Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one who probably should have sorted this out sooner.
115
Minor Details
Alder Woodacre and the Acorns of Affection. A new Amaranthine Interlude will be releasing later this month! Set ten years after the events of Bk3: Tamiko and the Two Janitors, this story is mostly about Joe & Kip. The timeline puts this story one year after the events of Rhomiko, which wrapped up the main series, so you’ll get some hints and glimpses of … well, more. Because there’s always more to any story. ::twinkle::
::twinkle::
Their unlikely attachment would establish a dynasty.
He’s a reaver boy, raised by the fox whose captivity is a family secret. She’s a reaver girl whose line is both favored by and feared by dragonkind. The ward rising through the ranks meets the battler with a healer’s touch. They have little in common, or so they thought. Because trust can be shared, and friendship can belong to two. [An Amaranthine Saga prequel that offers glimpses of Michael and Sansa during their Ingress Academy days.]
Audio Exclusive! This short story has been narrated by Travis Baldree, and I’ve set up a drop over on Patreon, where you’ll find a countdown to its debut on Wednesday, July 9 at 8:00 a.m. (Pacific). You’ll be able to purchase Once & Well in my shop.
© copyright by forthright, 2025
narrated by Travis Baldree
10k words | 1 hour, 5 minutes
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one who wants to talk.
114
Show of Trust
Purdle the Water Sprite. I’ve been asked several times about his size. In my notes, he’s just six inches tall, so quite small. His trusty steed Cubit‘s name is a hint about his size, since a cubit was an ancient measure, roughly the distance from one’s fingertips to one’s elbow.
::twinkle::
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the awesome one.
113
Run
Chapter 16, “Incoming Students” is live over on Patreon! Subscription to this story is one of the perks that starts at the Twinkle tier ($4/month). Thanks to those who’ve chosen to read along! I’m grateful.
… because timelines have collided with a nonny, nonny, hey!
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially one cast in the role of translator.
112
Height Difference
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one who defies prediction.
111
Waiting for Destiny
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one who’s spilling secrets.
110
Mountain, Tree, Sky, and Sea
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the receptive one.
109
Cockamamie
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one with a destiny.
108
Furball
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the one who’s fond of games.
107
Mutt
Mr. Hudson. In the original Sherlock Holmes mysteries, he and Watson relied upon Mrs. Hudson, who lived downstairs at 221 Baker Street and served as … well, housekeeper and cook. I felt there needed to be a Hudson on the premises in my own series, but opted for a slightly different head of the household. And so Thomas was added to my cast.
Close crop from “Hudson & Holmes,” one of the portraits that Mart Lett, series illustrator, created for the art card series that I have been sending out to patrons. Yes, Thomas’s hair is purple. His fashion sense has folksome leanings. ::twinkle::
Claimer: I do hereby claim all rights and responsibility for the characters in a certain boy’s adventures because the Amaranthine Saga & Songs are mine. Please continue to indulge the lot of us, especially the eager ones.
106
Susceptible
FORTHRIGHT 