A possible sequel to this story... “Ooo… you’re the beneficiary of a vast fortune.” Colin held up a letter, waving it with a grand flourish. “Nigerian?” Gatta kept filling in the Saturday crossword in the Times. “No, Hurin,” he said, folding the paper and making as if to tear it in half. “What?” She tossed … Continue reading Uppity women
The story so far… Agatha was waiting when the sergeant knocked on her door. He barely recognized the woman standing at the threshold. “Are you ready?” Calen took Agatha’s satchel. Agatha checked her apron pocket for her ever-present string of beads. ‘I am,” she said. “Let’s make Rája wish the spirits kept him in the … Continue reading Meeting of the minds
The story so far... King Rája languished in a hammock lashed between two stanchions buried deep into the sand. Attendants held fans over the royal, shielding him and his wizard from the harsh coastal sun. The necromancer was divining signs in the bloody bones of a sacrificial goat. “The portents are pointing to your reign … Continue reading As the spirits move you
The story so far... The King’s sergeant-of-arms, Calen, half dragging and half carrying Maud, burst through the tent entry, swearing at the sentry to leave them. Maud fell into the pile of cushions, trying to cradle her left arm, her hand wrapped in what looked like a bloody rag. She screamed in pain when she … Continue reading Voices carry
Agatha’s Story so far... Queen Maud covered her mouth with her hands as best she could, trying to shield her face from the sand kicked up by the guard as he struggled with her across the beach. Once inside the dark tent, set off from the rest of the camp, Maud pulled away from Calen, … Continue reading A ghostly past
Previously: "I know who you are, who you really are Noone." Duncan watched for Agatha's reaction. When she didn't flinch, he continued. "You know how old women tell children stories about monsters to make them behave? I already knew about monsters. My nanny told me about you, to give me hope." Duncan handed Agatha's rosary … Continue reading Blood orange sun
Agatha remained huddled beneath the rugs with Duncan, afraid to even breathe. Straining to hear whether the guard had companions, Agatha dared to lift a corner to look out into the open tent. Duncan stayed her hand, laying a finger against his lips. He scooted backward away from her, slowly uncovering his head. Looking around … Continue reading On the right path
