Inky clouds turned the afternoon into an early midnight as an ebony vessel coasted into Port Victoria. Doomsday itself fell over the pirate town, and for once, everything stood silent.  From the deck, an armored figure watched the citizens with a crimson-flecked stare that promised bloodshed.  “Sir, we await your orders.” His spindly personal attendant hovered somewhere behind him.  “Prepare to dock and ...

Cassian’s boots echoed on the wooden planks as he moved towards the busy town of Port Victoria. His rigid posture struck a stark contrast with his pained expression. He struggled to keep his gaze pointed straight ahead.  By gods, she looks ridiculous! Laughter escaped before he could stop it, and a hand reached out to smack his shoulder.  “I’m sorry, love. But you look like an overstuffed sausage.” He put his hands up to soothe his wife.  ...

Five years have gone by since the last Solstice. Spring embraced Sur Nam Khaar, and the scent of flowers filled the air. The fields were bursting with ripe fruits and vegetables as the harvest drew near. Adjacent to the barn stood a shed, housing a dining hall for thirty and a kitchen equipped for demand, plus ...

Cassian gripped Marina’s hand, desperate to give her some kind of reassurance. He could tell from the way her eyes slowly dilated and her palm felt clammy, she was worried.  She’s trying to hide, but she’s failing so badly it’s almost funny.  Lanterns and candles cast dim flickers around the captain’s cabin. Deep greens and blues colored the walls in sea story tapestries. ...

Sur Nam Khaar’s history was my obsession when I was a teenager. My dad, Alejandro, needed to intervene and asked Jacob to limit the number of volumes I could take with me when I turned sixteen. Still, I managed to take a fair amount with me. “If you need a guide to show you where ...

A hundred more feet, Vesta thought to herself, hidden among the shadows. Her hood covered her face as she dodged the moonlight. Her chest heaved with worry, and her muscles tensed to focus on every step. Carefully, she avoided the squeaks of scattering rats, interrupted in their search for scraps. She could teleport with magic, ...

Each mystery Anahí brought to light was an affirmation of men’s ignorance. Every new plant and animal walking those lands confirmed our sins were more outrageous than tales told. Otherwise, we would have borne witness to those wonders from the moment we were born. As we left the city, I showered her with questions, many ...

Sur Nam Khaar was a place that changed only with the shifting seasons. Beyond that, male existence resembled that of an old tree–peaceful. We had our duties. Sewing, practicing arts, and cooking, but we also learned about humankind’s history and the Mother’s compassion. Our elders taught us about the Great Cataclysm and the Years of ...

When I was fifteen, the harvest that year was richer than in previous years. Old Shu even seemed to grow younger with so much joy, and realized we needed a bigger barn. He and Jacob asked for the Mage’s aid. Two days later, they roamed the village.  I was summoned to be the cook’s helper ...

The happiness I clung to blinded me to her absence. Dim, flickering lights suffused the moment with a ghostly breeze, and I surrendered to it. The atmosphere thickened, every barrier dissolving with the seductive mist. My mind shifted to the problem unfolding before me. Did I do something wrong? The instruments kept playing, mirroring the ...