D.D. Ward is Writing

“This is it Ren,” Amy said, “Lynn has accepted the prince’s proposal. She’s achieved her goal. We can’t do anything more. She accepted him. That’s her choice. Now we need to accept her choice.” “No,” I said, “We need to get her out of Ys. We need to get her on a ship somewhere away from Wulfric. Agartha maybe.” “Lady Ren.” “Vincent might be able to help with that. Can you send a message to House Myrddhin?” “Ren.” “Or Scythia even. I could ask Fiona.” “Ren!” I looked at Amy. She was crying. When had she started crying? “Ren. This has to stop. You need to choose between Lynn and everyone else.” “What? What are you talking about?” “I need you to choose between Lynn and everyone else. There is no room in your life for anyone else, if you keep Lynn there.” “I thought you didn’t want me to cut her out of my life.” “I didn’t. I wanted you to stay friends with her. I wanted you to learn how to balance your friendship with your relationships with us- your lovers. But you can’t. You’re not addic...

“Lady Ren, your cousin is outside your door. She’d like to speak with you.” Amy opened the curtains, and I rubbed my eyes, “I’m awake. Let her in.” “You aren’t dressed Lady Ren.” “Lynn has seen me wearing less.” Amy nodded and walked back to the door to let Lynn into my room. Lynn stepped inside and Amy closed the door behind her. “Ren, you aren’t even up.” “You don’t call on my room often. So I assumed it must be important.” “It is. Amy? I apologize, but can you give us some privacy?” Lynn said. “Yes, Lady Carolynn. I will wait outside the door.” I lowered my voice as I shuffled off the bed, “Game talk then?” She nodded, “Game talk. Wulfric has requested an audience.” “Okay? Why is that notable?” I didn’t like where this was going. A feeling of dread crept across me, and my chest tightened.  “We’re in the end game phase now. Remember how he tends to show up without warning? He starts requesting an audience based on the score.  He only starts when the player has gained certain...

The next day, Amy and I took a carriage to Myrddhin House. Fiona and Vincent met us at the door. I wondered if the two of them were still intimate, then I discounted the idea. Fiona would be upfront if that were the case. I also reminded myself that I shouldn’t mind if that were the case. I couldn’t provide what Vincent could provide her after all. But I was confident that if this interested Fiona, she would bring it up with me first. And then it struck me that I hadn’t done the same about Amy. Of course, I had already been with Amy. Fiona hadn’t seemed upset when she discovered it. But I felt as though I had failed her.  “Yesterday was enlightening,” Vincent said, once we exchanged pleasantries.  “Enlightening,” Fiona said, “But unhelpful. We could not save the seer. We found nothing we could use as evidence.”  “And we still don’t know where Wulfric is staying,” I said. “Does that matter?” Fiona asked. “It does if my plan is going to work. Lynn doesn’t want to marry Wulf...

“Is that my father’s voice?” I whispered from our hiding place, “Can you see anything?” Amy giggled, “I can see your bust. I’m nose deep in it. Sorry to disappoint.” I giggled as well, “I’m only disappointed that we can’t enjoy it.” “That is definitely your father’s voice,” Fiona whispered, “And it is getting closer.” “This is taking too long,” My father said. “Every day the men and weapons are in our catacombs, we are in danger.” “We knew that when we agreed to this.” A second voice said. “Is that the Baron?” Fiona asked. “It can’t be.” Amy whispered. The second man said, “The risk is why we are being rewarded as we are. They wouldn’t share the blood of the royal family for a simple task with no risk, would they?” “No Giles, they wouldn’t.” “It is,” I answered, “They’re both in on it. And what the hell is the blood of the royal family.” “How would I know?” Amy asked. “Just checking.” I answered. “I’ve never heard of it either.” Vincent whispered The baron continued. “They wouldn’t giv...

The next morning, Fiona and Vincent arrived bright and early. Amy woke me up before seven in the morning. “Lady Ren, did you want a coffee once you’re dressed?” Amy asked as she helped me into a black pleated maxi dress.  “I’d like three coffees, with cream and as much sugar as the liquid will take.” I said as Amy buttoned me into my dress at the back.  “You want to vibrate through the rocks to the bottom of the catacombs?” She asked. “I want a chance of staying awake until the point where things fall apart.” We added a rich green shirt with full length of mutton style sleeves and the same canary yellow sash I had worn before. I picked a plain gold clasp to hold the sash in place. I wouldn’t be taking anything that I would miss if it broke.  We met Fiona and Vincent on the front steps. Fiona wore a pair of black breeches, black Hessian boots, a deep red high neck collar dress shirt. Over that she wore some sort of padded armor. And then over all that she wore a black grea...