The_Red_Lands

A preview

And so we rejoin the story

From times past

Towards the future

And maybe beyond

The Red Lands

2025-02-08 00:05:41 +0000 UTC View Post

It has been too long

Hello Readers,

It's been too long since I have truly sat down to write.

The pandemic disrupted many and claimed a few souls during its wake.

Even now, I am reeling from the loss of loved ones.

Life continues for the living, and changes are made.

Only now, have I recovered somewhat, trying to juggle through new work.

Last week I finally had a chance to sit and browse the net. I knew my website was down because I didn't have the funds to maintain it at the ti...

Chapter 317- Eyeing a few enemies

Eyeing a few enemies

Merchant Pebb slammed his tankard onto the cured table. Half of the ale sploshed onto the drunkard-beaten boards while he swayed on the chair. Scratching and slapping his uncomfortable beard that sprouted during his journey, he rolled his eyes at the group drinking around the table.

"Dis...How often do I need to holler? I'm a well-known figure around Seastone City and only just arrived from there. I'll tell, I'll say it again. Las...

Chapter 316- The cousins meet

The cousins meet

The noble quarters of the city offered large stone mansions set on spacious grounds. Though not as lavish as the Ancient Houses located higher up on the hill, they offered a lifestyle that differed like heaven and earth in the eyes of the common folk. Under normal circumstances, no amount of wealth could purchase one of these abodes in Frost City. One required not only vast sums of gold but a lifetime of luck and over a generation of connec...

Chapter 315- Honorable Houses

Honorable Houses

Young Master Cleft knelt alone in the large hall. Even in this late summer night, the coldness from the hard stones penetrated and chilled his bones. The hanging torches did little to aid in comforting him since they spaced out too few and far.

With a weary groan, the timber doors finally opened to allow the entry of a small procession. The wizened leader whose lush golden hair had aged with time to thinning snow stepped towards the l...

Unfortunate circumstances

Dear patrons,

The last few weeks have been draining. I apologize for the delays and will make them up as soon as possible.

For over three weeks an important member of my family contracted and fell ill with the virus. It has been hectic with at some points becoming near touch and go. Luckily, they have managed to bear the most dangerous time and seem on the road to recovery.

Monitoring is key at this time so vigilance is yet required. It is the rushing and waiting along with ...

Chapter 314- A silent boot

A silent boot

The burning torches cast a flickering yet steady glow as they crackled from the thick wooden pillars. Aided by the miniature bonfires intermittently popping from the braziers outside the ring, the lighting proved sufficient for both combatants and circling spectators. The whispers among the young nobles ceased because of the creaking hinges that stifled their breaths. The expectant eyes glowed on faces filled with anticipation since this battl...

Chapter 313- The enticing wager arrives

The enticing wager arrives

"I admit defeat..."

The words rippled out clearly from the epicenter in the ring. The first shout after the teen broke away from the range of the attacker quieted the boisterous commentators. In the instant where the spectators hushed to listen in on the ring banter, the boy yelled a second time.

"I lose, I lose!"

Chu looked on as the younger opponent edged towards the wooden barricade while keeping out of the at...

Chapter 312- Another defeat

 Another Defeat

The discussions of the fight among the circle of young nobles slowly changed topic. Little by little, eyes began to flicker towards the puffed faced fatty. Since there would be more than one battle, most nobles usually reserved their pouches. Everyone would simply spend a few thousand silvers to show their face while holding the majority for the private nightly escapades.

But fifty gold on one match? Yes, sometimes large wagers would be plac...

Chapter 311- A winning bet

A winning bet

"I challenge young master Willow while staking a thousand silver coins"

Chu examined the man in the leather vest who stood up behind the challenger. This heavy-built grizzly completely dwarfed the muscled young master Roogar. As far as he recalled, he never laid eyes on such a hulk inside the hall. No doubt, some of these young masters hid their true participants well.

The shuffling of a robe interrupted the waiting silence as Youn...

Chapter 310- The Caressing Inn stables

The Caressing Inn stables

Chu unceremoniously jostled his way to the forefront of the circling spectators. The angry tone emanated from the stiff lips of the teen who acted as the mouthpiece for their sitting leader. The young men standing beside the sofa also had lips curled up in disdain as if viewing unwanted trash.

Young Master Cleft raised his hand to silence the words and nearby snorts. From his straightened back while remaining on the sofa, his...

Please accept my apologies!

Please accept my apologies for the recent delays. I thank you for staying with me during this troubling time. All makeup chapters should be released by this week.

Thank you very much and have a great week!

Chapter 309- A noble arrives

A noble arrives

The owner who claimed the grounds of the Caressing Inn certainly placed some thought into its restructuring. Chu didn't know the history of the building but the design suited the present occupiers. The two smiling ladies walked a few steps ahead of him while leading him. Their shiny hair bounced over the thin and revealing clothing that slipped over the slow-moving pendulum swinging hips.

Chu summoned his willpower to focus his eyes aw...

Chapter 308- The Caressing Inn

The Caressing Inn

A striking blue carriage cut across the edge of the slum district as it headed to its destination of the broad and popular brothel boulevard. The horse turned and then trotted into the back lane connecting the stables of the nightly establishments. While this happened, word spread faster than a northern squall of the buyout of the mansion belonging to the Vice-guild master of the Merchant Guild.

Young Master Will disembarked from the...

Chapter 307- Publicly buying a house

Publicly buying a house

A day after occupying the forefront of the city gossip, the young master in question made his debut inside the city. A carriage dyed in blue cantered into the noble quarters. The trotting horse then slowed to a stop before the entrance of a stone mansion. A wizened man with a sweeping white beard and wearing an embroidered robe stepped down from beside the driver.

With an air suitable for a noble, rather than a footman, the old...

Chapter 306- A plan for Frost City

A plan for Frost City

The Tooth and Nails Tavern had a sterling reputation among old and novice adventurers alike. Located on a side street near the Military District, the clunking of dripping mugs and tankards on the worn wooden tables never ceased. Ming wrinkled his nose while glancing at the alley next to the establishment. The slurring speech and regurgitation sounds indicated the tavern lived up to its name.

He paused to look up at the weatherbea...

Chapter 305- For family

For family

Chu inspected the charcoal drawn map on the wall while clasping his hands behind his back. Doug pointed to the various symbols while explaining.

"The little squares represent places on the streets or lanes where the field agents can requisition a wagon or enlist help from tradesmen or merchants. The triangles are the orphanages that serve as sub-offices. The children in those homes listen for the usual city gossip and assist in spreading ru...

Chapter 304- An added favor

An added favor

"We'll head back now. Boss, whenever you finish resting, please visit the headquarters. Elder is familiar with the subordinates guarding the lane."

"Sure, Doug. You guys did great considering the situation. Not only did you handle yourselves well but you ensured Mr. Thomas and his family remained safe. This Boss is very pleased indeed. Singh, Chong, you have both assisted Doug admirably. Hans, Fole, I look forward to seeing the foot sol...

Chapter 303- Frost City at last

Frost City at last

The total area of Frost City might swallow two Limerock Cities inside and yet ask for dessert. The ruined western half of crumbling stone archways and fallen circular towers might require over four days of travel to cover the perimeter. Even from the road heading to the southern gate, Chu also spotted small groups disappearing between the ancient rubble. 

Chu guided the caravan into a large open field about two hours ride from ...

Chapter 302- Bullying a small boy

Bullying a small boy

Before Young Master Sun could deliver his slap, a small hand clutched his raised wrist. Not knowing when a dark-haired girl slightly smaller than him had appeared. Although younger, her grip held his hand like the tongs of a blacksmith. With a slight tug, she caused him to tumble a few steps backward while positioning herself at the side of the blue-eyed girl.

"Why are you raising your hand against Hope? State your reason for comi...

Chapter 301- Traveling on the road

Traveling on the road

On the dusty main street which dissected a small village, the raised voices of hagglers engaged in battle. A youth with long black-hair and stubbly beard gestured with his hands while twisting and pouting his dry lips. He stood beside an open vegetable stand as he then pointed a finger to the melon-sized fruit held in his other palm.

"Old man, this is the best grass-apple you will ever see that passes through your village. I'm on...

Chapter 300- Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing

Chu sucked on a bone while watching the cloud of dust traveling in the distance. Removing the rabbit leg, he tossed it away to enrich the present biodome. Next to him, a golden-haired child sat with her feet stretched out onto the soft grass. Her greasy mouth chewed and downed the roasted meat she clutched with oily fingers.

"Brother Chu's bar-b-que rabbit is the best! When we return home, I want brother Chu to make me a spice pouch just...

Chapter 299- Sightseeing Children

Sightseeing children

Even in the early morning, the entrance into Limerock City from the western gate remained crowded. Long lines of wagons loaded with items from towering bales of hay to crates of fruits stretched along the open road. Merchants stood bickering at the side of their caravans while in heated negotiations with the tax collectors. Adventurers and Mercenaries argued with the patrolling guards at the long delays.

"What's with this long del...

Chapter 298- Spreading effective rumors

Spreading effective rumors

Amanda raised an eyebrow while scanned the deciphered message contained in the recent letter. Satisfied with her result, she then rose from the table and walked over to the large stone wall in the open hall. The crowd of chattering orphans circling Sakura standing beside it parted on her arrival. Amanda's amicable nature and beauty had already caused these once homeless children to view her with veneration.

The entire wall h...