MARADAINE SAGA
STORY SHORTS
Short fiction to expand the world of Maradaine, telling tales beyond the city, enriching beloved characeters and introducing new favorites.
THE MYSTICAL MURDERS OF YIN MARA
Phadre Golmin and Jiarna Kay are perfectly matched. Both astounding intellects, sharing a passion for academic pursuits and each other. Traveling from the University of Maradaine to Trenn College in Yin Mara, they are excited for the opportunity to study magical and mystical theory with the famed Professor Salarmin. So when they come across a dead body that defies all logic, they should leave it alone.
But Phadre and Jiarna tasted adventure in Maradaine, so the discovery of similar victims, paired with their scientific curiosity, makes the situation far too intriguing to ignore. Knowing that they alone have the knowledge to unravel the mystery, Phadre and Jiarna are determined to resolve it, no matter the cost to their academic careers.
HULTICHIA
A mysterious and disturbing summons brings Aurien Pemmick, an untested deacon of the Church of Druthal, across the border to a peculiar and disquieting kingdom: Kellirac.
Despite being in this antiquated and superstitious place, Pemmick is determined to root out the truth behind the summons. But Kellirac proves to be a place of dangers beyond the natural realm, especially since Pemmick arrives on the eve of Hultichia: a sacred night where the locals claim the dead will walk.
Pemmick’s faith is tested against Kellirac superstition, even as his mission threatens to drag him into madness, on the darkest night of his life.
THE WITHERED BOY
Dabugo should have died the day he was born, left on the beach to be taken by the waves. Instead he miraculously survived, and his village decided his life must serve some greater purpose, and raised him out of obligation instead of love. As soon as they decided he was grown enough, he was cast out to survive on his own. With only a fugitive as a companion, Dabugo must face the harsh elements of his island, learn how to harness the power growing inside his twisted body, and face the destiny that he survived to fulfill.
THE ROYAL FIRST IRREGULARS
Lt. Fredelle Pence and the other women of the Royal First Irregulars are elite soldiers, skilled in their weapons of choice to the level of art. But the Royal First Irregulars aren’t treated like elite soldiers, but as a traveling sideshow. Sent on a “morale tour”, they’re ordered to travel from base to base across the kingdom, using their skills only in staged performance, usually only to jeers and catcalls.
Life on tour brings opportunity, as Fredelle and the other Irregulars learn of a band of marauders attacking a village. They defy orders and go after the raiders, to prove once and for all just what they are capable of. But proving that becomes more of a test than they expected, and the cost to all of them will be higher than they bargained for.
“Maresca continues his expert expansion of his intricately-crafted world, introducing fascinating new locations and vibrant characters while serving up a high-energy, magic-laced plot. The Mystical Murders of Yin Mara is a clever, captivating adventure.” – Cass Morris, Author of From Unseen Fire
“This is a great introduction to the world of Maradaine and an intriguing fantasy mystery. I loved the worldbuilding and the characters exploring the science of their world’s magic.” -Martha Wells, Author of The Murderbot Diaries
