A humble scholar must face the dark mysteries of a ruined city to purge the monsters lurking within. Will she discover who released the creatures, or will she become another casualty of their brutality? Subtle deceptions and budding romance are found throughout this tale. *** Excerpt: Dorothy tongued the back of her teeth, as if prodding her mouth to form a reply. Nothing came. Another brisk breeze passed over the fields, crumbling the stalks of golden wheat. The driver broke the silence as he cleared his throat. "You know, priest, I could turn around and tell them I refused to drive you," he offered. Dorothy remained silent. "After the Onyx Order fell there's, well," he grunted to clear his throat. "If the Onyx Order couldn't save a grand city, what hope is there for a writer?" His soft eyes flickered away from the road to see the young woman's flat face. When she remained non-responsive, he continued, "you know, we could do with a good writer in my city. Lots of folks need a good story to take away their fears."
5 parts