A Bard Day's Knight is the third anthology of stories in Michael Ventrella's world of Fortannis, a fantasy world that is both clearly part of the high fantasy tradition in its general makeup, but incorporates Ventrella's own touch to make it a much more living world, with its own traditions, a broad assortment of inhabitants ranging from furry, catlike gorbe to the more familiar humans, elves, and dwarves – though even the most familiar will have their own unique twists to offer. Though the title is humorous, [ Continue reading... ]
Phoenix in Shadow: Chapter 28
February 27, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Miri had just seen something startling... ------ Chapter 28. Miri stepped into her guestroom at the Reflect's mansion and closed the door, leaning against it heavily. I'm shaking! Shaking like a terrified human! Her current body was human, in a way… but in all the centuries she'd been in such bodies, she'd never had such a reaction. Miri held her arm up in front of her, watched the trembling of the delicate hand, the imprecision of its movements, with stunned fascination; it took twice as long as normal [ Continue reading... ]
Phoenix in Shadow: Chapter 27
February 25, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Kyri had just had a "... he's right behind me, isn't he?" moment... ------ Chapter 27. Tobimar tensed, and began to bring up the High Center. If things go bad, we will need all my skill. I don't know exactly what Kyri was doing there, but I could tell she just pushed herself a long ways. Poplock scuttled up his leg, even as Reflect Jenten spoke. "You imply that I –" Kyri stepped between the house and the Reflect. "Both of you, pause a moment, before accusations and fear drive you to actions that will [ Continue reading... ]
Phoenix in Shadow: Chapter 26
February 23, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Our Heroes were heading north to deliver justice, which might be difficult... ------ Chapter 26. The echoing, many-layered murmur ahead of them was unmistakable; they had heard something similar on the day they had – with Xavier – confronted Bolthawk and Skyharrier. It was a crowd, perhaps a mob. Hiriista broke into a trotting run, his tail held high, head maintaining a steady level to guide him. Kyri sprinted alongside of him. Please, Myrionar, let us be in time! The forest opened up ahead, and a [ Continue reading... ]
Phoenix in Shadow: Chapter 25
February 20, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Our friends were traveling... ------- Chapter 25. "Magewright Hiriista," the Artan said, his delicate features taut with concern, "I implore you and your companions to give us aid." Hiriista cocked his head, and Tobimar thought there was a miniscule smile implied. "Perhaps if you were to state your problem, my companions Tobimar and Phoenix,and I, might be able to say if we can be of any assistance. Your face is somewhat familiar, but I regret to say I do not quite recall…" "Atcha!" The sound was an [ Continue reading... ]
Phoenix in Shadow: Chapter 24
February 18, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Time to look in on another old friend... ------ Chapter 24. The misshapen creature – a deformed, monstrous hopclaw, he thought – shrank back as the moaning blade cut through the air. But Condor leapt completely over it, cutting off its escape. One clawed arm flew off, trailing blood. The other. The creature was screaming in terror and pain now, but Condor merely grinned and continued. Try to ambush me? Learn what you pay in pain! Finally it was over – too soon, Condor thought. This unending trek through [ Continue reading... ]
Phoenix in Shadow: Chapter 23
February 16, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Hiriista had asked a rather pointed question... ------ Chapter 23. Tobimar saw Kyri freeze, and her posture alone showed that Hiriista's question had struck home. For his part, Tobimar was mystified. He hadn't noticed anything to be wary of – although, to be fair, he hadn't been looking hard this morning. They had been pretty sure that whatever they were looking for wasn't in the immediate area. A quick glance at Poplock, and the little Toad gave a whole-body shrug. He didn't notice anything [ Continue reading... ]
Phoenix in Shadow: Chapter 22
February 13, 2015 By Leave a Comment
They were finally under way, with a new companion... ------- Chapter 22. "Gemcalling," Hiriista began, "is a combination of one's personal magic, alchemy, symbolism, and the channeling of power outside oneself." "Whoo. Sounds complicated," Poplock said. The four of them were seated near the cookfire; Tobimar and Kyri were taking turns watching the food as it cooked, but they were old hands at this sort of thing and clearly didn't need to focus much attention on it. "Complicated in concept, yes, and [ Continue reading... ]
Phoenix in Shadow: Chapter 21
February 11, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Finally, our heroes get on the road again! ------ Chapter 21. Kyri took a deep breath of the morning air, which once more brought that sparkling feeling into her, something beyond the freshness of an ordinary dawn. I wonder how I'll manage to adapt to the ordinary world when we go back, she mused. Evanwyl will seem dull and grimy by comparison. Even Zarathanton may pall. The three of them stood at the eastern gate of Sha Murnitenzei, looking at the rolling hills that led off into the golden haze of dawn, [ Continue reading... ]
Phoenix in Shadow: Chapter 20
February 9, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Let's take a look at a different point of view, shall we? ------ Chapter 20. She skipped her way along the hallway, then bounded down the three hundred forty-three steps, taking them three or four at a time, to finally burst through the massive double doors that opened easily for her – and only a very few others. The room on the other side never failed to impress her – and, in the moments she was honest with herself, sent a tingle of apprehension through her as well. Arranged like a gigantic amphitheater [ Continue reading... ]
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