“You’re old enough to be out on your own, yes?” “Of course I am.”  She wrinkled her nose at him.  “I am here, aren’t I?  Everyone may keep calling me child, but I have an apprenticeship, I am carrying the weight of my family to the capital, and I – yes.  I’m old enough.”  She… Continue reading Seventeen: Crossing, Cross

The Tzarin and his people wanted to leave slow and late the next day, so Raizel and the Diamond Raven left them behind, not without some relief. The Raven was quiet as they walked, which suited Raizel.  It was early, the sun was low and rising lazily, and she wanted to make good time while the… Continue reading Sixteen: the Arrow Pulled

Diamond Raven was fussing at her as she walked over to the veiled Tzarin – but he walked with her the whole way.  Raizel didn’t listen so much to his words as she listened to his tone.  He wasn’t happy with her, no, but he was also worried for her.  Worried about her?  What could… Continue reading Fifteen: Singing of Fire

She missed the carriage immediately, but there wasn’t such a thing going from Esteronzerai to the train station for at least two days.  In two days, if she made good time, Raizel could already be on the train. She and the Diamond Raven joined a small group of people leaving the fanciest hotel in Esteronzerai,… Continue reading Fourteen: Walking with the Veiled Prince

She could only see the glow at first, but as she straightened back up, she could make out features – plains-people, plains-straight hair and plains-flat nose.  She bowed again, just to be safe. “Oh, none of that,” laughed the voice.  Male, or male-like.  “We’ll take care of this place.  It doesn’t need these stones to… Continue reading Thirteen: Attracting Attention