“Let’s get this over with, Pace,” he spoke to the black destrier of enormous size and grace, and together they made their descent, heading for a break in the wall.
He’d reconnoitered Casoria during the war and remembered the layout well enough to take him to a corner tavern called The Fish Belly. He’d been disguised that night, his hair dyed brown with henna root, his skin powdered with clay, and he’d pretended to drink more than he did as he bought rounds for others. As the night wore out, Oren had learned plenty – the desperate straits of the city, the bickering at court and the rise of a group called the Red Robes, whom everyone seemed to fear. He’s also caught the eye of a buxom barmaid who’d turned out to be more of a nuisance than friend.
Her name was . . . Dusty, Rosie, no. . . Gustie!!! That night at the tavern, she’d been his only fear. Her laughing eyes missed nothing and his gut had tightened in a way that never lied: she knew him for a spy. Yet, she said nothing, alerted no one. And when she’d answered the few questions he’d thrown her way, she’d asked first for coin.
If he could find her again, he’d ask if rumors of an Earth Child had surfaced. He’d pay any price.
Around a corner and there it was, the same bedraggled sign swaying in the wind. THE FISH BELLY. Beneath the words was a painting of a man standing inside a whale. Directly across from it was a path between two narrow buildings that, if followed, widened into a road that led directly to Ursaulis. It had been the barmaid who’d told him of the route that night, her hand stroking his palm as she took the coin.
i can’t wait to read more!
LikeLike
So far, I’m scheduled until October. The book has been in my desk drawer for quite a while, but it’s always given me trouble. I think I’ve written three versions. Look at my post dated July 2nd or 3rd, I think. It’s either the intro to this book or maybe it’s the myth but both are worth reading if you like the book. I’m determined this time. This time I’m ploughing through (yet I still wonder if I should put in the part between the Gibbor and Tianne the Beloved). Most characters do what they’re told, but these run around, expand, and into one another’s storylines
LikeLike
ok, i will check those out. and yes please finish, you can’t leave me hanging like this=)
LikeLike
i looked for your july 2 or 3 post, but did not see it
LikeLike
How can I comment on your work? I’ve wanted to many times but can’t find a comment button. This was meant for jalopyjones and went back to me. I do try
LikeLike
sorry about that, i keep all comments turned off, but you can leave comments on my profile page (its called “wtf is a jalopy jones?”) that’s the best i’m willing to do for now… and thanks for reading my work, i really do appreciate that! =)
LikeLike
That’s because I’m an idiot. The Myth –with the poem that defines the book– was posted July 20th. The intro. Is posted on the 19th. Mucho apologies
LikeLike
JJ, I read your poems every day. Sometimes, I read them aloud to my husband.
LikeLike