Other Projects
We'll Get Through This
We'll Get Through This is a two-player adventure card game about self-discovery. Designed and created by myself with inspiration from my wife. It explores the path you have taken to become who you are today. Players take turns moving through the forest, collecting mushrooms while answering questions about themselves and discovering more about each other.
From Wings Of Black (working title) by Justin Parkins
This is an excerpt from my upcoming debut fantasy novel, From Wings Of Black.
“You are late to return from your trials,” Orlan said to the two boys. “I’m sure you know this means that you have failed.”
“Yes, m’lord.” The taller boy, Benjamin, said. “Permission to explain ourselves?”
“I see you bring company. Have you both decided to forego your trials in favor of worldly desires?” Siobhan saw the king raise an eyebrow as he cast a glance at her. Her face burned red.
“No sire. The opposite, actually.” Tobias stammered. “We found her. Locked in a cage, in the woods.”
“Thats right,” Benjamin continued, “took us ages to break the door off and rescue her.”
“And you are sure she was in need of rescue?” They both gave pause. “From sage eyes, this sounds like you broke in and kidnapped a young girl.”
“Not at all, sire!” Benjamin shrieked. “It was a cell, not a home. She had no bed to lay on, not even a bowl for drinking.”
Siobhan felt Orlan’s eyes on her, studying her. Did he recognize her? He saw so many people each day, especially during the Offering, chances were greater than not that she was simply another squalid face.
“Be that as it may, you still have not satisfied the conditions of your trial. Report back to Roderick in the baileys. He will handle the rest.”
“And the girl?” Tobias asked.
“Take her to the workshops on your way to Roderick, she can find a use there while we discover her identity. We have a surplus for her to sort through from our last conquest. Now excuse me, I’ve got an execution to attend. I’ve delayed it long enough waiting for you.”
The boys nodded and left. Siobhan stood alone with the King. He began to walk through the gates, but Siobhan didn’t move. “Sir.” She mustered the courage to speak, hoping he still had the propensity for compassion. He looked back at her. “Do you remember me?”
Orlan’s brow furrowed, squinting against the brightness of the rising sun. He studied her. She looked at him with the same look she had in the tents.
Siobhan stuck her hand in her pocket, feeling for the pouch he had given her. The one with coin she used in the markets. It wasn’t there.
His expression soured. “Should I?” He turned, and walked through the gate.