Category: The Matriarch
-
War Front
Location: eastern banks of River Ferix, Garizal/Alzair border. Commander Lekh grimaced as his squire, a young boy named Kalan, began to stitch a wound he’d taken defending the River Ferix. The damned Alzairan troops were giving him a bad name, and there was nothing to be done. The late Queen Dyandara had sworn troops would…
-
A God’s First Love
An ancient tale of Mesmua, written by Lesedi Ukaleq. Everyone speaks of their gods as if they are something to fear. Truly, what an unfortunate life to live, always afraid of a divine child who tantrums if she does not get the attention she craves. God is not a woman. It is known. He is…
-
Soldier Heart (A Cinderella Retelling)
A Nubikian Fairy Tale Once upon a time, in a far away land, a young boy named Cero watched by his mother’s sickbed as she passed to an unshakable illness. His father was much aggrieved, but young Cero needed a mother if he was to grow up strong. So within the year, Cero’s father had…
-
Malthusia
Stadtholme, Nubik. Noya and Simen walked hand-in-hand down the streets of their beloved home as the sun began to set. The market district was especially busy today as the residents gathered for Malthusia. It was a celebration of the harvest, and while it usually began in the morning, the best part of Malthusia was when…
-
The Viper Queen
Location: Caouk, Garizal. The Queen’s winter castle. Queen Lia lounged back in her chair, drumming her fingers against the table before her. Reports had flown in this morning from the Captain of the Guard that the Duchess of Athselt and most of the members of her court had been arrested for treason. Murdering both the…
-
Upon the Coast of Quirst
Dynol, Quirst. The coast. The Red Dragon burst into a flurry of action as it caught sight of land. Nevena Proksch, captain of the Dragon, had been sent by the queen of Nubik to land in the small country of Quirst. It was a strange little country, run by men rather than women. Better yet,…
-
A Special Treat For a Birthday
Nyles, Cova-Wrehn. Within Fort Ardok. It was the eve of Orianne’s fiftieth birthday, and her grandson Cyril wanted to make it something special. It wasn’t every day that people made it to fifty! Grandfather Laurent only made it to forty-seven before he passed, the Lord bless him and protect his spirit. Caught the plague that…
-
Home Front
Moltiarna, Alzair. Ligarkan District Hardik was hard at work in his small apothecary shop just behind his home. The Zheta family, acquaintances through Hardik’s wife, had sent someone with a rather large order. He didn’t really know what the medicines were for, though the Zheta’s servant had been inclined to posit theories. Tilde, his wife,…
-
Daughters and Sons
Location: Taerik, Garizal. Merchant district. Ferizan held his son’s hand tightly as they wove through the crowds of the merchant district. The food vendors were the worst. He knew young Woiren was hungry, eying the breads and stews offered with fervor. Unfortunately, his wife hadn’t given him enough coin to buy anything besides what she’d…
-
Foundations
Alzadt, Nubik. The Daerzan Residence, off Cubitt Street. Elya sat in front of her looking glass and plaited her hair off to the side. Her finest blue dress sat on her shoulders like the sky itself had decided to wrap itself around her. In front of her sat a small tray of make-up, ready for…
Katie Bachelder 