These two chapters were part of the original writing for the Eve of Paradox and would occur before the current Chapter One. Zero One An elaborate peaked awning sheltered the main entrance to Redleaf Manor. It was a welcome respite for a weary traveler forced to navigate her way through the Port and City of Avon in the...

The chatter of rain tapping on the window and marching around on the roof should have been lulling her to sleep. As tired as she was, she kept starting awake. It must have been the wind, screeching and howling through the flailing branches, pounding the shutters and doors open and closed. But this was not her first...

Dusk stared at Dawn for a moment, confused. His face went blank, as he searched through his memory to find an explanation for her sudden fury. This was far from the first time he had tripped on a detail he should have known. The product of living life too fast, he warned himself. Dawn remained on her feet fuming. As he...

Dawn sat patiently to the side of her strange benefactor’s group, studying an immense water sculpture in the center of the plaza. Outwardly, she appeared composed and natural, while inwardly she was in terrible conflict. It was almost reasonable to say she was terrified and barely managing to keep herself in check. Her...

Crimson had taken the first opportunity to drag Dusk and Dawn aside and demand an explanation of his declaration. She protested that the blessings of the Goddess were petitioned in the ceremony itself. She expressed a critical concern that his “delaying” the preparations was a prelude to backing out of the engagement....

Dawn maintained her level glare as she waited for him to respond. He was at a complete loss. The accusation still rang in his ears. It cut him to the quick. He just stared at her, standing tall and proud, stark naked, with her gorgeous red hair spilling over her shoulders. Her eyes, normally an impenetrable grey mist,...

On the second day after the official end of winter, the rain returned. Dawn chuckled as her mount heaved and sighed in annoyance, while she secured her gear and provisions and examined the tack. With several groups struggling to mount expeditions into the ruins, they had all been forced to stand in the mud outside the...

Apparently, the second group had returned from their search just as Dawn and Rain went around the corner. The evidence of this presented itself in the form of Lion, who came around the corner announcing that they were to rejoin the party and help move the gear upstairs. He stopped short at the sight of them squatting...