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I sit on the opposite side of the small, smokeless fire and set my weapons aside. From my pocket, I take a flask and drink deeply.
“We'll start by building a house out here.” My guard frowns, “So close to the road?” I nod, “This is a dangerous steading. Who would want to risk being too far from aid?” The words earn me a skeptical look and a shake of the head. “The bane of the dragons is worried about being far from aid?” I laugh. “One step at a time. I'm no foppish lordling to live beyond my means.” “No foppish lordling would accept this steading,” My guard chuckles, “So it's to be a house and close to the road? Why not a lodge for weary travelers?” I take some time to consider the idea before nodding, “The Earl granted me permission to hire whatever staff I deem necessary. Not that I have the coin at the moment,” A thought occurs to me, “You said we need a metal worker?” “Aye.” “Do you know of one who would be willing to risk coming out here?” “Aye,” A trace of a flush steals across his features, “A journeyman, mind... and a woman...” I study him with a raised eyebrow, “You seek my permission to marry already?” He flushes crimson, “I guess I do.” I chuckle, “Then you have it. Just be quick about it. I want this lodge to have a solid roof before snow season.” “Aye. Ye'll have that.” His eyes study me briefly, “The Earl will want to see ye married, ye know.” I shake my head, “The Earl would rather see me conveniently killed by a bear.” “Mayhap,” My guard adds a log to the fire, “But he needs to cement an alliance with Earl Haiver, who has a far too vocal younger son.” I sigh, suppressing a groan. If I had wanted to be married to some empty headed little lordling, I would have stayed home and allowed my father to marry me off. “Ye'll see.” My guard settles back onto the log he is using as a seat. I change the subject, “Hot supper or cold?” “I'm all for hot.” I pick up my bow and quiver, “I'll be back with something to roast.” My guard nods.
Ashma is the fourth planet of a solar system similar to our own. It has one moon with a lunar cycle of forty days. There are three continents, one sub-continent, and many islands in Ashma's oceans. Five distinct races share the world, although not well. The Three Drops of Raoy Trilogy focuses largely on one of the most human-like of the races of Ashma. Whether future novels will feature more characters of the other races, I don't know yet.
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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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