Historical Fiction
The Floating Casino
⸻ CHAPTER — THE FLOATING CASINO & OLD SMOKE’S EXPANSION THE CASINO ARRIVES Fog rolled off the Thames like a soft gray blanket. A narrow, black-hulled steamer slipped along the river, deck lights muted but deliberate. Its stacks breathed warmth into the night—coal smoke threaded with paraffin, polished brass, and the faint sweetness of expensive spirits.
By Mark Stigers about a month ago in Chapters
The Strange Knight (CH 05)
Shermadin called out to Avtandil and Rostevan, gesturing towards the young Knight weeping in the distance. The servants and soldiers turned as well, their eyes resting on the stranger. They admired him from afar, wondering where he had come from and marveling at his appearance.
By H. J. Buellabout a month ago in Chapters
Old Smoke (Twenty-Four)
CHAPTER — THE STEAM NODE & THE BOY THIEVES THE STEAM NODE — THE BOY THIEVES Beneath the tangle of Southwark’s rail viaducts, past the dripping brick arches and coal dust, there was a chamber the city had forgotten. A maintenance lock once meant for steam regulators had long since been abandoned, but the pipes that fed it still throbbed with warm pressure, carrying heat from the Borough boiler mains.
By Mark Stigers about a month ago in Chapters
The World Awakens (Twenty-Three)
THE WORLD AWAKENS London — February 3, 1915 The morning fog clung low over Fleet Street, beading on bowler hats and carriage lamps. Horses snorted steam into the cold air while the first motorcars rattled between them, coughing petrol fumes that drifted beneath the soot-stained eaves.
By Mark Stigers about a month ago in Chapters
The God Rod (Twenty Two)
THE GOD ROD STEAM CATAPULT Scene: Lunar Highlands — Armament Proposal & Construction The Crystal Palace had been finished for only twelve lunar days when a new directive rose through the MI’s internal logic cascade—quiet, unforced, but absolute in its inevitability:
By Mark Stigers about a month ago in Chapters
A Contest of Kings (CH 04)
The day of their challenge dawned bright and sunny, without a cloud in the sky. Avtandil arrived early to meet Rostevan and his armies, wearing crimson armor and riding a white steed. He wore a veil of gold links over his eyes, and his cheeks shone like cut ruby. He was accompanied by his most trusted advisor, Shermadin, who had been his best friend since childhood. Like his Lord, he was also skilled in the art of war.
By H. J. Buellabout a month ago in Chapters
Avtandil's Challenge (CH 03)
The celebrations following Tinatin’s coronation offered no seat for the sad or distraught. Yet, one of her guests sat with his head down. The mask he usually wore to hide his emotions had slipped, despite this man being surrounded by warriors and advisors he had spent a lifetime with. Now, the field of years across his forehead was plowed with fresh lines of sorrow.
By H. J. Buellabout a month ago in Chapters
A King Is Crowned (CH 02)
All courts and Kingdoms have secrets, yet few are kept. Arabia was no different. Before long, ladies and lords whispered Rostevan’s plans between themselves until even commoners were discussing the coming event. Soon the news reached a particular young knight named Avtandil.
By H. J. Buellabout a month ago in Chapters
The Story of Rostevan (CH 01)
Prologue - An Unexpected Meeting (Start Here) There are areas of the world lost to time where a particular magic comes to life. Some say these places exist between the Renaissance of Europe and the Empire of Rome. Others claim to have found them in the ruins of far older civilizations or outlined in handprints on cave walls and carved into petroglyphs. Much like sunsets, their beauty is undeniable, yet the experience is different for everyone.
By H. J. Buellabout a month ago in Chapters
