the grand game

My grin faded. One hour? Really? Nyra gasped. “Michael, did you see—?” I nodded grimly. “I did.” I didn’t understand the message’s reference to a ‘final chamber,’…

Note from Tom: I know some of you have been anxiously awaiting the next few chapters, but I didn’t want to post the fight until I’d written…

“Ah,” I exhaled. “Tell us,” Ceruvax said, his words almost a demand. Opening my eyes, I told them about my new Class and the benefits I had…

Day Thirty-Five in Draven’s Reach It was early morning when we approached our destination. “That’s the archlich’s court?” Ceruvax asked, his eyebrows rising as he studied the…

Predictably, my words did not please the possessed. But I pressed on, ignoring the crowd’s dangerous mood. “You are angry,” I said. “You are resentful. It does…

I clasped the high captain’s hand. “Thank you, Algar.” “There’s just one other thing,” he said. “Go on.” “When you spoke to the council, you seemed pretty…

“Oh my,” I said in a half-strangled voice. “What is it this time?” Adriel asked, sounding exasperated. “Don’t tell me the Adjudicator has more to say.” I…

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…