Malodorous

Included in this edition My Fair Maiden: Bodhi arrives at a so small, it's barely on the map village with only three things in mind: getting out of the heat, having a decent meal, and a better drink. She's managed one of the three at the local tavern before she's approached by a gorgeous maiden. That, in itself isn't so unusual. Women are attracted to her on a regular basis. What's odd is the behavior of the locals. Everyone is acting strangely, including the beautiful Gwen. It doesn't take Bodhi long to figure out something is terribly wrong in this seemingly peaceful, isolated village. The question is...what? She's a hero, a woman with a sword, and she knows how to use it. But, what's a hero to do when no one will admit there's anything amiss, much less ask for help, not even the maiden in distress... What's a virgin to do? Gwendolyn is a proper, chaste maiden living in a small, remote village. Hers is a simple life, filled with back-breaking, mind-numbing chores. That is, until an ogre appears, demanding a virgin offering by the next full moon. It's her bad luck that she's just the tender, young morsel the villagers are willing to serve up on a platter. She tries everything she can to escape her fate, but finds herself out of options and out of time, doomed to be an offering for an ogre. Then, along comes a stranger. She's tall, she's blonde, and she's a professional swordswoman. She's also stunning enough to make many a maiden swoon. Problem is, she's not at all the hero Gwendolyn imagined. She's cocky, brazen, and rude. She's also Gwen's last, best hope. Malodorous: Something in Fairhaven stinks. Other than the mutton stew, that is. Gwen thought life after being a virgin sacrifice would be a bed of roses. Bodhi was just looking for a wench to bed. Neither less-than-dashing hero nor not-quite-so-pure maiden imagined they would meet again, much less be trapped together in a city the likes of the ill-named Fairhaven. There's a killer on the loose. Fairhaven's on lockdown, its citizens fearful for their lives. The local guards are corrupt. And, Bodhi's been accused of murder...