She dragged leaden feet across the floor and dropped onto the rustling heap. Both her cloaks were wet, and her boots were all but dripping where she sat. She shrugged off the cloaks, throwing them off to one side, then shucked her boots. Both pairs of hose were soggy, so they were added to the …
The cart clattered through the east gate and onto the Tradeway. Her companion had been right, there were people coming and going on the road even at this time, many with lanterns. It was more than bright enough to see, and busy enough to keep any but the most mischief-bound kelpies away. She pulled at …
She stood back. “Very well. Am I allowed to change? It would be a little inconsiderate to hand a man a wife and have her perish of the cold in the same night.” Her mother choked on a sob behind her. “Nora, darling.” She held her father’s gaze. He jerked a nod. “Be quick. I’m …
When they reached home, Master Gent and Sebastian followed them inside instead of going on to their inn. Or had they been invited to stay here? Eleanor resisted the urge to stamp a foot and pout. She wanted some proper food, her book, her bed. She allowed her father to herd her into the front …
Before anyone could respond, a golden figure appeared in the main doorway. Cecily gasped, her hand fluttering to her chest. “Is that the Clearfall heir?” Eleanor snorted. “No, that’s Sebastian Gent.” Cecily turned wide eyes on her. “But you said he was awful. No one that beautiful could be awful.” She snorted again. “I’ll introduce …
Eleanor’s smile barely made it to the corners of her mouth. “I’m afraid I’m terribly busy. Master Fang is only in town for a few more days and Mistress Azimi sent word that I’m to resume my lessons on the Sun Empire with her tomorrow.” Sebastian bowed over her hand. “Such a clever little Ellie. …
Once upon a time (because that’s how these things start), there was a wealthy merchant, with a healthy wife and a single, beloved daughter. The daughter, Eleanor, wasn’t the prettiest girl in the town of Gandry, but she was pretty enough for mothers and fathers of local sons to paint over her fierce intelligence with …
Thrushbeard was the first full story I actually finished. It's a bit under 32,000 words, so novella length. When I went to write the second draft, I decided to turn it into a full-length novel. Which means draft two isn't a revision, it's a total re-write. Even the names of the main characters have changed. …
A little extra from Thrushbeard of Anaria telling the children in the village a story The children settled as Anaria took a seat at the front of the new school room. She arranged her skirts then looked over the eager faces and smiled. "Have you heard the legend of the Crown of Aragonia?" Eyes rounded …
The rest of the preparations were completed without drama, although the wound to Anaria’s heart still ached. Finally, she was pronounced ready, and her helpers led her from the room. She was escorted downstairs by the group of laughing, chattering women and felt warmed by their happiness on her behalf. Well, if her mother couldn’t …
The DNA of Stories 