To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Eighteen

As the light from the sun began to fade from it descending behind mountains, the conversation shifted to the other reason for our path growing dark. Weapons and tactics for dealing with a threat started to be discussed. All conversation however ceased when a soldier in the lead announced a piece of information.

“Lord Orintious, a fairy just told me to follow it.”

“Then you follow it. All right men, on your best behavior!”

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Seventeen

After scaling our first rocky height, Orintious had his men begin performing certain little rites. They began speaking kindly to the plants. Minchell and Ochally were already being treated well, but they were often given affection by their owners. Mochsha had status with the men, but found them to perform extra acts of graciousness toward her during the day.

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Sixteen

The darkness behind us grew in breadth, which made it appear to grow closer. Its height over the horizon did not seem to increase. The presence however did trouble us with the soldiers speaking of continuing to travel through the darkness of night to hopefully stay ahead of it.

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Fifteen

I noticed that Heratin did not get the man’s name. Orintious did ask, but when Heratin mentioned that he thought the man’s name was Trouble the older brother agreed. They both left the topic at that point, but organized the supplies gained and had us put in a few more miles before calling for a halt.

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Fourteen

As everyone settled for bed, I went to Heratin. He and Ochally were discussing things about assuring a quick rise in the morning, although she giggled a lot. Heratin turned to me as I approached, then told his slave to go do whatever business she felt was necessary.

I simply asked, “Are troubles like this common on missions? I don’t remember any of the reports I read mentioning things like this.”

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Thirteen

I found myself froze seeing a large flying creature lift into the sky and begin to head in our direction. The soldiers spread out speaking of tactics in how to battle the threat. Some did mention the creature flying toward us being a dragon, but I was unable to look at it too closely as my body stayed frozen in position as it flew low over us.

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Twelve

I picked up the book, but Orintious came to take it from my hands. “You need to get some rest, Vernallor. By morning this book will probably be in horrible condition, as I expect a good portion of my men would have read it.”

Heratin said, “They’re getting paid to read?”

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Eleven

Heratin stood to declare, “My mother would never send me into harm’s way!”

Orintious replied, “Oh, come on, Heratin. The evidence is clear that the divine side of your family is not that aware of things. The presence of the peacock however does say that Hera became aware, and sought to protect you. What it does however speak of is that Mochsha’s mother, and possibly my mother, is not the nice, benevolent person you have for a mother.”

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Ten

I really had no place to go. I had taken a bath and changed clothes to make myself presentable. I had no people dependent upon me, as did Orintious. There was nothing I needed to acquire, as did Heratin. I simply stayed seated. While Mochsha did rise, she turned to take a seat next to the place I sat.

I looked to her and said, “I have none of your issues. It is true that I do not know anything of my parents, but I cannot say that I ever sought them.”

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Nine

While the great herds of horses were not seen upon the arrival, I had to blame my not seeing them upon having the wonderful sight of divine ladies. No sooner did I look out the window of the bedroom provided for me than I saw a great number of horses. Wondering what else the sight of the goddesses might have prevented me from seeing I stayed at the window and looked at the land around me.