The Sixth of The Tales of The Lesser Evil
Even after all she has seen, Flin does not expect her stories to come true. But sometimes the monsters are more than just a tale. Sometimes the monsters are real.
Flin has arrived in the vast archipelago of The Ribbon, still seeking her home, determined to put the events of Youlbridge behind her.
But Flin has a habit of finding answers to questions she does not ask and, before she knows it, she is pulled into another life-altering experience.
Who is the swordswoman who seems to be watching her?
And who is murdering people in this misty, steamy city, killing them in ways which suggest the perpetrator may not be human? Surely the whispers cannot be true, surely there is no such thing as a vampire?
As the truth is revealed, Flin discovers answers which could alter everything she—and the world—believes. The stories are real.
Set between the two interwoven episodes of Flin’s life featured in Death in Harmony, Dancing With Death tells a story of discovering friendship, of hope, of answers and questions, monsters, and terrible, horrific danger.
Following Only One Death, Dust and Death, Death and Taxes, A Clean Death, and Death In Harmony, this tale—Dancing With Death—introduces new locations and characters to the reader, all the while adding fresh levels of intrigue and mystery to The Tales of The Lesser Evil.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Dancing With Death builds on the other Tales, adding layers to the overarching story of The Lesser Evil, with certain plot points set to appear in the longer work ahead—although there will be no need to have read these Tales, attentive readers will be rewarded with added depth, flavour, and ‘Easter Eggs’.)
Each Tale (there are currently six, with a final two on their way) is essentially standalone, but each also features returning characters or locations which give the reader a deeper experience when read in order. They are a part of what became a rather long prologue to a trilogy of epic fantasy novels, outlined and currently being (tentatively) drafted.
The serialisation (I’m from Scotland, hence the spelling) of this novella will be released from November 2024 to early 2025. It will initially be free to read, with a new episode in your inbox every Friday, at one minute to midday, French time. At some point after this, once complete, the archive will be only be available for paying subscribers, with additional download options also made available.
Unlike the others I have shared here, this story has not been available to read anywhere else: this Substack serialisation is the first time it has been out in the world.
Contents:
To read more about my map making process, click here.
Episode Three: To Learn a Place
Episode Five: Dancing is Dancing
Episode Six: When Details Align
Episode Nine: Different Talents
Episode Ten: Flashes of the Night
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I didn't realize there would be more to Flin's story! Yay!