Gabs’ mind’s eye was fading. The lapsing darkness felt like water creeping into her skin through her pores, through her body. A feeling of surrender, truth, and peace. She took a deep breath and cracked her eyes. With red-rimmed sight, she stared up, concentrating on the sensual slithering. It moved more inward and upward as Read more

The night continued. Shadows blended with deep and were unabated by the hidden moon. Gabs lay still under her blanket. Eyes tightly closed, her fingers curled around the fabric holding it tight. Occasionally, she would smile or moan quietly. The shadows congealed. It formed a sleek snake-like dark mass. Growing substance and weight, it snaked Read more

— For some reason, the previous weekend has made me feel mentally vulnerable. More so than usual. It’s weird, but I’m trying to pull myself out of it. Anyway… Night became absolute and Gabs slept fitfully. Her mind created and replayed the situation of the conversation. She, Aldren, and Saddy would stand in a room, Read more

Gabs watched intently. She studied every move Saddy made, making note of every touch. When Saddy placed Aldren’s head on her lap and brushed back her hair, she cringed. The gesture couldn’t be affection. It couldn’t be love or concern. Rather, it was a ploy move. Saddy wanted something and this sort of attention was Read more

— Part of the purpose of this bit is to compare/contrast how Saddy takes care of herself vs. Aldren. Since they are reunited, Aldren receives fresh meat and special attention, and as much comfort as Saddy can provide. Saddy, as shown before, survives off rations and doesn’t make personal care a priority. Saddy bowed a Read more

— I was hit by a car on Veteran’s Day. I don’t consider that an excuse for not writing, especially after I made up my mind to write a book. Yeah, I really have no excuse. So, let’s try to limp along, shall we? ——————– Gabs wiped her eyes from the grimy sweat. She wasn’t Read more

— Maybe something about the road and inner thoughts about what happened during the campsite slaughter? Aldren’s eyes focused on the person ahead of him. He could tell from the way she held herself, the curve of her body, how the wind played in her hair, that it was Saddy. Why she was so far Read more

They had traveled for two days and begun the third. Gabs had found that Saddy’s routine was easy to mimic. Up at sunrise. Ride until dusk. Make camp. By the fourth day, Gabs could nearly pinpoint the time when each of these actions would occur based on the sun. The only part of the journey Read more

Eventually, the Lady Saddy set up camp for the night. She hitched her horse to a thick tree, feed, and brushed it. In watching Saddy brush her horse, Gabs was forcefully reminded of the origins of her lady. Only a trained servant would handle a horse with such efficiency and care. Instead of setting up Read more

Gabs had only ridden a horse twice in her life. Fortunately, the mare that she had chosen was docile and low to the ground. The dark brown fur of the horse and the tan rags Gabs wore blended the pair into the tree trunks. The lady was easily followed. Her focus was on what was Read more