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I’m posting from my current writing WiP, Song and Shadow, a prequel to Song and Sword. It’s a rough draft and I still don’t have an actual outline for it so it’s going to be a fun ride. 

This month we’ll get to see Pashevel… well, let’s just say that the ways of a Bard are subtle and sharp.

“I don’t think you won any points with my father,” Hierik told him later, when the receiving line was finished.

“He didn’t win any points with me, either,” Pashevel replied with an indifferent shrug. He sobered and held Hierik’s gaze for a moment. “From what I understand we leave in the morning?”

“Yes. An early breakfast and on the road before sun up.”

“Can you be ready to leave before sundown?”

Hierik nodded. “Everything is packed and ready. The only thing left for me to do is to choose and name my traveling companion. A-are you still willing to travel with me, Your Highness?”

“Just Pashevel. And, yes. More than ever.”

Hierik tilted his head curiously but Pashevel shook his head. “Another time, Your Highness.”

Find more great reading
at the Sunday Snippet group.

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I’m posting from my current writing WiP, Song and Shadow, a prequel to Song and Sword. It’s a rough draft and I still don’t have an actual outline for it so it’s going to be a fun ride. 

This month we’ll get to see Pashevel… well, let’s just say that the ways of a Bard are subtle and sharp.

Kurtzen paled briefly at the mention of the breach in protocol but Hierik’s eyes widened. Pashevel gave him a brief wink and he relaxed.

“Prince Pashevel. Thank you, indeed, for gracing us with your presence. And please, send my apologies to your father. I did not think that something as simple as a birthday celebration would be of interest to his Highness.”

“The successor to our neighbor’s throne is of a great deal of interest, Your Highness,” Pashevel replied. “We had no idea of your tradition regarding the Passage, and I do hope that I may be permitted to accompany him, as I am here to learn about your ways. And I would be honored if he would journey to Alur’va’sia with me.”

“A prince should travel his own lands and get to know his own people, but I see no harm in his broadening his knowledge. There is little enough known about your people.”

Pashevel bowed again to the king; straightening he gave Hierik a quick wink and passed into the castle, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.

Find more great reading
at the Sunday Snippet group.

.

I’m posting from my current writing WiP, Song and Shadow, a prequel to Song and Sword. It’s a rough draft and I still don’t have an actual outline for it so it’s going to be a fun ride. 

This month we’ll get to see Pashevel… well, let’s just say that the ways of a Bard are subtle and sharp.

“Father,” Hierik said. “Pashevel is here as my guest, not as a performer, and although he did offer, it would be discourteous to expect an invited guest to perform.”

The king’s displeasure deepened but he could not speak out against his son’s words, not in front of the assembled nobles, so he nodded.  “Forgive me. It was only a desire to hear new music that made me presume upon your talent. That, and having heard many good things about Elven music.”

Pashevel smiled, bowing just enough to claim his place as an equal to the court.

“Your Highness,” he said. “Thank you for permitting me the honor of accepting your son’s invitation to attend his celebration. Rumors of your hospitality have even reached Elven lands, and my father, King Vellindrin, would send greetings and congratulations had he been informed of this occasion.”

Find more great reading
at the Sunday Snippet group.

.

I’m posting from my current writing WiP, Song and Shadow, a prequel to Song and Sword. It’s a rough draft and I still don’t have an actual outline for it so it’s going to be a fun ride. 

This month we’ll get to see Pashevel… well, let’s just say that the ways of a Bard are subtle and sharp.

“I said he is my guest. He is the Bard from the tavern last night. Surely you saw him speaking with me.”

“And if you didn’t,” Pashevel said, his voice soft but pitched so that the king could hear it, “then you were doing a poor job of guarding your prince.”

The guards flushed and he stepped past them, greeting Hierik with a warm smile.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for honoring me with the invitation.”

“Thank you for accepting it. Pashevel, may I present my father, King Kurtzen. Father, this is Pashevel, a most excellent Bard that it was my pleasure to speak with last night.”

“My son’s guest, is, of course, welcome,” Kurtzen replied smoothly, although Pashevel could clearly read his displeasure at his son’s choice of guests. “Being a Bard, perhaps you would play for us later?”

Hierik caught his breath, wanting to protest, but Pashevel smiled. “It would be my pleasure,” he said. “If the court musicians would do me the honor of sharing their stage with a guest.”

Hierik fought back an urge to laugh as Pashevel smoothly gave Kurtzen a lesson in protocol and manners.

Find more great reading
at the Sunday Snippet group.