This story is rated R for violence, gore, and strong language. Parental guidance is advised.
The problem with dramatic exits was that they cost a couple of seconds, so by the time you got back into the house, the nechist had managed to drag the unconscious priest down the hallway and toward her room.
Roman stomped down the main hallway.
“Drop him!”
Roro shook her head, flinging a limp Farhang back and forth. The priest’s head smacked into the wall. Great, now he’d be concussed on top of befuddled.
Roman put more ice into his voice. “Trash! Drop it! Trash!”
The seriousness of the situation finally penetrated Roro’s brain. She opened her jaws, and Farhang crashed to the floor.
“Roro?”
Roman strode into the kitchen, pulled a chunk of ham out of the fridge, and tossed it at Roro. She leapt three feet up, snatching it from the air, and took off toward the utility room she’d been using as her lair. The door swung closed behind her, moved by the draft. A massive hole gaped in the bottom. She’d chewed her way out.
Great. Now there would be no stopping her and he’d have to replace the door.
Roman set his staff down and nodded at Finn. “Grab his legs.”
Together they picked up Farhang and dragged him into the living room, in front of the fire.
“Kor!” Roman called.
The korgorusha materialized on Farhang’s chest, purring.
“Keep him napping,” Roman ordered.
Smoke curled from Kor’s black fur, swirling around Farhang. Korgorushas couldn’t knock you out, but if you were drowsy and fell asleep, they could keep you sleeping for a while.
Finn stared at Farhang. “Why did you save him?”
“He’s a Zoroastrian. Remember all that stuff I said about balance? Zoroastrians are the opposite of that. There is asha, the force of good and truth that comes from Ahura Mazda, and druj, the force of evil and falsehood that originates from Angra Mainyu, better known as Ahriman. The two are in constant battle, and every Zoroastrian is a soldier in that war. It is the sacred duty of the mobeds, the Zoroastrian priests, to eradicate evil in all forms.”
Finn squinted at Farhang. “So he is a mobed?”
“No. That is a real, live Magav. Very rare. The Greeks call them the magi.”
“Like in the Bible?”
“Like in the Bible. He is a Magus. That’s where the word magic comes from.”
A weird cold was spreading through his thigh.
“Farhang isn’t just a priest, he is a warrior-mage, a holy knight devoted to the protection of good. No force in this world would make him ever attack a child. If he were in his right mind, he would’ve asked a lot of questions before starting any fireworks, and he sure as hell wouldn’t let those assholes drag him around blindfolded. Something was done to him to make him like this…”
A spike of pain hammered through his thigh, biting into the bone.
Roman yanked at his sweatpants’ leg, exposing the ragged cut where the bolt had grazed him. The wound had turned a weird olive brown.
“Fucking assholes.”
He spun around and marched to the utility room. Finn chased him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Poison.” He stabbed his finger at the flock of kolovershi trailing him. “Bring me that bolt.”
The kolovershi took off.
Roman tore into the room, flung the second fridge open, and rummaged through the gathering of glass vials on the shelves. No, no, yes, no…
He thrust a baggie with powdered herbs at Finn. “Hold this.”
The boy took it. Panic shivered in his eyes.
Roman pulled a jar of Remedy out, scooped some out and smeared it on the cut.
One, two, three… Still cold and hurting. And now it was climbing up, toward his kidneys. For Nav’s sake…
He pushed the vials aside, grabbed a green one, a blue one, and the one with thick black goo and shoved them all at Finn. The kid took them all with trembling fingers.
Roman slapped the fridge door shut and marched into the living room. The kolovershi pack swept into the room and a bolt landed in his hand, still wet with his blood.
“Give me that bag.” His voice was ragged. The pain bit into his gut.
Finn held out the baggie. Roman took it, pulled it open, and shook a handful of herbs into his palm. His fingers cramped. He forced it and clamped the bolt in his hand, plastering the herbs into the blood.
A small, fluffy looking koloversh shivered, flinging snow off his feathery fur, and opened his mouth.
“Call the client,” the little koloversh snarled in Wayne’s voice.
“Wayne, we lost half of our team. You’re not thinking of giving back the money, because we’ve got to pay out the death benefit…”
Roman muttered an incantation under his breath.
“Fuck no, we’re not giving back the money. Call the fucking client. This wasn’t how the job was sold to us, so if he wants it done, he’s gonna have to pay us a hell of a lot more. Tell him he gives us more money, or we walk. If he has a problem with it, he can get on site and see what we’re dealing with. And after that call Trey and tell him to get his ass and our antimage squad down here. This whole fucking job has been a shit show and that ends now.”
The pain had climbed into his chest.
“It’s going to take all night for them to get here from Columbus.”
“Get it done.”
“We should’ve done that when the skulls came on,” the third voice growled. “But no, you got all gung ho because a pagan priest didn’t roll over for you.”
“Not right now, Pike. Don’t fucking test me.”
The koloversh shut his mouth.
The last words fell from Roman’s lips. Magic sank into the bolthead like fangs of a striking snake.
“Poison me, you zaraza.” He hurled the bolt into the fire.
A howl of pain ripped through the night.
Roman pointed at the little koloversh. “Fedya, good boy. Finn, no matter what happens, stay inside the house. The rest of you, protect the kid.”
He plucked the blue vial from Finn’s fingers and gulped the liquid antidote. It burned through him like fire and crashed against the cold stabbing into his heart. He grabbed the green vial, drank it in one swallow, and twisted the cap off the black goo.
“Nobody panic. I’ll be back.”
He turned the vial upside down. The congealed drop of Chernobog’s tear fell onto his tongue.
Darkness rose and swallowed him whole.
Shirley says
First
Moderator R says
Authenticated 🙂
Bev says
first?
Angela says
eeeeee
EEEEEEEE
*breathes in*
Angela says
somehow I randomly replied instead of just commenting.
I guess that’s what I get for being so excited. 😂😂
Lara says
understandable really. so good.
Shobha says
first?
Monica says
Then I am third 🙂
Nelly says
Thanks for our Friday dose of Roman!
Have a great week-end and cheers from France 🙂
Mimi says
Second?
Mimi says
Not even close😂😂😂! Happy Friday everyone
Moderator R says
I might have forgotten to mention I’m an antidote cookie! 😀
AP says
I’m guessing you want him to take a nibble? 😉
Moderator R says
For starters 😀
Verslint says
I really wanted to scream ‘chew on that, ha!’ so perfect!
Patricia Schlorke says
You’re the cookie where no cookie has gone before. Roman needs your help. 🍪🍪🍪😁
MelV says
Thank you. I really needed my Friday dose of Roman!
Emily says
this is so great, thanks for sharing!
so did Vance die? I think I got him and Wayne mixed up.
Moderator R says
Vance was the initial name of Wayne. The authors changed their mind and modified it, if you go back to previous chapters they are edited now for Wayne 🙂
The serial is a first draft version of the manuscript, so details will change authentically as House Andrews write it week by week.
Emily says
oh bummer. I wanted Vance to die in the first round for shooting Trigger. They were hired as trackers to find the boy and they found the boy. That should have been then end but they were even willing to give a refund. Nothing quite as satisfying as watching the Law of the Harvest play out. The poison bolt backfiring made up for it.
Michelle M says
I love that sometimes we see the writing process as the story plays out. Something simple as a name is adjusted so it feels right to the authors as they continue writing. So cool
Brightfae says
Agreed! We are watching creative magic here.
jewelwing says
Years ago there was a newspaper article about all the serial killers whose middle name was Wayne. Just saying.
AP says
Thank you for another great F-Roman-day!!🥰
jing says
so intense…. love it
don’t panic…. deep breath everyone
that was really great HA…..
Shannon Campau says
1st?
Shannon Campau says
Snort! I didn’t see any comments and was wow!!! Oh, my computer was making fun of me. 😛 Yay Roman! 🙂
Allison says
I’m 4th? Cool.
Great chapter.
Grace says
I love it – of course Kate was married by a pagan batman
Kat M. says
Heh.
Pagan Batman.
/snrk
Sonia says
+1
Ginni says
That’s awesome. 😎
Allison says
I guess I’m not 4th 🙂
Eda says
Gobbled up this sweet morsel. Now… is it next Friday yet? 😂💕💕
Moderator R says
😀 You, me – same!
Isabelle says
+1
Laura says
+1
Brightfae says
1+++
Messi says
yasss!
jewelwing says
This is my tribe, right here.
Joy Wilson says
+1000
I so agree!
Sivi says
+1
Judy Schultheis says
Oh, WOW!
Lizzie says
Thank you! It just keeps getting better!
Emilye says
yay! it’s here!
Jenn says
Wow.
Roman is so awesomely awesome…
Kristine says
Thank you!
Andreas says
I’m panicking! !!
Moderator R says
::Terminator Mod voice:: He’ll be back!
Isabelle says
🤣 good one!
but in a week 😒, we have to w*t. I do not like cliffhangers (bring the paper bacgs🛍️so I can breathe without hyperventilating)
Alice says
But you can re read from the beginning and enjoy every word!!
Cari says
I feel like I’ve read each of the serials a dozen times – Re-read the previous week’s segment before the new one as a refresher, re-read from the beginning every few chapters to keep track of the characters, re-read the whole thing one more time before it’s pulled for final editing, re-read the final book, then the audio book, then the Graphic Audio book 😂😂😂
Marijke says
+1
MaggieD says
+1
Wendy says
thank you!! amazing story!!!
KellyR says
Thank you so much for another weekly dose of Roman and company ❤️
Arianna says
+1! ❤️
laura says
loving this roman serial! thank you thank you thank you!
Sharla says
Nobody panic!
Only 7 days until the next one!
Mo says
Lol, it’s good to see someone being poisoned who does not have to rely on bargaining with the Merchants for a remedy. Although I suspect this bargaining might even be worse.
jewelwing says
Yeah, bargaining with Chernobog can’t be good.
Susan Jackson says
WOW. My eyes were wide at the end and I was holding my breath! And now I have to wait a week. Great stuff.
Harriet says
Nooooo, Roman, don’t die!!!!
Kathryn H says
Don’t leave me here!!!
Sherri says
I just love this.
Did some little cookie shaped person tell us this was going to be a novel? Did I dream it?
Moderator R says
Not sure yet what length it will be- it may be short story, novella etc. It will be published , however! 🙂
njb says
So happy!
Nancy says
The more, the better. Roman is a great character with depths we are just learning about.
kommiesmom says
Oooo! Fun!
Thank you for the escape today. As always, it grabs you and won’t let go.
*Please* put this up for sale at some point. I *really* want to give you money for it.
Pretty please?…
Moderator R says
It will be published when it’s done! 🙂
Jessica B says
+1 please and thank you. I also love Kor. 🐈⬛
Brooke says
so good short but good gotta live you lives so all the patience for every morsel … thankyou for this!!!!!!
thankyou for for always providing more stories as you can eveb though there are pushy people out there there are people willing to qait for your brilliance in what ever form brings you joy
Gloria says
So good. Can’t wait til next week. Thanks. Worth the wait each time.
Angy says
Reading a book, or a weekly release in this case, by IA has always been a great way for me to learn new things. After reading this, I went down a Zoroastrian wormhole and am now hyper focused on Freddie Mercury… we shall see where this leads 🙂
Marianne says
+1
Dawn says
I saw Zoroastrian wormhole and Freddie Mercury and actually snorted 😂
SWC says
+1
Kat in NJ says
You and me both Angy!!! Roman and the Late Great Freddy Mercury all in one day…it’s been a great day!! 😂
jewelwing says
There are worse things to be hyper focused on.
Linda says
I so look forward to these snippets of a story. I have always liked Roman. I wait, breathlessly (but not too much), for Friday to come and I get the next exciting installment.
Thank you for posting these!
Lenore A. Villa says
Thank you!
Byron Matthews says
Every week is so good. Thanks so much for this story
Proud Bookworm says
I love Fridays! Thank you House Andrews!!
JMB says
Wait! What?! You can’t end it there! Aargh! Loving this story. Roman rocks! Now I’ll wait impatiently for next Friday.
Kiri Guyaz says
Holy flying F—balls! That is intense! CanNOT WAIT for Roman to KICK SOME A—!!!! The twists and turns, the fluffy floof that helps, all the details–love it!!
njb says
Omg it’s going to be hard to wait for next week. This was so good, thank you!
Becky says
I am a newbie to the serial scene and I love it!
Sivi says
I still remember my first AI serial experience 😁 once experienced, you can check (in) any time you like, as they say, but you can never (want to) leave 🎵
Should be called welcome to the Hotel BDH, our HA version of Gertrude Hunt…. I’m going down a rabbit hole of mentally rewriting song lyrics…BDH choir anyone,m
Kelly says
Good one!!! I was listening to The Very Best of The Eagles yesterday at work. One of my all time favorites.
I am so loving Roman’s story and so excited it will be published to add to my collection to re-read whenever I want.
Joy Wilson says
Haha! Perfect, Sivi!
zenitram says
thank you for making my Friday!
Sarah says
This is all so good! Only problem is I inhale it, speed reading like I’m possessed . House Andrews, you are my absolute favorites❤️
Verslint says
LaLaLaLa Roman! Is so freaking awesome! thanks for the chapter!
CathyTara says
Wow, it is going at warp speed. Love it! Thank you!
Tina says
anyone else hear Scooby doo when Roro speaks? No? just me then 😂
roll on next Friday 🥰
Moderator R says
Roh-ro 😀
Tamberlin says
Well i do NOW 😀
Sivi says
+1
eww says
I love how Roman’s character is has been fleshed out since he appeared in Magic Slays.
Steph D says
Holy holy holy. I’m reading the series (again) just because the the week between Roman visits are TOO LONG! lol On Magic Slays, giddy to read (again) the first sighting of Roman.
Loving the serial. Thank you HA!!!!
Ellabean says
So good!!
Kathy says
He is definitely military snapping orders like that.
Can’t wait for next week!
Norbert says
Interesting priorities… revenge on the poisoner first, healing second. The last potion implies that countering this poison requires direct intervention by ChernoBoss… probably involving direct communication and orders Roman might not like. In the real world, he will probably vanish into darkness during this, so it makes sense for him to say he“ll be back.
Ilona says
” revenge on the poisoner first, healing second”
Hehehe.
Kylie in Australia says
The last words fell from Roman’s lips. Magic sank into the bolthead like fangs of a striking snake.
“Poison me, you zaraza.” He hurled the bolt into the fire.
A howl of pain ripped through the night.
At first, I thought Roman was diagnosing the poison but then with the ‘howl of pain’ I went, ahh, nope he’s sending some payback to the poisoner.
Love it 🙂
Lynn says
Roman, Priest of Chernobog
Also rescuer of children, dogs, orphan pixies (yeah I know they are not the same thing. Work with me here) and kidnapped Priests of Ahura Mazda…..
There will be doves. With black eyeliner and spiderweb designs you can only see when they spread their wings.
Ms Blaise says
Roman doesn’t do doves. Remember the murder of crows at the wedding?
Lynn says
Not yet. But he will. Cute little doves that go “coo-coo” but with bass voices. 🙂
Sherri says
yes no “doves” yet, pigeons are doves by another name and probably fit in with Chernobog as some folks think of them as vermin. so maybe he does pigeons.
Ms Blaise says
Re read all chapters to here last night and appreciating how action builds on more action.
Thank you so much for the free Friday reads. It’s so generous of you.
Irene says
I wonder which of HA’s furry family inspired Roro.
“Drop it. Trash!” 😊
Lyn says
In the Kate Daniel’s world—Grendel inspires the “Drop it. Trash.”
Patricia Schlorke says
So the black goo of Chernobog will help along with everything else Roman took. I wonder if Chernobog’s family issues are resolved?
We can’t have our favorite Eeyore loving guy go poof and not come back. 😍
::Announcer voice:: What will happen to Roman after he poofed? Will Chernobog get the poison out of Roman? Will whiny Wayne get what he wants, or will the client have to do the dirty work? Tune in next Friday for Roman’s Sanctuary. 🏠
Sivi says
😂
imagine if blogs allowed voice notes…no more auto-courpt… but so many more verbal bloopers
Sharon Leahy says
Breathless here, and now a whole week to wait!!! House Andrews, fabulous, just fabulous!
Julie Price says
I never comment but that was awesome! Thank you so much for making my Fridays.
Sam says
Oh gosh! Thank you!
Diane says
“d bacchanal start” (in my country bacchanal has many different meaning) in this case is, they don’t have a clue of what they started.
Sivi says
ooh, I missed that line
these days that makes me either think, carnival and soca songs, whereas once it would only have brought to mind Bacchus
Sage6 says
Well, that was exciting. I will impatiently wait for the next chapter. I hope Roman remembers to keep someone alive to answer questions.
Di says
Wow, that went by at the speed of light!
Thank you for sharing!
Relin says
Oh dang! This escalated and I’m excited to see what happens next!
Brightfae says
Uh oh. Are these idiots gonna get to meet Cherny? I can only hope!
So good! Thx, HA!
Marianna says
Yes! To all of this ! I’m loving this story so much .
Linda says
so good poison won’t stop him.
thanks
Libby says
I’m so interested in finding out why this boy is special. I really hope Saiman isn’t involved in this, but it feels like something he might facilitate.
Laura Martinez says
Lurve!
Shayera says
Zoroastrian here! ::waving:: So thrilled to see us here!
I love this so much!
Brenda says
Oooh. Things are about to get to ven more badass
Alex says
WHOA. Amazing chapter, thank you! Have a great weekend.
Jane Jeffrey says
Loving Roman’s story.
Leslie says
Roman: “Nobody panic.”
Me: 😱😱😱😱😱
SoCoMom says
Right? That one’s up there with “It’s okay. I got this.”
Sabrina says
Or the infamous “we need to talk” 🙈😂
BrendaJ says
Yikes! To me, this is an excellent example of a Pyrrhic victory. Almost. You never know what Roman has up his sleeve. Or in his refrigerator 😉
Loved it!
Thanks,
Brenda
Marcia Sundquist says
ohh someone has made Roman T- off, can’t wait to see what coming next.
Rohaise says
So intense! Now to re-read and wait for next Friday.
BrendaJ says
On another subject, I LOVE ❤️🔥 the picture of the kolovershi creatures sitting in the tree. I’ve already named some of them.lol Will this be offered as a print to purchase? It makes me laugh every time I see it.
Thanks, Brenda
Moderator R says
Hi Brenda,
The picture does not belong to House Andrews for them to offer it as prints- you will notice that the credited and attributed to the artist which is Rayetherna https://www.weasyl.com/~rayetherna
BrendaJ says
Thanks for the info. I knew it was credited to the artist but thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask if maybe they, through House Andrews, would offer it for sale. I’ll check their website. 🙂
Thanks again,
Brenda
chris says
So good!
House DeMille says
wow this went by way too fast (in a good way!)
also, I think I’ve now officially joined the “more Roman!” of the Horde…
Raye says
This is breathtaking stuff. #TeamRoman
InkDrinker says
I await the next bit upon pins and needles! Thank you for writing and sharing this serial!
sarafina says
Well this is exciting!! Tense wait this week!
tracy says
Super worried that the magic is going to crash and Roman will be left in the lurch. We have to save Roman, he’s the best wedding planer!
Maria OToole says
Bet he would turn into a real bridezilla if he plans his own wedding!
(Are you listening, HA? We would love to see that…)
Jean says
Thank you!! Yay Roman!! This story is getting crazy in a really good way!!
📚📚📚
Happy Groundhog Day!! 💐 or❄️??
gingko-girl says
So good! And I am so desperate to know what happens next!
Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Sue says
Sooooo freaking good! Thank you!
Jennifer says
So upset I had to go to a work meeting as I wanted to be first and had my email open all day!!!!
I hope we get more character serials
Sue says
I so look forward to these excerpts, then reread the whole thing again. It is amazing how much I miss or don’t understand the first time around. Thank you so much for writing this and sharing. Roman is a very interesting character!
Absolutely love Fridays!
Sharon says
Ilona and Gordon…we call this teasing. Bad Andrews’, BAD.
Henry says
Mod. R, Emily commented about the name change of Vance and Wayne. That comment sparked one of my unasked questions about Versions of HA books. Is there a list of the latest Version numbers of all the HA books?
Moderator R says
I’m sorry, I don’t quite understand what you’re asking for.
Henry says
On my HA ebooks there is a notation which says Version # 2 or 3 and so on.
Moderator R says
I cannot find these “version #2 or #3”, I’m afraid. Which ebook specifically are you referring to and where in it does it appear for you?
I can see a Version number that is much longer (for example on the Burn for Me Kindle copyright page it is 09142023KO), and it is probably to do with Kindle or Kobo system numbering, depending on your e-reader. No list of these versions exists because it’s of no use to readers or author 🙂
Henry says
It doesn’t appear on every book so I assume they are then BN’s version number. Thank you for helping.
Patricia Schlorke says
I have a Nook too. The numbers you see on the Nook is which book in the series it is. Some examples are: Magic Bites is the first book in Kate’s series. The Nook will show a 1. Magic Triumphs is the 10th book in the series, so the Nook will show 10. Burn for Me is the first book in the Hidden Legacy series, so it will show as 1 for the series. It helps with knowing which book is next in a series if you’re reading the books in order.
I hope this helps! 😊
Ms. Kim says
Boy, this does not sound good. Trepidation and concern.
Trish says
Loving this look into Roman’s life. I just finished listening to GA’S Sweep of the Heart! Yay! Re-listening already.
Megan W says
Wow! Awesome! I want to buy it NOW!
Robin says
So good! Thanks
Kate says
Such an amazing story! My love for Roman grows with every chapter.
Cecilia says
Wow! Now, THAT is a dose of Roman!
Tara says
ROMAN!!!!
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Latoya says
I’m on pins and needles, I tell ya!!
Alecia says
oh, damn. just damn.
…eagerly awaiting next week 🙂
CarrieS says
Awesome!! I’m on the edge of my seat! Soooo good.
Mary says
Friday is Roman day. Which adds to the happiness of TGIF. Hope the beloved authors, MOD R and all of the BDH have a wonderful weekend.
Judy B says
just ,,,, wow
Micaela says
I love this so much. Having another really tough day at work, and it was so great to have your wonderful world take me out of my stress for a while. Thank you!
Apple says
I’m hoping for line-drawn illustrations of Roman and his menagerie in the published version… 🙂
Kat in NJ says
WOW WOW WOW!!!!!! This story just keeps getting better and have I mentioned I LOVE ROMAN!!! What an awesome character!!!😍💕💕💕
Thanks to HA for your generosity in sharing this serial and thanks to Mod R for letting the BDH drool over Roman without getting too jealous….we promise he’s all your’s! 😂😂😂
Tapati says
I feel like this is an awesome anniversary present. Chernobog’s tear? WOW.
njb says
Even better the second time! I picked up a couple bits that didn’t make it thru fast first read. Wow, I enjoyed this. Thanks again!
Carrie says
Wow! Soooo good! Thanks, HA!
I was stalking the blog this morning and rereading the serial in preparation for this chapter. Then I had to go work on cleaning my garage (I hate moving) and otherwise busy for the rest of the day. Just remembered today was Friday and came back to see if it had been posted. I was positively gleeful when I saw it had! Yay!
Nancy says
You are not alone in hating moving. We are doing the same. So many trips to Good Will and the thrift store to drop off donations. So amazing how much stuff we accumulate!
Dee says
wow!
Susi says
Do we get to ship Roman and Farhang? Rohang?
(Waits with bated breath to see what the Magus is like when comes back to himself and realises what happened to him (fingers and toes crossed he does)) …
Moderator R says
Roman was written as a heterosexual character and will remain consistent 🙂
Traveler says
Oh Roman!
I’m all messed up now…..
jewelwing says
It has been a really long day, and all day I was sustained by the knowledge that this chapter (or part thereof) would be waiting when I got to sit down. To say that it did not disappoint would be a massive understatement. Although I guess that’s usually the way that phrase is intended. Anyway. Thank you!
Suzanne says
thank you, thank you, thank you
I needed this! Made the end of a crap day bearable.
Dena says
Woah!. I though you were kidding about the poisin… That’ll teach me😹😹😹
Loving this.. You all are awesome
Linda says
Thank you – this story is my favorite Friday thing!
Lyn says
No one will be happy if something happens to end the existence of our dark but lovable Roman. I am still hoping Finn’s sister is someone Roman might want to date. A little romance amid all the gore and violence stirs the BDH’s blood—in a good way.
Elizabeth Pointer says
So good. I love Roman. I love House Andrews writing. I love how all the details build until we have a rich image of what it’s like there.
Thank you for the happy.
Patti says
Eeeeee! Talk about a cliff hanger!
Next Friday can’t come soon enough!
Ann says
Thank you. Another wonderful Friday read. I try and wait until all my chores are finished before I sit down to read your blog. Always, worth the wait.
Reethu says
the antidote was chernobog’s tears???
Moderator R says
We shall see what purpose they served 🙂
jewelwing says
Do we want to know what would make Chernobog weep?
Joy says
Wow. what a scary question, Jewelwing!
Sarie says
Oh my goofy goodness. So good. I love it. So happy for Fridays now- also Roman has wooed my husband to the BDH. Soon he shall be one of us.
SoCoMom says
I hope that last howl in the night was a magical retribution along the lines of “I’m rubber, you’re glue”.
And, a drop of Chernobog’s tear … oooh!
Hyerin says
Hi. I’m not sure where to bring this up, but the contact form doesn’t have an option for this. While I am aware you just switched to a new provider, the recent newsletter emails have been flagged with containing malware. I can’t say if this is the case for everyone. Just wanted to let you know. Thanks.
Moderator R says
Hi Hyerin,
It’s because you are on a gmail account, their spam filter has decided to blacklist us even though the newsletter and website remain safe. https://ilona-andrews.com/blog/gmail-newsletter-malware-situation/
A support ticket has been initiated, and in the meantime you can add the newsletter to your saved addresses, which should correct the situation.
Cheryl says
So exciting!
Mechcat says
Wow, Roman officially has the scariest fridge to peek in. Pretty sure the correct answer to “What is that?”, is most commonly “You really don’t want to know.”
Also, did he go to the same dog trainer as Kate? Or possibly pick up a few training tips from Kate and Grendel?
Can we please get a T-shirt with the awesome cat/fox creature on it? (Kor, I think?)
Also, I need to ask if anyone else has a here kitty, kitty, kitty shirt that somehow magically turns itself outside out in the washer AND then in the dryer? Because ofc, I wash it inside out to protect Curran. Who is a cat, and so does go wherever he wants. Nevermind.
Did Roman’s revenge hit the archer or Wayne? Or whoever made the poison? It sort of seemed like Wayne, probably.
I hope we’re going to learn more about why Chernobog is having family issues. I’d initially thought it was more Roman having family issues this time of year? Hopefully Roman won’t have to endure too much yuckiness to b healed. Although given that kisses=being tongue-wrapped and sucked into a dragon’s mouth, one worries.
I’m hoping Roman finds his fictional version of Mod R soon! Maybe Kate & Curran will introduce him to a nice/badass woman who can tolerate his whole beloved by evil things gig. Roman is giving off some major nurturing vibes. He seems like he would deal well with the inherent chaos of raising kids.
Learning that HA edits the posted chapters is a good justification for frequent rereads. Thanks so much to HA for posting and to Mod R for keeping things running! We appreciate you all!
Sivi says
I have the here kitty kitty t-shirt… I’m currently wearing it😆.
I don’t have a dryer so I admit I just chuck it on the wash and then hand dry. bit I tend to wash colder which I think seems to help prolong my clothes more then some of the disasters I’ve had with hotter washes with lettering on t-shirts starting to peal off
AnnFlo says
Thank You! This is great! As always ❤️
With every snippet the ForRomanApetite rises bigger… And I can’t get rid of the kolovershi answering machine idea out of my head 😁
Asabí says
I loved the kolovershi sneaky spying too!
Nancy says
How about intelligence collection machine?
Bilkisu AbubakarMohammed says
Thank you Roman getting sexier
Minna says
Well now. All good, all evil, chaos and poison. We are truly spoiled by the House Andrews.
Oh Roman. Where did you go? Do you not know a week is sooooooo long wait.
Asabí says
Thank you both! I’m new to the fandom. Read all the KD books in like a week (many sleepless nights, but so worth it). Such an amazing series!
This serial is so helpful in getting me through the dark days of winter. Roman and Christopher are two of my favs. 🖤🖤🖤
Sivi says
so i completely forgot it was Fromanday yesterday. and reverted to a regular Friday running around and trying to work around my back which has gone out trying to hold me back.
So unlike lady week, where I’d made it to the top 10 of comments, I’m back down the charts in the 180s and probably by now 190s 😆
not then I Jane the joy of skimming the funny comments and observations of the BDH so it’s all win win and her to ride on their coat tails off observations (my very unobservant reading mind missed Wayne’s team tag in for Vance etc. ).
Thank you again for another brilliant snippet.
Sivi says
Read all Jane’s and Have. why my sliding typing things have is Jane 60% of the time is an annoying mystery to me.
Robyn says
my goodness this is powerful.
Claudia says
Yay! Thank you for another exciting installment!
Gaëlle from France says
So good !!!! Thank you !!!!
Gina says
Roman so deserves a happily ever after, I really hope that there’s one in his immediate future. Maybe Finn has an awesome kickarse sister that arrives looking for her baby brother and finds a delicious dark pagan priest instead.
Christine says
My Saturday morning treat 😁,thank you!
Bill G says
A congealed drop of a tear of Chernobog? After he’s heard that phone call? And after learning they’ve damaged a warrior mage?
Ruh-roh! Someone is in trouble
Karen says
You surely spoil the BDH! Thank you! Really enjoying these weekly treats.
Signe says
Good Golly Miss Molly! This just keeps getting better and better.
Thank you soooo very much. Words cannot express what a joy this is to read.
mz says
Does this mean that we are going to see Roman dragged into — or more dragged into — the Chernobog family kerfuffle? I’ve been wondering what that involves since it first came up (yelling at the dinner table; “where did you put the keys, you pos”; eating the chocolate that belongs to someone else; etc ???)
JMB says
I just saw the comment that this will eventually be published. That is what I’ve been hoping for! H.A., you had me at Roman. Thank you so much! I will gladly buy this as soon as it’s available and I hope it’s a super long story. Huge fan of Roman and can’t get enough.
Juni says
Lots going on
Exciting stuff
VB says
Fantastic. Another slice of magic/ religion lore and a frantic mixing of medications.
Susan Reynolds says
This series is so full of interesting details I am immensely grateful to you! I hope your font of imagination and plotting skills keeps going for a long time. I have had a crush on Roman for years, and this serial is terrific (both in the modern American “really great” and the original “inspiring terror” senses.) And Fedya is awesome….
Jacqueline lynch says
Awesome as usual!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Rhonda says
I’m so hooked! 😍
Sherri says
The Chapter 4 limerick:
Evil mercs crept out of the fog
to kidnap young Finn and his dog
and then the crossbowman
shot our guy Roman
Now they’re gonna meet Chernabog!
Haiku anybody?
Ilona says
::standing ovation:: 😀
Patricia Schlorke says
👏👏👏👏👏
Joy Wilson says
Wow. I’m in awe of your writing AGAIN!
It is such an honor to be in the BDH.
We are so privileged.
Thank you, thank you!
Nancy says
Wow.
Lorelei says
I love Roman so much! This is such a fun serial. 🙂
KMD says
ugh, this is so good. Love it when Roman gets all snarly
Lisa Menery says
It’s always great when I forget this exists, then it pops up in my feed. Thanks for all the writing, it makes my day.
Eric says
I don’t know why, but google decided that the email assocciated with this post was spam because of:
“This message seems dangerous
It contains links to websites hosting malware. Avoid clicking links in the message.”
Moderator R says
We are aware of the situation, thank you for letting us know :). The Gmail spam filter is not a fan, apparently.
A support ticket has been initiated, in the meantime, you may need to fish Ilona Andrews out of your spam folder and add us to your saved addresses.
Lacey pfeffer says
🖤🖤🖤 so good
Joanne says
Just hope someone’s there with some eggnog for Roman when this is over. He deserves it; maybe a splash of Southern Comfort, too.
Michelle Jones says
Thank you, thank you , thank you! Loving this serial 🙂
Silvana says
Hola a todos, acá una gran fan desde Argentina, puedo decirte lo mucho que te amo? Sos genial y adoro sus maneras de escribir y todo lo que cae en mis manos
Gerb says
Roman ❤️😍❤️ *sigh*
Mary says
Wow!!! This just keeps getting better and better!
Reilly says
Jonesing for the next installment. Of the KD characters I would like to meet in RL, Roman is first, Aunt B is second, Raphael is third with Dali being a close fourth. I love this writing team!
BelleBok says
Roman: “Nobody panic. I’ll be back.”
Yaay Roman is cool!!!
Ann C says
Wow! Exciting! I’m loving this! Thank you House Andrews!
Ona Jo-Ellan Bass says
Uh-oh.
Can’t wait for the next installment.
Becky Pullum says
“Trash! Drop it! Trash!” — oh, boy, that’s a t-shirt motto if I ever heard one. Didn’t just LOL. Really did laugh out loud.
Kat says
I slept through Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday. kidney stone this to shall pass. I would drink the tear of a morally grey deity if it would bring me back faster. A dose of Roman is even better medicine.
Maria OToole says
Just an idle question: is this past short story length and into novelette/ novella territory yet? Inquiring minds…
Yes. I hope it is. I’m enjoying this…and we haven’t met Finn’s sister yet (possible ship?) or found out why the kid is being chased…
JanLo says
Wonderful. I’m so enjoying this story. Can’t wait for the next episode. ❤️👍
Diane says
Wow! Roman is in good form and rolling along. Fun! 😀
Thanks!
NSum says
Just for the record, I don’t want Roman to marry a witch. There is too much discord in his family of witches and dark priests. He deserves a kick-@ warrior with a sense of humor and isn’t afraid of his beasties. Maybe she likes to fix things and keeps a garden. They might butt heads but won’t hold grudges. He deserves a warm haven.
Gretchen says
Whatever the magical equivalent of a moderator is!!! If she can wrangle a Horde, she can certainly manage Roman’s family!
Becky says
“nobody panic” umm, okay? Maybe just a little?!?
Moderator R says
As someone put it last week, it’s a brown-pants type of day 😀
Chris says
I’m Loving this series ! But I didn’t love that Roman had to give the command to “Drop it !” More than one. He is so powerful and good with animals, that he knows that you train them so you never have to give any command more than once. It can save an animal or a kid’s life if they learn that when you give a command you mean it and there is no argument.
jing says
ahhh… but it was mentioned previously that Roro is unreasonably Roro. She did respond & she loves Roman.
Ilona says
Roro is not the sharpest tool in the shed but the cutest.
Lora Spence Tyler says
Wow! Love it and THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Krista says
Freaking Fabulous! Thank you so much
Metzi Crowden says
I hope this is a new book.