Raizel watched the conversations move around in circles.  They were trying to be deferential, but she was a kid by their reckoning (and they weren’t far off), and she wasn’t firm or authoritative enough to make it easy for them. Raven got up after a bit and went wandering, came back, and murmured in Cailing’s… Continue reading Thirty-One: Whispers

“Why did you even buy us?” “Kid,” Weckel sighed, “you are going to get yourself and everyone else in a world of hurt.  Would you stop that?” “Come here.  Cory, right?”  She had no idea what she was doing.  Did it show? “Cory.  Mistress.”  He was only a couple seats away from her; he settled… Continue reading Thirty: Teamwork

The Raven had done something, she was sure of it.  She had expected to be in the part of the train where people crowded onto benches or sat in the aisles.  That was cheap part, the part where most people like her rode. Instead, she and the Raven and six people wearing what looked like… Continue reading Twenty-Eight: The People

“Am I really here?” Raizel muttered to the Diamond Raven.  It felt unlikely.  She had been trying for this for what seemed like months, even if it had only been days, and here they were, on the platform, buying two tickets for the train.   That she had the Diamond Raven with her, that she… Continue reading Twenty-Seven: The Train

“You’re amassing quite a reputation,” the Diamond Raven commented, as they made their way out of the Judge’s office.  “We should hurry if we’re going to catch the train today.  I know you’re on a deadline here.” “I don’t understand it.”  Raizel shook her head.  “It has to be you, people know you.” “The-”  He… Continue reading Twenty-Five: The Ruminant of Roelkia

“You’re old enough to be out on your own, yes?” “Of course I am.”  She wrinkled her nose at him.  “I am here, aren’t I?  Everyone may keep calling me child, but I have an apprenticeship, I am carrying the weight of my family to the capital, and I – yes.  I’m old enough.”  She… Continue reading Seventeen: Crossing, Cross

The Tzarin and his people wanted to leave slow and late the next day, so Raizel and the Diamond Raven left them behind, not without some relief. The Raven was quiet as they walked, which suited Raizel.  It was early, the sun was low and rising lazily, and she wanted to make good time while the… Continue reading Sixteen: the Arrow Pulled

Diamond Raven was fussing at her as she walked over to the veiled Tzarin – but he walked with her the whole way.  Raizel didn’t listen so much to his words as she listened to his tone.  He wasn’t happy with her, no, but he was also worried for her.  Worried about her?  What could… Continue reading Fifteen: Singing of Fire

She missed the carriage immediately, but there wasn’t such a thing going from Esteronzerai to the train station for at least two days.  In two days, if she made good time, Raizel could already be on the train. She and the Diamond Raven joined a small group of people leaving the fanciest hotel in Esteronzerai,… Continue reading Fourteen: Walking with the Veiled Prince

She could only see the glow at first, but as she straightened back up, she could make out features – plains-people, plains-straight hair and plains-flat nose.  She bowed again, just to be safe. “Oh, none of that,” laughed the voice.  Male, or male-like.  “We’ll take care of this place.  It doesn’t need these stones to… Continue reading Thirteen: Attracting Attention