Hands tucked deep in the pockets of a new coat, Asha wandered along the harbor under the dimming sun. For five days, the gray sky hung low over Carrick, pressing down. The sun didn’t so much set as gradually surrender, like a lamp slowly running out of oil. Ignoring the lingering stares of the locals,…
When the knock came at the door, Owen got up from where he’d been sitting on the floor. He opened it to find Asha standing there, arms laden with parcels wrapped in brown paper. She wore a new tunic, and the substantial handle of a new knife protruded from her belt. “That bad, huh?” She…
“So, what happened with Laine last night?” Eirian asked, picking at his breakfast. “Nothing happened with Laine.” Owen didn’t look up from his plate. “Okay, okay… but you are into her, aren’t you?” “Can we please just eat?” Eirian pushed his food around his plate with his fork. “You know, she reminds me of—” “Tully,”…
All morning, the wind cut across the mountaintop, unnoticed by the Goatherds. The sun beat down on the exposed rock, creating pockets of warmth between the cutting winds. Far below, festival preparations continued, the sounds of hammering and distant voices carried up on the air currents. Asha practiced walking on her hands back and forth…