Share
The Curmudgeon
Related chapters
Empress of the World A Warm Welcome
Prem enveloped Aurora in a motherly hug as soon as she came through the magical doorway. "I would know that beautiful young woman anywhere!""It is good to see you Prem. It has been too long," Aurora beamed. The warmth of the fairy's affection gave the Empress a joy that spread from head to toe."Aurora!" A young voice said as handsome fairy drew the woman's attention."How are you, Gede?" Aurora asked brightly as she offered the boy a hug as well."Even better now that you are here!" Gede said. "I am glad you made it before my first seasonal trip. I was planning to visit you otherwise, but…""Hopefully you still can!" The Empress would not allow sad thoughts just now."Do I you have a hug left for me?" Bolemir pretended to whine.Aurora never hugged anyone outside of the other three royals and occasionally Brinn, but these fairies were like family to her.The dark-haired woman threw her arms around Bolemir's neck. "I could never forget you," she cried. "Where is baby Niko?""Not a ba
Empress of the World Fairies and Unicorns and Nypmhs, Oh My!
The next morning, Aurora was refreshed and ready to go, but Zan and Gandr seemed almost more tired than when the Empress had last seen them. They had dark circles under their eyes and glazed over expressions. Something had robbed them of their sleep."Gede really knows how to talk," Gandr explained."He wanted to know everything about our world, and it felt rude not to tell him," Zan added."I can leave you here," Aurora offered. "I am sure Gede and I can manage." But the two men refused her kindness. They would work to keep awake and be useful. "Suit yourself," the Empress agreed after their protests.Gede walked with them through the wood to a nearby valley. The lush low area was shaded by steep protective walls, making is a perfect safe haven. In the valley were a herd of unicorns were munching quietly on grass. While the elves' unicorns were penned and sheltered, these roamed free."Do these unicorns belong to you?" Aurora asked Gede.The fairy shook his head. "No one can own a un
Empress of the World The Fairy Assembly
"Why do you want our help?" Bolemir quizzed the Empress before the Assembly meeting that afternoon. The fatherly fairy had been throwing every question that he could think of to urora so she could prepare an answer.Aurora responded easily. "We must work together. The gnomes are dangerous. They must be stopped for humanity's sake.""Very good," Bolemir responded. "Whatever happens in there, do not get flustered. The fairy world is full of all types, just like humans. And unlike other magical creatures, we see the human world once a year to change the season based on a our powers. Many of the families will have made up their mind before coming to the Assembly. It will be an unholy battle to change their minds.""Thank you for the advice. Do you have any more questions for me?" Aurora wanted to know. She had many of the answers memorized."That is all that Reyan and I wrote down. I think you are ready," Bolemir confirmed.The Empress's stomach suddenly knotted. As long as they were work
Empress of the World Contrary and Cantankerous
Aurora started at the two fairies in disbelief. They were laughing so hard that tears were streaming from their eyes.The feelings of anger at Reyan and relief that the fairies would help her were both pushed aside to make way for her extreme confusion. Why were the males, who had just seemed ready to come to blows, now acting like the best of friends?"You are not so bad when you want to be," Bolemir commented as he gasped for air. He gave the older fairy a firm pat on the back."You are not so bad yourself, you old windbag," Reyan jokes as he shook the other fairy's forearm.Prem shook her head and pulled her lips tight. She ushered Gede and Niko out of the room after sighing at her husband."What exactly happened?" Zan asked Aurora."I thought I knew," she answered, "but now I am not so sure…""Did the fairies agree to help or not?" Gandr queried. He was completely unsure how he should be feeling. He was not alone."Yes, they agreed, no thanks to Reyan…he tried to sink my efforts i
Empress of the World Who Doesn't Love a Good Song?
The Emperor and his followers knew that they should see the southern fort on the horizon at any time. Their nerves, a mix of anxiousness, excitement and relief, were bringing an overall tension that was unbearable. "Junayd?" Devrim called to the general. "Yes, Your Majesty?" Junayd rode up next to the Emperor. The grey-eyes man hesitated and inhaled deeply. "Could you, perhaps, sing us a song?" Devrim gave a pained smile. "Did I hear you correctly?" Junayd's jaw nearly dropped to his steed in astonishment. "Yes, yes you did. I am probably losing my mind, but we need a way to lighten the mood." Devrim motioned to the travelers, who seemed ready to jump at a moment's notice. "Do not worry, boss. You will not regret this!" Junayd said as he pulled out a makeshift drum he had composed from animal hide and a hollowed out stump. "I already do," Devrim responded, rubbing his temples. The Emperor scooted his horse away from the musician. He had no desire for a front row seat. "Does Gen
Empress of the World A Wave of Confusion
The first gnome to pop out of the ground was met with one of Mairwen's arrows. Although she had not had many arrows left after the battle with the pirates, Mairwen had fashioned some with wooden arrowheads that would still hurt considerably when met with flesh. The arrow hit its mark and the gnome sunk to the ground in pain. Seeing their comrade go down, the gnomes on either side ducked into the earth for protection. "That way! Archers, lay down some cover!" Devrim ordered while pointing to the gap the princess had made. The other archers shot from the back of their steeds to try to widen the hole. Although none of them were used to shooting form horseback, most arrows got close enough to scare the gnomes into a momentary retreat. Devrim and Mairwen led the group through the hole over the uneven ground. As soon as the horses began to file through the gap, the archers could not continue their onslaught. Moments after the arrows stopped, the gnomes reappeared to cut off the fleeing h
Empress of the World Ambush
The sand caught up Devrim and Mairwen in its fearsome grip and pushed them forward. The Emperor held onto the princess's hand as long as he could, but the sand worked its way between their hands and wrenched his grip free."Mairwen!" the grey-eyed man tried to call out, but his mouth filled with gritty particles. The wave had captured them and there was no room to even breathe.Instincts kicked in, and Devrim swam with the sandy current to crest the wave and receive a life-giving lungful of air. He dove below once more to try to find his daughter and anyone else who might be drowning in the sandy depths. Whether it was sand or water stealing air, the end result was death. Devrim had to help however he could.The Emperor caught hold of an odd arm and leg, pushing the owner upward however he could. Devrim was blind inside the sandy mass, however, and he was not sure if his efforts were doing any good.Devrim pushed himself to the surface for another gasp. His arms and legs were so weak
Empress of the World Men of the Dunes
The Emperor's troops had been so exhausted that the final watch had been unable to be vigilant. Therefore, it was easy for the band of men in lightweight desert clothes to overtake the imperial group. They had even done it without alerting anyone until it was too late.The leader of the group, Metehan, held one of the men dressed in fine clothes at the point of his sword before he could waken. But the grey-eyed man's reaction was confusing when he realized that he was captured. Rather than be afraid, he seemed annoyed at one of the other men in his group. 'How odd!'The other man, who was burly and in a general's uniform, also seemed relaxed enough to argue. The two men bickered back and forth until Metehan could take it no longer."Enough! Are you not the least bit worried that you have a sword at your throat?" he asked the man at his feet.The grey-eyed man scanned the group briefly, barely turning his head against the sword. It seemed he was looking for someone in particular, but h
Latest chapter
