Over on Substack, I’m going to start posting yet more short stories/scenes from my Spear-Woman Sword & Sorcery setting.
For the first entry in Spear-Woman Saturdays, we’re meeting Princess Rusu, whom I’m envisioning becoming a major secondary character in Bayan’s adventures.
And so, Bayan now serves at Amra’s court. The Queen put her in charge of her daughter’s personal guard, giving her authority over Princess Rusu’s guards and handmaids. It is a stifling thing that reminds her far too much of the women’s quarters at Asi.
“Bayan,” Rusu says, turning to her as one of her maids combs out her long curls. “Tell me of your homeland. Is Khalaran as splendid as the stories say?”
“I have never seen a city East of the Sea grander that the Capital itself,” Bayan answers.
She has never considered herself a patriot. She still follows the Faith and Law of Khalaran, but long years of errantry and wandering have left her with no particular loyalty to the nation of her birth. A mercenary like her goes where the work is with no regard for patriotism.
When she says that the Capital of Khalaran is the greatest city East of the Sea, it because of the evidence of her eyes, not the emotions of her heart.
Full scene on the Emona Literary Services™ Substack page.
Also, it’s probably a good time to remind you about the Sword & Sorcery giveaway I’m involved in – which I’m realising I never actually posted about on this blog…
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