Dangling from the rope, Robert pondered how he’d gotten into this predicament. He didn’t like heights. He didn’t even enjoy the four stairs to his rowhouse stoop. Yet, he there he was, clinging to a rope off from the tower.
Sound of Caring
The hall was a riot of conversation. The lecture’s attendees had splintered off into different groupings, each discussing their subjects with all bearing but one trait in common. None of them paid any heed to the man at the podium.
The Godling Flame
Donville moved with trepidation as he entered the church. His eyes darted about, scanning the choir stalls and sanctuary above. Empty. He’d have found a mob more comforting than this silence.
Disagreeable Men
Elijah Durham inclined his head. “Ollie,” he said as casual as if meeting a long friend in a saloon. Not like a man ready to kill them all in an instant. If he’d thought the lack of title would prick her, he was mistaken. Ollie didn’t give a scrap for the things.
Song’s Ruin
Wringing her hands, Castilla glowered at the locked door. The thick walls and equally dense casting prevented her from hearing anything within. She didn’t appreciate being shut out. Not with her husband, a songstress, and her boy within.
Under the Table
Casey hadn’t expected to be standing in the hallway, dripping with tea, biscuits, and cream smeared across her front. And yet, that is exactly where she stood. The tray she’d carefully prepared dangled limply one hand as she stared at the quickly retreating man.
Beneath the Floor
Jake had never felt he’d messed up so strongly before. Now, however, the blood drained from his face and his stomach churned as he knelt on the floor. Sure, he’d heard others’ descriptions, but he’d thought they’d exaggerated. Now he knew they hadn’t.
The Buoys’ Rime
“The buoys?” The man scrunched his brows. Leaning back, he peered out the window at the bay. Turning back, he shrugged. “The small, white buoys appeared one night with a gentle sploosh. What else is there to say?”
Once a Year’s Watch
Arlinth blew into her snow-frozen hands as she peered into the darkened sky above. The stars stared back with the stark chill of winter. Why tonight of all nights? Once a year the ancient tree bore fruit. Tonight would be that night.
Encased in Snow
Dearfin stood motionless in the silent storm, staring at the stretch ahead of him. The snow-covered path was no help. He’d come so far, chased her essence across seven kingdoms, only to be stopped here. Dearfin scowled.
