Where our story begins

The King of Uä and his retinue make their annual pilgrimage to the Summer Palace. En route, a scullion and a fighting man meet over a campfire story, and something blooms between them. But strange things are transpiring in the palace corridors, and the chilling fireside tale that connected our would-be lovers may be more real than anyone suspects.

A fantasy inspired by swashbuckling stories of all vintages, from ancient China to Dumas to Fritz Leiber and Steven Brust. Updated Wednesdays until it's done.