Please visit the Sinner Series page to read the story in order.
***
So we’ve come to the end of the Sinner Series at almost 53 000 words. I began writing it in October 2012, just about a year and a half after Jesse’s death. I tried to write a story that Jesse would have wanted to read.
It is my first attempt at writing fiction and I have enjoyed it and learned a lot. I have much more to learn, but as they say, you learn by writing.
I have tried to end the story in a satisfying place, but also left the door open to returning to these characters and their story one day. Who knows? It’s amazing how attached you can get to imaginary people!
For those who have followed the story, thank you. I hope that you will continue to read as I explore other stories and ideas through fiction.
Sincerely, Peter Wiebe 2014
The Sinner Series-Epilogue
The townsfolk filed out of Arrow’s Mark on a bright, sunny morning, escorted by the surviving soldiers of the Fist of the Light. The soldier’s presence and direction made for an orderly evacuation of the town. Some townsfolk took only the belongings they could carry on their backs. Others, had carts piled high with belongings, pulled by mules or oxen. Still others, more well to do, had horses and carriages. All, had the forlorn look of people who had lost homes, possessions, and loved ones in the siege.
The Fist would escort the townsfolk plus Rayn’s group of refugees to the capital city to the south. Hopefully, there they would find safety behind the great city’s walls. Messenger birds had already been sent ahead warning of the invasion army coming out of the north.
While the Fist of the Light and the refugees headed south, Sinner and company were leaving Arrow’s Mark via the west road. They were all on foot. Horses were in short supply, and all of the available ones were being used to transport the wounded.
Kara walked silently beside him. With her dazzling green eyes and unruly auburn hair, Sinner loved her more now than when he had first laid eyes on her. Wolf, when he wasn’t with Rayn, padded along between Sinner and Kara, keeping a wary eye on Sinner.
Somewhere ahead, Soldier Briar scouted the way before them. Normally, that would have been Rayn’s place, but Briar knew the country and Rayn was otherwise occupied.
Briar had been a point of contention between Sinner and Commander Roderic, who had insisted that one of the Fist soldiers accompany them on their quest.
Sinner would have preferred Zander, but his friend had been seriously injured during the battle and would be unable to travel. Zander was being taken to the capital where he would have the best physicians available to aid in his recovery.
Briar’s motivations remained a mystery. He was a prickly fellow, had an obvious loathing for Char’i, and had taken an instant dislike to Sinner. So, Sinner had been shocked when Roderic had told him that Briar had volunteered to accompany them. He would have to keep a close eye on Briar.
Following behind Sinner and Kara were Gabriel and Alyssa. The giant carried the little girl on his shoulders. She whispered something in Gabriel’s ear, and a grin spread across the giant’s face. They were nearly inseparable. If Briar’s motives were a mystery, everything about Gabriel and Alyssa was shrouded in mystery. Alyssa had confronted Rayn and had insisted on coming along, even before anyone knew of their expedition. According to Rayn, Alyssa had visions. And of course, where Alyssa went, Gabriel followed—the man without an identity. He had taken up the mantle of Alyssa’s protector.
Rayn and Willow rounded out their company. They followed as the rear guard. Willow had survived the sword thrust through her abdomen thanks to Kara, who had managed to close the wound with her healing song before Willow bled out. No vital organs had been damaged, and Willow was well on her way to recovery thanks to Kara and the power of the Song.
She was still weak though, and Rayn doted on her. Occasionally, she would lean on him for support as they walked. She claimed she did it just so that Rayn would feel useful since he had nothing else to do but pester her.
Sinner had teased her mercilessly about focusing in battle, lest someone might stick a sword in her. He quite enjoyed razzing Willow. She had just harrumphed at him and turned and stalked away. But he had noticed a smile play across her face just as she turned.
You’re smiling, Kara said, squeezing his hand.
“We sure are a motley bunch, aren’t we?” Sinner said. “Do you think we’ll find Tinker?”
He told us to come to him. We’ll find a way. Willow’s people used to train with the Char’i of old. Her people are as good a place to start looking as any. The Shadow is falling across the land. We have to succeed or the coming war will sweep all that is good and decent from the land.
Sinner stopped and considered Kara’s words.
“Well, are you just going to stand there looking like a fool Char’i. Or are we going to do something to win this war,” Willow said as she and Rayn came within earshot.
Sinner snorted. “Honestly, Rayn. How do you put up with her constant jabbering? Perhaps we should see if there are any High Lords in the area. I hear they are good at teaching humility.”
Willow bristled.
Sinner felt a stream of mirth from Kara through their bond.
Rayn remained largely impassive at the exchange, but Sinner thought he heard a chuckle coming from the dark shadows of Rayn’s cowl.
© Peter Wiebe February 2014
