{"id":116,"date":"2012-05-07T20:03:25","date_gmt":"2012-05-08T00:03:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/?p=116"},"modified":"2012-05-07T20:03:25","modified_gmt":"2012-05-08T00:03:25","slug":"zervakan-free-fantasy-novel-chapter-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/?p=116","title":{"rendered":"ZERVAKAN – Free Fantasy Novel – Chapter 8"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\"\"<\/a>
Cover by TJ Lomas.<\/a>\n<\/div>\n
\nI’m posting a chapter from my latest fantasy novel for free every Monday and Friday (click Zervakan<\/a> above for a synopsis and to start from the beginning). It’s in a “pre-published state,” meaning you might find the occasional spelling\/grammar mistake. If you do, please leave a comment below or email me at robsteiner01 [at] gmail [dot] com.<\/p>\n

If you’re uncomfortable getting something for nothing, you can hit the PayPal Donate<\/a> button in the Tip Jar section to the right. If you donate more than $3, I’ll send you a non-DRM ebook once the book is published (summer 2012). If you donate more than $20, I’ll send you a printed copy.<\/p>\n

Thanks, and I hope you enjoy it!<\/em>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

ZERVAKAN<\/h1>\n

by Rob Steiner<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Chapter 8<\/h2>\n

Taran willed the trolley to go faster, but it ignored him, plodding and sputtering along at the same speed despite his growing impatience.\u00c2\u00a0 His train for Sydear would leave in fifteen minutes, and he guessed the steam trolley was maybe five minutes away.\u00c2\u00a0 He figured another five minutes to run through Revela Street Station, and then another five to store his luggage on the train.\u00c2\u00a0 Five minutes to spare was too close for him; he liked being so early that he<\/em> was the one waiting.<\/p>\n

It couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be helped, though.\u00c2\u00a0 His goodbyes with Mara and Adhera had been hard.\u00c2\u00a0 Mara because his heart broke every time he had to be away from her, and Adhera because their final words were more bitter than civil.\u00c2\u00a0 He assured her that he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d return alive and with a miracle cure from the Mystics.\u00c2\u00a0 She ignored his assurances, instead wanting the exact day he would return so he could give his consent for the Mercy.\u00c2\u00a0 This prompted him to attack her lack of faith in him, to which she replied that the faith he chose six years ago didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t inspire her confidence in his judgment.\u00c2\u00a0 It was an old argument, and Taran chose to leave before they both fired new shots in an already painful exchange.<\/p>\n

The trolley finally pulled up to Revela Street Station, a looming monolith of a building, with six marble columns three stories high and a line of sculpted friezes near the flat roof depicting the march of science and reason throughout the Compact\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s two hundred year history.<\/p>\n

Taran leaped off the trolley, despite being weighed down with several shoulder bags of books, artifacts, and a few changes of clothes.\u00c2\u00a0 He had also packed his father\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s old Compact army revolver, a gift when Taran was fifteen and when Tobias Abraeu still hoped his son would join the military.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran had always enjoyed the lessons his father gave him with the revolver\u00e2\u20ac\u201dhow to shoot, how to clean it, proper care\u00e2\u20ac\u201dbut he never once considered the military life to be for him.\u00c2\u00a0 It took a few heated arguments for Tobias to accept it.<\/p>\n

Taran only hoped Tobias was still proud of a son who chose a life of ostracism over a prestigious career at the university.\u00c2\u00a0 Tobias never criticized Taran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s decision to pursue the Mystics, but Taran knew it had to be tiring for his father to deflect the barbs he received from friends and colleagues, not to mention the public scrutiny in the newspapers.<\/p>\n

Taran sprinted up the steps to the massive open doors leading into the cavernous train station.\u00c2\u00a0 He charged past dark, quiet vendor stalls, a few passengers and beggars sleeping on benches, and two workmen painting white the door trim of exits to the platforms outside.\u00c2\u00a0 He looked for platform seven, saw the locomotive puffing coal smoke and steam into the night sky, and headed in that direction.<\/p>\n

As he approached, he saw a dozen porters storing a large pile of gear into one of the train\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s box cars\u00e2\u20ac\u201dsuitcases, shoulder bags, and sealed crates.\u00c2\u00a0 What surprised him was that there was also a contingent of Shadarlak Armsmen milling about outside one of the passenger cars.\u00c2\u00a0 Their dark green uniforms were crisp, their gold tri-corner hats without blemish.\u00c2\u00a0 Though they talked quietly among themselves, their demeanors were alert and professional.<\/p>\n

The Speaker himself is going to the Beldamark?<\/em> Taran thought.\u00c2\u00a0 He had assumed perhaps the Foreign Minister, but the Speaker?\u00c2\u00a0 He wondered what the Pathist hierarchy thought of that.<\/p>\n

The Shadarlak eyed Taran as he ran toward the train, several putting hands on their revolvers.\u00c2\u00a0 A captain with two gold laurels on his collar strode up to Taran with an upheld hand.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Excuse me, sir,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the young captain said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s your business here?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Breathless, Taran said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m Dr. Taran Abraeu.\u00c2\u00a0 I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m the Mystic interpreter.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do you have papers?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran dropped his shoulder bags, then rifled through the one in which he stored the letter Arie gave him.\u00c2\u00a0 For a brief moment, terror seized him when he thought he forgot it at his office.\u00c2\u00a0 But he found it, pulled it out, and handed it to the waiting captain.\u00c2\u00a0 The captain inspected the letter, and seemed to read it several times.\u00c2\u00a0 He looked Taran over again, and then called over his shoulder, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Elon!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

An even younger Shadarlak jogged up, saluted, and said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sir.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Take this to Mr. Cursh with my compliments and ask him to please identify Dr. Abraeu.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes, sir,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d the man said, then ran to the second passenger car from the locomotive, and leaped up the steps.<\/p>\n

The captain continued staring at Taran, and Taran began to feel as if he were a rabbit being sized up by a wolf.\u00c2\u00a0 The Shadarlak behind the captain stood at ease, but all looked like coiled springs ready to draw their revolvers should Taran so much as sigh.\u00c2\u00a0 He knew the Shadarlak were fanatical about protecting the Speaker\u00e2\u20ac\u201dnot one Speaker had been assassinated in the one hundred years they had been charged with the Speaker\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s safety\u00e2\u20ac\u201dbut Taran never realized how intimidating they might be when their attention was focused on him.<\/p>\n

After several tense minutes of sweating under the glare of the Shadarlak, the young man jumped out of the passenger car and jogged to the captain.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mr. Cursh identified Dr. Abraeu through the window.\u00c2\u00a0 He\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s cleared, sir.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

The captain nodded, then handed the letter back to Taran.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Sir, please leave your gear with the other bags over there.\u00c2\u00a0 It will be inspected, and then returned to you in your assigned bunk on the train.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran hesitated.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Just so you know, Captain\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Latish, sir.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Captain Latish, I have a revolver in this bag that I brought\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153No firearms will be allowed in the presence of the Speaker,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Latish said without letting Taran finish.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Your weapon will be secured and kept safe.\u00c2\u00a0 Now please leave all of your gear in that pile.\u00c2\u00a0 Sergeant Macliesh, please search Dr. Abraeu for any other weapons.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

One of the large men behind Latish approached Taran.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I can assure you that I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have\u00e2\u20ac\u201d\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s standard procedure, sir.\u00c2\u00a0 Carry on, sergeant.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Lift your arms please, Doctor,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Sergeant Macliesh said in a tone that was not gruff, but meant to be obeyed.\u00c2\u00a0 Not wanting to cause the train to wait any longer, Taran submitted to the patdown, having his coat turned inside out, his suspenders checked for knives, and his boots inspected for hidden compartments.\u00c2\u00a0 All the while, the other Shadarlak stood watching him.<\/p>\n

After the search, and feeling like a criminal, Taran boarded the train and was told by the conductor to proceed to cabin three in the fourth car.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran opened the sliding doors to find two other men laying on the bunk beds in a cabin that looked too small for one man.\u00c2\u00a0 There were three bunks in the walls of the cabin\u00e2\u20ac\u201dtwo on one side and one on the other.\u00c2\u00a0 A small gas lamp on the wall next to the window illuminated the cabin in a flickering light.<\/p>\n

The two men stopped chatting when he opened the door.\u00c2\u00a0 Both were dressed in black suits with white shirts, marking them as aids to either the Speaker or the Ministers accompanying him.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran was surprised to recognize Kumar Ladak on the left bottom bunk, an unlit pipe in his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Our Mystic expert has arrived,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ladak said with a smile.<\/p>\n

Taran put the one bag the Shadarlak allowed him to take on board on the free bunk above Ladak, then extended his hand in greeting.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Nice to see you again, Mr. Ladak.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Likewise, Doctor,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ladak said, shaking Taran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hand.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Is Minister Demiati on board?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Ladak chuckled.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153No.\u00c2\u00a0 Unfortunately the Minister is afraid of train travel so I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m to be his eyes and ears on this little expedition.\u00c2\u00a0 But between you and me…I think he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d rather not be associated with the Speaker\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Mystic quest once the papers find out about this journey.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not a wise move for a Science Minister, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d imagine,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Taran said.<\/p>\n

Taran looked at the other man.\u00c2\u00a0 He sat on the bunk opposite Ladak, had dark hair pulled back in a pony tail, and a thick mustache favored by most male Pathists.\u00c2\u00a0 He extended his hand, which Taran shook.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Chen Flynt, Mr. Cursh\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s aid.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran nodded a greeting, then climbed into the top bunk and situated himself so that his feet faced the window, allowing him to see outside.\u00c2\u00a0 He saw several more train platforms in the lamp-lit darkness, but all were deserted.\u00c2\u00a0 Of course they would be; the Shadarlak would not allow common people anywhere near the Speaker.<\/p>\n

Ladak and Flynt were engaged in a debate over the message from the Mystics\u00e2\u20ac\u201dor \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tuatha,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d as they had called themselves in the letter.\u00c2\u00a0 Ladak argued that the Tuathan message was genuine, though like a good Pathist he doubted the Tuathans were really Mystics.\u00c2\u00a0 Flynt, however, thought the Mazumdahri had sleeper agents in Calaman who witnessed the storm, drafted the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tuathan\u00e2\u20ac\u009d message, and then tapped the wiretype lines to send the message, making it seem like it had been sent immediately after the storm.\u00c2\u00a0 Flynt thought they were simply riding into a Mazumdahri ambush.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran did not engage in the debate, nor did the two men ask his opinion, which was fine with him.\u00c2\u00a0 He just wanted to sleep, physically exhausted from his run through the station and his emotional good-byes to Adhera and Mara.<\/p>\n

After another fifteen minutes, the train\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s horn bellowed, and the car lurched forward with a hiss of steam and the screech of steel wheels on rails.\u00c2\u00a0 Once underway, the debate between Ladak and Flynt cooled until they were both silent.<\/p>\n

Taran stared out the window, watching the city float by, turning from densely crowded townhouses to sparse stone homes, and then fields, forests, and hills, all illuminated by the full moon and the rings of Ahura and Angra.\u00c2\u00a0 Over the next hour, they passed occasional towns, but never slowed even when passing a station.\u00c2\u00a0 Most stations were dark and silent at this time of night, anyway, but Taran did see some people sitting on the platforms waiting for early morning trains.<\/p>\n

Taran dozed for a while, but was awakened when a Shadarlak private opened the door without knocking and announced that their bags could be picked up in the baggage car at their convenience.\u00c2\u00a0 He shut the door without another word.\u00c2\u00a0 Ladak and Flynt seemed amused.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153So much for bringing our bags to our cabins like we were promised,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Flynt said, rolling out of his bunk.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153They\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re Shadarlak,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ladak said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not porters.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

After retrieving some of their baggage\u00e2\u20ac\u201dnot all of it, since there was hardly room in the cabin for their bodies, let alone bags\u00e2\u20ac\u201dTaran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s bunkmates settled in for the night time voyage.\u00c2\u00a0 The motion of the train was soothing, and it soon produced snores from the other men.<\/p>\n

But Taran could not return to sleep after his initial dozing.\u00c2\u00a0 Excitement over finally meeting Mystics warred with memories of his lies to Adhera and his assurances to Mara before he left\u00e2\u20ac\u201das he sat in her bed stroking her long black hair, wet with pink sweat\u00e2\u20ac\u201dthat he would make her well again.\u00c2\u00a0 He tried not to let the thought of failure enter his mind.\u00c2\u00a0 Though he did wonder how far into the Wild Kingdoms he could get with a sick daughter.<\/p>\n

Sleep finally took Taran, but gave him up too soon when the rays from the rising sun shined in his face through the window.<\/p>\n

He spent most of the day watching the farms, plains, and forests speed by, and studying his Mystic language books.\u00c2\u00a0 He was excited to find a reference to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tuatha,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d but it referred to an ancient city on the coast of the Gulf of Pagilah in what is now Edellia.\u00c2\u00a0 Perhaps the Mystics who fled to the Beldamark were originally from this city, and took its name as the name of their tribe.\u00c2\u00a0 It was a puzzle he would have spent days or weeks working through his texts to figure out, but he knew he needn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t bother\u00e2\u20ac\u201din a few days he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d have a chance to ask the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Tuatha\u00e2\u20ac\u009d himself.<\/p>\n

When Taran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eyes grew tired from all his reading, he took a few strolls around the train, but could not go much farther beyond two cars up because the Shadarlak blocked his way to the Speaker\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s car next to the locomotive.\u00c2\u00a0 So he decided to go to the back of the train, three cars down from his.\u00c2\u00a0 The last car was a coach car filled with Shadarlak, some sleeping, some playing cards, and others standing watch, their eyes scanning the countryside for hidden threats.\u00c2\u00a0 Taran thought the biggest threat out there would be a herd of cattle roaming across the train tracks, but the Compact was still technically at war with Mazumdahr and enemy saboteurs had been known to attack passenger trains when the fighting still raged.<\/p>\n

Taran made his way to the door in the back of the car and stepped outside.\u00c2\u00a0 The fresh air of the plains was exhilarating compared to the stifling, coal-haze atmosphere in Calaman.\u00c2\u00a0 There was a bench to the right of the door, and Taran sat down to watch the tracks, the trees, the hills, and the occasional farmhouse disappear over the horizon behind him.<\/p>\n

After passing the time with his thoughts about Mara and the Mystics for almost an hour, Kumar Ladak stepped outside and sat on the bench next to Taran.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You never realize how big this country is,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ladak said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153until you have to travel across it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 Ladak filled a pipe with tobacco, lit it, and puffed on it thoughtfully.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Is this your first trip to the north?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Taran asked.<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Mercy, no,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ladak said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153In fact, I was just in Sydear last week setting up the logistics for this trip.\u00c2\u00a0 Long voyage, but a beautiful one.\u00c2\u00a0 You?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve been to the Beldamark twice,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Taran said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Or at least attempted<\/em> to go there twice.\u00c2\u00a0 The first time I made it to Markwatch, but could not enter the Beldamark.\u00c2\u00a0 The second time, we tried to enter at Markwatch again, but were denied entry at the last minute by the Turicians.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Bloody Turicians,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ladak said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153They weren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even going to let us into their country for this mission.\u00c2\u00a0 Lucky for us, though, they had a miraculous \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcrevelation\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 from Ahura that that was what the ring wanted.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153What kind of revelation?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153They didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t say.\u00c2\u00a0 But one day they were against us coming, then the next day they were falling over themselves to invite us in.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Interesting.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Ladak and Taran silently watched the landscape slip by for a few minutes, then Ladak said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I understand your daughter has the Blood plague.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Yes…\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153And you haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t given her the Mercy.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153With all due respect, Mr. Ladak, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d rather not talk about it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I just wanted to say that I admire your resistance.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran stared at Ladak.\u00c2\u00a0 It was unheard of for a committed Pathist, much less a member of the Ministry of Science, to oppose the Mercy.<\/p>\n

Ladak smiled.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve never been a big fan of it, nor am I an Ahura cultist.\u00c2\u00a0 I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m a committed Pathist, but the Mercy just never sat right with me.\u00c2\u00a0 I can understand when it comes to the Blood, but too many people these days want it for conditions that are potentially curable.\u00c2\u00a0 You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d be surprised how many people in my position agree.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153I would have thought it was zero.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s very dangerous to one\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s career and reputation to oppose certain tenets of Pathism,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Ladak said.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Not all of us are as brave as you.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have no idea what you can do when your child\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s life is at stake.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Having no children myself, I can only imagine.\u00c2\u00a0 Do you have a picture of her?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran smiled.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Always.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

He pulled out a frayed sequoia photograph from the pocket in his jacket and handed it to Ladak.\u00c2\u00a0 It showed him, Adhera, and Mara, all dressed in their best clothes, posing in front of a white background, proud expressions and hints of smiles on their faces.<\/p>\n

Taran remembered every detail of that day six years ago.\u00c2\u00a0 The photograph was taken in a studio two blocks from their old house in Calaman\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s wealthy Hegron district.\u00c2\u00a0 After the photo they had gone to one of the new iced cream parlors that were opening all over the city, a place called Hegron Confections<\/em>.\u00c2\u00a0 As they sat in the parlor, Mara gobbling up the iced cream, Taran noticed a drop of pink sweat at her brow.\u00c2\u00a0 He had ignored it, knew what it might be, but could not accept it.\u00c2\u00a0 Later that night, Mara woke up screaming and coughing up gouts of blood.\u00c2\u00a0 She was diagnosed with the Blood the next day.<\/p>\n

The photograph was the last one they ever took together.<\/p>\n

Ladak looked at it for several moments, and then handed it back to Taran.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153You have a beautiful family.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Taran nodded, took the photograph and placed it back in the left pocket inside his coat.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I appreciate you telling me all of that.\u00c2\u00a0 It helps to know I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not alone.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Ladak stood.\u00c2\u00a0 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I thought it might.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 He put a hand on Taran\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s shoulder and said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I hope the Mystics are what you want them to be.\u00c2\u00a0 You deserve it, my friend.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0 Then Ladak opened the door and entered the car.<\/p>\n

Taran sat on the bench a while longer, hoping that Ladak was right.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cover by TJ Lomas. I’m posting a chapter from my latest fantasy novel for free every Monday and Friday (click Zervakan above for a synopsis and to start from the beginning). It’s in a “pre-published state,” meaning you might find the occasional spelling\/grammar mistake. If you do, please leave a comment below or email me […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,28,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-free-stuff","category-novels","category-zervakan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=116"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/robsteinerauthor.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}