Novels by Tricia Pyciak

Ogra lead Cassia and BoldR through the hallways and down the stairs to the dungeon. Cassia felt confused about Ogra’s certainty on which way they were going. “Ogra how do you know where we are going, if you are blind?” She chuckled with amusement. Doing her best to sound all mystical “ I can still see just not with my eyes dear. I feel the stones of the walls getting cooler and covered with moisture. The air feels cooler and smells more dank and musty. Our foot steps are starting to echo more meaning that the ceiling is getting higher.” Then a mischievous smile crept across her face. “ Plus it helps a lot when the shadows are whispering the direction.” Everyone chuckled from amusement. Cassia did notice that everything that the seer was describing was indeed what she saw and smelt. The rocks on the walls and floor were covered with a gross slimy looking moisture. You could hear water dripping from somewhere but the echo made it hard to pinpoint the exact location. The ceiling did

The morning sun streamed in through the vines. The birds were singing in the cool morning air. Dew was dripping off the leaves and a soft mist filled the pink morning sky. Everyone took their time packing up and getting ready for the day. The atmosphere in the cave heavy with anticipation and fear of what might be found. To give Cassia a break from carrying her sister, BoldR stayed in his bear form so Liliana could ride on his back. Liliana squealed with excitement. She buried her face in his fur and said “Weee brr” everyone giggled at her. They exited the cave and took in their surroundings. The air was sweet and cool. There was a soft breeze shaking the dew from the leaves. The droplets looked like small crystal dropping to the ground. “Well let’s get going. Time is wasting.” Cassia took the first step. BoldR grunted in agreement and followed. The journey was quite peaceful. Time seemed to pass quickly, it wasn’t too long before they approach the hill that overlooked the village.

A loud snapping crashing sound coming from outside of the cave ripped Cassia and Willow from their sleep. Cassia grabbed her father’s knife for protection. A monstrous silhouette appeared at the opening of the cave. It was standing on its hind legs. The beast came down on all four legs and sniffed the air. A deep agonizing huff came from the beast. Its breathing was labored. It pushed its way through the vine curtain at the opening. An enormous chocolate brown bear entered the cave. Its fur was covered in blood and it had multiple battle wounds. along with the wounds it had a dagger sticking out of it’s back. The beast collapsed on the floor of the cave heaving, struggling to catch its breath. Cassia inched her way around the great beast. It groaned in pain. She took a closer looking at the creature. Something glinted in the dim light. It was a silver charm of a hammer that hung from a thick hand crafted rope chain. “BoldR?” Cassia asked The bear made a deep raspy groan. In respo

Cassia and Liliana were making their way along the path.The sun shined brightly today. The warmth of the sun’s rays caressed their skin,which took the edge off of the cool morning air. The cacophony of songs from the different birds filled the woods, and the smell of juniper, pine, and sweet grass wafted on the gentle breeze. The ground was still covered in the silvery sheen of the morning dew. Cassia was absorbing every sensation that her senses could feel and for once she felt like she had no cares in the world. Liliana squealed with delight and clapped her hands. “ You are absolutely correct Lily it is a most beautiful day indeed.” Cassia replied to indulge her sister conversation. “Oh look blackberry!” Cassia exclaimed she walked over to the small patch and as she did she heard something moving in the pine trees. Cassia reached for the knife. “DON’T TOUCH THOSE!” A shrill squeaky voice yelled at her “THEY ARE POISON!” Just then a young girl stepped out from the trees. She was

Cassia quickened her pace to reach the opening of the cave. It was well hidden so if you didn’t know what the markers were one would never know it was there. She entered the cave without a moment to spare. The sound of carnage had reached her ears. The screams and the smell of the burning village brought her to tears. She moved to the far back of the cave and began to chant “ shadows hide me, don’t let them find me.” She repeated this over and over as she rocked her sister to keep her asleep. Cassia wept quietly as not to wake her sister. For a brief moment she felt like someone was watching her. And felt a brush of a hand on her shoulder as to comfort her. She turned her head and saw nothing. She continued the chanting and rocking until grief and exhaustion over came her and she fell asleep. Meanwhile in the Stanislov Manor the two princes Victor and Vigo were running away from their governess. Bronislova yelled through the Manor with irritation “ Boys when I get my hands on you I

“YOUR MAJESTIES!” A guard came running into the throne room. “The village is being attacked and the army is making its way here!” The King stood up and began to yell out orders. “ READY THE ARCHERS! FORTIFY THE GATES! PREPARE ALL DEFENSES!”” Have they sent their demands?” “No your Majesty. They are just leaving a path of destruction in their wake.” The guard replied with a hint of panic. “How long before they reach the gates?” The king spoke in ernest. “ With in the hour your Majesty.” The guard stated. “How many men strong is the enemy?”The King inquired. “Oddly enough your majesty its but a small army. Maybe the size of a regiment.” The guard stated again. “Send out a squad of soldiers to check on the village and a doctor. Aide as many of the survivors you can. Look for Antony , and BoldR they will be a great asset. Also take out any of the enemy that stayed behind. I want their heads.”the King ordered “Yes your Majesty.” The guard replied. The King spoke with