Freydolf & Ulrica. At the beginning of Deuce, we learn that Ulrica is twelve when she makes her bid at an early rite in Open Territory. In Ch17, which just posted for tiers that get the early drop, we find that Frey is fifteen, though he already has a man’s height. Despite the three-year age gap and the vast differences in their personalities, brother and sister are quite close. Full illustration is under the cut!
Continue reading ART: Big BrotherNew Audio Chapter. Deuce has updated with a new audio chapter, narrated by Travis Baldree. The story updates every other Wednesday, with the audio installments popping up on alternating weeks. Join me on Patreon & pick a tier that suits. You’ll find me grateful!
Deuce is a prequel to Galleries of Stone. It tells the story of how a dockside boy & a hilltop girl managed to meet, despite all the reasons they never should have.
Audio Edition. After a necessary delay (the whole household came down with Covid), I’m ready to resume regular posts. Deuce, a Galleries of Stone prequel, has updated over on my Patreon with a new audio chapter, narrated by Travis Baldree. These serial updates are short & swift as Ulrica’s daggers, but worth their weight in Harrow gold.
If you’d like to read along, Deuce is available to all supporters. Level up to the Journeyman tier to enjoy Travis’s serialized narration. The story updates on alternating Wednesdays. CJ’s Patreon >>
Deuce, a Galleries of Stone prequel, has updated for my patrons. Ch5: “Hoof, Paw,” is now available. Those at the Journeyman & Keeper tiers, who get to read ahead, now have access to Ch11: “Mush, Hush.” Do you want to read along? You can become one of my patrons here >>
The story updates twice a month. Patrons can also look forward to story news about all of my books, first looks at new art, and art cards in the mail. Thank you for supporting my stories wherever they can be found. ~CJ
Deuce, a Galleries of Stone prequel, has updated for my patrons. Ch3: “Feat, Footing,” is now available. Those at the Journeyman & Keeper tiers, who get to read ahead, now have access to Ch9: “Star, Stir.” Do you want to read along? You can become one of my patrons here >>
The story updates twice a month. Patrons can also look forward to story news about all of CJ’s books, first looks at new art, and art cards in the mail. Thank you for supporting my stories wherever they can be found. ~CJ
Deuce is a prequel to Galleries of Stone. It tells the story of how a dockside boy & a hilltop girl managed to meet, despite all the reasons they never should have.
“Ulrica Unpierced” | art by FoxOfTwilight
The ongoing serial is a Patreon exclusive. If you’re willing and able to support me there, a basic subscription (any of the $5/month tiers) will give you access to story updates.
Deuce, a Galleries of Stone prequel, has updated for my patrons. Ch2: “Advantage, Disadvantage,” is now available. Those at the Journeyman & Keeper tiers, who get to read ahead, now have access to Ch8: “Food, Shelter.” Do you want to read along? You can become one of my patrons here >>
The story updates twice a month. Patrons can also look forward to story news about all of CJ’s books, first looks at new art, and art cards in the mail. Thank you for supporting my stories wherever they can be found. ~CJ
Unlocked! In celebration of the audio release of Harrow, the first chapter of Deuce has unlocked for all of my patrons. This is a Galleries of Stone prequel that spins out the convoluted (and often comedic) tale of how Aurelius and Ulrica met. Because they never should have. He’s so dockside. She’s so uphill. And yet …!
In addition to exclusive story updates, patrons will enjoy story art, regular mailings, and (coming in October) narrated chapters, courtesy of Travis Baldree. Do take a look!
“Aurelius Unpierced” | art by FoxOfTwilight
Teaser:
CHAPTER 1
Pit, Fall
Summer leaves brushed bronze skin as Aurelius’s scuffed boots left the ground. Lean arms flexed. Claws bit bark. Curling in on himself, he swung onto an overhanging bough. After an entire winter’s voyage spent clambering through the rigging on his uncle’s ship, a tree was nothing.
He made it to the fourth limb without disturbing so much as a sparkfly. Gratifying, but not as satisfying as an audience. Not that his regular hunting partners were given to gushing. Quite the opposite. No matter how dazzling his performance, Aurelius’s only reward was a grudging lack of criticism. Impatient uncles. Bitter cousins. Backstabbing brothers. But their silence was easily as fine as the jeweled droplets he’d wear as soon as this rite was passed and he was pierced.
Aurelius had turned thirteen at the midwinter festival, half a lifetime ago. Father refused to put off a voyage to Far Continent for the sake of his youngest son’s pride. How Aurelius’s dignity had suffered in the interim! Making him wait until the summer hunt was pure meanness. But Aurelius would show them all. None of his brothers had done better than a brace of rabbits during their hunts.
Respectable, but entirely too typical. I can do better, so I will.
In order to fetch better prey, Aurelius was bending the rules by hunting out of bounds. Like Aunt Lissie says, the best acquisitions are rarely found on beaten paths.
… for the rest of this chapter (and to subscribe to twice-monthly installments of Deuce), become a patron. There are perks at every tier. CJMilbrandt on Patreon >>
On Patreon. I’ve built up the promised buffer of 6 chapters! They’re currently available to read for patrons at the Journeyman & Keeper tiers. Tomorrow Ch1 of Deuce will unlock for patrons at the Deuce tier ($5/month). New chapters will continue to drop/unlock every other week (or so): twice a month. And come fall, we’ll be adding narrated chapters, read by Travis Baldree. Those will become available starting at the Journeyman tier.
From Patreon: Fans of Galleries of Stone will enjoy an exclusive prequel that updates twice a month. Deuce begins with a boy and a girl raised in a culture where fangs are sharp, claws are ready, and trust is rare. Aurelius and Ulrica never should have met, but their rivalry gives way to an exhilarating alliance.
C. J. Milbrandt 