by Varian Morn
Looking around, I noticed a lot of the eyes weren't necessarily on Noth... but instead on me.
Feeling a little nervous, I hoped they didn't expect me to pick. Since after all, I couldn't even read a map properly. At least not yet.
But... there was one place I didn't need to know where it was, or how to get there. And it was somewhere I really did want to go.
“I would like to see your home, husband,” I said.
“This is my home...” Noth grumbled, then turned to Jamthi, and nodded.
“Destination: Home!” Jamthi yelled.
Although many people cheered, and someone even threw their hat into the air... one of the older men nearby groaned. “I hate going home to the wife...”
Unsure if he was being serious or not, I decided to refocus on my husband.
Or at least, I was going to... but then I realized something important.
“Is there not a seat for me, husband?” I asked.
For a long moment, Noth and the rest stared at me... but no one laughed.
No one giggled, and no one jeered.
Worried I had made a mistake, I was about to say something else... but Noth stood from his seat, and sighed.
With a small gesture, Noth offered me his seat.
Giving him a smile, I happily sat down in the large seat... and almost regretted it.
Just like the one in his office... this chair was crude, and rough. It was both hard, and cold.
It wasn't comfortable at all.
But...
Now sitting... I was able to see straight into the bridge. And the giant windows that circled around, revealing the whole world and beyond, looked as if they had been made just for me.
Glancing over to Yevin, the large man gave me a smirk as he nodded. As if proud of me.
Marli was still transfixed with the world beyond, but I could tell by her happy smile reflecting from the window that all was well with her.
Sarley and Jamthi teased me a little with some clapping, but were all smiles as well.
Noth grumbled something, but in the end smiled as he crossed his arms... standing next to me.
Everyone here was like me, another grain of sand. The only difference… was this pile of sand
Patting the arm-rests... it was my turn to smile and nod.
“This will do.”
End of Grains of Sand
Glossary
Terms :
Line : A Line is a magical machine, powered by ancient magic, which allows people to somewhat safely traverse the terrible and dangerous world they live in.
Front-Line : The Line owned by Noth. Is known for their tenacity and their willingness to venture where others would not.
Catalyst : The magic of this world. Devices, or jewels, that house strange powers that when used perform magical tasks.
Houses : Term used in the City of Sand to denote which household, or family, a person belongs to. There are many, although recently with the famine and poverty many have begun to disappear.
Notable Houses :
House of Derri
House of Hombil
House of Markith
House of Brillo
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Characters :
Noth : Commander and Owner of the Front-Line. A man well liked by his crew.
Telleya : Daughter of the House of Derri. A healer and one of the few left.
Jamthi : Noth's cousin, and quartermaster on the Front-Line. Rather young for his position, but he is both respected and liked.
Sarley : Chief Captain on the Front-Line. Is extremely knowledgeable both of the Front-Line, and its Commander.
Yevin : Chief Security Officer on the Front-Line. A giant man, who terrifies even the brave. One of Noth's closest friends.
Kana : The new Medical Officer on the Front-Line. She replaced the recently deceased Old Tom.
Marli : Telleya's fellow sister of the House of Derri. She works as a storage assistant, and handles other menial tasks.
Rivini : The Grandmother of the House of Derri. One of the few elders left, and is known for her cunning.
Bormor : Elder of the House of Hombil. He personally owns and operates several bathhouses.
Jorma : An elder of the House of Derri. In control over the supplies and logistics. He is sunblind.
Nevi : Elder of the House of Hombil. Known as one of the most powerful elders in the city.
Author Note
My name is Varian Morn! Welcome to my works, I hope you enjoy them!
The Front-Line is a series, with Grains of Sand being the first installment. Just one of many to come.
This story, like all my stories, is one between two main characters and their struggles together.
I enjoyed writing this one, so I hope you'll enjoy reading it even if just half as much. I look forward to telling more tales of these characters and their world. Please keep an eye out, I update often.
I look forward to our journeys together, thank you!
-- Varian Morn
If you enjoyed this novel, check out the other books by Varian Morn :
Their Journey Series:
Main Storyline:
Their Journey
Their Fear
Side-Stories:
Vlad:
Their Journey: Vlad's Troubles
Their Journey: Vlad's Price
Grant:
Their Journey: Grant’s Journey
Standalone :
A Sprite’s Delve
Grains of Sand