an intimate history of the greater kingdom
June 7, 2009
- Respect and Responsibiity: Temmin sat up, propping his arms on the back of the couch. “You were at Whithorse when Mama got married. Just how unhappy was Mama when she had to marry Papa?” Jenks turned from the little luncheon table and frowned. “Why would you ask me that, sir? Now of all times?” “I can’t help thinking about Mama, I suppose, and we’ve been--studying this sort of ...
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May 31, 2009
- Trying Not to Think: “It’s Palgday, isn’t it? See if they hold market day here, Bear, and go fetch us some treats! Fruit pastes for me and barley sugars for thee, eh? Here’s a silver, sweetheart, off with thee!” When he was gone, Rose lay down on the bed and let the honest tears flow. She’d held them back for so long--not the tears of a tantrum, but soul tears, from deep inside, tears ...
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May 31, 2009
- A Lesson: “Hm?” said Ansella. The lesson. It had been something about Venna’s brothers, the treacherous rapist Eddin, the violent rapist Farr, and the lecherous rapist Nerr. At least she thought that’s what it was about. She never really listened to lessons or sermons anyway; she preferred service and offerings. But it was so warm and pleasant under the tree. Ansella didn’t pay much ...
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May 31, 2009
- Duty: Today Brinnid would sail with the tide. He had finished his last business at the consulate, and, though absent Stewn’s careful watch, his trunks were aboard. He now waited impatiently in the downstairs receiving room for the gig to take him from the consulate to the docks. Brinnid reached into his vest pocket for his watch, but he checked himself, moved to a pocket closer to his heart, ...
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May 28, 2009
- [I forgot to post this! It's been up ages!] Two Prophecies, Fulfilled “She’s gotten worse the last day or two,” said the lady-in-waiting. Over Ansella’s protests, Donnis told him of the headaches, the weakness, the vomiting, the lack of appetite. “But she won’t let me call the Sisters! I’ve given her until this evening, and then I’m calling them whether she likes it or not,” ...
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May 19, 2009
- The Guenor Rebellion: The day of the battle, the King’s two generals surveyed the gathered enemy from a rise behind the camp; Ardenil saw nothing but a sea of spears, fronted by banks of archers protected by earthenworks bristling with horse-killing pikes. “I don’t see anything for it, Dantono,” said Ardenil. “We’re outnumbered, they have a battalion of Brothers, and they’re ...
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May 14, 2009
- The Loophole:Nino Postulant heard the footsteps coming up the length of the Public Office and stopping before his desk, but didn’t look up. “Excuse me? Father?” said a young voice. “I’m not a Father yet,” grumbled Nino, keeping his eyes on Pagg’s Book. And I won’t be if people keep interrupting me while I’m studying for the Exam, he added to himself. Nino sighed and rubbed his ...
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May 14, 2009
- Exits from the Stage: In this life, thought Bear, I am doomed to spend more time waiting outside Missy’s apartments than in them. Once again he sat in his preferred corner in the kitchens at the Keep, listening to the gossip of the servants at tea. It was the best way he’d found to measure the mood of the castle, and through it, the world outside its walls. Going out had become too dangerous. ...
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May 9, 2009
- Patience:Temmin lay gasping against Issak’s chest, his heartbeat slowly coming down. His eyelids flickered shut. “Don’t fall asleep,” murmured Issak, pinching Temmin’s nearest nipple. “Ow.” Temmin opened his eyes. “I’m always sleepy afterwards.” “You have to learn not to be. Up.” Issak pushed Temmin off his chest and sat up himself. “There is much you still have to ...
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April 26, 2009
- Softenings That night, Sedra did not come down to dinner, nor did she have Brinnid in her rooms for dinner. In fact, she ate no dinner at all. Instead, she sat in the dusk and then the dark, still curled up on her sofa. She let one of the upstairs maids lay a fire in the hearth, but she refused to let the lamps be lit--not even a single candle. “Oh, miss,” said her ladies maid, Camma. ...
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