The right rumour in the right ears can kill the emperor, as they say.
Jayan found teaching both frustrating and rewarding. It depended on the apprentice. Some were attentive and talented. Some were not.
People and land, they’re the same, his father used to say. Neglect one and the other suffers eventually.
When Tessia and Jayan were served a large, fat rassook each, Jayan had smugly commented that Tessia certainly had a way with villagers and he would not be surprised if she could charm pickpockets into...
It had surprised and impressed Tessia to learn that Everran and Avaria owned two wagons, one for their own everyday use and one kept for visits to the Royal Palace. Since the journey to the palace con...
I love you, he told her.Sweet joy rushed through her. But there was a distinct smugness about his words. He’d sensed her feelings in return, and was pleased with himself for doing so.Turns out I love...
We have more in common than I thought, he mused wryly. He liked the idea that, if either of them ever fell from grace, the other might be there to offer support. It’s always easier to become friends w...
The healers’ university looked exactly as Tessia had imagined. Her father had described it as an ‘old but strange building that has adopted and absorbed surrounding houses as opportunity and funds all...
You two still establishing a pecking order?Oh, it’s clear who’s at the top, Jayan said. The lesser hordes need to sort out their own hierarchy. Are you enjoying being the prize they’re fighting over?M...
There was no fast and painless way to perform an amputation, Tessia knew. Not if you did it properly.
Our army is retreating. The Sachakans are following. They will be here soon. We must be ready. The servants are bringing horses. He paused and frowned at one of the apprentices. Stop wating time askin...