Annals: Year 16
A story fragment and codex entry from the Dustsong Cycle—and more
From the Annals of the Vaporous Realms
After a year and a day, Sceg brother of Len took to wrangling and herding sheep on the slopes of the Fangs. Every seven-day, he went on his lonesome to a hidden place in the hollow of his kin. There he slew a sheep upon a rock as tribute to the Wright. Sceg was about ten years of age.
Codex: Sprightly Deer
A sprightly deer was a spindly creature remarkable for its diminutive stature, being no more than seven hands high, and for the prodigious spread of antlers that males of its ilk boasted. Spright referred to spirit-beings, which the folk of the Elder World and their descendants likened to the tiny deer in the way they eluded both sight and capture.
Author Note
Christmas is nigh upon us and can’t come soon enough. My gumption levels are slowing daily, as are the little gears in my brain. I think we all need to rest a spell—really rest.
In the meantime, I thought I’d share a couple of fellow creators on Substack whose work I appreciate (below). Also, here’s Kræwk’s new Vaporous Realms at War profile.
Gordon Brewer writes in an interesting variety of historical settings, not all of which are my cup of tea. But his words are finely crafted, and his Beowulf novel, Curse of the Dreygurs, is my kind of story.
GMaia’s work in the sphere of tabletop fantasy roleplaying games is admirable and extensive. If you enjoy an immersive approach to RPGs that puts characters and stories first, instead of fixating on stats and abilities, give VI VIII X KUP a look-see.
Happy reading, folks!