Hospitality
[Sweeping noises] “Be careful with that basin, daughters: you almost knocked it over.” “Yes, Mother.” “Why are we sweeping the dormitories, Mother?” “Because we have visitors coming. You know about the …
Elsewhere… Part III
He wanted to place a hand on her shoulder but hesitated. Hunched over the dead body she looked so small and fragile. *Looked* He knew better by now than to …
Precautionary Measures
Writing was painful; it required all her concentration to keep a steady hand. Someone was shuffling their feet nearby. It was a small but irritatingly persistent sound that cut right …
Invitation to the Bell Garden
“Delilah, what is this?” “An invitation, Mother.” “Yes, I see that. I was referring to the part at the bottom.” “Oh, this part, Mother?” “Yes, Delilah, that part. The part …
Elsewhere… Part II
Acrid smoke made her nostrils raw. Breathless, she stumbled into the glade, landing hard on one knee and gasped for air. Exertion in this place was just another way to …
Discourses
A pen is dipped into the ink and hovers over the paper. The Recorder reads the notes softly: Discourses for the Winter’s Gathering of Souls – Brother Accalon on ‘Ways …
Be our guest! Be our guest! Be our guest!
“What have you got there?” Asenath asks the probationer as he leafs through pages of names. “I am making a guest list.” Her smile freezes and she peers over his …
Elsewhere
Somewhere beyond the tall canopy of trees, past the rich fronds, the razor sharp undergrowth and the intoxicating scent of the flesh-nut tree, the sun sets on the last day …
Pronouncement
Black-clad figures draw cloaks about themselves as they hurry across the courtyard to the great hall. Cold winds blow around the chapter precincts, chilled still by the icy remnants of …