Not Fair

(Swords with Souls)

By Dan Watt

Author of BARD: Bearer of the Gemstone

Cover by Darren Joy

Fantasy Fiction

(Adult content)

Taking her grandfather’s soul was so emotionally draining that Lara just wants to head out on her own. But the funeral arrangements need to be prepared and performed. She will ride out to give Haashir, Madame Swan, and Crimthann’s nephew, Sir Oliver, a message to pass onto his uncle. There were others as well. It would mean she would be at least two dates late in meeting the sword maker. In the meantime, her sister would help her grandmother wash their uncle.

“Lara, Lara,” she hears her grandmother’s gentle voice call.

She gazes at the shelves of books and trinkets that surround the fireplace but can’t bear to look at her grandfather’s corpse wrapped in blankets. His essence isn’t there anymore, he’s in a tiny bag she keeps separate from the baron’s.

“There is a concern we must think on, Lara,” her grandmother says touching her shoulder.

“I must ride and tell others about the funeral,” she replies absent mindedly.

“First, we must consider who will take over the house and land.”

“What do you mean?” she asks in an agitated voice. “You will.”

“Not now, with the new king,” her grandmother says seriously. “Only males can inherit a house and land. That is the current law of the land.”

“Madame Swan owns the brothel,” she argues.

“That’s a business transaction. And who know how long that will last.”

“What are our options?” she asks glancing at the front door.

“Your father is mad; it wouldn’t be long before he lost the rights to either the house or the land. You must marry.”

“I’ve not met a man worthy,” she scowls.

“It would be a marriage of convenience,” her grandmother says. “We should have discussed this before but so much else was happening.”

“What kind of man do you suggest?” She pulls her boots on.

“One you can control,” her grandmother says with no hint of humour.

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