The journey to the center of the Swamp of Sudura was surprisingly harmless. Kayla thought it was too harmless. The swamp was definitely alive with activity. They could hear it in the distance. Someone somewhere was taking the brunt of the swamp's fury, and although her heart empathized with the person's peril, Kayla was grateful … Continue reading The First Challenge (The Jewel of Laridal Part 9)

Ezra gazed down at the Wanderer village. Nestled deep inside the Macari Mountains just past the Volcano of Shin, the jagged rock faces surrounding the villages fortified it against invaders. High lookout towers deep inside jutted up into the air, providing a vantage point for the watchmen. So far, no one had spotted him, or … Continue reading The Asynier (The Jewel of Laridal Part 8)

Kevin's comforting arms wrapped around his sister's sobbing shoulders. Kayla's heart burst apart like a floodgate, releasing all the grief and sorrow she'd bottled up for months. "Hey, don't cry too hard, the bog will flood," Kevin whispered. He gave Kayla's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "Sorry." Kayla wiped at her cheeks. "I can't believe it's … Continue reading Promises (The Jewel of Laridal Part 7)

You're almost there. Ezra's father's voice echoed inside his head. He glanced down at his glimmering ring. So this is what the Wanderers used to communicate with the king. Since the Wanderers were banished, the king left them a way of communication in the rings. The rings would tap into the nerves of the wearer … Continue reading The Creation of The Sword (The Jewel of Laridal Part 6)

Viscous yellow sap oozed over Kayla's scarred ring as she stared at the wolf below her. At the moment, the wolf was unaware of her presence, but how long until it caught her scent? Rustling sounded in the Bulrock tree branches. Kayla stiffened. The Onkron was heading closer. She wouldn't risk moving her head to … Continue reading A Ghost From the Past (The Jewel of Laridal Part 5)

Ezra's throat burned. Arid wind blistering sand into his face, he staggered through the Damale Desert. He'd landed on Rarogan in the middle of nowhere. No landmarks or topographical features in sight. Ezra had started off in one direction, hoping it would lead him to the Wilderness of Karak. The Damale Desert expanded over a … Continue reading An Unblemished Ring (The Jewel of Laridal Part 4)

Kayla's fingers curled around the hilt of her sword as the wolf ceased its call for backup. This sword was given to her at birth, and she had been trained in its art for decades. Scarcely any common folk or noble alive could match her expertise with it, and nobody could ever beat her in … Continue reading The Stench of Blood (The Jewel of Laridal Part 3)

Way off in the glistening heart of the Upper Realm, the prince knelt down before his father, the king. "Father," the prince said. "I wish to reunite the people of Rarogan into the Upper Realm." The king nodded. "It would be my greatest achievement to graft the Wanderers back into our kingdom. Ever since the … Continue reading Mission: Ezra (The Jewel of Laridal Part 2)

Injustice. Injustice at its finest. Kayla grumbled to herself as she stumbled through the dense forest. The eerie night ushered in a brisk wind, reeking of sulfur. Her insides quaked. Sulfur could only mean one thing.The Swamp of Sudura. Spine-chilling howling rent the damp air, and Kayla's breath came in ragged gasps. Warm red blood … Continue reading Injustice (The Jewel of Laridal Part 1)