Chapter 8: Nightmares Among Us

The ride back to the war camp of the Bound Legion took less time than the ride from it. The group rendezvoused with the legion less than an hour’s ride to the south. They were all in high spirits, though some more heavily bruised than others. Blahgrut was more than pleased with the events of theContinue reading “Chapter 8: Nightmares Among Us”

Chapter 7: Hillhold

The riders left at dawn, heading east. The bulk of the war camp was empty, the remaining scouts relaying to the group that the legion had mobilized and begun their forced march on Hillhold. The vanguard had deployed the day before as soon as they received confirmation from the warlord, and another legion en routeContinue reading “Chapter 7: Hillhold”

Chapter 6: A Meeting with a Warlord

The reverberating sound of the heavy doors slamming open drew everyone’s attention as Nambu strode into the long hall, a piece of parchment clasped in his hand. The other guild members looked up from their places at the table, Heath among them. “Good morning everyone,” Nambu said in greeting as he approached the table. “You find usContinue reading “Chapter 6: A Meeting with a Warlord”

Chapter 5: New Allies and Learned Trust

A tenday passed, and brought no sign nor word of Adrian. After returning from the tunnels of Drechton, Heath put the word out that Adrian had fled the city, but that he still had a remaining interest and unfinished business with the man. From his mercenary compatriots, to his lowlife contacts, Heath made it known thatContinue reading “Chapter 5: New Allies and Learned Trust”

Chapter 4: The Tunnels of Drechton

Heath dropped down into the tunnel, his boots impacting softly on the dirt ground. The stream of light from above illuminated him, but the tunnel quickly vanished into blackness. Around him, the faces of the others looked back at him with a stoic seriousness that hadn’t been there before. Nambu shifted in place, the shadows playingContinue reading “Chapter 4: The Tunnels of Drechton”

Chapter 3: Elusive Prey

Heath hunched over his table, a plate of crispy potatoes and eggs piled on a plate before him with a mug of dark coffee. The Black Crow Tavern was largely empty, though there were always a few regulars who knew about Mo’s hearty breakfasts. The shutters over the windows were already propped open, and aContinue reading “Chapter 3: Elusive Prey”

Chapter 2: A Question of Honor

Heath was furious. He walked with slow, forced breaths as he turned north, away from the group. Pulling his hood up, his mind tormented him. As he followed the winding path, no words of protest followed him from the members of the guild. He didn’t expect any, nor did he hope for it.The walk didContinue reading “Chapter 2: A Question of Honor”

Chapter 1: A New Job

Guild City of Aleria, ValirYear 457, The Fourth Age Darkness. Silence. Emptiness and peace glittered like so many stars in the great void. A glimpse of nothing. It filled his world, and he felt as though he were floating. Weightless. Deep, dark. Empty. Quiet. Shattered.“Ranger!”The voice cut through Heath’s moment of peace, driving a spike ofContinue reading “Chapter 1: A New Job”

One Foot in the Fade BOOK REVIEW

The third book in the Fetch Phillips series, One Foot in the Fade sees readers welcomed back to Sunder City by Luke Arnold. Immediately it feels like a very different place from the Sunder of the first two books, and the feel of the story has likewise shifted. One Foot in the Fade feels likeContinue reading “One Foot in the Fade BOOK REVIEW”

Dead Man in a Ditch BOOK REVIEW

Fetch Phillips became a favorite character of mine after reading The Last Smile in Sunder City, and Luke Arnold’s craft at storytelling meant that I have been recommending his books ever since. When I picked up Dead Man in a Ditch, I was excited for the return to the fantasy noir genre, which always promisesContinue reading “Dead Man in a Ditch BOOK REVIEW”