An interview with the bard Giacomo, self-proclaimed King of Jesters and Jester to Kings. This memory follows directly after "Hralf and the Bardic Voice". See the Short Fiction link, above, for the rest of the Hralf stories. Good day to you as well, good sir. How may Giacomo aid you on this fine summer morning? … Continue reading Hralf and the Aesthetics of War Cries
Author: wjduquette
Precautions
Armand's First Letter. Amelia's First Letter. Bois-de-Bas, Armorica 20 June 1016 Dear Jack, Yes, as you can see from the superscription I have returned to Armorica. I must apologize for slipping through Mont-Havre without coming to see you or His Lordship, but I did so for your own benefit. It has been over three months … Continue reading Precautions
Hralf and the Temple Guardian
In which Hralf achieves his life-long goal and settles down for good. If you've not met Hralf, start with the first Hralf story "Hralf, Hewer of Sagas." The full set is listed under Short Fiction, above. Hannery the Fixer? Yeah, that's me. Who's askin'? Pleased to meetcha. So, what can I fix for you today? … Continue reading Hralf and the Temple Guardian
Complications
Armand's First Letter. Amelia's First Letter. 1 Rue St. Albert, Toulouse, Provençe 25 May 1016 My dearest cousin Armand, By my calculations you should be arriving in Mont-Havre just about now; and yet you will not be receiving this letter for another two months. How I wish your plans for your fast packet had come … Continue reading Complications
Hralf and the Thief of Tarts
Another tale of Hralf. If you've not met Hralf, start with the first Hralf story "Hralf, Hewer of Sagas." The full set is listed under Short Fiction, above. You wish to speak to me about Hralf. May I ask why? Truly? How very odd. Very well, ask your questions. I see that Sarvalur has been … Continue reading Hralf and the Thief of Tarts
Security
Armand's First Letter. Amelia's First Letter. 1 Rue St. Albert, Toulouse, Provençe 11 May 1016 My dearest cousin Armand, I have received good news and bad, and the totality of it is such that I do not know whether to kiss Lord Ellesmere or burn his embassy to the—but no, I must never allow myself … Continue reading Security
Hralf and the Fan Boy
Another tale of Hralf, in which Hralf saves a life. If you've not met Hralf, start with the first Hralf story "Hralf, Hewer of Sagas." Enter, yes, please enter, O wise one! This one rejoices that you have come to his humble dwelling! A tale of Hralf, O esteemed sir? It would be my joy … Continue reading Hralf and the Fan Boy
Ladybird
Armand's First Letter. Amelia's First Letter. 1 Rue St. Albert, Toulouse, Provençe 4 May 1016 My dearest cousin Armand, I have received word from Lord Ellesmere, the Cumbrian Ambassador—not, alas, that Maximilian has been found, but that M. Lavigne and the Josephine have reached the front and linked up with His Majesty's forces in Malague. … Continue reading Ladybird
Hralf and the Competition
Another tale of Hralf, in which Hralf meets his match. If you've not met Hralf, start with the first Hralf story "Hralf, Hewer of Sagas." Did I know Hralf? Does a dragon sleep on his hoard? Yes, yes, he does, most of the time. Until you kill him, and then he sleeps with the vultures. … Continue reading Hralf and the Competition
Malaise
Armand's First Letter. Amelia's First Letter. 1 Rue St. Albert, Toulouse, Provençe 25 April 1016 My dearest cousin Armand, M. Lavigne left L'École today, to board the sloop Josephine and guide her in search of my Maximilian. And you have left for Mont-Havre; and now I have nothing to do but wait. No, that is … Continue reading Malaise