PROMOTION
The Golden Gull - An Isdralan Chronicles Anthology
Join the journey and discover a universe of wonder and enchantment
Exciting news! I’ll be published in a new anthology by Wolf Grove Media, titled The Golden Gull. It will feature seven short stories by emerging authors, spanning science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, and more!
The project is in its final stages of funding, and you can check out the Indiegogo page to learn more. Once I finish the rough draft of my story, I’ll be sure to provide updates here on my Medium profile, including the official launch.
In the meantime, enjoy these teasers from some of the contributing authors!
“The Red Diamond” by Redd Herring
King Armon sat astride his horse on the black sand, waiting. The Golden Gull was loaded and ready, crew uneasy as they gripped the oars. Ubel, the wizard who advised the king, stepped into the water and turned back to Armon. He gave a slight nod. Ubel returned the gesture, pulling his hood back to reveal a face that was more bone than flesh. The visage was ripped and torn as if from the claws of some otherworldly beast. Most of the crew turned their gazes from the sight, but not Delo. He had seen things in battle that would drop a man in pure terror. He stared straight at the face, not showing any intimidation. He despised magic, and that feeling went double for this wizard. Delo did not trust him at all. The wizard raised his arms high and let out a hiss. Water around the Gull began to churn. Steam rose, almost enveloping the crew. Some stood as if preparing to jump overboard.
“Hold fast!” Konrad ordered. They calmed somewhat at the voice of their captain and slowly returned to their posts. He shouted to the king, “Armon, remind them of their duty!”
The king rode across the black beach, “The wizard will transport you. Travel upriver and meet the seers. They will take you the rest of the way.” He dismounted and walked into the lake to stand next to Ubel. “Only you can find the Red Diamond. This is the key to peace in the kingdom and the end of the warring.” He raised his fist in the air, and the crew did the same. “Go with the gods. Travel swiftly, and if it is your fate to die today, die with the fury your house deserves.” He pulled his fist down to his heart and dropped to one knee in the black water, “You honor us all!”
The crew dropped fists to their hearts and rattled the oars three times. “For kingdom, for honor, for glory!”
The wizard let out another hiss and pointed to the figurehead at the front of the Golden Gull. The gemstone eyes glowed bright blue, cutting through the steam that surrounded the longboat. The crew gasped as the outstretched wings began to tuck in tightly and feathers seemed to ripple against the side of the bird’s carved body. Throwing back his gruesome head, Ubel let out a scream that filled the mouth of the golden seabird mounted on the bow. More steam rose, obscuring the view from shore. There was another scream, and the Golden Gull vanished.
“Brave Soft Hearts” by Riel Rosehill
We had once shared a dream. A dream of returning home after the war had passed, a dream of a simple life, away from the city. The kind where we’d grow vegetables and farm sheep among rolling green hills, bathed in birdsong and sun. We’d make our home there in a small cottage, warm with the scent of freshly baked bread and love.
Where we wouldn’t have to meet in the dark to kiss.
Both Aland and I had been discharged from service before we’d lost the war over fertile lands, further nourished with blood. Leaving old and new parts of ourselves in the bloodied mud of the camp like fallen soldiers — my mind, his arm, our future — we’d gone separate ways. And whatever force had held my heart in one piece had been left behind too.
My knees buckled as the memory washed over me, hitting me with a tidal wave of nausea as the deck moved beneath my feet. Grabbing onto a sun-warm mast, I steadied myself. Over the railings, the tranquil ocean stretched sparkling aquamarine under the azure sky, barely bobbing the boat in the gentle breeze. Yet it was hard not to lose the ground, riding the storm inside my head.
I’d been struggling to pay attention lately. To my — or others’ — actions since my last days in camp. This wasn’t the first time I found myself somewhere, unable to recall how I’d gotten there and what reason for. Only this time, I found myself on a carrack, with no idea when I’d boarded it — nor where it headed.
Around me, jars, barrels and crates scattered the ground, filled with light and gold and antiques, and something resembling fairy dust labelled hope. A busy crew worked on moving them below deck, whilst a short, round-faced woman carrying a thick leather-bound book checked the labels and made note of each item.
Before I could gather the strength to let go of my support, she stepped in front of me.
“Name?” she asked as she reached out towards me, lifting a small, shiny locket on a golden chain I wasn’t aware of wearing around my neck. It wasn’t mine — I’d never seen it before.
“Cillian Hale,” I gave my puzzled reply while she checked the inside of the locket and made a note in her book.
“Aye, Cil-li-an.” She scribbled my name in her book before finally meeting my eyes. “Welcome aboard The Golden Gull!”
She received my twisted frown with a confident grin and held out her hand, squeezing mine without mercy when I accepted it. “Jamie Black, quartermaster.”
Still disorientated, I reached for the curious locket resting on my chest, hoping what was inside would reveal or remind me where I was.
I didn’t expect its hidden words to tear right into my soul.
Happy ever after?
The pain bled into my words, like my voice cut itself on the shards of my shattered dreams. “What’s this?”
“Just a way of keeping things organised.” The quartermaster shrugged. “Make sure to keep it on as long as you sail with us.”
I shifted my weight from one leg to another.
“About that,” I said slowly, hoping a memory would pop back into my mind and save me the embarrassment. But I had to admit, “I don’t know where I’m going.”
“That’s to be expected,” Jamie said, matter of fact. “You’re part of the cargo.”
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