The Frewyn Herald: Home of the Haanta Series

Word of the rat’s presence soon spread throughout the keep, and from everyone’s reaction, the small creature might as well have been a dragon come to roost on the battlement and lay siege to the castle: the nobles locked themselves in their apartments with their card tables and tea, the servants lifted the hems of their skirts and searching about their feet with chariness, the yeoman favoured their various employments to distract themselves from the heightened bustle in their quarter, and though everyone was in some manner aware of the creature lucking about, no one was more sensible of its presence than Alasdair.                 The moment that the commander conveyed the news, the king replied with a discomposed “Oh…” and directly stood from his seat in the library, shuddering in disgust. His eye wandered unconsciously under tables, around corners of chairs, even beneath his parchments. “Well,” he said after a m...

Here is a small piece from the beginning of Alasdair's relationship: It had been a wondrous journey to Hallanys: Mrs Averleigh’s permission and happiness had been secured, Carrigh's worries on her mother's account had been assuaged, and Alasdair, having been treated like a son, was now disposed to enjoy their long venture back to the keep.                  In the privacy of the closed carriage, they were at liberty to express their easy tempers: they talked, they laughed, they were playful with one another. They had spent the night in each other's quiet security, and now that they were able to speak of the event with warmth and happiness for knowing that there was only more to attend the gaieties of the evening previous, their recollection made ride back to the capital a most joyous endeavour. Their raillery together was a reflection of their budding acquaintance: charitable with subjects, free from opinionat...

Flatbreads                  When the party had returned to the keep from their exploits in the Galleisian annex, they congregated in the castle kitchen to enjoy a traditional Frewyn meal: salted potatoes brushed with rosemary and garlic oil, roasted pheasants stuffed with hardened maple bread, and dark chocolate infused almond biscuits for dessert. Martje had outdone herself but as they had been in Gallei, she knew the culinary horrors that had awaited them in such a place. She had prepared in advance for their return home and she was certain that after experiencing such a dearth of flavour over the mountains even the Den Asaan would favour her cooking. She was correct in assuming his usual aspersions toward her abilities would be quieted.                  Rautu ate in silence and ignored Martje’s pert smile. He made fleeting gl...

Just a moment between Carrigh Averliegh and Alasdair.  The Silver Flute                  While the commander and Den Asaan were away on business to Sanhedhran, Alasdair had the business of having a birthday, and though such a day occurred at the same time every year, he believed otherwise given the tumultuous past few years he and his kingdom had shared. It had seemed to him as though he had not had a birthday to celebrate since before the Galleisian War and he was only reminded of the day approaching by the many considerate subjects about the castle. Suggestions were made as to what was to be done for the intended commemoration but Alasdair thwarted their endeavors to make something festive in his honour. He was entreated with proposals of a dinner in the great hall and though there was mention of a vanilla cake to be baked, he still declined any notion of remembrance on his part. Their submissions w...

Twisk make this hilarious and adorable picture of the children enjoying Unghaahi's story time. I had to write something more about it so here it is. Story time by Twisk. The kid on Unghaahi's leg kills me. Teacup the Troll                 When the tea party in honour of the brave and brazen Teacup the Troll had done, the Reverend Mother declared the children finished with their amusement for the day and ought to return to their studies. Unghaahi, though hesitant to leave the children when they were so well settled by snoring in the crevices of his strong legs or enjoying the view atop his mountainous shoulders, he could not deny the needfulness of education and carefully pealed his giggling adornments from his form to set them down beside the table. When he announced his departure for the day, taking with him Obhantaa Leraa and the giant cat of which they were so fond, they moaned in disappointment, as t...