Eric Flint's Blog, page 69

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 41

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 41 The inn’s room had a single bed and a narrow table, with no fireplace and only the single window. Two tall tapers on brass candlesticks sat on the table, lighting the chamber. Nathaniel sat cross-legged … Continue reading →

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 22

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 22 Chapter 16 Eighth Year of the Reign of the Chongzhen Emperor Year of the Pig, First Month (February 17-March 18, 1635) The Ministry of Rites received an urgent report from the Beijing Astronomical … Continue reading →

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 40

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 40 Jake swung another kick at Nathaniel and missed, maybe on purpose. Nathaniel nodded and backed away, making moaning and grunting noises in the back of his throat. The man at the door leered, said something … Continue reading →

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 21

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 21 “I agree,” said Eric Garlow. “Surely it would be premature to assume a nobleman’s guilt on the basis of the unwitnessed word of this woman,” protested Salvius’ servant, Anders Hansson. “She has reported … Continue reading →

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 39

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 39 Chapter Nine “This is magic we are talking about, after all, and not hydraulics.” Chigozie and the Merciful left their hill the same day, in case Naares Stoach decided to bring his riders back early. … Continue reading →

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 20

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 20 Soon after Judith descended below, the hatch closed. Her nostrils were immediately assailed. She was not as fastidious as the up-timers, but the smell of sweat and garlic was so fierce that she … Continue reading →

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 19

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 19 PART III: 1635 On the road to Mandalay, Where the old Flotilla lay, With our sick beneath the awnings when we went to Mandalay! Rudyard Kipling, Mandalay Chapter 15 Eastern Indian Ocean February … Continue reading →

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 38

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 38 “Perhaps a marriage will put me in a position to influence the Emperor,” Stuyvesant said. “Perhaps I can . . . awaken Brother Onas.” Wilkes shrugged into his coat. “Perhaps a marriage will put you … Continue reading →

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 37

Witchy Kingdom – Snippet 37 “What do you see?” he asked. “What am I?” “You’re a Dutchman,” Nathaniel said. “You look very much as you appear in the world of flesh and blood.” That news didn’t seem to relax Jacob. … Continue reading →

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 18

1636 The China Venture – Snippet 18 Normally, there were two major convoys of VOC ships to Batavia, the Christmas fleet and the Easter fleet. The Easter fleet arrived in Batavia at a bad time relative to the monsoon season, … Continue reading →