Chapter 33 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:08:13 -0700

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 ...

Chapter 32 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Sun, 31 May 2009 22:05:04 -0700

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 ...

GreenGlass's Points Story: A Lesson

MeiLin — Sun, 31 May 2009 11:58:51 -0700

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 ...

Chapter 31 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Sun, 31 May 2009 11:40:21 -0700

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, ...

Chapter 30 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Thu, 28 May 2009 17:13:26 -0700

[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,” ...

Chapter 29 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Tue, 19 May 2009 23:23:44 -0700

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 ...

Marri's Points Story: The Loophole

MeiLin — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:51:13 -0700

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 ...

Chapter 28 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:27:00 -0700

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. ...

Chapter 27 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Sat, 09 May 2009 00:09:48 -0700

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 ...

Chapter 26 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:39:25 -0700

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. ...

Saramander's Points Story: News for Breakfast

MeiLin — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:12:21 -0700

News for Breakfast:King Harsin approached the morning room in a slight state of dread. He was used to breakfasting alone, and preferred it. It gave him a chance to read the newspapers before his morning meetings with his ministers and his afternoon work reading and answering reports with Winmer. His time would not be his own again until after tea. But today, his oldest child, a girl he hardly ...

Chapter 25 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:44:55 -0700

Two Teas: It was through the good offices of Embis Winmer that Sedra discovered she would have to receive Lady Callant in her quarters. The secretary was apologetic, but “His Majesty requires that it be done, Your Highness, today and every day,” he said firmly. “He could at least have had the decency to tell me himself!” fumed Sedra. Both Winmer and Brinnid refrained from pointing out ...

Chapter 24 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:49:30 -0700

Good Management: Rose spent less than a spoke at Callant, though it had taken nearly three weeks to get there. “Eet ees a borrring backwater!” she’d complain to anyone who would listen, almost as soon as she’d arrived at Wilk Castle. But to Bear she confessed, “I fear that being away from Varrido so long may lessen his love for me. But he would insist!” “I like being this far from ...

Chapter 23 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:16:24 -0700

Elevations: “There, now, we’re all done!” said Ellika. She put Bern’s leg back down on the bed, pillows elevating it above his heart. “Not too much more of this! The Sisters say you’ll be able to try walking in less than a spoke.” Bern’s forehead shone with perspiration; though his arms and legs were moved for him, he had to put at least a little effort into it himself--and ...

Chapter 22 book 3 is live

MeiLin — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:48:03 -0700

Demands: “I’ve been curious about that portrait in your study, Papa.” “What portrait?” frowned his father. “Well--not portrait, exactly. The Porfino. Of Neya.” “Oh?” said Harsin in surprise. “What about it?” “I was wondering perhaps if I could...borrow it for a little while, hang it in my study? Not permanently,” he hastened. “I know you like it. Just for a ...