Samnom knew that no-one in this compound was his friend and he treated them all as the enemy as he wandered through the compound calling out Gelyn’s name.
Two more encounters with guards in the compound left the remaining guards assured that they were little or no match for Samnom. One guard stepped forward to meet Samnom.
“We do not know where Breeger or Gelyn are. They went to the King’s ball and never returned. Breeger is wanted and the king’s men have searched the compound already for Breeger. He must be hiding somewhere else.”
Samnom thanked the soldier and left. He made his way to the palace where he was stopped at the gates.
“I seek no fight. I simply wish to see the lady Gelyn. My name is Samnom.”
The guards looked concerned and conferred with each other a short distance away. Then one walked off towards the palace while the other returned and asked Samnom to wait.
A while later the guard ret
Firing continued strategically but damage was much less now as the attackers had moved out of the path of the catapult. The fires in the small trenches were doused and the attackers advanced further only to be stopped by new fires in new trenches. A co-ordinated retreat was being made by the army. They would ultimately retreat to within sight of the palace where another large trench had been dug and would be fed by oil from two sides to keep the fire burning. One army advanced and the other retreated. Neither side noticed the sky lighten with the approaching day. Then, just before dawn, a new quake struck. It was brief and violent. It was as if the earth heaved and men were thrown to the ground as the quake increased in strength. Then it finally subsided and all was quiet for a brief moment. In hindsight that moment seemed to last forever. Then an explosion tore through the predawn air and the earth shook knocking everyone to the ground. People screamed and shouted looking around des
Eesa seemed to consider then replied in a hushed voice. “Thank you for your kindness sir. I am new and I am particularly interested in meeting men if you understand?”Breeger smiled. “I do indeed understand Eesa. But perhaps you would prefer to meet only one man if he makes it worth your while?”Eesa looked at Breeger in disbelief. “You would like that? You can do that?”Breeger smiled. “I assure you that I can.”“Then let us discuss it further somewhere more private. Perhaps tomorrow after your party?”“Perhaps tonight after my party?” Breeger pressed.“As you wish,” Eesa replied.Breeger explained to Eesa where his villa was and he left, very happy at the prospect of seeing Eesa again.After the party that evening Breeger took Eesa back to her home and she invited him in.Breeger was keen to start his new affair with Eesa and did not sa
The city of Kyrshom was never the same. The lava had destroyed much of the city and it would never be rebuilt. The walls that had been built naturally from past eruptions were destroyed and partially covered by the new lava flow. They could no longer serve as natural protective walls. The lava had flowed through the city all the way down to the cliff where it had poured over the edge and buried the harbour. The ramp that had previously been built was partially destroyed and could no longer serve as an access to the city without considerable repairs which would take a long time. Many residents moved away and the life and culture of Kyrshom seemed to have left with them. People feared another eruption of Mt Almall and did not wish to lose what little they had left. Hope sparked briefly for the revival of Kyrshom as the lava cooled. People discovered Alymcyte in the cooled lava and there was a brief “Alymcyte rush” before the price offered for Alymcyte fell through the floor. It was so
Today was the day. The beginning of the end, or the end of the beginning. It all depended on where the people were and where their loyalties lay. On this day the city of Kyrshom would at last fall. This day had been ten long circles in the making. A warm wind blew from behind, swirling the men’s cloaks around them like an invisible hand urging them toward their destiny from where they sat on their horses overlooking Kyrshom.Benedict shifted in his saddle. From where he sat on his horse, the people of Kyrshom looked like ants as they scurried about their business. Everyone was busier than usual as they prepared for the festival of Kelaspin. Oblivious to the change that blew with the wind today, the people of Kyrshom rushed abo
Kyrshom was unique. A natural fortress. It was surrounded by a hill on each side. The hills each had natural cliffs on both sides. The cliffs acted as walls on the East and West sides. The hills had been tunneled through to create one gate on the East and West sides which were the only entrances to the city aside from the sea. The hills butted onto a mountain in the South which was three times higher than the hills. The mountain was an extinct volcano from which the hills and cliffs had been formed when lava had previously flowed down toward the ocean. Lookouts and defense positions had been established on the hills and were manned primarily by archers. Catapults had also been installed and could be rotated to fire in any direction. The city, hills, and volcano sat atop a sheer cliff that towered above the beach and ocean. A ramp had been built from the beach to the city level to accommodate the demands of merchants and traders from all over the known world. The ramp had taken y
Shortly after dark drums began to beat throughout the city signaling the start of the festival of Kelaspin. The drums were audible from all over the city summoning citizens to the main road. The procession began, led by musicians followed by residents of the city dressed in traditional dress which comprised of all colours imaginable. The men wore traditional hats matching their robes while the women wore scarves with colourful patterns along with their long, flowing dresses. The procession ended at the palace court before the palace where enough food, spirits, and drink were laid out for the citizens to feast on the night through. The only people who could not participate were the guards of the city. Food would be sent to them at their posts but the need for security denied them any spirits. It was a rule which was never adhered to by the guards. And breaking it had never had any adverse consequences. But tonight that would change.The residents of Kyrshom, oblivious to the army beyo
Once the festivities began Atomas, Hester, and Alexa all enjoyed the food and drink with the residents of Kyrshom. Atomas only circulated with the wealthy merchants and minor royalty in the city. He spent little time with and paid little heed to the commoners of the city. As the night wore on, Atomas became louder and bawdier as he became drunker and drunker. He spent much time with a very wealthy merchant, Breeger. Breeger had four wives, none of whom seemed to be happy. Breeger and Atomas commented loudly on the young girl servants as they brought food to the table, making derogatory statements the girls could hear. They blushed or turned away as tears came to their eyes.Hester and Alexa circulated freely among the commoners and the wealthy making no distinction between anyone. They stayed until the last course had been served and then both Queen Hester and Princess Alexa excused themselves and departed, returning to the palace. Atomas departed soon after. As a family, they did not
After retiring to her quarters, Hester had waited for the knock that would announce her visitor. Her lover and companion. Dargo.He knocked on the door when he arrived and she let him in. “Good evening my Lady,” Dargo smiled as Hester closed the door behind him. He wrapped his arms around her and embraced her tightly planting light kisses on her face and lips. Finally, their lips met and they shared a long kiss saying nothing and simply enjoying each other’s presence.“I saw you at dinner,” Dargo said as he poured them each a glass of wine. “How could you miss the queen?” Hester joked.