Bancross

On the afternoon of our fourth day under Northgyth’s roof, she called me to speak with her in her own rooms at the back of the shop. Waelden had gone out for a walk along the track he had found that led to the lake, likely taking time to think on his own. Ethel had been playing with Herne and her papa’s goat. Both were safe, in my mind. No harm would befall them while they were out of my sight...I hoped.

The following morning saw us all still in something of a shock. Ethel laid in bed for some hours, until Ymma brought a midday meal to the bottom of the stairs to tempt all of our empty stomachs. Even then, Ethel was not her usually hungry self. She picked at the bacon, eggs and mushrooms without her usual passion. But she spoke with us. She was ‘alright’ she said, and just glad we and the animals were safe.

(This story follows from A Deadly Dance of Fire and Smoke  by Waelden )