It Only a Dream Can Be
Chapter Four
(Jelnaya)

…
“Yes, well, Honored Duchess Jelnaya, Sir Vidoyer challenged me to sing under your balcony tonight. Said I had as good a chance to win your hand as anyone else. I believe he meant none at all.”

“Now, Dagrouch, I did make Fergush promise me that I would have it all. That does mean a husband. There will be certain requirements, but you are far too young to dash your hopes. You said sing. Are you good?”

It Only a Dream Can Be
Chapter Three
(Inchell)

…
“’A spy as you would define it?’ A spy is a spy. You, my lovely, are going to learn things about being a spy.”

I replied, “I said I was a soldier. Out of duty you may do with me as you will, as letting you learn things about being my enemy will not serve me well.”

From a distance, I heard, “Yes, it will. Do it!”

It Only a Dream Can Be
Chapter Two
(Jelnaya)

…
“I hope that is Cloript speaking and not you.”

She seemed disturbed by my words, although said, “Well, yes.”

“Good. Listen, your god is opposed to the goddess of this realm. I am dealing with a Champion of Onathia, who is opposed to my god. Admit it, something really bad is coming.”

It Only a Dream Can Be
Chapter One
(Jelnaya)

…
“Glad that I could clear up that misconception.” Just so we did not get stalled on matters of the family business, I rose to look at the one being held. “Is this Ferrish?”

“That’s him. He’s to be the next one to live under the threat of continuing the family or having you in control of Kallotech.”

“And he’s third instead of second.”

Balerk’s wife, Punollin, said, “May the gods help us if we have two like you, Jelnaya.”

Aden of Aden
Chapter Thirty-Three

…
Screams sounded as the royal lady moved to take some items from one of the ladies, as a reverberating voice could be heard to exclaim, “NO!”

The head that came up was almost larger than the pond. Body and wings came from the ground. The grand dragon rose not as a physical creature. The water, ground, and trees were not disturbed as it made itself known. We all however felt its presence once it came onto the surface of the land.

Aden of Aden
Chapter Thirty-Two

…
“Tell Yelnoth that he better not lose you. My land has again found hope, and I cannot have them lose it.”

“He will need to come to Thiminy to spend time courting me.”

“Ah. Well, at the moment I have other things on my mind. Help me, Aden of Aden, then I assure you that I will have a conversation with the heir to my one remaining realm.”

I moved to the risers while asking, “Queen Tiolotha, why? Surely this land concerned you. While you were born elsewhere, you came here to live, raise children, and have this land claim you for their own. Surely you cared. Surely you were willing to do what was necessary.”

The queen-mother spewed, “It was gross, menial labor. It was beneath me.”

Princess Turponia asked, “And all the other things you do about the castle are not?”

Aden of Aden
Chapter Thirty

…
I had to ask, “Could we ask Queen Tiolotha?”

King Terish replied, “No. I wouldn’t advise it. The viscount could, because as her vassal he would have some shared loyalty. I however would advise that you have Lechost do it, although I suspect he already will.”

Viscount Handarl said, “You mean when he returns defeated.”

Aden of Aden
Chapter Twenty-Nine

…
As she rode off, my father said, “Keep thinking things through, Aden. If you find me concerned for you, it is just that I don’t want you coming home with two husbands.”

He tried to keep a straight face when I looked at him, but suddenly a wide grin showed on his features. He did not laugh, but if I had said something he might have. I actually wanted him to speak to me, even if only to joke, so I did my best not to sound harsh as I made a reply.

Aden of Aden
Chapter Twenty-Eight

…
“If they do what is required.”

“If they don’t, we leave. Honestly, Dumourl, you could leave now.”

“There is no way I’m doing that. I heard that little lecture you gave your daughter. Also, there are my kind of people here. It is in my interest to see this matter through.”