Tag: magick

Chapter Eight: §5

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter Eight2 Comments

Continued (December – 1026 YD)
Gesula, Lenyol

Mitchas cantered into town, gliding past the workshop. Kesia had heard the hooves and moved to the window; on seeing him ride uphill toward Kengar’s, she dropped her chisel and raced along in his wake.
__She found her uncle’s door open, and overheard their exchange.
__‘What do you mean, gone?’
__‘We were travelling to Miggest, and set up camp south of Bescon—’
__‘By Archoak Forest?’
__‘What remains; it burnt in October. Tàvae asked to continue on, but the sun was falling and the horses spent. When I woke in the morning she was gone.’

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Chapter Eight: §3

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter Eight2 Comments

Continued (December – 1026 YD)
Gesula, Lenyol

Kesia and Mellena worked with Kengar for days on end, impressing him with what they had learnt and practised over the years. It was not long, however, before their rediscovered zest for weaving was overshadowed by their commitments. Kesia had orders to complete for her Alendae clients; Mellena had the flock to tend; they had lives to lead.

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Chapter Eight: §2

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter Eight2 Comments

Continued
(December – 1026 YD)
Gesula, Lenyol

Kengar returned at last. Seeking his wife, he came to Kesia’s house. Kesia listened as Ànlisia explained feebly that Tàvae had departed the previous day with Mitchas, perhaps to Offenure—or Alendae, it was so rushed—on some unknown yet urgent business. Yes, they had used Mitchas’ horses. No, they had not given a return date. Yes, Tàvae was fine. No, she hadn’t appeared anxious. She had merely asked for some things to stock her herb-purse. Would he like some tea? Not to worry, Mitchas would surely return soon, and have better information.

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Chapter Seven: §1 Meanwhile, North

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter Seven2 Comments

September – 1023 YD
Delus, Miggest

Some months after the inauguration of the Duke of Trialle, Vilsonius accepted the Custodia’s invitation to the region’s capital.
__He was admitted to the Great Hall and found it empty of attendants. Custodia Galluel sat on a platform above the vast space, leaning against the side of her throne, ankles crossed, bemusement folded in the corner of her mouth. The throne was ornate, and yet simpler than its Iulithan counterpart—here, the throne was low-backed, shallow and narrow enough for comfort, lined inside with a black bear pelt. The throne of his homeland was high, large, and cold.

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Chapter Six: §3

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter Six2 Comments

(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” →

Chapter Six: §1 Coming of Age

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter Six4 Comments

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” →

Chapter Two: §4

On By F. T. Hall-BowdenIn Chapter Two2 Comments

Winter – 1022 YD
Gesula, Lenyol

Until winter, Kengar taught both girls the essentials of their trade. Mellena had less aptitude than Kesia, and less obeisance, and Kengar tended to teach them separately. Kesia eagerly learnt the history he taught her, while Mellena hungered for practical instruction, and he catered for both with the dedication he had promised. Once fortnightly he left the village, leaving them to be instructed by his wife. Tàvae enjoyed expanding on her husband’s tendency for overviews and summaries, and her fireside lessons were a welcome reprieve from the cold. Continue reading “Chapter Two: §4” →