Stories in the series "Trial by Fire"
# 1: Trial by Fire Prologue
Roisart Connall watched silently as his cousin, Clifton, Duke of Dargon, donned elaborate Bichanese armor with the adept assistance of Ittosai Michiya. The Castellan of Connall already was prepared for the impending battle. Roisart's twin brother, Luthias, armored like a hero of old, stood nearby, his sword already in his hand. Coolly, Roisart cast an appraising eye on his cousin's armor. "It's really beautifully-made," Roisart concluded. "It is Bichu's finest," Castellan Ittosai announced proudly. He finished armoring the Duke, then put ... [ Read More ]
# 2: Trial by Fire Part 1: Accused!
As Luthias opened the door, the Duke of Dargon whooped, scooped his pretty wife into his arms, and twirled her in the air. Lauren, clad in a sunshiny yellow gown, clung to the Duke's neck and laughed gaily as a debutante. Luthias paused, unsure of the situation and what to do about it. He looked at Myrande for guidance. She shrugged. Above the laughter, Luthias called irritably, "Well, I'm glad you two have something to be happy about." Clifton set his wife ... [ Read More ]
# 3: Trial by Fire Part 2: Trial Before Tribunal
Luthias stormed into the Duke of Dargon's office as if he were the god of war. "Coranabo has accused my Castellan of conspiracy against the crown!" Clifton blinked. "You're really having a hard time of it lately, aren't you?" he joked, smiling, but the smile only adjusted the lips; it didn't glow in the Duke's eyes. The teasing didn't work. Luthias was furious. "This is serious, Clifton. There are witnesses! I have to try my own Castellan!" "Coranabo is saying that Ittosai--" "Yes, for ... [ Read More ]
# 4: Trial by Fire Part 3: Damsel in Distress
Myrande sat in her hot, little office and stared at the stones in the wall. She put her hand to her lips, remembering Luthias' kiss. "Are you all right about what happened between you and Luthias last night?" Lauren had asked her that morning, almost a week ago when Clifton and Luthias had left for Magnus, when neither the Duchess nor the seneschal could eat breakfast. Suprise had jolted Sable, then some slight resentment crept in. She could never manage to keep ... [ Read More ]
# 5: Trial by Fire Part 4: Trial Before the King
At the sound of a warrior's scream, Sir Edward Sothos lurched awake and grabbed his sword, ready for the attack. The air was dark and not lit by moon or stars. Light streamed from a low crack. The ship, that's right; they were on the ship bound for Magnus. Luthias was having nightmares again. Edward crossed the room and gently called the Baron's name. There was a gasp as Connall woke. "You should have the High Mage make you a sleeping ... [ Read More ]
# 6: Trial by Fire Part 5: Knight in Shining Armor
"We'll reach Shipbrook Harbor an hour after dusk," Clifton Dargon informed his cousin as he approached. Luthias was leaning on the side of the ship, staring at the ocean. "It should only take a half an hour or so to reach Shipbrook's keep from there." "The sooner the better," his cousin replied, not taking his eyes from the calm, vibrant water. "It's been too long already." "Can't make the wind blow any faster, manling," Clifton remarked, leaning on the edge of the ... [ Read More ]