“Other places.” The creature’s bone mask found a spot in the crook of his shoulder, left bare by his ragged clothing, and came to rest there, sending a chill through his chest and down his back. When it spoke, its teeth brushed against his skin. “Places with people. Gods’ places. You’ll see.”

Interlude Three: The Broken Road

The newest chapter of Journey to the Water is now available on Patreon! You can subscribe for just $3 a month, or wait until next week for this chapter to appear here on the blog.

Once, I had climbed the side of the great worm as it laid waste to Phyreios. With only a sword and the texture of its filthy hide to aid me, I had reached the crest of its head. If I had completed that feat, I thought, then a rope ladder would be an easy task, even in a tropical storm.

As soon as my feet left the pitching deck, I understood how wrong I had been.

Chapter XXII: The Tempest

Eske and his pirate friends find themselves caught in a storm at sea in the latest chapter! You can read it right now by becoming a Patreon subscriber, or you can wait a week for its appearance here on the blog. Either way, I appreciate you reading!

The god beneath the island had returned to its endless sleep, leaving the mortals who walked under the sun to fend for themselves.

Chapter XXI: Calm Seas

Eske is continuing his quest at last! The island is safe, but new perils arise in the latest chapter of Journey to the Water, now available on Patreon.

“The book does nothing,” said Chanjask. “But with the book, Ucasta could preserve the body and soul of the king, and with it, I can retrieve the soul you want and place it in the correct vessel. Its original body seems to be out of the question, so would you prefer a gem? A lamp? Another body? It would be a simple matter to sacrifice one of the prisoners—”

Chapter XX: The Temple of the New Gods

While the survivors of Salmacha’s near-disaster argue over how their new government is going to be run, Eske’s attention turns elsewhere: to one of the priests who helped the late king almost achieve immortality. Can this man help Eske on his quest? Or will the price of his evil magic be too high? Find out right now by subscribing to Patreon and reading this chapter! Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until next week.

“And how is it that both these illustrious men perished, and in the same evening?” came a voice from the crowd.

Chapter XIX: The Palace, Still Standing

Eske has survived a harrowing evening, but new dangers about as the island of Salmacha struggles to decide on succession. Besides, Captain Hamilcar says they can’t leave until they get paid. You can read this chapter right now on Patreon!