Flashes of Desire and Desolation: The Saga of Sir Bryan, #13

By Eli Taff, Jr.

Book 13 in The Saga of Sir Bryan

 

The survivors of Sir Bryan's caravan have finally limped through the gates of Starlight Monastery. What had begun in the city of Lazland as a mighty company of mercenaries has been reduced through dark machinations to only the very strongest and luckiest. Even Sir Bryan has fallen, yet he continues to fight on in the spaces between time, as he navigates reality and the void through his Chronomancy magic.

 

The survivors of Sir Bryan's party did not expect that the monastery would be waiting for them, however, or that they would be expected to defend the monastery in one week's time from hordes of demonic invaders.

 

Will the broken company of mercenaries and orphans be ready in time? What of the Imperial, Elven, and Dwarven allies that were supposed to be there? Who are the true foes hiding in the shadows?

 

Exciting Dark Fantasy Flash Fiction stories. Each is EXACTLY 500 words in length.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eli Taff, Jr.
• Release date: Apr 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223735243

Eli Taff, Jr.

Eli Taff, Jr. is an author in the Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror genres. All his life, he’s lived through fiction, being a stage actor and director, as well as a lifelong video game player and miniatures wargamer.  He lives in California with his wife, Chelsey, and their two Pekingese pups and Parrotlet.

Book preview

PROLOGUE - DESPERATE MEASURES AND COUNTERMEASURES

Vonner’s doing something, Boyo paced back and forth in the small cafè overlooking the River Cottigan.

The sun shone brightly, and music from troubadours on the street corner wafted in through the windows.

No Elves or Dwarves, Boyo continued. Ushara’s making big-time moves! She’s flinging our pieces off the board, Finn!

The other patrons did not notice the young man in grey robes as he paced and gesticulated.

Where are the others? Finn asked.

Gregor and Kathryn sat beside each other on the Lazland dock.

Behind them, Boyo perched with legs crossed and eyes closed. His mouth opened and closed.

I’m sorry, Kathryn said. "For the Incantendo Divineous."

Gregor’s brow furrowed.

He clenched his jaw.

Things were simpler, Gregor said. When we were all on the same side.

Kathryn shook her head. Her ash blonde hair glimmered in the sunlight.

She comes to you in a dream, Kathryn said softly. Her face is...obscured. It hurts to look directly at her. Her voice...so warm. She says, ‘Kathryn. I am the Lady of Light. Take me into your heart. We have much work to do.’

Kathryn looked up into the clouds.

Ushara may have brainwashed me, but I killed Wyndham.

Kat-

No. I shall atone. I shall find Azure and restore peace to this world.

...Aye.

Gregor, Kathryn said softly. I did not act alone.

Gregor’s eyes widened.

Kraulgug also betrayed you-

Boyo shrugged.

Mouse...Sir Brian checked in with his mercenary company at The Soldier’s Rest. Gregor and Kathryn are with me.

The Vampire-

Lilith? Dead. Yes, Gregor was successful. I needed to bring him to Lazland to snap Kathryn out of Ushara’s mind control. Sir Bryan is talking to Opilio. Serena is in Phileon summoning Malerion.

So everything is going to plan, Finn said.

No, Boyo rubbed his forehead. The Elves and Dwarves have not sent their armies. Vonner outplayed us! Even if the Imperials arrive before the Great Conflagration, it won’t stop the tide.

Finn closed his eyes.

Boyo put his hands on his hips and tapped his foot impatiently.

Finn‘s eyes popped open.

He stood so quickly that