《Dancing on the Block》Chapter 8. Missolen
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Missolen is a Rikenaar word that means “white city”. Tallonius the Great, founder of the Tallonid dynasty, ordered the beginning of the new empire marked by the erection of a new capital. As fate would have it, however, Tallonius himself did not live to see even the first completed palace, leaving the cares of city-building to his descendants. In Demos’ opinion, they did a pretty good job. Missolen was the greatest city in the empire, at least, of all the cities he’d been to. Demos especially appreciated the perfectly designed grid of straight, wide streets, cozy alleys, and stone houses lost in their gardens. The whole thing made for a delightful evening stroll. He saw meaning everywhere he went, a great plan that was missing in the other ancient cities. And the abundance of white stone made Missolen light no matter the time of year. It was the kind of place that made you want to breathe, the kind of place you want to live in.
At least, until you find yourself in the slums. They’re the same everywhere.
The White Shrine bell tower was ringing out unbearably. The wide streets were starting to fill with busy people shouting in all the different imperial dialects, though Demos’ personal guard, as always, kept their mouth shut. Ihraz was a tall, swarthy Ennian with a scimitar and a pair of daggers in his belt. He was a step behind the duke, his black eyes scanning the passers-by as he moved smoothly and calmly. Lahel was to Demos’ left. Both bodyguards had their faces covered by colorful silk scarves.
Despite the protests of his mother, Demos preferred moving around the city on foot. It perked him up, loosened the muscles in his bad leg, and gave him time to think. There was plenty to ponder about that morning, too. For example, he’d found out that Gregor Voldhard of Highligland had arrived in the capital to pay his last respects to his uncle and attend the Council. The young lord of Ellisdor was Demos’ cousin on his father’s side, though he didn’t stop by, the custom for relatives.
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Managed to stir up a scandal without saying a word. What’s going to happen when you open your mouth, my dear cousin?
“Where is Lord Gregor staying?” Demos asked Ihraz. “The palace kindly offered him and his retinue quarters, but he declined.”
“At Enrige the Gatson’s residence, Master.”
“Of course. Enrige betrothed his son to Gregor’s sister. They say Lady Rhinhilda inherited her mother’s beauty and her father’s personality.”
In other words, she’s as terrifying as heavenly punishment and as direct as an Osvendian woodcutter. I wonder if Gregor asked for their hospitality or if the Gatsons insisted.
The sunlight glistened on the bright cobblestones paving the street that stretched from the enormous palace complex to Eclusum. The climb started taking its toll, while the buildings peeking out from behind the curbs and gardens got larger and more impressive—that was where the aristocrats and rich guilds lived. Pulling his glance away from the intricate stained glass, Demos turned his head toward the imperial gardens. The park was fragrant and invitingly quiet.
The treasurer jumped when a stooped beggar jumped out to block his way.
“By the grace of the Keeper, spare me a couple azu,” the tramp boomed. “I want to buy a black wax candle and pray for the soul of the emperor in Gillenai chapel, the one down the river.”
Lahel was about to shove him out of the road when Ihraz motioned for her to stop.
“He’s one of mine. Give him a duppa.”
The woman pulled a small silver coin out of her purse without taking her eyes off the beggar.
“Master Archella sends his regards,” the latter said to the duke. “His people are going to stop by for a visit soon! And in the meantime, a bit of news.”
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“Well?”
The beggar smiled, baring rotten teeth.
“Word for word, here it is: the one you’re looking for isn’t at that location. That’s all I was told to say.”
“Thank you,” the duke nodded. “Go ahead.”
The beggar deftly caught the coin Lahel tossed him, bowed, and backed into an alley. Demos looked over at Ihraz. He shrugged.
So, Izara, or Sister Tanal, as she’s calling herself now, isn’t at the monastery she claimed she ran away to. But who could be hiding her? The maids have all been questioned—they don’t know anything. The servants didn’t tell us anything new even when we tortured them. And the empress didn’t have any friends in the palace, that’s for sure. Still, she was able to disappear. Someone did such a good job helping her that even I’m in the dark. But if she isn’t at the monastery, why are even the clergy sure she’s there? Sister Tanal may not even exist at all. And, of course, we can’t rule out that Izara could long since be fish bait in one of the Uli’s tributaries.
Demos took his time getting to the palace gates. His servants didn’t say a word.
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Necromancer of Valor
Anastacia Mournvalley is a born and raised necromancer, and a powerful one at that. She had never liked the way necromancers lived and so escaped her home country with the aid of an adventurer called Gilbert, She had hoped to start a fresh life as an adventurer in the city of Valor. With her upbringing still haunting her it turns out to be a lot harder than she thought. Luckily she has a few new friends by her side. Cover art by: Overcomplicated Appleπ Go check out the rest of her art from the link!
8 109Murder the Mountains: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG
Murder the Mountains is a dark fantasy LitRPG in the vein of games like Dark Souls and Planescape Torment. Matt’s life is in limbo, so he has nothing but time to waste playing videogames. Enter cult gaming sensation, Cannibal Hymn: A punishing multiplayer RPG set in a grim world conjured from the imagery of Ancient Central and South America. The Yunka Coast is a colorful and macabre land of sand and surf, barren dunes, mysterious ruins, blood-crazed gods, eldritch liches, ferocious beasts, brutal headhunters, exotic cultures, feudal politics, weird psychedelic drugs, and treasure-littered tombs. But there's something sinister beneath the surface... The game's development team turned up dead in a grizzly murder-suicide before release, strange glitches don't seem random, and Matt's friend, Jess, has gone missing. In order to find her, Matt must progress through the game and uncover its mysteries, persevering through constant set-backs, and slaying his way through what or whoever gets in his way. The MC starts from the bottom and must struggle his way to cutting down the gods and seizing control of the game’s PVP economy and political structure. Meanwhile, the story of the world is told through lore and environmental storytelling, and something dark and unsettling stalks Matt’s day to day life.
8 188Cultivation Apocalypse [Rewritten Version]
When the world as humanity knows it comes to an end, and is altered by forces beyond comprehension, humanity is given the chance to strive for power greater than they had ever thought possible, and even immortality. With the world and the rules it followed naught but a memory, how will humanity adapt to a world where the only rule is that of personal might? With a whole new world to explore, new challenges to face, new horizons to chase, will humanity gain the strength to not only survive, but thrive?
8 157Astral: Into the New World
At the very top of Mountain Ard, there stood the empty ruins of a citadel overlooking the unsung Kingdom of Kan. Underneath this site, a catacomb was built but none of the thousand souls lingered anymore. Until one day, a strange life finally emerged. A human separated from its Earthly form- physically unwielded in this world, too rare and hunted for its kind. Her name is Narya, the first Earth being to arrive through the ancient portal of the unmagical land. And with her arrival, adventure and romance unfolds between her and the grey-scaled noble, Erduas. But is love possible between two different creatures bonded as predator and prey at first? ***Extra Details*** 1. English is my second language but I am doing my best to give you the best shot on this journey. 2. Fantasy Romance, Action & Violence would be the center of the story 3. I am avoiding clichés as much as I can 4. I value comments and suggestions, hoping to receive one. ***I hope this story keeps you entertained (´ー∀ー`)
8 59Forbidden Touches
"Bend over," he growls, the corner of his mouth turning upward. "No," I say lower lip quivering. I wanted to say yes, but what would that do to my scholarship. If anyone finds out I slept with him in his house let alone here at school we would both be in jeopardy. He moves back and runs his hand through his hair. "I won't make you do anything you don't want to. You can walk out right now if you don't want me to f*CK you." I part my lips and widen my eyes.He runs his knuckle down my arm and I shiver in pleasure. "If you don't want me to f*CK you like I did Friday night and Saturday morning." my face flushes and I look away from him. He moves closer and slides his hand through my arm. He grips my hip possessively and lowers his head to my ear. "Tell me you don't want me to get you off with my mouth. Tell me and I'll leave you alone." His Husky voice whispers in my ear. "Professor Sawyer" I make a strangulated noise. "You bend me over." his eyes light up and in no time I'm bent over his desk...Join Evelyn on this Erotic Adventure trying to resist Aiden Sawyer's Temptation![Mature Content🌶🌶🌶]Copyright ©️ 2021 ThekayX8.All Rights Reserved.
8 105DOLLHOUSE
❝ i see things that nobody else sees ❞YG's top girl group, BLACKPINK, are not exactly what they seem to be. What happens if the curtains close? [ BOOK 1 OFTHE DOLLHOUSESERIES. ] ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 2017RE-PUBLISHED: 2020
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