Recap: Roman and Finn are pinned down by a warrior and a priest with strange yellow ichor magic. Nothing seems to work and now the intruders are feeding on the magic saturating the property. Things are dire.
Warning: this story is rated R for violence, language, gore, and other wonderful things.
They were in deep shit.
There was always the other option.
No, anything but that. What was the point of making grand pronouncements if one didn’t follow through? He had his pride. He’d meant what he said – he was done. He had gotten this far on his power alone, and he wasn’t tapped out yet. There were still things he could do.
He began chanting low under his breath.
Magic appeared at the end of the driveway, so bright, so potent and radiant, that for a second, he faltered.
The pair on the wheel felt it too. The warrior slipped to the side, trying to keep Roman and the newcomer in his view.
A cloaked figure strode toward his house.
The mercenaries pivoted toward it.
He knew this magic. It felt so achingly familiar, so right, like coming home after a long, terrible journey and finding the fire lit and the table set. It hugged him, and he had to fight from stepping off the porch toward it.
The figure lowered its hood. A woman. A lovely woman with dark blond hair put away into a braid.
“That’s my sister!”
Sister… Gods took her away… The pieces fell into place. “Your sister is a Vasylisa?”
“I don’t know what that means.”
As long as Slavic neopagans existed, there would always be a Vasylisa. She was the heroine of countless folkloric tales, a woman with magic and secret knowledge, blessed by the pagan gods. Princes fought over her, dragons and evil undead kidnapped her, wandering heroes battled her for the privilege of her hand and keys to her domain. She was the frog princess, the amazon warrior, the guardian of the fire bird and the golden apples.
The first one showed up shortly after the Shift. When she was killed doing the gods’ bidding, another one manifested the powers and took her place. In the pantheon of Light and Dark, Vasylisas walked on the border, choosing their own path. Some were stronger, others were weaker, but none could be taken lightly.
And they came in two varieties, Prekrasnaya and Premudraya. The Beautiful and the Wise. The first one was enchanting, alluring, and irresistible, relying on magical charm and manipulation to make armies kneel and entice powerful people to do her bidding. The second was a creature of deep magic, a sorceress with offensive powers, unpredictable and sharp.
And looking at her now, Roman had no idea which she was.
“Is she the Beautiful or the Wise?”
Finn made a face. “She’s my sister?”
Damn it. Roman resumed his chant.
Vasylisa didn’t even look at the two mercenaries. Her voice was cold. “Leave.”
“What the fuck…” Wayne sounded resigned. Clearly, the man was at his limit of weird magical shit happening. “Who the fuck are you, lady? What are you doing here?”
Vasylisa looked past them, straight at Roman. Their stares connected. He was full on chanting now, building his magic into an intricate net and twisting it like a rubber band. She looked at him like they had met before, but for the life of him, he couldn’t imagine why. He would have remembered her. Absolutely.
Please be the Wise, please be the Wise…
“Look here,” Fulton started. “I’ve had just about enough of this bullshit. I’m a level III pyro. I don’t know what—”
Vasylisa unsheathed a sword. It had a double-edged blade about 30 inches long, with a wide, shallow fuller and a simple copper crossguard. It looked like something that came out of Kievan Russ burial grounds, an artifact from 1,200 years ago, when the Varangian army of Viking mercenaries clashed with Khazars over the control of the fertile Eurasian plains.
The priest whirled. Long strands of yellow ichor stretched upward from the wheel’s rim. It spun faster, and the strands of yellow spiraled up, forming a protective lattice around the two attackers.
Vasylisa’s sword burst into white flames.
Fulton gaped at the sword, grabbed Wayne by the arm, and yanked the mercenary leader aside, out of the way.
She was still looking directly at Roman, and he read an unspoken communication in her gaze.
Hit them at the same time.
The last tendril of Roman’s magic slid into place.
He opened his mouth.
Vasylisa raised her sword.
Roman spoke the last word of the incantation, sinking his magic into it. “…pogibi!”
The curse tore out of him, a line of deep darkness vibrating with flashes of purple, streaking forward like a serpent’s tongue. His magic, his raw power, shaped by his will into a weapon.
Vasylisa struck. Blinding fire slid off her sword, cut across the ground, and tore into the wheel dead center. It cleaved through the yellow lattice. The ichor met the fire and sizzled, burning into nothing. The rim of the wheel split with a magic crack. It careened and crashed.
The warrior leapt off a fraction of a moment before the slash had hit, but the priest missed their chance by half a second. Roman’s dark lightning bit into them, jerking them into the air. The priest convulsed, screaming in a high-pitched voice. The yellow tendrils vanished. The wheel melted into nothing.
The warrior dashed toward Vasylisa. She met him head on. They clashed, fire and yellow ichor flying.
The priest twisted in the air, convulsing. With a sharp jerk they yanked their dagger from their sheath.
“No, you bastard!” Roman roared.
The priest stabbed themselves in the heart. Magic geysered out of the priest, a torrent of lifeforce, blood, and power, all surrendered in an ancient, forbidden bargain. The torrent broke into yellow fog, swallowing the priest. A roar filled the air, like the sound of an approaching tornado.
“What’s happening?!” Finn yelled.
“The asshole sacrificed themselves! Something is coming!”
The roar snapped into high pitch and vanished. Thunder pealed. The fog winked out of existence.
A colossal figure towered above the lawn. A beast, a horrible zoological fractal of terrifying body parts: snapping turtle jaws, crocodile teeth, six narrow yellow eyes glowing with mad fire, a body twisted together from muscles, sinew, bone, and chitin into a semblance of a lion or maybe an ape… There were no words in Roman’s vocabulary to adequately describe it.
It opened its mouth. Gobs of yellow ichor fell onto the trees, and yellow tendrils spiraled out from the splatter, choking the pines. A bellow rolled out. The wave of alien magic hit Roman. He thrust Kluiv out and braced, gripping Finn by the shoulder.
It was like trying to hold back a raging river. Instantly he knew that nothing in his arsenal would touch it. He was almost spent. It took all of his remaining power to shield them from its roar.
At the other end of the lawn, Vasylisa screamed, her voice completely silent, drowned out by the wall of sound. Fulton’s mages had linked their arms into a protective circle around the rest of the mercenaries, trying to defend the others with their combined power. One of Wayne’s snipers, caught outside of the circle, made a desperate break for it but exploded from inside out in mid-step, drenching the snow with gore.
The beast shut its mouth, looking around.
He had no choice. He would have to swallow his pride or everyone around them would die. This thing would kill Finn, kill Vasylisa, kill him, the mercenaries, and then it would move on to Dabrowski and Schaetten, and then to the outskirts of the city.
He had to buy time to bargain.
“Finn, ask Morena for the wail!”
The kid blinked. “What would a whale do? There is no water?”
“For fuck’s sake, kid! Don’t you know anything. The scream! Ask her for her scream!”
Finn looked up, whispering.
The colossus shifted its weight. The ground trembled. It hadn’t even taken a step yet.
Finn’s eyes rolled into his head. His mouth opened.
An unearthly wail ripped from Finn’s mouth, a raw overpowering sound of pure anguish, the cry of a goddess abandoned, tormented, and betrayed by her family. The sheer potency of it was stupefying. It hit the colossus and the creature staggered back, stunned for a few moments.
Roman shut his eyes, seeking the familiar darkness.
A figure loomed before him, his presence more than any human could endure.
I need help.
Silence.
If you don’t help me, the boy will perish. She will be angrier.
An image of the Christmas tree abandoned in the snow appeared before him.
Yes, fine, I will drag the tree.
The unfathomable power that was Chernobog reached out and touched him.
Roman was back on the porch. Power filled him, spreading from him like a dark mantle. It coalesced, and he felt the familiar weight of Chernobog’s spiked crown on his brow.
Finn, who had doubled over, jerked straight with a startled gasp.
He was Darkness, eternal and ever changing. The end of all things. The Final Cold.
The beast sighted him. It took one massive step forward.
Words dropped from Roman’s lips.
“CHERNOBOSHE, LORD OF NAV, MY GOD, AID ME IN MY HOUR OF NEED.”
A black bow appeared in his hands. He drew it, and a black arrow formed in his hand, sizzling with power.
Roman fired.
The arrow sliced into the creature, ridiculously small, a needle piercing a giant.
There were few absolute truths in the Universe, and yet one of them always endured, for it was woven into the very existence of reality: change was constant. From the moment the Universe was Born, it began to Decay. And Chernobog was the personification of that Decay.
The arrow sank into the creature. A brown stain spread from the wound.
The beast jerked and fell apart, collapsing into gobs of putrid flesh. The chunks of its body rained down, disintegrating into dust as they fell. A moment, and there was nothing left. Only the empty yard.
At the mouth of the driveway, Vasylisa cut the warrior’s head off his shoulders. It bounced and rolled to her feet.
The mercenaries fled. This was no structured retreat, no, they turned and ran like a pack of panicked human animals fleeing for their lives, down the driveway and out of sight.
Everything was still.
Roman let go of the bow. It hung in the empty air for a moment and dissipated like a fragment of a nightmare.
Vasylisa stepped over the dead warrior’s head and strode to the porch. He watched her come. Her magic was a muted light, hidden now, drawn inward. She was in her mid-twenties, half a foot shorter than him, and she moved light on her feet. She was like a snowdrop flower that bloomed through a snowdrift in the bitter cold: strong, beautiful, captivating.
She walked up the steps and looked at the crown still on his head. Her eyes were very blue.
“You invoked.”
“I had to.”
“There will be hell to pay.”
She knew. No surprise there. The Wise Vasylisas knew a lot of things. Perhaps Morena told her.
“It’s not the first time,” he told her.
“But this time it’s because of my family.”
Roman reached up and touched the crown. It melted into smoke and a gust of wind carried it off. Letting go of the power was like taking off armor after a hard battle. He felt tired and calm.
She turned to Finn. “I told you before, running from this stuff makes it worse.”
He raised his chin.
“When an offer is made, either accept or reject it,” she continued. “This neither here nor there waiting to make up your mind comes with a price.”
“That’s fine,” Finn said.
“No, it’s not. You’re not the one who’ll be paying it. He will.” She nodded at Roman.
Finn spun to Roman. “What is she talking about it? What price?”
“You will see.” Vasylisa turned to Roman. “We will come with you.”
“The Glades don’t discriminate,” he said. “They won’t spare you. There is no need.”
“You will be going through it because of my brother. I will go with you. That’s the least I can do. He will come too. It will be good for him. He needs to know the consequences of his actions.”
His mother’s voice popped into Roman’s head. Karma.
“Do you know me?” he asked.
She raised her eyebrows. A dangerous light sparked in her eyes. “You don’t remember me, do you?”
He shook his head.
“Andora,” she said. “Dora the Dud Explorer. Dora the Minus. I was 3 years behind you in the Veshnevski Academy. We had a class on runes together.”
Oh gods.
“You went to school together?” Finn asked.
She narrowed her eyes. “I didn’t have any powers back then, because the previous Vasylisa was still alive. I wasn’t Slavic, I didn’t speak any of the languages, and our family wasn’t part of the community. I just started having strange dreams and then some manifestations happened, and the Witch Oracle found me and convinced my parents that I should be educated in Paganism.”
He remembered her now. In fact, the memory was crystal clear, branded in his brain.
“Other kids were mean,” Andora said. “But Roman was the meanest.”
He opened his mouth. Nothing came out.
“He turned my pencils into snakes. And my shoelaces.”
Somehow, he found his voice. “I was an unhappy kid. My magic was unstable. It was all snakes all the time. I couldn’t control it.”
“I had very long hair,” she said. “It was the only thing about myself that I liked at 9 years old.”
Roman wished he could fade into the porch boards.
“He turned my braid into a poisonous viper.”
Finn stared at him.
“It bit me. I almost died. And nobody could turn the snake back into my hair. They had to cut it off.”
“I’m sorry,” Roman squeezed out. It was a long time coming.
“Not yet. But you will be.”
She smiled at him. Ice shot through him from his neck all the way into his feet.
“But not today. Today you saved my brother. I will collect that debt another time. We need to go to Nav now. You have a tree to drag.”
Update: This is not the end. There is more.
Regina says
Squee!
Ilona says
First, certified. 🙂
Caitlin says
Agreed!
Allison says
2ND???
Ilona says
Correct. 🙂
Robochix says
Oh, Roman. You are so fucked…and the pain will be exquisite.
As ever, HA you are the best storytellers. Many, many thxs
Cherie says
Yay top 10?
Proud Bookworm says
Thank you!!!
jing says
hey Roman…….
thanks for Fromanday IA
Priscilla says
ok yea… the people who called the sister the love interest from the very first chapter… I think you were right!
jing says
and he have lots of groveling to do 😉
SoCoMom says
Oh my, yes! It will be good for him and entertaining for us in the shipping business – heh!
Becky says
ALL the groveling. ALL of it. And then a lot more.
JO says
This, yes. We knew the sister would be special, but I didn’t foresee this. Roman is so great now! I hope we get to see the groveling.
Virginia says
I do love a good grovel!
(tolen from Elisabeth Wheatley)
Virginia says
stolen
Breann says
+1! So good! Thank you! 🤗
Christine says
Whee!!!
Heather says
Just gets better and better
Griffen says
This is a great ending.
Bonnie says
+1! Thank you
erebor452 says
thanks for the update! they make my fridays.
Wendy Morrey says
Gaahhhh!!!!! That was amazing. She is perfect. I can’t wait to get to know her more. I love her!!
AP says
Thank you! Love F-Roman-day!🥰
Allison says
AWESOME. THIS MAKES MY FRIDAY.
Louise A says
Oh. Roman Karma is a b*
Did it have to be snakes?
Tink says
I guess he’s lucky he didn’t turn something of his into a snake and have it cut off. Let’s hope Andora’s not that vengeful.
Asabí says
Right?!!! Hehehe…
Susan says
❤️❤️❤️
Kate says
Uh oh. Karma is a bitch.
Lisa says
Fantastic, thank you. This is a bright light in a fairly annoying day.
Natalia says
THANK YOU!
neurondoc says
Oooh top 10!
neurondoc says
Oh phooey. I took the time to read and fell out of the top 10. Loved this chapter.
Karen the Griffmom says
Since I have no self-control, I always read first. I gave up trying for Top 10 years ago.
mz says
+1000
Always gotta read first
Raye says
Absolutely
Kim says
Shhhh… I don’t really understand the appeal? There is a story, right there, and I should ignore it to be first?
No judgement, each to their own, but I don’t get it. Gimme the installment!
Diana says
Karma. ba ha ha
Other Barbara says
Love this because ROMAN, but so much sorrow, and loneliness. Sigh.
The team Andrews are gifted writers who make my feelings leap and dance.
Thanks
Jan_nl says
Delicious! Absolutely delicious. Thank you.
Sophia says
Omggggg I love her already🥹 go Andora go(*•̀ᴗ•́*)و
Cindy says
Wow! top ten!
Jan says
An absolutely breath taking conclusion to the cliff hanger, Andora is fantastic and now I can’t wait to go to NAV. But first, back the to very first episode so I can enjoy this from the beginning and make sure I have all the nuances. Thank you Ilona for my wonderful Friday surprise.
Tempest says
Brothers. Gotta love ’em. When Roman asked if she’s the beautiful or the wise, Finn is all ummm, she’s my sister?
Also looking forward to Roman having to pay that that debt. *snicker*
Gretchen says
If she’s based on our favorite Moderator and her long hair, she must be the Wise! That’s my vote!
Moderator R says
😅 Thanks…I guess? Hehe.
But the inspiration lies squarely somewhere else, hair-included : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasilisa_the_Beautiful (sharing this link as this is the most famous Vasylisa art with the long braid from Afanasyev, not as confirmation that Roman got Vasilisa Prekrasnaya).
Vasylisa is the “Disney princess” of Slavic fairytales, the intrepid female protagonist who is either the hero undertaking the journey or the goal of said hero.
Who else could be a match for our boy? 😍
Patricia Schlorke says
So, we get the Disney princess for the Disney prince? Inquiring minds want to know. 😀
No wonder everyone is onboard this ship. **Onboard horn blaring**
Shayera says
Roman, buddy, you are, as the kids say, s**t out of luck.
Rob the Fiend says
He is up the creek without a paddle, and the boat is leaking.
Shayera says
In about seven different places.
Patricia Schlorke says
With no way to plug the holes.
Rebecca says
Thank you for making a terrible week bearable!
Arianna says
+1!
I needed this 🩷
Sivi says
+1 on this, this chapter certainly have a glimmer of relief from the not best bits running through the good bits at the end of this week at HA.
hope your next week is a better one @Rebecca
Sherri says
YES!!!
Oh, yes.
This is marvelous.
Heather says
OMG I love love love it!!!!!
jewelwing says
Can’t wait to see how she collects *that* debt!
Also, awesome resolution to the cliffhanger!
Emily says
+1
Mo says
Lol, I sense some groveling in someone’s future….
MeMyselfAndI says
Ohhhh Roman….To quote a classic anime…..”Things change fast when you’re 12 years old…”
Although having Mr. Suave be a total asshole to a soon to be beautiful girl was inspired House Andrews. Inspired.
Virginia says
+100
Amanda P says
4.30 pm here!!!
Yay it’s the weekend now Roman has arrived 😉😍
thank you xxxx
Chris K says
Oh man Roman was her bully? He is going to need to grovel so much. I love a grovel 😈
Gretchen says
I don’t really want to think of him as a bully! Maybe it was just misunderstood power!
Moderator R says
We need to have a bit of p*tience until next week 😉 before we judge him on deliberate cruelty!
Chiray says
Maybe he was just 12 and 12 year old boys can be total jerks at times…
Sea says
Poisonous snake hair?!? Talk about a bad hair day! I imagine she’s been planning her revenge since she was 9. I hope it’s epic. I kind of feel sorry for Roman 🤣
Deborah says
So good!!! you make every Friday my favourite day! thank you!
Caressa says
OMG! Yes! She is perfect. Roman has definitely met his match.
Jeanette says
YES! Payback is hell! 😂😝🤪
Maggie says
That was *incredibly* satisfying.
Valerie S says
omg I love this. I need a whole series of this.
Roger says
I love a good story. This one’s really good.
The commenter that thought his sister would show up was right, but who would guess she would be a girl Roman tormented in school. Sounds like a Romance in the making.
I hope this isn’t the end. If it is I enjoyed every bit.
Thank you H.A. and Co.
Jen says
Squee! All the squee!
Nickole195 says
oh, this is great, amazing, and the “debt” to be collected, I hope its something evil and brilliant and full of revenge!!!!
Brightfae says
Oh, absolutely delightful!! Karma is a snaky b*!ch!
“Yes, fine, I will drag the tree.” Perfection.
Thank you so much for charging my very flagging batteries this morning!
Ilona says
Pagan gods: very singleminded.
JO says
Yes, this was hilarious.
Lisa says
Yep, karma will bite you in the butt and take a huge chunk, along with your pride!! LOL
Jan says
Fantastic! Thank you 😊
tammy says
This chapter was amazeballs. Can’t wait for the grovel.
Zirraella says
Hehe, why do I imagine Chernobog with puppy eyes sulking in the snow next to the abandoned tree?
Virginia says
OMG, I love that image!
Patricia Schlorke says
Thank you for the snippet. Oh Roman, you’re in the deep end of the sewer with no way out.
It’s going to get interesting with Andorra in the story now. Can’t wait to find out how she’s going to collect on the so long awaited debt. 🧐
Jesse says
Ohhhh. What a good sister. Awesome-sauce.
And ohhh, Roman gets to deal with his 9 year old bad boy self. Well, that’s gonna suck. Gawds knows I was awful at nine. (And at 29, but that is a different bunch of karma, thank you.)
Good thing that Roman and Andora are clearly MFEO. Squeee.
Love this story. *waits patiently for next week*
Also, THANK YOU!
Kate says
Also, teenage boy. I hope he didn’t do horrible things to her because he LIKED her and wanted her to notice him.
Oona says
no one has said it say it w me: my magic was unstable it was snakes. Snakes all the time. bwahaha…
Patricia Schlorke says
To quote Indiana Jones “Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?” 😂😂😂
Asabí says
Beahahaha!!!!
Zaz says
If he did I suspect he didn’t plan on snakes
mz says
Shipping …. Shipping …. Shipping….
We knew it would be the sister.
And Roman as a kid bully??? Shows us that no one is unredeemable.
(What could we have expected? The AuthorLords Rule)
mz says
p.s. “vass ee LEE sah”?
“va SEE LEE sah”?
“va SILL ee sah”?
Sivi says
I’d be interested in this too please 🙂
VeleenFire says
You can have only one accent per word. An accent goes on a syllable/vowel. The name Vasylisa has 4 syllables:
va-sy-li-sa
So we have 4 variations actually. I have a Slavic background, but not Russian. My best guess is 2nd syllable, in other words on the Y:
va-SY-li-sa
I am curious if I got it right 🙂
Sandra says
Wikipedia seems to put the stress on the third syllable. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasilisa_(name) vəsʲɪˈlʲisə
Moderator R says
Like here https://youtu.be/sKR_H5fSuVI?si=diH_h3pgoUobgB2M&t=1744 – minute 29:04 if it doesn’t automatically start there. This is strictly name pronunciation, the clearest I could find it without background music/voice effects- NOT confirmation that Roman got The Beautiful 🙂
Amateur Hermit says
Thank you. Thank you. This made my afternoon almost bearable.
Roman groveling. This will be epic. So much to look forward to.
Daphne says
Oh my, how fun. Roman, I hope you’re ready. Thanks HA for a wonderful installment!!
Maria M. OToole says
First?
Maria M. OToole says
Oh, darn. Not even close. First 100?
Heather says
There will be Roman groveling. But how does that work in Russia?
Typically in America we let people off with a sincere apology. Forgive and forget. Sometimes there’s a cathartic confrontation (I’m part Irish). In court the victims get their say at sentencing.
Do Russians have to punish before they can forgive? How is forgiveness supposed to work for someone like Roman? I have no idea…
Relin says
He may have to spend the rest of his life atoning to her… who knows??? (I enjoy going over board with ships is all. Ignore if you wanted something other than overly silly shipping).
Heather says
Oh man… Could he have to marry her to atone?
That’s almost too good to believe…
Mary Matthesen says
Thank you so very much for the AMAZING birthday present 🎁♥️🤩!!
Patricia Schlorke says
Happy Birthday! My Roman birthday present will be next Friday. 🙂
LauraKC says
On Friday, I always feel that I’m going on a mini-vacation. I’m not at my desk at work, I’m right there in the thick of things. That was a wonderful chapter. I have really been enjoying this adventure! Thanks so much.
Louise says
I’m getting Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe vibes. And I am 100% okay with that. LOL.
Also, pairing Roman up with the Slavic version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is perfect. 🙂
Maria M. OToole says
I am, too! Nice to know I’m not the only one!
Maria M. OToole says
I wonder if a few years carrying 50 lbs. on his back, and basic and Ranger school, is part of what cured our Roman of the pre/adolescent awfuls.
Oh, yeah. Ship in sight. Coming into the harbor.
Brenda Boes says
Oof 😬. Roman just might be in trouble 💀
Maria M. OToole says
And it sounds as if Morena wanted a Solstice/Christmas tree. SOMEBODY said no and that’s what pissed her off.
You’d think Roman would have taken the hint when his critters started decorating the one in the yard.
Heather says
I like that prediction! That would be fun. And I love this chapter. So happy to finally see the sister. Hoping that Roman wasn’t a bully and just had bad control of his magic. Maybe he had a crush on her as a kid?
Katie says
I’m hoping it was less bullying and more bad control as well.
jewelwing says
I think he pretty much admitted he was bullying. “I was an unhappy kid.” It’s one way of acting out of trauma. Think about his home life at the time. Some of them outgrow it, some only do so with intervention, some never do. We know from many things Roman has said and done that he’s grown past that stage by now. However sometimes our past comes back to bite us anyway.
Judy Schultheis says
I’m wondering if that was when he started having to referee between his parents. I grew up with a couple of kids who were stuck there – the only ones I knew that I was sure were more miserable than I was.
Gretchen says
That’s what I think too- the poor control! If she was 9 I hope not a crush!
Kelticat says
My theory is that Chernobog goes on vacation three months before his wife does. Who should be just starting her vacation around now(spring equinox).
Judy B says
thank you
Ami says
Ohhh wow. Wow wow wow. THANK YOU! *excited squeezes for more!*
Rosesred says
Yay! So happy there will be more and already love this character!
Nadia says
omg omg omg Roman was a bully to adult with integrity arc OO wow I’m hooked lined and sinking with the ship now
Sandhya Rao says
OMG this one was just AMAZING!!!
pete says
He turned her hair into a snake? And it bit her? And she almost died?!?! And then she was bald? Sure makes me feel better about all the stupid stuff I said and did when I was a kid.
TiffanyCrystal says
lmao, ohhhhhh, Roman’s in trouble, buahahahha.
Dani says
One of the few subgenres where deus-ex-machina is a feature, not a bug.
Sabrina says
😂
Maria M. OToole says
👍‼
Moderator R says
It’s not Cherny ex Machina as he’s neither unexpected or unlikely – per the definition of ex machina. Roman is invoking, you know, writing that big check from back in Chapter 3 😉
“Invoking is when you beg your god to cover that really big check your fool mouth just wrote.”
To: Chernobog
To be paid the sum of: Dragging the damned tree throughout Nav
Jan F. says
Thank you so much for the update at the end — I need so much more —
Barbara Swanson says
oh, I knew she was going to be part of saving Roman’s ass. But this–it’s so divine (heh), much more–as always–than I can imagine. You’re the best.
SharonW says
Love the rippercusions.
Heather says
+1+1+1!!!! RIPPERCUSHIONS!!!! BWAHAHAHA!!!! I LOVE IT
Asbaì says
Literally laughed out loud!!! Love it!
Sivi says
+100
Sechat says
Amazing….so true to life…people are seldom all good or bad.
Byron Matthews says
So good. I love this story
Lizzie says
This is amazing! Thank you very much! As always, such a treat!
Emilye says
FRomanday, fRomanday, Cis-boom-bah!
FRomanday, fRomanday, Hah-hah-hah!
Gotta roll with friends,
All to help young Finn –
Sanctuary, Sanctuary, Ooh-la-lah!
Norbert says
Mod R Ma“am!
The fleet has sighted the target and is going full steam ahead!
Moderator R says
All hearts on deck! 😀
Scott Drummond says
New Ship sighted!!!
Verslint says
oh lolz… Roman, the piper is here for her payment…. good luck man
Becky says
Warning: this story is rated R for violence, language, gore, and other wonderful things.
BAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!
okay, now to read the chapter after laughing about the other wonderful things.
Becky says
Ah. Read. And loved. So, so very, very good! “all snakes all the time” would suck.
Roman, time to get your grovel on.
Big Mike says
And I still can’t figure out which pagan (Slavic?) deity the critter with a turtle’s beak and crocodile teeth and a symbol of a wheel with eight spokes, lower left one broken, too center one bifurcated should be. I’d say some Russian cuss words (Russian is a great language for cussing) but I’m sure Ilona could top me with utter ease.
Kristine says
Woohoo!!
Thank you!!
J. says
I thought in the previous chapter and I’m thinking again, that the lighthouse keepers leveled up from a t*erorist cell to a cult to destroy all OTHER types of magic. Will those circles on Roman’s lawn be permanent dead spots?
Relin says
Ooooo! Oh I’m so excited to see how things develop!
Kit says
OMG I can’t believe he was a bully.
This is cosmic Karma if I’ve ever seen it. I wonder how will he make her fall in love with him. A lot of grovelling, I’m sure :)))
Moderator R says
Awwww, let’s hear him out next week 😉
mdy says
Oh my. That was awesome.
Honor says
Awesome!
Courtenay says
I was right! Chernobog deus Machina.
And clearly Roman will pay, and pay, and pay. Marriage is payment, right?
Ilona says
No, Deus Ex Machina would have been Thor showing up and smiting people with his hammer. Chernobog has been established from the first page, and you have learned what invoking is and when it is used.
Kate says
My favorite ever deus ex machine was in an Odd Squad episode when the villains were totally winning, but they started fighting over who got to use the freeze ray next and accidentally froze themselves. Paraphrasing the last line of the episode, “Well, that went better than I expected.”
wingednike says
Was their in-fighting completely out of character or had they previously fought each other before?
Tracey says
I love all the comments 😍 fabulous Fromany love love love it!!!
Lara says
so perfect! love it. thank you!
Bill G says
Lovely. Thank you!
Nadira says
So much happy dancing!!!!! Hahaha Karma
Susi says
Thank you 🙂 This is always such a gift
Looking forward to some snarky tree-pulling and hopefully retrieving Farhang – should be quite the expedition ….
mary says
OOOOH So great! Thank you! I have no other words. Have a great weekend.
Harriet says
Ding ding ding!!!! We have a mate for Roman!!!!
When she told her story about the snakes, all that came out myself was Aw haw haw haw….. damn. That’s some kind of stupid elementary school shit that will bite you in the ass in the best/worst possible way.
Susie says
That was amazing. You guys are the best!
Jenn D. says
That’s rough, buddy.
;-p
Love love love Roman and love this story! Thank you for making a very difficult day so much brighter!
Tai says
Ahhhh, an ATLA reference!!!! <3
Alison says
Hee hee this is great Thank you!
Lin krisch says
Goodness, you are fantastic authors! I read and reread and always find something new!! But this… perfection.
Leena says
Wheeeeeee! Karma!!
gingko-girl says
OMG! This is delicious!
Thank you!
K says
😂🤣 Roman, Hugh…they all get what’s coming, and from their significant others at that 🤣
Ellabean says
Wonderful chapter!
Why was Roman so mean as a kid? 🧒 understand why he targeted her-she was different and didn’t belong and that made her an easy target for a bully.
But why was Roman a bully? That hurts my heart a little.
As someone who was bullied (not badly… and certainly no snakes), it makes me sad to see Roman that way.
Hope that we get a deep dive into why and how he changed.
Katie says
Hurts my heart, too. I’m hoping the bad control of his magic was honestly, seriously bad.
Somebody mentioned elsewhere in the comment section about Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley, and I’m hoping Roman was sort of Gilbert’ing her and his magic just totally backfired.
Lucy says
how do we know he targeted anyone!?
he literally says *my magic was out of control snakes all the time*.
jewelwing says
Roman says he was an unhappy kid. We know from previous books that his home life was pretty fraught. By my 20 year HS reunion, it was clear to me that the school bullies I knew and avoided back in the day had been dealing with some pretty horrific home lives. Didn’t make me want to hang out with them, but it explained some things.
Wendy says
amazing!!! OMG – Roman is going to get his comeuppance for being a horrible kid and his mom knew. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Thank you! Love it!
Rohaise says
Oh boy, Romain is in so much trouble. Karma indeed.
WW says
Squee. This is so good so much better than I could even imagine. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
A. Shu says
I am SO HERE FOR IT! A love interest for Roman! Yay!!!
Laura Martinez says
I love this so much.
sage says
This has shades of Anne of Green Gables at the end. Poor Roman!
Anna says
Ach stories about Vasylissa ( name came from Byzantine Basilissa – princess) I loved them at my childhood in Poland under soviet rule
Shayera says
Lo! A ‘ship appears upon the horizon!
Moderator R says
Avast, me hearties! 😀
Crystal Johnson says
Oh-oh-oh-oh!! Roman’s one and only?!? The possibilities… And can’t wait to find out what the wheel of death was.
Thank you!!
Kate says
There is also Farhang to solve. Still floating around by the tree.
Elaine says
Yay for the bright spot in my Friday! Thank you!
Tara says
I always wondered what kind of woman would be a match for my much-beloved Roman. She couldn’t be a Kate and she couldn’t be another Andrea. She’d have to meet his humor, his sense of responsibility, and his fighting ability. And most importantly, she’d have to accept his job…
Me likey this gal!!
Elizabeth says
Yeah, that couple is meant to be.
House DeMille says
wow, what an entrance!
and then the double whammy at the end 😅
definitely looking forward to seeing how this relationship plays out…
Tara says
Omgosh this was amazing!
Random thought i had tho when the sister first appears is it would be epic to have kate help and fight next to roman at one point😋just saying! Maybe shes visiting from wilmington😅😊
Carrie says
Well, Kate would probably inadvertedly steal the spotlight and distract from his Roman-esque awesomeness. So, let her enjoy her Wilmington days.
Agnes says
im not Sure the timetable is correct. i belive, kate isn’ t in wilmigton yet at this story.
there is something Nick sayd to Roman at the emergency conclave at “magic trimph” that gives me this thougt ( at lest in the german Version,) …
i doesnt quote to do not spoiler here…
Kimberly Houle says
“laughing manically,” good karma for Roman. should get interesting.
thank you for the chapter!
Sue F says
So, was Roman being practical when he hoped for Wise (“a creature of deep magic, a sorceress with offensive powers” sounds pretty useful in a fight) over Beautiful (who actually sounds a bit annoying)? Or mature? Or both?
And interesting that her magic felt “so achingly familiar, so right” – as if confirmation of the ship was necessary…
Josephine says
Omg did we just meet the love interest! Please let Roman have a happy ending!
Frances says
Mod R, I know you have the not so secret hots for Roman but I don’t think I’d get in the way of this woman if she ever forgives him for his childhood foolishness!
Moderator R says
I would never get in the way of Vasilisa Premudraya! I know my limits 😉
Lenore A. Villa says
Outstanding!
Natalie says
Considering the adult spanking, Kate gave Roman when he first showed up, his school history does not surprise me. At the beginning of the story I was thinking on how far he’d come from going after his mom’s bunny cat duck to having a menagerie in his house. I was admiring how he had become an attractive, mature adult in many aspects…. but payback from being a immature turd….. Hehehe
DHibsicus says
Just a reminder that it’s actually Roman’s cousin Vyacheslav. We get this golden line from Evdokia to her “brother-in-law” when they’re arguing about whose children are better:
“He is spoiled rotten,” Evdokia barked. “He spends all his time trying to kill my cat. One child is a doctor, the other is an attorney, the third is a serial killer in training.”
I actually really like Roman upon re-read. He has really great points in hindsight. He seems like he’s joking but he’s actually very serious when he calls Kate and tells her they should be “civilized people”. Considering the whole drama was about Adam creating a magic/life-sucking machine that massacred a whole town, it’s a pity the vohlvs didn’t succeed in kidnapping him earlier.
DHibsicus says
*Edit: I meant it’s the cousin who’s trying to hunt down the bunny-cat. Not Roman doing it.
njb says
Ah, thanks! I’d forgotten Edvokia’s comment and it’s so damned funny!
Maria M. OToole says
And the irony that Slava is from the “light” side of the family (Belobog’s volvh, not Chernobog’s)…
njb says
I never got the feeling that was Roman, will have to go back and reread now!
Ilona says
You are thinking of his cousin, as DHibsicus pointed out. Roman was never cruel. Not intentionally.
Amy says
This serial is the best thing to happen to 2024, and this post is so delightful! I’ll bring the champagne to christen the new ship! 🍾🥂🎉
Amy says
It’s got to be Romandora, right?!? 😉
Variel says
Only thing that fits +1
Gretchen says
Rodora?
Doran?
Adoro? I like AdoRo! It sounds Italian 😀
wingednike says
I like Doraman because it also makes me think of anime.
CathyTara says
Wow. When Roman screws up…. Great story! Thank you
Stacey says
So, so, so good.
Thank you! I foresee good things for Roman; eventually : )
njb says
Oooooooo this is so good, Roman has met his match and she’s got a grudge!! Is the yellow ichor or priest still out to get Finn, tho? Arrrggghhh. Waiting is hard work! Thank you for such a satisfying end to the chapter! It was delicious!
njb says
Ichor not inch. Didn’t catch the change before hitting enter, of course
Moderator R says
Fixed 😊
An says
NOM!!!! I’m in the top 5!!!
An says
Drat, got excited, I’m way lower. OMG! Thank you for for the mental images. BWAHAHAHA! Thank you HA for a wonderful start of my rainy next 8 days.
Rebecca says
Finn’s sister is all we could have hoped and MORE!
This is excellent and I am so glad there is more to the story!!
Emily says
but does she have eggnog?
Judy Schultheis says
I wonder what his father did to his mother when they were young.
Oona says
no one has said it say it w me: my magic was unstable it was snakes. Snakes all the time. bwahaha…
Asabí says
Hahahaha! The best!
Claudia says
What an exciting installment! Great stuff, thank you 🙂
Trish says
hahaha! “what would a whale do?” I love how you can make me laugh even in the middle of a tense scene. My favourite!
and eeeee! This sister has arrived! I fist pumped!
Helen Holck says
love it
MariaZ says
I luv it when they are mean. The ladies that is.
Chiray says
This reminds me of when I went to my high school reunion and I looked at the nametag of a guy I didn’t recognize. I was all, “OH, you’re xxx?” and he looked so uncomfortable and said, “I just want you to know that I apologize for everything I did in high school.”
It was hilarious and I was able to be gracious about it since he was so apologetic. “Don’t worry, that was high school. We’ve all grown up.” LOL!
kelly says
I have looked forward to this all day! And it was fantastic!
On the Friday we had no Roman I went into the free fiction section. I have been wondering what became of Jack Camarine. Did we find out and I missed it? The comment about brothers made me think about it again! George is happily married but was Jack mentioned in that Innkeeper?
Molly-in-Md says
Yes. He’s off being solitary nature-boy on Sophy’s planet. Something along the lines of “he got a cabin way deep in the woods and told everyone he’d see us in a couple of years”.
Moderator R says
Molly is exactly right 🙂
“Jack is on Harriblex somewhere,” Gaston answered. “He told me that for the first time in years he doesn’t have to worry about George or Sophie. I asked him what he wanted to do with his downtime, and he told me he would get a house in the woods and not see anyone for a couple of years. He claimed it would be the best vacation he could get and that he more than earned it.”
Andrews, Ilona. Sweep of the Heart, The Innkeeper Chronicles 5. NYLA 2022. Kindle edition, page 85
Logan Matthew Teague says
In Roman’s defense, many people are little $#!+$ in their younger years.
jnet says
Dear Roman,
Please avoid trying to spank Andora. At least for now.
We need your story to continue.
Thank you!
P.S.: You could let her spank you. Just a tip…
Stacy McKnight says
All the happy noises! I love this soooo much!
Di says
Thank you. This is a calorie free dessert! Yum!
Lynn says
Roman meet your Fate.
Fate, this is Roman.
Roman before this is over you will (almost) wish that the Great Old One (?) had killed you. Not quite. But almost.
Fate, have fun.
Thank you to House Andrew for making this story.
Amy says
This was a difficult week. Thanks for the continuation of Roman’s and Finn’s story. The addition of Andora is marvelous. Has Roman met his match?
RT Boyce says
Whale…Lol! Finn is great.
About the hair: my daughter loved her long blonde hair so much at age 9. If someone had caused her to have it cut off, it would have evoked Her Wrath. Probably never to be forgiven. Childhood loves and outrage are so intense.
Nancy says
I am glad there is more to come. This is so very enjoyable.
Amanda says
Naughty naughty Roman! Can’t wait for her payback!
Tori says
Heh
Heh
Heh
Lacey Pfeffer says
Oohhhh this was a good one!!
Kat in NJ says
Thank you for another great chapter: this was awesome! Get to groveling, Roman: the BDH is more than ready and waiting to do some serious shipping! 😂
Ona Jo-Ellan Bass says
This just keeps getting better and better. Roman can surely kick ass, and yet he is hip deep in alligators! Can’t wait for next Friday.
Kristi says
Thank you!
Debra says
That was exactly what I needed. Loving this story!
Anne says
I was so surprised by those thinking it was the end. There is still a big bad! There is a debt to pay! And , I think there is potential for romance! Yay!
JenniE says
Woohoo! After the week I’ve had with my students this was an awesome gift. Thank you so much! I giggled so much.
Am says
awwwe for no reason I always saw him with Rowena. maybe Rowena + Ascanciso?
Asabí says
I think it’s been hinted that she and Ghastak have a secret thing going. When she was kidnapped he totally lost it. I think Rowena is probably 20 plus years older than Ascanio too.
Moderator R says
Asabí is correct, Ghastek and Rowena are an item ☺️
Henry says
Excellent Chapter and the Yellow Beard, looks like blood seeping out of his jaw. Looks like it just shed with the bright red eyes. Some call it Barba Amarilla others say Fer de Lance.
Mi says
Snakes, Roman???? Drag that tree, boy!
Robin says
I am l9ving this story. I always liked Roman. I can’t wait for more
JenMo says
Exploded from the inside out…. That’s gonna stick with me.
Scott says
As always, this is amazing. Thanks for brightening my Fridays!
Lucy says
all snakes all the time.
oy.
Susan J says
OF COURSE THERE IS MORE! *faint*
Jane says
Wow! Just wow!😍😍😍😍😍😍
Soooo glad Roman has found someone and she is so cool!!!
Cathy R says
I can’t believe the amount of research that you must put in for even this snippet. Again, I am in awe of House Andrews!
Some day, you may need to publish a compendium of characters and myths to accompany all your novels. Thank you!
Virginia says
Nope, that should be a fan project. Let the Authors author!
We nerds can handle the compendium (brilliant idea IMHO), maybe with some help from Mod R if we get stuck.
Ilona says
Gordon and I are so glad you are enjoying Roman’s adventures. Just as a data point: we are taking liberties with Slavic mythology in the name of artistic license, so this is not an academic paper and shouldn’t be used as such. Unfortunately, due to the absence of written records, everything we know about Slavic Mythology and Druidism comes to us via oral traditions.
Therese Eby says
THIS
IS
AWESOME.
Thank you!
Jaleesa says
Enemies to lovers. Lots of groveling in the future for Roman. As always loved it. It’s getting juicy.
jeff homer says
well done
Rhyn says
🙂 And it’s not over yet! 🙂
Colleen says
I like these two. fun.
Jackie says
This made the end of a hard week feel so much better. I’ve always liked Roman but gosh I hope he wasn’t an intentionally mean bully. As it is he’s got an uphill climb to redeem himself.
Also, I just let myself enjoy the Wilmington books as a reward and now I’ve a serious hankering for the continuation of that story. I hope that you’ll feel the urge to flesh out that storyline more sometime in the future.
Sivi says
oooohhhh so good. thank you, and also definitely good karma when someone who was bullied gets a bit of payback and when the bully actually realises the consequences of their actions and actually dies regret the past.
Kd says
Y’all are genius.. that is all.❤️☺️
Apollo says
Was Kate’s mom the previous Vasylisa? Also yay on Roman’s new/possible love interest. Although I really wish he gets karma for what he did to that poor girl’s hair. 😤
wingednike says
that crossed my mind, too. I think the timing is right if Andora says the previous one was still alive when she was 9.
Moderator R says
Kate’s mother died very soon after she was born 🙂, and Kate and Roman are roughly the same age.
The timing isn’t quite right at all – and Kalina was not raised in the community, her mother didn’t want to have anything to do with them.
Frances says
That was amazing!! Andora is fabulous. After all this speculating about what kind of person would make a worthy partner for Roman – here she is, and she is glorious! I am looking forward to learning more of the back story. Evdokia just told us Roman is 34, and Andora is in her mid-twenties, so lets say at most 27… so that would make him at least 16 when she was 9. I can’t bring myself to imagine our Roman being intentionally mean to a kid that young, even as self-absorbed teenager. I can’t wait for all to be revealed through the magic of HA storytelling and the fullness of time 😀
Jane says
it said she was 3 years behind him in school.
Asabí says
Also, we should remember it’s Roman’s interpretation of her age. All of HA main characters seem to have a bit of unreliable narrator going on. It makes them more real and well rounded IMHO. Also she works for gods and goddesses, it might come from the magic she possesses. Looking forward to finding out more…
Asabí says
“it” meaning how she appears in age.
Shiloh Walker says
oh. my. goodness.
😍🥰😍
LillyLivered says
Mod R….. I’m sorry.
But I’m getting on this ship Andora and Roman 🤣
edit. wrong name 😂
Moderator R says
I’m on the deck with you 😉
Ships Cat says
Oi boshe moi!
Zaz says
I wonder if it was a case of a little boy liking a little girl but in not being able to control his magic minor tricks becoming dangerous and aweful
Cora says
Hat a Treat! I love Romans story
Stephanie Massey says
🔥🤩💋👏🏿🦄🎊🏆😇🙏🍾🎈🎵🕺🏾💃🏾😍🫣Genius! My Dad told me when I was a young girl, try to be nice in your youth, because there may come a time as an adult that a person from your youth, you may desire,and if you were unkind to them , they won’t give you the chance or opportunity to develop a relationship.
Bill G says
On a variety of occasions, I’ve read about someone having a fast fall after a fast rise. And the people commenting would be saying the faller had forgotten the old adage “Be nice to people on your way up; you might meet them again on your way down.”
Paula C says
Está a ficar cada vez mais interessante…more please.
Bill G says
Gorgeous; thank you!
Mina says
Oh my gosh, this is so so good!
Karen T says
this will be glorious. she is going to be keeping him on his toes for Centuries. serves him right. 🤣
Eegoolina says
Wow. Just wow.
Cec says
It was so good, thank you so much.
Also, I like snakes. I’m afraid of spiders, but I like snakes. It’s gonna be fun, thank you in advance!
jewelwing says
I like both, but I have to draw the line at having a viper hanging down the back of my neck. If it’s venomous, I want it where I can see it, and from a safe distance.
Cheryl says
This was great. thank you.
Judy says
This is great—hilarious or do I have a warped sense of humor?
Angela says
Whale??
Activate the Infinite Improbability Drive!
Oh no, not again.
(Oh wait, wrong book, lol)
Robin says
That was sooo good.
L Zech says
ooooooHHHHH!!! each episode is better than the last
Anne says
Absolutely amazing and wonderfully wrought.
Karma indeed.
😁
Thank you!
Happy Saturday!
Dave O’Brien says
This was so intensely good. Please tell me how I can pay for the rest?
Ilona says
We are looking at summer publication. 🙂
kommiesmom says
Yes! I *love* giving HA money!
And this is a rip-roaring (literally in some cases) yarn that will amuse me for days.
Thank you *so* much.
I looked at the blog last night, but forgot to refresh the page. So I didn’t see this until today.
No problem. It’s not like anything will spoil if it sits out…
jewelwing says
Woohooo! Awesome!
Patricia Schlorke says
Good to know. That way all of us can squee during our respective weather months (especially the hot summer months here in Texas). 🙂
shellb says
squeee. yay!
Erin Moore says
Awesome. Roman is in so much trouble!
Jenn says
This was wonderful and just the motivation I needed. There is a lot of upcoming stuff that I just don’t want to do. I believe I have found my new mantra. “Yes, fine, I will drag the tree.” I might sprinkle in a few cuss words though 😁
Sabrina says
Now that you mention it, it makes a nice change from that motivational phrase about eating the frog 😂😁
Asabí says
New mantra indeed!
wingednike says
If the merch shop re-opens, then I hope for a stick figure “yes, fine, I will drag the tree” as a motivational poster.
Judy says
O. M. G!!!!! I LOVE this. How do you keep coming up with these names? At least he didn’t turn her braid into spiders😢😢😢
Kim says
Wow, wow, wow!
Marcela says
Ahhhh… karma indeed! Cannot wait for the next. Thank you
Jennifer says
Fantastic resolution of the cliffhanger, thank you! Off to ponder what kind of mysteries will be unveiled when they all pull the giant tree through the Glade that spares no one together…
Julie says
Loving it, can’t wait for more. 🙂
Susan D says
Some of the BDH seem to think that this is the beginning of a fine romance between Vasylisa and Roman. But look at just how mean he was to her in school. I have a hard time believing that she could ever really forgive him enough to trust him let alone love him. Wouldn’t there always be that niggling thought in the back of her mind that he might do something mean to her again?
jewelwing says
That depends on who she was/is as much as it does on who he was/is. The range of human behavior is pretty wide.
SJ says
Also, our dear HA brought out a redemption arc for HUGH of all big baddies! And we now love him. His wife acknowledges all his flaws, current and prior, and ships away!
Julia says
Brilliant as ever! Thank you so much. It was well worth the wait.
Ann says
Thank you! Rough week but, great story for a treat.
mary says
oh holy moly I did not see this coming thank you thank you for your beautiful imaginative smart writing
Grumpy Librarian says
Mwahahaha! Sooooooooo fabulous
Sharon Leahy says
Oh yes, completely yes, ah, unutterably, completely yes. Bring it on! Bring her on! Oh witchy mama, ain’t karma amazing. Now, giggling gently to myself, I will smile and sip a cup of tea, fantasizing about future chapters!
Gloria says
Oh man. So good. A different kind of love story. What would it be without gore, terror, power, light and darkness? Ordinary. Thanks so much. Y’all are the best.
Helen says
That was fabulous I loved this episode, the best one yet, thank you! Just wanted I needed after a rather miserable week at work.
nancy says
Roman and Vasylisa sitting in a tree. I wonder if Chernobog will allow the rest.
Sabrina says
As long as they drag it first, said tree, I think a deal may be struck 😉
Moderator R says
Hehehehehhehehe 😀
SuperJD says
Ahahahaha! Karma’s a witch!
AK says
Poor Roman. He’s gonna live hard.
Hee hee
Minna says
Oh! Oh! Oh Roman you did not!
Her hair!! Grrrr.
Weeelll… Karma is calling.
🤦♀️🫣😁
Tiapet says
I’m so enjoying this, thank you HA!
Time for Roman’s redemption… go Andora!
It’s said in the story that there’s a 3-year difference between them. So 12-year-old Roman turned 9-year-old Dora’s hair into a snake. It will be interesting to find out more about the circumstances. Lots of rippercushions!
On the edge of my seat…
Rachel says
I just have to say because I don’t think anyone else has I just love the idea of a Vasilysa and I think it fits perfectly into the post shift world! I read so many different versions of Vasilysa/Vasilisa fairy tales when I was younger and it’s so fun to see that reflected here!
Steph says
Am I the only one who thinks Roman was an ok kid? He says his magic was out of his control so maybe his only failings were not standing up for Andora and failing to apologise? Still shitty but not quite an ex-bully. I don’t believe he would have been a premeditated bully.
SJ says
My dearest friend bullied in childhood. She acknowledges and owns it.
jewelwing says
Good for her. That takes strength that not every bully manages to grow.
Martina says
of course this is not the end, we need so much more
Juni says
Snake hair is lots worse than dipping hair in. Ink…
Theygot past issues…
chris says
Fantastic!!! And there’s more – even better
SJ says
so good! And I appreciate the update 😉
Elizabeth says
You are an amazing writer! Thank you!
Umesh says
I keep saying this and am so glad for it. You just keep getting better and better! Thank you so much for this. It’s really nice to sink into a different wonderful world after a tough week. You guys are the best.
Beth says
Hahahahhahahahhahahhahahahaha. I’d say poor Roman, but he’s truly done it to himself
Stephanie says
oohhh WOW!
Joy says
FANTASTIC. I have chills, this is so good.
Elissa Carroll says
Cute cute cute! This made me SO happy. Thank you Ilona and Gordon <3
Susan Jackson says
I love Andora already.
Linda Lucine says
Happy, happy…
Kristi says
Are we to call ModR Vasylisa now?
Thank you, this story is so good
Dee says
Please tell me her name is Dora. Finally my name on a character much cooler than Dora the explorer and the love interest too ? Best birthday gift ever .
Mary says
I like it. 😀
Ann says
Thank You for Quincy’s, I hadn’t realized how much I needed it
Mika says
yeeeeeessssssssss!!!!
of course he tormented her as a kid and now she’ll make him pay! drag that tree Roman!
haha, love it!
john says
dang.
Kathy says
I find it interesting that Evdokia, who had to know both sides of the story, didn’t bother to mention to Roman the identity of Finn’s sister. That’ll teach him not to show up for family holidays.
Judy Schultheis says
Remember, Roman almost missed the chance to officiate at Kate and Curran’s wedding because he was incommunicado at home due to his mother wanting him to referee her latest war with his father.
Moderator R says
Who can blame him 😅
Patricia Schlorke says
I agree. When someone curses you, and you try to pee in the toilet and miss, I would want to be incommunicado too.
jewelwing says
Even without the curses, you’re not always up for dealing with certain family members. Life before caller ID was just a teeny bit harder.
Cells says
Eeek! That Vasylisa is rightfully angry and cool too. I’m a little terrified.
JanLo says
Whew, it just gets better and better. Thanks so much! 🥰
Tonya says
So love this! Roman was just knocked over by a woman who happens to have a legit grudge!! So excited to see this dance!
Sarie says
oh dear. This is why bullying is unwise. At some point, it will bite you. Even if you were the one with the magic to make it bite others before.
Gv says
Loved it! I hope Roman and her get together.
Stephanie says
this is the best!! Roman is so going to get it, and i cant wait!! hahahah
Nanette says
I have no words for how much I love this
Jenn S. says
So good every time.
Catherine says
And here I was, waiting, just hoping a girl might make an appearance….
Sleepy says
dear god, that’s a new version of pulling a girl’s pigtails 😂
Sechat says
upon rereaeding, I gotta say, it SUCKS when your own poisonous-snake hair is poisonous to you….
Camila says
Did anyone else felt music stop and silence spread and the world move in slow motion as they read, “There were few absolute truths in the Universe…”? I had to stop and look around to realize I didn’t have any music playing, but I swear I felt it.
Good writing is magical.
Thank you.
Jessica Johnson says
Wonderful story! Loving the back and forth with Finn. But now, Dora is a great character, MFEO with Roman. He deserves a love interest.
I am scared to see if Kate or Julie meet her and their reactions. She seems very much in a Kate-style bad ass, not sure yet of more.
Deb L says
Uh oh, (singing) Roman’s in trouble, neener neener neener!
It seems that the snarkier one is, the more trouble one attracts in this world. I love it.
NancyKay says
thank goodness!
Susan D says
A really off the wall idea just came to me. Roman does seem smitten with Vasylisa. But remember Farhang said there was a woman involved in the oath he was unable to complete. What if that woman was Vasylisa and it is Farhang she loves. So her punishment for Roman is to have him rescue Farhang; then Roman has to watch Vasylisa and Farhang go on to their HEA?
Robyn says
This is why I love your work, the way you bring all the myriad exquisite details together that have been building and building and then things start to click! I love all the details and background on Vasylisa that add onto all the other details of gods and mythology. I am delighted by the sense of familiarity Roman has to her. I am glad to see what happens when he asks Chernobog for help (and look forward to learning the payment for asking for help). The piece de resistance is the coming of consequences for Finn (not making a decision is making a decision!) and ultimately delightfully, Roman! I love the ending of this chapter! I feel like i just received a scrumptious gift! Thank you Ilona and Gordon!
wingednike says
Looking at the comments, how many here who are aghast at Roman being a bully (unintentional or not) disliked Ascancio as a romantic interest because he was mean or seemed smug?
bege says
I wondered if Roman’s deceased brother might have been involved, with some of the snake stuff, but it seems as if Roman accepts the charge against him.
Snapdragon says
Roman is really going to pay for it. Excellent scene though.
MYC says
Yay Roman !
Barb says
LOVE this
Tamara says
Wow, just wow. I read this again and it is still just as powerful. I love your writing.
Suey says
WOW! That was excellent.
Kendra says
This was amazing. And a great way to introduce the love interest (she is going to be Roman’s love interest, right? I mean, I can’t be the only one shipping it.) Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Bel says
Meanwhile every Friday in Australia: Checks for new chapter then remembers where a day in front 🤦♀️🤣
Bel says
*we are*