Rubicon: A Fantasy Short Story Collection

By Jacquelyn Smith

A high-priced thief who can't turn down a challenge. A cocky, young mage whose power has caught the attention of the local Mage-Lord. A royal scribe who stands on the brink of an imperial invasion.

Three people whose fates hang in the balance at a point of no return...

This dark fantasy short story collection includes three twisting, stand-alone adventures by the author of the World of Lasniniar series, Jacquelyn Smith:

The Unclean (Winning entry of the Writers' Journal Fiction Contest, 2010)

Wayward Scribe

The God's Eye (Overall winner of the Writers' Journal Fiction Contest, 2011)

 

The Unclean:

An appointment with the Mage-Lord.

Jared can sense the fulfillment of his destiny approaching as he rushes through the cobbled streets with his blue mage robes flapping behind him. The kingdom of Galdavia prizes the mage gift above all others.

And Jared takes pride in his abilities. He knows he belongs at the Mage-Lord's side.

Nothing can come between him and his rightful place...

 

Wayward Scribe:

An invading empire. A fallen kingdom. I watch from the shadows at our usurper's side as history repeats itself...

In a game of power and thrones, only a nameless, royal scribe stands to make the difference between the kingdom's uprising or complete submission. Death lies on both sides of the knife's edge.

And in this game, only the victor can claim to know hero from traitor.

 

The God's Eye:

Raena never could turn down a challenge.

Tales of her exploits travel across the land in soft whispers. The finest thief in Midnight Reach.

Only the most intriguing (and high-paying) jobs appeal to her. The more challenging, the better. She holds herself above those of her kind who might do any dirty job for a bit of coin.

No risk, no reward, after all…

• Language: English
• Publisher: WaywardScribe Press
• Release date: Sep 15, 2011
• ISBN: 9780986906572

Jacquelyn Smith

Jacquelyn Smith writes both epic and intrigue-based fantasy, and mysteries that range from cozy to kick-ass, with independent, strong-willed heroes, in search of their place in the world. These heroes take the problems they face seriously (but never themselves), and are supported by unlikely friendships they forge along the way. Jacquelyn is the author of the World of Lasniniar epic fantasy series, the Fatal Empire fantasy intrigue series, the kick-ass Kira Brightwell mysteries, and the Mackenzie Quinn Canadian cozy mysteries. (She originally published several of the early Kira Brightwell titles under the pen name Kat Irwin, before killing Kat off to eliminate the many awkward questions about having a second identity.) When spending time in the real world, Jacquelyn lives on the suburban outskirts of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with her husband, Mark, and their feline owner, Xena, who is definitely a warrior princess. To learn more, visit: JacquelynSmithBooks.com

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Rubicon

Rubicon

A FANTASY SHORT STORY COLLECTION

JACQUELYN SMITH

WAYWARDSCRIBE PRESS

Rubicon: A Fantasy Short Story Collection

Copyright © 2023 Jacquelyn Smith

Published by WaywardScribe Press

First published in September, 2011

Cover and layout copyright © Jacquelyn Smith

Cover design by Jacquelyn Smith/WaywardScribe Press

Cover art copyright © Digitalstormcinema/Dreamstime

The Unclean: A Fantasy Short Story

Copyright © 2023 Jacquelyn Smith

First published in July, 2010

Published by Writers’ Journal Magazine

Wayward Scribe: A Fantasy Short Story

Copyright © 2023 Jacquelyn Smith

First published in August, 2011

Published by WaywardScribe Press

The God’s Eye: A Fantasy Short Story

Copyright © 2023 Jacquelyn Smith

First published in July, 2011

Published by Writers’ Journal Magazine

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. All rights reserved. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

Contents

The Unclean

Wayward Scribe

The God’s Eye

Light Chasers

A Note from Jacquelyn

About Jacquelyn Smith

The Unclean

INTRODUCTION

An appointment with the Mage-Lord.

Jared can sense the fulfillment of his destiny approaching as he rushes through the cobbled streets with his blue mage robes flapping behind him. The kingdom of Galdavia prizes the mage gift above all others.

And Jared takes pride in his abilities. He knows he belongs at the Mage-Lord’s side.

Nothing can come between him and his rightful place.

A stand-alone dark fantasy story and winning entry of the Writers’ Journal Fiction Contest (2010).

The Unclean

A FANTASY SHORT STORY

Jared was late. He cursed as he weaved his way through the back streets of the city, hoping the shortcut would get him to his destination in time. He dodged a cart filled with fish, pushed by a swarthy man from the docks. The man stumbled, overturning his wares onto the cobblestones. Jared hiked up his blue mage robes to step around the slimy mess, dead fish eyes staring up at him. He tried his best to breathe through his mouth. The air reeked of fish and garbage. The man shook his raised fist and yelled after him. Jared ignored him and ran on.

An appointment with the Mage-Lord! It was every young mage’s dream. After graduating first in his class at the academy, one of his instructors had pulled him aside to let him know his hard work had caught the Mage-Lord’s attention. Jared couldn’t believe it. He had already risen higher than he had ever dared hope. The youngest of five children, he was the only member of his family to be born with the mage gift. Oh, certainly his mother had a gift for weather-witchery, and his sister, Charlotte, could speak to animals, but the mage gift was something different. In a kingdom like Galdavia, where the king himself was a mage, those who could command such power shaped the fates of those under their protection, and could rise above their base-born status. And to work for the Mage-Lord was the most coveted position in all the city. Jared couldn’t wait to tell his family. They would be so proud.

A mangy dog leaped from the shadows of an alley to stand bristling and growling at Jared’s feet, nearly causing him to jump out of his skin. He gave a flick