Category: Chapter One

Chapter One: §6

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter One2 Comments


Spring – 1021 YD
Offenure, Lenyol

Brennan gave a servant’s tour of the castle, showing them through the labyrinth of kitchens, service passages, larders and keeps. His only reprieve from duty were the hours in the early evening, during which the Princess dined with her family. His position was a taxing one, he told them, rewarded by an untaxed wage. ‘Perhaps the only benefit of being a foreigner!’ He added quietly: ‘Many dislike my presence in the Princess’ retinue. Perhaps I was chosen for my origin; the Princess enjoys being contrary.’ Kesia smiled, suspecting even at her age that his appearance had been a prevailing factor. Continue reading “Chapter One: §6” →

Chapter One: §5

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter One1 Comment

Summer – 1017 YD
Gesula Temple, Lenyol

The children took to their cushions and rested on their knees within the open space of the temple. Priest Caleb sat at the opening of the arch they formed, open hands placed in his lap, a pillar of wax before him.

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Chapter One: §4

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter One1 Comment

(Continued) Offenure, Lenyol  

The city was a wonder to Kesia. Along the route to their inn she absorbed the scope of city life, with all its noise and haste and sensory onslaught.
   Castleknock was an impressive place. Three levels in height with gilded windows—each fitted with stained glass—its interior and furnishings had the opulence of nobility. It was a relief to Kesia that by the time of their arrival most guests were asleep, and that the innkeeper recognised Mitchas with warmth. His beautiful horses were taken to the castle stables, and they were shown to their rooms.

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Chapter One: §3

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Spring – 1021 YD
Gesula, Lenyol

Kesia knew not what to make of Otàmil’s death. Even when at home—rare since Eamon died—he was generally absent. She meditated on the numbness in her heart, seeking some nature of response, but could find only compassion for her mother. In her mother’s skin lived a woman who, seldom speaking and scarcely eating, did nothing but tend the house and garden. Little of Ànlisia could be found in her face. Tàvae visited several times a week and attempted to break the spell, without avail. At least she kept Kesia company.

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Chapter One: §2

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Winter – 1012 YD
Gesula, Lenyol

The village of Gesula was speckled with lantern lights guiding the way through the fog.
   In the central street stood a large and popular house.
   ‘Bed time, everyone!’
   The house vibrated with excited feet; the children charged into the bedroom with shrieks of delight. All five crawled into one bed, snuggling up to Ànlisia. They elbowed each other to be closest to the story.
   ‘Prayers first. Come on, all together.’ Continue reading “Chapter One: §2” →

Chapter One: Rising Ashes §1

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter One2 Comments

Winter – 1021 YD
Gesula, Lenyol

Long as she had known, Otàmil had forced Kesia to wear shoes with no soles. Weavers need always be connected with the earth, he’d said, and there was no point starting with proper boots only to lose them later. In winter his edict was burdensome, for though no snow fell in the lowlands, there was fierce frost in the mornings from June on. It was the skin between her toes which smarted most, and no amount of exposure would ever harden those little sections of flesh. Her brother had caught her wearing socks one such morning. Her father learnt of this, of course, and for the whole of July made her wear shorts to ensure the soles of her feet were uncovered. Continue reading “Chapter One: Rising Ashes §1” →