See the first Credit Where Credit is Due post for an overview of what I'm doing here.
So, back when I first wrote Experiment Redemption, the setting of that story was a blackened wasteland left over from centuries of civil war, beginning of story to end. And I didn't know how the characters of future stories were ever going to manage to turn that around. I had half an idea which I knew wasn't going to work, effectively or believably. I hate when I write myself into corners. But... I was working on a roleplaying system for the universe in which the majority of my writing is set. And I had friends test playing campaigns I'd created which were set in various parts of that universe, including the setting of Experiment Redemption around the time of the novel. Enter a fictional young scientist named Fate, created by a friend and fan who was playing that specific campaign. His work resolved my issue of how the country could be cleaned up and made livable again. I do wish I had thought to somehow record some of those sessions because there's so much that happened that I just can't remember now. The character Fate, when used in my work, is credited to his original creator. He is mentioned in The Keys and the Naph, first seen in the short tale Hunter (Experiment Redemption Revisited), and has a larger role in the upcoming Arawn's New Order, which is due out August 2021. Fate's creator is a gamer who can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Rrcdso9Pmd4R7v3q2XdEA
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The above image was used in the cover of Old Tales Retold, which is a collection of fairy tales rewritten with a sci-fi twist.
“Nerita,” Laine scowls in exasperation, “If you can't sit still, get the f*** out of here.”
“Okay, okay.” I haul myself off the bed and head for the door, “C'mon, Sefu.” On the floor below, I encounter Duke Malin entering his suite. He looks over the battered running shoes, old jeans, even older shirt of Laine's with the sleeves cut off, and loose hair and sighs. “Lady Nerita,” He emphasizes my title, “You cannot go around dressed like that anymore.” “No one's gonna see me,” I respond, “Prob'ly wouldn't recognize me if they did. 'Sides, Laine kicked me out of our rooms.” “Be careful.” Duke Malin orders sternly as I slip past him. Leaving the old south tower, I head out to the mostly deserted gardens. The mid October evening is chilly, but I don't really notice. Maybe it's the nervous energy buzzing through me. Sefu and I wander the garden paths until the twilight turns to real dark. Even then, I'm not quite ready to go inside. There are a number of bright, ornamental lamps on posts throughout the gardens and I take a seat on a bench beneath one. Sefu stretches out between the bench and the bush behind it, out of sight of the patrolling guards who occasionally pass. I'm finally able to sit still, but the events of the past few days keep chasing each other through my head. “I hardly thought anyone else would be out so late,” The deep, male voice is vaguely familiar, “You must be cold.” Looking up, I recognize Prince Derian and flush. I don't embarrass easily, but for his highness to catch me out so late, dressed like I am... if anyone ever hears about this, I'm in serious trouble. “No... not really,” I notice Sefu hasn't even opened his eyes, “Your highness.” A pained expression flickers over Prince Derian's face, “If you're certain. You're new to the court, aren't you?” I nod, “New to Norsecount, actually.” “What do you think?” He waves an arm at the gardens. “It's very different from where I grew up,” I don't want to lie. I just wish I could escape. Sefu's no help, that's for sure. Obviously he doesn't consider Prince Derian a threat. But then, he doesn't care about my reputation. Prince Derian studies me with open curiosity, “Mind if I sit?” “If you want.” I'm sitting sideways, with my feet on the bench and my knees against my chest, but there's lots of room. Prince Derian doesn't seem to see Sefu at all. “What brings you out so late?” “I was too restless to sleep.” He nods knowingly, “I find the palace gets stuffy, even in the winter... especially in the winter. It does get quite cold out here,” He glances over me and shakes his head, “You're shivering.” I know I am, but it's nerves, not cold. There's just no point trying to tell him that. “Here,” Prince Derian slips off his jacket to reveal the sweater underneath, “Wrap up in this.” “Thanks.” I accept the jacket and drape it over my shoulders. It's warm from him wearing it, which doesn't help me feel an better. He studies me again, a little more critically, “Have we met?” “No.” “You must've been at court this afternoon then,” He nods to himself, “How I wish Father would mind his own business!” “They say he's concerned...” “I know,” Derian scowls, “Believe me, I've heard all his concerns a thousand times over. I still have a sister.” I can't help frowning, “I thought I'd heard the princesses aren't really his majesty's daughters.” “Most of them aren't. It's just I'd wager everything I own that Nerissa is,” Prince Derian grimaces, “Even she thinks I should marry this Lady Nerita.” “Oh?” “Last time I was here, Nerissa couldn't say enough about the woman. She hasn't this time, but I know she wants to.” At least Princess Nerissa's keeping her word. Now to see how long it lasts. Prince Derian abruptly changes the subject, “Did you attend the Harvest Masquerade?” I nod. “Will you be at the ball tomorrow?” “I've been invited.” “Letitia's twenty-first birthday,” He shakes his head, “I don't know why Father keeps the older four here. No one would miss them. Not that Kamilla's any better... she's just still underage.” While I have to agree, the whole mess is really none of my business and I'm safer not saying anything. “And then the ambassador from Arawn arriving later this month,” Prince Derian sighs, “Even Father doesn't know who President Gayre is sending yet.” I shrug, “Last I heard, politics in Arawn were still pretty crazy.” “You know something of Arawn?” Prince Derian frowns curiously. “As much as I care to.” He glances up at the darkening palace, “Will you be remaining at court long?” “Permanently, as far as I know.” This surprises him. Then a chill breeze comes along and blows my loose hair over my face. Before I can push it away, Prince Derian reaches out and gently brushes it aside. “Few ladies would leave their hair unbraided,” He observes softly, “Although few would be seen on palace grounds dressed as common citizens either.” I know my face is bright red. I can feel the blood, “I didn't think anyone would be out.” Prince Derian chuckles gently, “Most nights you'd be right. Your hair is beautiful.” I have to fight to breathe normally, “It's also really thick and heavy.” “Hmm,” He reaches out again to brush away a stray strand. This time his fingertips brush my skin. I have to get out of here before I get myself in trouble. “I... I'm sorry. I need to go.” My feet hit the ground and I stand quickly... too quickly. “Careful.” Prince Derian is on his feet as well, his hands catching my shoulders to steady me. Standing close like this, I find he's tall enough I have to look up to see his face. “Th... thanks.” I can barely swallow. “Who are you?” The words are very soft yet full of wonder. I don't have a chance to answer because his lips brush against mine. I've never let any guy this close to me in my life. But then, I can usually keep my head better than this too. Right now I'm so completely lost... I don't know how I ended up with his arms around me... or mine around his neck. All I know is the kiss leaves both of us breathless and it's easier to bury my face in his chest than look at him. His jacket has fallen to the ground and one of his hands is stroking my hair... just like my mother used to... The memory snaps me back to the reality of the situation and I go cold all over. “I really do have to go.” I push away from him and flee to the palace, not caring if Sefu follows or not. The guard at the door has to let me in, but with my hair over my face, I doubt he would recognize me later. Sefu isn't with me, but catches up before I reach the tower. The only light in the whole three floors is the bedroom where Laine is reading in bed. She drops the book on seeing me. “Nerita? What happened?” “Don't ask,” I'm closer to crying than I've been in years, “Just don't ask.” I drop onto the edge of the bed and Sefu tries to crawl into my lap. Laine studies me carefully, “You didn't do anything...?” “Nothing that stupid... bad enough though.” She groans, “Nerita, you can't afford to've met Prince Dashing... or whatever the fuck that faerie tale prince's called... not when...” “How 'bout Prince Derian?” That makes Laine pause. Then she laughs, “You didn't tell him who you are, did you?” “Of course not. Not out in the garden at this time of night. Not dressed like this,” I groan, “What a f*** up!” Laine keeps laughing, “Sefu was with you, right?” “Sefu was asleep under a bush,” I glower at my tiger, “Some chaperone you are.” I can see laughter in his eyes too, “Laine... if you ever tell anyone about this... and I mean anyone... ever... I will kick your a**.” “Yeah, whatever,” She's still laughing, “Nerita, come to bed. You're wasted.”
Tory looks up when Ford enters the bedroom. He glances over the rainbow of knives spread out on the bed around her, then closes the door.
“What's goin' on?” He studies her carefully. “We need to make a trip to the west continent.” Tory sets to wrapping each knife in heavy cloth. Ford frowns, “We as in...?” “You an' me... an' Rylle.” Tory sets each wrapped knife inside a bag. He nods to himself. “It's really time?” “We have to be there before the eleventh. That's just enough time for travel. I can't take us by qerdir this time... don't really want to.” “I guess you don't know what'll happen either.” Ford crosses the room to sit beside her. Tory shakes her head as she closes up the bag and sets it on the floor beside her. Then she leans against Ford. He pulls her into his lap and she rests her head on his shoulder. After a time, he queries, “How are we gettin' over there?” “Vehicle, boat, vehicle. I know Rylle doesn't drive, but we'll trade off an' there'll be a boat waitin' when we reach Monarch's Town.” “Have you told Rylle?” “Yeah. She knows to be ready first thing tomorrow mornin'.” “We're pickin' her up?” Tory nods. “We're meetin' everyone else at Chancellor Hall.” “The rest of the Second Shield?” “An' Amy an' one of her guardians... 'specially since she's the one who knows where to use the keys.” “Does Angel know we're goin'?” “No. Not plannin' to tell her either.” “You're gonna catch hell for that.” Ford shakes his head. “I'll deal with it when it comes up.” Ford grimaces, but only asks, “Ready to call it a night?” “More than.” Tory makes no effort to move. |
AuthorAlexandra A. 'Lexa' Cheshire is the author of numerous novels and short stories published through Howling Wolf Books. Lexa is a wife, mother, cat owner, and music lover. Archives
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