It is always exciting when a new month begins because that means there’s a new chapter to share! “Stone and Sword, or, The Insidious Influence of the Other” arrives today, and it marks a distinct turning point in our series, not only returning to the story of Father Saren and the besieged House Yesidreel, but also introducing pivotal new characters, including the subject of this month’s cover, Queen Rakasha of Maraskat, a.k.a. She That Is.
The land of Maraskat has been referenced more than once in previous chapters, most recently in Chapter 5 when an unexpected rescuer tells a long-lost and reluctant hero, “Then follow on, because the Forest is not where I am leading you. We sail for Maraskat.” Finally, with chapter 6, the world of the Elect expands in many significant ways. No spoilers, but here’s what comes next…
Saren Yesidreel and his people are held captive in their own home by Lord Kettering’s cruel Bascha invaders. They await word from Saren’s daughter Vee. They can only pray that Vee has located the Elect and delivered the terrible news: the Devil of Black Water has returned, bringing with it the Stone of Catal, one of the most powerful magical artifacts known to sylued or man. But what does the Devil want with the Stone? And what does it want from Saren? Meanwhile, across the sea, the once verdant land of Maraskat suffers the ravages of flood, draught, and famine. The wise Sisters gather to decide how to save their people, and whether they can still trust the savior who once freed them from the Bascha, the “witch queen”, She That Is.
“The Elect Stories, #6: Stone and Sword, or, The Insidious Influence of the Other” is now available exclusively on Amazon Kindle for $0.99. FREE with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
