1)
“T-that IS the Ghaurog, isn’t it?” Palonder asks, as he shakes the King awake.
Chantratha has slid aside with a speed and acrobatic grace almost too swift to appreciate, to leave Wolf facing the monster across now-bare floor.#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) May 14, 2020

2)
“Oh, yes,” Wolf growls, “it’s the Ghaurog, all right.”
The beast glaring at him has a maw like a giant hippo, only lined with long fangs. The rest of it looks like a lion—if you look at the huge, taloned paws—or like a bull 3)
…walrus, if you look at the sheer bulk and long fore-tusks. It stinks of blood and rotting decay. Wolf sighs and twists one of the rings on his fingers.
And nothing happens.#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) May 14, 2020

1)
I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls
Before the glory of our realm had begun to slide
The heads of many vanquished foes adorned the walls
Amid the occasional scaly dragon-hide 2)
I dreamt that tentacled knights hastened at my command
And gargoyles, on bended knee
Pledged dark magics no human could withstand
Would be hurled for me

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) January 15, 2020

3)
And all I had to do to gain this crown
Was become more monstrous than these vassals grim
And in loathsome rituals with them go down
Mating with monsters until my sense grew dim 4)
And then in a looking-glass my new self I beheld
And to that shape put all-too-familiar name
A guilded merchant with sneering nose upheld
Smirked back at me from beyond the gilded frame

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) January 15, 2020

1)
“So it is, Palonder, but why are you still here? Our need for an enemy soldier remains unfilled—yet you, despite my royal command, tarry still in our presence!”
“No, Sire. I went and got the soldier, and have returned.”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 19, 2020

2)
“WHAT? You treat me like a dullard, too? Is there no end to the DELUGE of insults visited upon m—”
“LOOK, Your Majesty!”
Six enemy soldiers advance into the room, swords out, faces fierce. 3)
“I said ONE soldier, Palonder! Can’t you do anything right?”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 19, 2020

1)
“Possibly. I have traveled, in the past. Not so much recently.”
“Oh? So who are you? You LOOK like Neverunians, all of you, not of us!” 2)
“Oh? Well, it’s nice to know our clever disguises worked.”
“Clever disguises? What’s this?”
“Sorry, friend, that’s a strictly need to know matter—and if Ralandor hasn’t told you, then you obviously don’t need to know.”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 12, 2020

3)
“Who ARE you?”
“Impersonators of Neverunians, sent into the Keep to try to get to certain high-value targets before you lot managed to pillage and despoil them.” )
“Slander and calumny! I’ll have you know that WE pillage and despoil with deft precision!”
“Thank you for confirming that. Yes, Chant, you can indulge yourself. My usual ‘try not to’ instructions, regarding blood, apply.”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 12, 2020

1)
Chantratha sighs. “Remind me again why Neverune needs this particular King.”
“CHANTRATHA,” Wolf says, in mimicry of her own reproachful tone.
“That the best reason you can muster?” 2)
“Chant, not in front of the chi—crowned head. Now, shall I unhood the lantern? You’re not the only one who can count as you kill, you know.”
“Well, THAT’S a relief. A Castle education did others some good, after all.”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) March 4, 2020

1)
“I am FAR from surprised, Wolf, but let me just say this: you’re going to have to trust someone, and even some principles or truisms, in life, or your existence is going to be dark, empty, and horrid.”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) February 28, 2020

3)
“Very simply. KNOWING that most lives are dark, empty, and horrid, I take pity on most individuals who cross me: I endeavour to make the rest of their lives very short.”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) February 28, 2020

3)
“Very simply. KNOWING that most lives are dark, empty, and horrid, I take pity on most individuals who cross me: I endeavour to make the rest of their lives very short.”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) February 28, 2020

1)
“Spoken like a true king.”
“Your tone strongly implies criticism. Know you not that’s what soldiers are FOR? To fight and die, when ordered to do so, by their ruler or on his behalf? That’s what a soldier IS!”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) January 8, 2020

2)
“Just as a ruler is always a ‘he,’ to you.”
“Oh, no, Lady. All the queens I’ve known have been true rulers, even if they had crowned husbands. Wise kings let their queens think for them.”
“Appreciation of their intellect?”#epicfantasy 3)
“Survival tactic.”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) January 8, 2020

1)
“How surprisingly insightful of you, Elvar. And here we’ve been thinking of you as a headstrong, rather dense buffoon.”
“NOW who’s making with the compliments?”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) January 8, 2020

2)
“Those are compliments?”
“Lady, being as they included not the words cruel, idiot, brutal, or tyrant…yes.”
“I see the bar is rather low.”
“We ARE speaking of kings.”#epicfantasy 3)
“Entertaining as it always seems to be, to criticize those on the thrones near and far, I’d prefer if for once we spoke of matters more practical and helpful. Er, yes, Palonder?”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) January 8, 2020

4)
“A baldric, Sire. Salvaged from those soldiers. If you stop and put it on, we can arrange water-skins about your person for more comfortable carrying.”
“That practical enough for you?”
“Lady, I was hoping Wolf would enlighten…#epicfantasy 5)
…us about where he’s leading us right now, and why.”
“You expect him to tell the truth? Why would he break the habits of a lifetime?”#epicfantasy

— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) January 8, 2020