Day SixteenCorvu found a place that was less like an inn, more like a backpacker’s lodge for us to stay that night, we were just lucky that the extra bunk in the room was empty for the moment, so we had the time to ourselves. As I look around the room, it’s obvious that all sorts have occupied it, especially with all the unusual markings, cuts and stains spread amongst the walls. Completely grotesque. Luckily I had other things on my mind to occupy myself. The lodge had a bath, so instead of taking a bath in a lake I jumped at the idea to use hot water, so I told the boys I would be back shortly.In fairness, I’ve never had to boil water for a bath before. I had dunked most of my foot in too early so it felt really sore by the time I’d finished, but at least I was f

Dusk crept up on us quickly, but Corvu had managed to find the entrance to where the giant dwelled. In front of a huge hole in the middle of a mountain, surrounded by dead vines and ash. This was not a tourist destination. Corvu appears to be emptying a few items from his backpack and replacing them with others. Dismounting the horses, we tie them up beside a distant tree and enter the cave. Corvu has his slingshot in hand, although I don’t imagine this to be as easy as the story of David and Goliath. Either way, it was better than trying to use my rapier against a giant. The cave wasn’t as dark as I expected, there appeared to be bits of light shining through a thick ceiling of vine and mud above us. I wonder how that works? I thought this was a mountain? Perhaps the giant had built it himself.Step by step we get closer to the sound of hummi

Day Twenty-One. Riding to the top of the hill with Corvu and Gecko by my side, we finally see it; Wanbourne. The Capital from this heightened distance was magnificent. There are hundreds of homes, towers and farms circling a great white stone wall, and within those walls I can see towers made of white stone and emerald roofing, accented in glistening gold around all of the edges that glistened in the sunlight. I can’t wait to see what the area looks like from inside.  Travelling past a guard tower we make our way inward. Dismounting the horses we walk them through the crowded village. Each home was built with a lot of care upon the dirt and ground beneath it. It was obvious by the flowerpots and colored paint on their front doors that people took pride in their homes. Gecko was right though, it was mostly dominated with humans, although I did see the odd

I’m shocked. The determination and sternness of his voice almost frightens me. Why does he want the amulet now? “I thought you didn’t want the amulet.” I remark. He sighs and closes his eyes for a moment. After he opens them he takes a step toward me, then another. Mimicking his movement until I reach the bench, I practically fall into it. Leaning down to face to face with me he responds, “I don’t, but if it means they won’t torture you to death for it, then you need to give me the amulet.” He wants to protect me? He places his hands on both my knees and kneals between my legs. He was so close to me. Why was he so close to me? “Tia, if they find their way into this castle, they are going to kill you. I’m a Trickster, it would take a lot more effort for them to convince me to let them have the amulet.” The longer he stares into my eyes the harder he’s making i

Day Twenty-Eight. The next thing I know, the three of us plonk onto the floor, the bench no longer there. I let out a short yelp as a spear is pointed into my face. “Wait!” I hear Sandy’s voice. “It’s okay, they’ve returned.” The guards pull back for a moment and appear to recognize us. As Sandy helps me and Shelia from the ground I take a look around. We’re inside the main hall and the Prince was nearby, this time in full golden armour like this father wore before. Approaching us, he looks a little relieved,  “And they have the amulet! The Orcs aren’t going to be victorious today, it seems.” He chuckles. I roll my eyes and run to the nearest door. Beyond it I could see various archers lined up along all the windows. I had to find out what was going on. Through a gap between them, I could see torches below u