Here you can check out some of the short stories I have written – Free to read! Many of these were written as practice when preparing to write my first novel and then doubled as world-building. Readers of The Stones of Vilan series may notice some familiar places but some show up more in Book 2 of that trilogy (especially Merrim Weaver and Malthanes, though the Dark Inn makes an appearance too). These can be read before or after the main novel series with no spoilers. It’s more ‘extra’ stories in the recent history of that world.
They are presented below in the order they were written – each story taking place earlier than the one before it. This is the intended order, but you can also read them in reverse if you prefer chronological order. The events are connected but each story stands on its own. Fair warning, ‘Nothing Ever Changes’ is very short and more a quick ‘day in the life of’ exercise. The others are complete stories.
Bear in mind that the cover images for these stories were made by me (with a combination of Daz Studio – FotoSketcher – GIMP), unlike the cover for my novel where I called in the professionals.
Click the arrows below, then click on an image to go to the story page.
The Dark Inn
Provin Darwell makes his way on a stolen horse with a stolen purse and chances to stop at an inn that is a little off the beaten track.
Thinking only to take refuge for the night, it soon becomes clear that there is something strange about the inn and its staff. Provin will uncover a secret that he’ll soon wish he hadn’t, and the only question will be whether he will escape to tell anyone.
Weaving Freedom
Merrim’s father entrusts him with running their weaver shop by himself for the first time, signalling his becoming a man. He may finally be able to ask the girl of his dreams for her hand. But when a runaway slave arrives in Barst, Merrim must decide between his own desires and the needs of another.
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Sorrow’s Keep
Malthanes, Captain and soon-to-be Commander of Swallow’s Keep was ready for anything… except the sudden, and quite impossible arrival of the Koari army besieging the keep. Sending his wife and young son to what he hopes is safety, Malthanes must organise the defence. Swallow’s Keep has never fallen, but the Koari have a new strategy, and Malthanes will have to decide between duty to the crown and protecting the soldiers in his charge.
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Nothing Ever Changes
Digh Karje is a loyal worker for the Great Vara of Koar. Assigned to investigate relics of a bygone age, his discoveries could lead to Koar’s final advantage over the neighbouring kingdom of Sorilan. But of course, Digh won’t remember any of this, the truthkeepers see to that.
This began as an experimental piece that was cut short — A ‘day in the life’ of a Koari citizen. It does, however, contain some interesting world-building for those who enjoy that. It’s also very short at only two chapters.
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