Cathy Cade's Blog: Writing Wrinkles, page 5

Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (32)

Midwinter Robin Rowan stayed with me now whenever Eden was called away for a day or two. This meant that Ro missed school less often, but it also meant Eden’s parents saw less of their grandchild. We visited the Thatchers for the midwinter holiday. Jarith Thatcher was all Tarn, sparrow-brown, unassuming and reserved, like Eden. … Continue reading Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (32)

Witch Marks

When my children were at school, I would usually know if they were somewhere they weren’t supposed to be, or doing something they shouldn’t. I would tell them I knew because I was a witch. I suspect a goodly proportion of their friends believed me. In truth, with four offspring and three nieces close in … Continue reading Witch Marks

Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (31)

Fendle Jay When I returned to the shores of consciousness and found myself in my own bed, the throbbing had reduced to a dull ache and my remaining fingers didn’t hurt so much. They didn’t move much either. Thumb and forefinger met as they should, but the claw had no power to clasp metal firmly … Continue reading Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (31)

Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (30)

Tarfen Robin The Assembly was housed in a former manor house, built mainly of stone around an open square. Before the Great Sickness, it had housed the Chief’s family, but disease has no respect for rank, and this one had taken the family. Two pairs of gates faced each other from opposite sides of the … Continue reading Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (30)

Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (29)

Day Twenty-four, Jay On the last night of our journey, I had settled myself for sleep when Storm found me. Our thoughts met, and I hadn’t the energy to block the incoming regret. Having registered I was still alive, if unresponsive, Storm then left me alone. I knew an aching emptiness where Rob should be. … Continue reading Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (29)

Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (28)

Day Twenty-three Jay I surfaced unwillingly, leaving behind both Storm and Robin in my dream. For the past day, I’d been drifting in and out of consciousness. At High Wenn, a healer said three fingers must come off now, if I wasn’t to lose more than fingers. The knife cut quick and clean, but the … Continue reading Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (28)

Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (27)

Day Twenty-one, Robin I wasn’t surprised to see Kip on my doorstep next morning, long before I was ready to leave for work. Not that I was unready. I was washed, dressed, fed – sort of – the table was clear, and I sat gazing at the opposite wall, registering nothing. My body was ready; … Continue reading Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (27)

Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (26)

Day Twenty Jay I’d meant to leave a note and slip away early, but I slept for most of the day into the evening and still had to be shaken awake. Cris wanted to change my dressing. The discharge oozing from my broken nails smelled of hung meat. We cleaned the mess and left it … Continue reading Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (26)

Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (25)

Day Nineteen Jay My head hurt. My eyes wouldn’t open. Well, they might if I tried harder, but I didn’t want to risk it. I had drunk too much strong cider and barley wine. (Storm tasted of barley wine.) My heart hurt. A hollow ache, as if my chest were bruised from inside. After I … Continue reading Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (25)

Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (24)

Day Eighteen, Robin It was Funday: the week’s end after six days of work. In the past, teaching hadn’t felt so much like work. I had spent too long at home. Eden arrived dressed for the occasion in deep sapphire with matching blue stone ear-studs. We had puppy-time in hand before we were due at … Continue reading Jay and Robin, Five for Silver (24)