Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #12 March 2015 | Page 10

PART ONE
The crimson city of Belladain sat in the middle of a
long valley between two opposing mountain ranges,
like a ruby cupped in the palms and offered as a gift.
Khellus figured the trade city’s stature was fitting
enough for its darker name, Jewel of Thorns. Beautiful, with its elegant towers, verdant gardens, and silver-etched gates. Yet as many would - be invaders and
rulers had discovered over the centuries - try to snatch
it up or grip it too tight and blood would flow.
He’d been there before, six years earlier. Part of a
retinue ensuring an ambassador’s protection during a
diplomatic meeting with the barbarian merchant clans
from the West. Now he returned on a mission of death.
Squeezing his knees, Khellus urged his chestnut mare
into a trot toward the western gate. The horse nickered as it clopped along, Khellus riding easy in the
saddle. W X\