Blood in the Sand

By Kimber Grey

Julian keeps his life as an assassin separate from that of a sand sage, but when an old friend and ally asks him to find a daughter lost in the desert, Julian will need both halves of himself to save her. Will his affection for the child compromise his ability to do what he must? And will his necessary insubordination draw down upon them the wrath of his dark master?

Blood in the Sand is a fantasy novella that delves deep into the dark and tormented mind of a slave to an evil lord. It is rife with adventure, drama, and morally ambiguous choices made from need and passion.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kimber Grey
• Release date: Aug 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386295518

Kimber Grey

Kimber was born in the arid and alien land known as southern California. She began consuming fiction from an early age, and has ever been eager to emulate the works that dramatically shaped her heart and mind as a child. She began creating short fiction and poetry in grade school, and wrote her first (laughably bad) novel in jr. high. Luckily, devouring the written word at an alarming rate tends to improve one's ability to produce it. With a grandmother who is a writer and an editor, English teachers who supported her budding potential, and a husband with a clever wit and an even greater appreciation of the written word, Kimber has never lacked support in the pursuit of her bliss. She published her first fantasy novel Quietus in 2009, and her second Seeking Destiny in 2012. The first three books of Faiden Reborn, Kingdoms Lost, Fallen Heroes, and History Forgotten were published in 2017. Her work has appeared in anthologies such as: "Ponderous Paradox", Missing Pieces IV; "Pushing the Envelope" and "A Dash of Salt & A Can of Whoop-Ass", Missing Pieces V; "Deathbringer's Apprentice", Missing Pieces VI; and "Solace Moon", The Hapless Cenloryan-The Troubadour's Inn Book I (2017 Ed.).

Book preview

Blood in the Sand

How many times had he warned her? The desert was not a gentle beast to be tamed by her simple powers. Julian sighed and gazed across the soft waves of pale sand, iridescent beneath a quiet sliver of moon. When did you expect her back?

The plump oasis lord beside him was once a hardened and indomitable commodity merchant, but years of comfort and happiness had made the balding man tender. The aged lord took a long breath before answering. Four days. The words were a desperate whisper. A few days was not so different from a hundred, lost in the unforgiving sands of Kevtik. Four days ago, he repeated, this time with less catch to his voice.

Julian looked down at the man from behind his dark mask and cowl. This was not a small request for the sand sage, even if he wasn't already on an errand for Jade. Archon had always been a fair and just lord, protecting the people of Adeis ruthlessly. Julian's service was not uncostly, and the trusted ruler was now offering more than the little town could afford. You know what I will find, Julian reminded him.

Archon's eyes turned up, glistening with grief and understanding. Just...just bring her home.

The lord did not know what he was asking of Julian, he couldn't. Jade would be enraged if his servant detoured from his urgent business to entertain what would be seen as a personal quest. In truth, the message and item the sage carried required immediate delivery. If he took the days or possibly weeks it would require to locate the body of a lost girl, it would be the same as abandoning his orders entirely. The punishment would be severe.

Julian drew the dark leather gloves from his hands, as was the custom when entering the service of a land owner. Though the Lord of Adeis had seen his tattoos many times before, Julian displayed his rank as a sand sage and sand shaman to add weight to his words. I will find your daughter, Archon, Oasis Lord of Adeis, and I will return her to you. This I vow, on penalty of death.

Though the plea had been given in earnest, the aged man was justifiably surprised that Julian had accepted. He took both of the sage's hands in his and kissed the symbols on his knuckles. Thank you! he huffed, emotionally. I will have supplies prepared. Your fee will be collected and ready when you return.

Julian withdrew from the unfamiliar contact and placed his hands on Archon's shoulders. I was there for the birth of Schyra. I healed Itera after. I will accept no payment for this.

It took the old merchant a moment to recover before his brow turned down and his tone became demanding. I will not have it said of me that I invoked the services of Skia, the Desert Shadow, without proper payment!

You have sheltered me many times in my travels, given me passage with your merchant lines, Julian reminded him.

You've healed, curried messages, even defended against brigands! He argued. You've stayed in our home in the service of an oasis lord, as a shaman and a sage.

As a friend, Julian intoned quietly. I do not call many men 'friend', Archon.

The man swallowed hard and relented with a sharp nod. They were heavy words coming from his mysterious and revered guest. Indeed, the friendship of a sand shaman was without price. You may ask anything of me, he replied quietly.

Julian shook his head and turned to the desert. I refuse the offer, he replied. Even my allies may use your generosity to their gain. We will continue our business as custom dictates. I will have it no other way.

After a long silence, Archon spoke from beside him again. I will never be able to repay you this kindness.

I will never expect you to.

***

Supper was uncustomary lavish. Itera was a strong and quiet woman, and honorable. Undoubtedly Archon had shared Julian's words, and she would not break tradition as the sage had requested. However, she would find her own way to thank him. The customary meal given to a traveling sand shaman was often no more sparse or generous than what the ruling family enjoyed any other night. She had been cooking all afternoon in anticipation of her husband and the sage's return, and her gratitude was evident in every lovingly seasoned bite of oryx and rice.

She stared at the tattoos on Julian's knuckles as they ate, which was considered rude, but he understood. She still held hope that her daughter was alive, and the credentials on his fingers told her all she knew about the man who was charged with finding their child. Julian never shared personal information with any of the lords from whom he accepted hospitality. Indeed, few would know his face. It was not exceptional for a shaman to conceal his features behind a veil from the common people he met, or remain within his hood while dining. Knowing the secrets of desert magic was a two-edged sword. He