First light was still at least half an hour away when the quartet of guards selected by Carnotine assembled by lamplight at the front gate. They were armed with bows and arrows, though they hoped no bloodshed would be necessary. They wouldn’t hesitate to use them in defence of their chieftain, though, or the otherContinue reading “Chapter 11: What a weekend”
Author Archives: shimmowrites
Chapter 10: Extraordinary times
As the five of them headed down to the town square, where the bell had long since stopped ringing, and hundreds of residents were now assembling, Lazarn turned to Carnotine: “Captain, I will need four of your most competent guards for this mission. I hope they will not be required to fight, but it mayContinue reading “Chapter 10: Extraordinary times”
Chapter 9: Time for a plan
Lazarn and Carnotine stood looking through her lounge window, watching Mazimba, Fevan and Batefimba, in that order, hastily climb her stairs. “It does seem things are under control, Ma’am, no thanks to the lapses by me and my guards,” Carnotine said. “Thankfully.” He noted with satisfaction that Panthozine and Brandotine were following the trio atContinue reading “Chapter 9: Time for a plan”
Chapter 8: An unpleasant memory
Despite Batefimba’s obvious impatience to have her suspicions about Fevan’s grandfather confirmed, she waited as the elf laid out her answer methodically. She had to keep reminding herself that this conversation was also an opportunity for her to continue the assessment of Fevan. Some of her concerns had been laid to rest, but she hadContinue reading “Chapter 8: An unpleasant memory”
Chapter 7: Mistakes are teachers
Relieved that she no longer had to rush to intercept Carnotine at the main guard post, but concerned by the subdued bearing she had observed from her study window, Lazarn headed to the front door. Carnotine was resplendent in the uniform he would normally only wear on the settlement’s most important ceremonial occasions, but heContinue reading “Chapter 7: Mistakes are teachers”
Chapter 6: A bitter man
Batefimba and her grandson watched, transfixed, as Fevan’s dynamic display continued for at least another quarter of an hour. It was extraordinary, especially as she had been so exhausted the night before. She had an amazing amount of energy. Aside from the elf’s acrobatics, something else was playing on her mind. Although Fevan barely stayedContinue reading “Chapter 6: A bitter man”
Chapter 5: Lapses in judgment
Lazarn stirred as the rising sun peeped through the front window of her lounge. In her exhaustion last night she’d not even remembered to pull the curtains shut, and now the sun’s bright morning rays had found her, fast asleep in her armchair. She squinted, and raised a hand in front of her face asContinue reading “Chapter 5: Lapses in judgment”
Chapter 4: Dancing dynamo
Mazimba headed back towards his bedroom deep in thought. He had been planning to go out and see his friends this afternoon, as he usually did on the weekend, but his conversation with his grandmother had left him a little sombre and preoccupied. He didn’t think he would be very good company today. He hadContinue reading “Chapter 4: Dancing dynamo”
Chapter 3: The Refugees
Batefimba had already been up for some time when a weary Mazimba wandered into the kitchen. “Good morning, Umamba,” he said, staring hopefully at the stove, where a pot of corn porridge was indeed cooking, “how did you sleep?” “Not too badly, my boy,” she replied, a little untruthfully. She had no desire to worryContinue reading “Chapter 3: The Refugees”
Chapter 2: Exhaustion
Batefimba heard Mazimba and Fevan approaching before she saw them. Her grandson was well known in the community for his happy laugh and his voice’s love for long-distance travel. He was forever bringing friends, some of long standing and others only recently acquired, back to the treehouse he and his grandmother shared, for dinner, soContinue reading “Chapter 2: Exhaustion”
Monkeybreath and Twinkletoes 