These stories follow the nation of Shandor through its colonial and industrial eras. Unlikely heroes chosen by a living land investigate the supernatural, reconcile cultural divides, and discover their own gifts.
Kara sat in the dirtiest, darkest tavern in the village of Alarna, surrounded by unhappy thieves. “This is not good,” Negal said, laying a nearly empty purse down on the table they shared. “These strangers are not good men.” “Good … Continued
Jon was having trouble sleeping again. There was a lantern lit in the sitting room, where Hellin’s shadow was visible as she sat waiting up for Doctor Blackfeather to return. Jon could see her silhouette clearly though his tent wall … Continued
Kara dashed around one corner and another, mentally cursing her terrible luck. The boy behind her was not losing ground. His nice clothes were quite dust covered and his hair was coming loose, but he was not giving up. Kara … Continued
The next day nearly all the children had excuses for why they wanted to go into town. Hellin regarded them at breakfast with an amused but cynical eye. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were all plotting something.” … Continued
Hellin looked in on Jon later after he and Tam had washed up and dressed. She insisted on re-applying wet towels to Jon’s head and neck, and giving them both a salve for sunburn. “You’ll soon be healthy and brown … Continued
“My word, Jon, I think you are correct,” the Professor said. “It’s a sealed tomb passage, if I am not mistaken.” The Professor pointed to a line of carved symbols. “What do you think of this?” Jon peered up at … Continued