Author Archives: jaredmcdaris

CHAPTER SIX             “Alves, Bethes, Craedes, Daeades, Eredas, Faedes, and Galmes,” Olinthess recited, counting up the marks she had inscribed upon the lined tablet. “Seven?” Pearl asked. “That seems… uneven.” “There is an eighth, silent, but that is years away … Continue reading →

CHAPTER FIVE             She smelled flowers long before she could open her eyes. The entire world was throbbing in pain around her, and the light battering against her eyelids was hungry to worsen it. So she let the glue on … Continue reading →

CHAPTER FOUR             The courtroom was alive with chatter, as it had been for two hours. Pearl and Arjallia enjoyed a place at the front of the balcony, Pearl’s new guards standing beside and behind them, yet the people would … Continue reading →

CHAPTER THREE The Grand Palace was indefensible, but its battlements were breathtaking. The balconies of the Old Palace, only three floors up, were enough to make her head swim. Each of the five stories of the Grand Palace was nearly … Continue reading →

CHAPTER TWO “All young ladies want to ride their horses,” Olinthess answered patiently, “but all young ladies must also study how to better themselves for the good of the nation.” “Imrell rides her horse three hours a day,” Arjallia complained, … Continue reading →

Chapter 1 of a short story based on Atla, the fantasy world setting of The Kennel Master. This tells the story of the New Orckid Empire, taking place about thirteen-hundred years before The Kennel Master. Three Princesses CHAPTER ONE             … Continue reading →