(Continued)
Gesula, Lenyol
Fatigue eventually claimed Tàvae, and she was curled in a deep sleep when Kengar returned. Origins lay beside her on the night table.
__He lifted the book and opened it; he admired the artistry of the borders, glad that the written form of Gaeilge was a mystery to him. He had no desire to access its contents.
(Continued)
Gesula, Lenyol
The sun set as Toran and Tàvae worked. They had made good progress transcribing the smuggled text, for though it appeared thick, its heavily decorated borders meant each page contained only a few hundred words.
September – 1026 YD
Gesula, Lenyol
A constellation of bows were released, hissing with propulsion, crossing one another to land on the target board with a riff of pummelling thuds.
__‘Ha!’ Toran clenched his fist in victory; his arrow protruded from the target’s centre, its navy fletching clear from their hundred-foot distance.
(Continued)
Gesula Forest, Lenyol
The rear of Tàvae and Kengar’s house was a dozen yards from the edge of Gesula Forest, and here Tàvae awaited her niece on a dapple gray mare. Both Tapa, the horse, and Tàvae were examining the forest as Kesia approached silently on Shann. Continue reading “Chapter Six: §4”
(Continued)
Gesula, Lenyol
Rain had swept over western Terra Draco during the past three years, providing relief to the drought. This spring was no different, and it was another wet morning when Kesia awoke dry-mouthed from her coming-of-age celebrations the previous evening.
__Entering the kitchen, she found her balance thrown by the wine, and steadied herself against the wall.
__Chuckles came at her from the table; there her aunt and mother sat with mugs of steaming tea and knowing smiles. Her mother pushed a mug toward Kesia, and an egg with toast. ‘Have these.’ Continue reading “Chapter Six: §3”
(Continued)
Gesula Temple, Lenyol
‘Congratulations, Kesia!’ Ànlisia held her daughter’s shoulders and kissed her forehead. ‘You did so very well. If only—’ she caught herself— ‘Oh, but you look beautiful.’
__ ‘She does indeed.’ Tàvae emerged from the crowd.
__ Kesia blinked as her aunt and uncle appeared by her mother. Kengar had returned occasionally over the last few years to continue her training, but half a year had passed since she had seen him last. She forgot her disappointment and threw herself on him.
August – 1026 YD
Gesula Temple, Lenyol
Three years passed. The Spring Equinox arrived.
__Kesia and Lasair stood in the elegant gold dresses of their coming-of-age ceremony. Beside them were Toran, in golden tunic and trousers, and Mellena, in a soft red dress. All were taller, fuller, and on the cusp of adulthood.
__As they had many years previously, they awaited Priest Caleb with nerves while their families took their seats inside the temple. A warm breeze blew from the east. Continue reading “Chapter Six: §1 Coming of Age”
