Fantasy
Sparrow on a Plank Chapter 14: Bribes and Paper Prisons
The inspectors had already come and gone, their pockets considerably heavier than when they had come aboard. The inspection was a farce, but luckily a quick one; there were goods that even a large bribe wouldn't protect, and a sizable number of those were on board the Hell's Wrath, waiting for pick up. It was fun to watch Rick go into his act as a first mate on a “poor cargo ship”, bargaining for the lowest bribe he would pay. The inspectors got into the spirit of things, and so there was the quick conflict of supply and demand, as the inspectors demanded what they could from the supply of funds that they had been given for bribes. In the end, thanks to a mix of Rick's bargaining skill and the inspectors' lack of recent entertainment, the bribes were half what they had estimated. Captain Taylor breathed a sigh of relief when the last so-called inspector left, with all goods still on board, and the remainder of the bribe money going into a party fund.
By Jamais Jochimabout an hour ago in Chapters
Sparrow on a Plank Chapter 16: On Not Becoming a Shrimp's Dinner
Sal and Hajime were walking down the pier as a group of merchants were running the other way. Some of them were covered in stew. They looked at each other and shrugged. As they came closer to the Hell's Wrath they saw Rick putting away the catapult and a couple of boys from the mess rubbing the big pot down. Rick saw them, and bellowed, “Heave to!” They rushed up the gangplank, past splotches on the pier, and it was taken in just as they hit the deck. Hajime kept moving to his quarters, where he quickly secured the book and shucked off the more confining of his clothes. He was down to tunic and breeches and then up to the crow's nest to help guide the ship out.
By Jamais Jochimabout 3 hours ago in Chapters
Puss's Boots - Chapter 3
“There was a most interesting joust; did m’lady have a chance to join in the festivities?” “My sister does not take part in such bloody events, Lady Heightmyer. Was it a fair tournament?” Orlando’s voice was cool, refreshing to hear to Caoimhe over the sugar-heavy voices in Court. He stood straight and tall, and, to both Orlando and Dione’s good fortune, his hands were steady on his teacup. Puss, seeing the poise that his two charges managed to display smiled a secret cat smile, curled up on his accustomed spot on the window seat, and feigned a nap during the proceedings.
By Dionearia Reda day ago in Chapters
Emerald Flame
Was it still following me? It must have stopped by now. I glanced over my shoulder. The persistent creatures’ amber eyes flashed with fury as it struggled to keep up with me. For once I had no clue as to why it continued to chase me. It had kept within pursuit of me for quite a long while. Personally, I had hoped it would have turned and fled at the mere sight of me, but as usual, no such luck. I beat my slender wings effort fully, darting this way and that, trying to lose the creature, but to my bewilderment, it always managed to regain control and follow behind.
By Madison "Maddy" Newtona day ago in Chapters
Puss's Boots - Chapter 2
“How truly beautiful she is, Master Cat!” Exclaimed the pleased Master Detective that afternoon as she gazed upon Dione’s likeness. “Why, Cat, if she is half as intelligent and kind as her portrait is handsome, I have half a mind to beg her hand on the very spot of our meeting.”
By Dionearia Red2 days ago in Chapters
The Gates - Chapter One
The crevice widened into a vast chamber, its silence broken only by the faint hum of a glowing mark etched across an ancient skull. A brilliant blue light pulsed from the bones, shifting like reflections across a subterranean pool.
By Madison "Maddy" Newton3 days ago in Chapters
Puss's Boots - Chapter 1
Orlando was barely nineteen when he suddenly found himself the head of his house. He was still more a boy than a man, but, now, he was the sole man left alive in his family. And he had a sister – his youngest sister and twin – who needed him to provide for her. Except that they had nothing; all that they owned had been destroyed in the fire that had claimed the lives of their parents and other siblings. So now Orlando and Dione, the last remaining members of their once large and happy family, sat on what was left of their front steps and tried to determine their next move.
By Dionearia Red3 days ago in Chapters
Puss's Boots Prologue
The wedding was a small, intimate affair, and one the directly contrasted the Royal Wedding that also took place on that day with silks and velvets, cloth of gold and silver, trumpets, drums and harps, but that was, perhaps, for the best. The bride wore a simple blue gown and a silver locket as her only adornment save for her new wedding ring. The groom looked as though the world hung on her very being.
By Dionearia Red3 days ago in Chapters
Corruption, Power, and Global Security Concerns
China’s Military Under Scrutiny: Corruption, Power, and Global Security Concerns China’s military, known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is facing increased attention after reports of investigations into senior officials. According to international media, including reports discussed by security analysts, China has placed high-ranking military figures under investigation as part of its long-running anti-corruption campaign. While China describes these actions as internal discipline, the developments have raised questions about stability, command control, and global security.
By Wings of Time 5 days ago in Chapters
The Cave Part 4
Later, after we had washed up thoroughly, I sat with Tharkin for the vegetable soup and light green tea. I was famished after waking, but my stomach was also much smaller than it had been, and eating too much made me feel nauseous. The meat I was craving, no longer sounded good as I simply tried to keep down what I had. Rice was also offered, and that helped calm my stomach.
By Jamye Sharp5 days ago in Chapters
