Lawrence Harding

Enchanté

Lawrence Harding “This ball is beautiful, my lady, but I must say that its beauty is nothing compared to yours.” The woman bowed her head demurely. She drew slightly away from the Count, moving her bare elbow away from his hand. He smiled to himself. This was a game, and he enjoyed playing it.Continue reading “Enchanté”

The Grand Master’s Shadow

Lawrence Harding When Maxamilian was finally initiated into the Brethren of the Nine Anathamae, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Whatever shadows had overhung him, whatever nagging doubts had wormed in his ear, gone – the moment the blood dripping from his palm spattered into the flames. He smiled. It was clear thatContinue reading “The Grand Master’s Shadow”

The Truth of the Cauldrons

Lawrence Harding Setholin first realised that his calculations had gone horribly wrong when the Verity started melting The ship suddenly lurched to the side, nearly throwing him off-balance into a painful death overboard. He managed to catch the rail of the forecastle and glanced over the side. A blast of scalding air surged up atContinue reading “The Truth of the Cauldrons”

Success of Succession

Lawrence Harding Applause filled the hall as the crown was placed on Prince – now King – Anberht’s head. From his position in the gallery overlooking the coronation, Tronraed nodded. “He’ll make a good king.” The figure beside him said nothing, so Tronraed continued. “It makes it all worth it, seeing him like this. EverythingContinue reading “Success of Succession”

All In A Day’s Work

Lawrence Harding “Times like this I wish I could just do a cantrip and clean all this up,” muttered the youngest workman as he swept. The other men in the room – hard-faced labourers all – nearly dropped their tools as they rushed to bless themselves. “What are you, a fool?” hissed the foreman. “TalkContinue reading “All In A Day’s Work”