The sun broke above a gray horizon as we entered the still-smoldering circle of the protective fire. Upon stepping across this threshold of ashes, I was overcome with exhaustion. My legs became leaden and my back ached. I stumbled and almost fell. Tegid grabbed my arm and steered me to a place at...
Quentin walked easily, though nervously, between Mollena and Toli. Ahead of them loomed the graceful silhouette of the Ariga temple. Mollena was dressed in a long flowing robe of white, edged in silver, and her gray hair was pulled back straight to hang down her back. Quentin gazed upon her as he...
King Calbha proved himself a considerate host. He did not stint with food or drink, neither did he try to exploit our distress for his gain. And there was much about our predicament which a less honorable lord might have used to his own benefit. But Calbha left us to our own counsel and did not m...
Yes, quite right. It always seems further when ye’re in a hurry. Quite right.” Pym cocked an eye skyward and gauged the day by the sun. “Nearing mid-day, Tip. Right enough, an’ I’m hungry. We’uns’d ought to a’ thought to bring a bite to eat. Some of Emm’s fresh-baked bread and a noggin of the dar...
The waves rose and fell like the rhythmic breathing of an enormous sea beast. They slapped against the broad beams of the palace ship’s sides and made soft gurgling noises along the mighty keel. The ship was square-hulled, with three towering masts and two great rudders amidships. It was truly a ...
And it's beautiful! Wonderful! V2: It's heaven! It really is. V1: All probe data confirms observational analysis. Geoscience Officer Tovardy will dispatch a brief preliminary report. V2: Okay— V1: Keep it short, Ben. V2: Right—just the highlights. Atmosphere is thin, but friendly—high oxygen and ...
He's gone. We've got to turn back." Packer's big hand flipped a switch and he talked into his headset. “Sandcat 2 to Sandcat 1—we are returning to base. Repeat. We are returning to base. Over.” “Just one more pass along the rift valley,” pleaded Adjani. His eyes did not leave the thermograph scre...
Yarden heard herself asking the question. It was her voice, the voice of her conscience, and yet it wasn't. I am in control! she answered, and instantly felt shame wash over her in waves. You see? Your heart knows better. Yarden, surrender. Again, the old-fashioned word. Surrender. What will I ge...