This was my snapshot of the moon, and it inspired me to work on another one of my short stories in my series. I should have some time this weekend to start writing it and post it later on, so stay tuned.
If you missed out, you can read up some of the back story in the origin story:
The Silent Song of Creation (Short Story)
Also find my stories in this series under the tag #pellis or use steemit search for pellis.
Opening Teaser
Sir Reyneth, on his way to the town of Pizia was already having second thoughts about his mission. It wouldn't be the first time.
The courier gave him a message from the Grand Merchant Yaznes, which is the reason he originally left on this mission.
It read as follows:
Dear Sir Reyneth,
Another person has gone missing. Geronimo was a wagon master I had employed, and he was on his way to deliver a valuable shipment to me. Mostly gems, jewelry, and precious metals. He sent me a message by courier as I requested shortly before he departed Pizia, six days ride to the East. It has been thrice that many days and my contacts have all stated that there has been no trace of him. I know you are are probably terribly busy, but if you can find the time to look into this matter personally, I would be most appreciative. Sir Reyneth, you are an honest man, and I know I can trust you to do the right thing in this matter. -Yaznes
The courier had given him this message three days ago as he was reviewing reports at the Citadel. He wasn't sure why he answered this call to action. There were dozens of equally important tasks to attend to. Remedial as they were, they were no less important. Perhaps it was the calling of the open road that called to his heart. It was hard to deny an opportunity to explore. In nature, he was most at home. Perhaps it was the slight element of danger that enticed him most.
In any event, he was getting closer. With his twelve knights in shining armor, they rode swiftly and quietly. Any well trained knight equipped in the expertly crafted Citadel armor was able to ride and fight with supreme dexterity. Four rode on up ahead, four rode beside the captain, and the four newest recruits always stayed in the rear. Sir Reyneth always put the newest ones in the back, because he wanted them to be vigilant always. Tracking and stealth were hallmark skills of Sir Reyneth's men.
As they got closer to the town, Sir Reyneth began to trust his instincts more. They had saved his life many times in the past. Usually it was something in the air.
Smoke.
Not the kind of smoke that comes from wood or coals. This smelled more like the kind of smoke that burns from volatile gas. It incinerates, and then it is gone. None of his men had yet picked up on this clue yet. For Sir Reyneth, it was unmistakable.
He looked up into The Watcher's Eye, up in night sky, blanketed in violet clouds. No. Smoke.