The Fey Bride of Elfland
Chapter Fifteen – Part One
The Wealth of a Changing Land

The land was increasing in height, but not in any regular fashion. I got the definite impression of traveling over an ancient lava flow from the cuts into the land. The higher we moved up with the terrain, the more we began fearing the drops often hidden by thick growths of plants.

The Fey Bride of Elfland
Chapter Fourteen
Assurance of the Quality of Advice

That evening Queen Titania basically supported Chamorrick’s statement of going south. He spoke of knowing about the volcano, but not how to approach to gain proper recognition from the pure fey. Queen Titania gave him advice along with a feathery cloak that had me grinning as it looked similar to the one my half-brother tried to have me wear.

The Fey Bride of Elfland
Chapter Thirteen – Part Two
A Visit with Queen Titania

All I had seen were marble stones, but coming around to the front definitely presented the construction as a wonderful proclamation of it being the home of an important person. Thin columns to the sides of ivory covered doors broke one’s concentration on elaborate reliefs showing the creatures and items of famous love stories. Hearts abounded, but there were flowers, cups, weapons piercing the vital areas of monsters, and other such images in the stone.

Only Fools Complain
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Family

Aden’s father had a rather comfortable camp established. Mersidda was driving the wagon, and I knew better than to try and direct her against the directions of the soldiers. I simply dropped from the wagon to stand and examine the placement of tents, items, and fires. Aden’s father noticed me, and rode over to ask a question while still sitting on his horse.

“You have a problem?”

“Yes. You have been here a while.”

Only Fools Complain
Chapter Twenty-Six
Dealing with a Dragon

Only Fools Complain
Chapter Twenty-Five
And the Wall Came Tumbling Down

My two wives tried to get excited about finally getting to see my home, but found me not willing to join in the speculation with them. My only satisfaction was that they did not argue with me when I told them to head to Mersidda’s home and wait for me should things get desperate. Feeling that my wives would remain safe, I worried about what I speculated about conditions outside the wall.

Only Fools Complain
Chapter Twenty-Four
Success Could Come

Only Fools Complain
Chapter Twenty-Three
Meaningless Preparations

Aden turned from the door that the baron slammed shut behind him to say, “My lord, I really don’t understand.”

I moved to wrap my arms around her while saying, “I don’t understand either. Sometimes you hope for understanding after making a connection, but most of the time you simply have to be satisfied that you made the connection.”

Only Fools Complain
Chapter Twenty-Two
Planning for the End

I woke up feeling the effects of the alcohol, but having two lovely ladies caring for me definitely helped me get into the mood to start my day. Where usually it was the other way around, I found it enjoyable to watch Aden move around naked while Mersidda was dressed. Finally feeling myself shake the effects of the alcohol, I let the ladies know my plans.

Only Fools Complain
Chapter Twenty-One
Den of Iniquity

It did feel different leaving the castle alone. Having only been married for a few days, I expected the old feeling of going out to return. Back then I however had nothing else to do. Now I had whiskey, I had women, I had almost everything I needed. I thus felt like I was going to work in leaving to a place where I once went to forget about my days of work.