallowed everything and made them wonder whether they would see daylight again. They moved carefully. Their boots sliding over the length of the cavern floor rather than stepping. In this darkness, everything was blind. “Do you think we […]
The water shimmered a vibrant red. The sun only added color to the liquid that trickled from the stone fountain. Aledia could only stare. Why was the water red? It appeared too thin to be blood. She turned back to her traveling companions and found them staring as well. When they had awoken the next […]
Aledia walked out of the small bedroom and tugged on the edge of her tunic. She looked at the low oak table. Everyone else had also changed into lighter clothing to fair better in the warm weather. “I don’t think I have ever seen a princess in trousers,” Rafe said from his place at the […]
The corner of the napkins caught the wind as they looked over it. Aledia glanced at the two brothers. Their brows furrowed. Jacob ran a hand through his hair, and Wilhelm brushed his beard. It didn’t make sense. The map had led them for weeks only to stop. “She would not have given us something […]
Jacob sat on the bed in the guest chambers. He supposed that anyone would have been uncomfortable staying in an unfamiliar place. The unease had passed early in his travels. He glanced over to the journal. Why had he helped his brother? He should be teaching Aledia. He ran a hand through his hair and […]
Rafe watched the two brothers from the place on his horse. How was it he got dragged along? He was a messenger, not some tag along with an adventurer. The princess rode beside him on a stallion of the purest white. She wore a cloak that hid her fine clothes from the eyes of any […]