Xylorica’s Gift

This is a short story I wrote a few months ago. I originally had parts of it written for another creative writing class but I lost it, so this is completely new. This is a glimpse into some of my writing outside of my usual New Adult comfort zone, so enjoy!

Xylorcia’s Gift

THE STENCH OF LIVESTOCK AND UNWASHED MEN became fouler the last hour of travel. Prince Artenance had a day left before reaching the village of Pryka with his caravan. His stallion, Shadow, had seen the Fairy River and launched a rebellion amongst the sheep, goats, and cows by nearly throwing Artenance for a traitorous sip of cool water.

“Are you considering pushing through the night, Art?” Said his second, Evander Heron.

Artenance crumpled the letter Evander had stolen from the King’s messenger crow. “I haven’t decided yet.”

“We should heed the Elder’s warnings about traveling in…