Zuberan “Down in the tunnels?” Boss asked. “Yep,” I said. “That’s where we’ll find the Regent.” If there was anything in the city that could thwart Bismarck, the best place for it to hide was in the one place no Crows were allowed to go. And I already knew the Regent was more than willing to … Read moreA Throne For Crows (Part 26)
An hour later and the inquisitors had arrived, asking questions and starting to move the massive body of the insect. A truck had been requisitioned, another truck, and they were moving it despite how it drool ichor out of the shattered hole that had been its face. I hadn’t moved much, transfixed by the sight. … Read moreA Throne For Crows (Part 25)
The beetle moved, despite everything, stirring up the cloud of dust like a petri dish. Jay and I met eyes as the beetle started to dig into the side of the building. “Status,” He barked. “No visible damage from our side,” The firing team said. “Sorry Warden.” Jay closed his eyes. I picked up the … Read moreA Throne For Crows (Part 24)
We stopped by the cafeteria. The city’d been placed on reduced rations, even further; a meat derivative from the cows that’d been brought in, mixed with other high protein things and salt to keep the birds happy. “Not the best recipe,” Boss said. A message flickered in front of my eyes, dancing as Omoi scanned … Read moreA Throne For Crows (Part 23)
Gunze bled on the ground where he’d been shot. Patrickson stood over him. The aura of reality kept our powers from working. The gauntlet gleamed on the table, distant. The walls weren’t yet splattered, but dripped. Gunze gurgled once and went limp on the ground. Dauphin island. We were back on dauphin island. My fists … Read moreGale Rising (Part 80)
It wasn’t the scales that made them nervous, or the signs of blood, the struggles, or the bandits. Or even the great chains that littered the crater, forged out of blood hardened steel. Or even the skeletons littering the floor, picked clean by blight beasts for spare parts. No, it was the massive welt of … Read moreGuildmaster’s Guidance (Part 13)
“I’ll organize a supply council tomorrow,” The Regent muttered. “Then perhaps set up liaisons for the troops. Ugh, what a pain.” “Will you be joining us in battle?” Quen asked. His voice had lost most of its authority. “I have the nurseries to guard,” The Regent said. “And I am not well suited for battle, … Read moreA Throne For Crows (Part 22)
Cassandra’s hand snatched mine out of the air. My eyes snapped open to see a helicopter branded with the Cuban Patrol’s regalia cutting through the air, inches from my face. Cassandra was half leaned out, half wrapped around a support pole, her stomach heavily bandaged. “How the actual fuck?!” I spat. My shoulder ached as … Read moreGale Rising (Part 79)
You are the angel that absorbs people’s memories of nightmares His mind is full of dappled whirring red and blue stars wrapped around concentric panes of shattered glass. A meaty thump and then blind eyes staring up into the heavens, the aftermath of an explosion inflated bag dangling limply like a placenta. He stares blankly … Read more[WP] You are the angel that absorbs people’s memories of nightmares
Rapid construction saw the spread of wireless towers, looming high over unclaimed buildings. Several of those buildings were picked clean of ivy and plantlife, barring where it was structurally important. Banners flickered in the wind, personal effects. Words of encouragement dappled with a layer of fresh paint, only a few decades old. The City was … Read moreA Throne For Crows (Part 21)