The Grand Game

“Where do you want me to start?” I asked. “At the very beginning,” Ceruvax replied. “From the first day you entered the Game.” I winced. Relaying my…

Day Thirty-Three in Draven’s Reach After accepting Ceruvax’s oath, I fell promptly asleep. I’d run halfway across the dungeon—on very little rest—and was exhausted. But no sooner…

“You will kill them all?” Adriel asked softly. “All thousand-odd souls? And what about Farren and myself? Will you see us dead too as payment for our…

My eyes wide, I stared at Ceruvax. “Is that true?” He nodded reluctantly. My head whipped in Adriel’s direction. “Could that work?” She bit her lip. “I’m…

Day Thirty-Two in Draven’s Reach Panting from my long run, I drew to a halt in front of Ceruvax. Unmoving, the envoy studied me while I caught…

One hour later, I was standing in the fortress’ courtyard, waiting for the ceremony to begin. I sighed heavily. “Thinking you should have cut and run?” Elron…

I didn’t end up witnessing the oaths of all two thousand soldiers. After the first hour—during which I only managed to accept the pledges of fifty of…

I leaned across the table. “Tell me about these soldiers,” I said intently. “We’ve asked for volunteers from our personal guards,” Lorn replied. “Men and women willing…

Once we were seated, Lorn gestured to Regus. “Begin, please.” His mien serious, the possessed took his time responding. “Things in the court have not panned out…

The council meeting drew to a close soon after that. Despite Gamil, Regus, and Lorn’s insistent questions, I refused to share any details of my plans. It…