It’s #BookQW and it’s “important” to listen carefully—to all news.
More from Chapter 11:
He shifted the guinea pig into the crook of one elbow so he could pat Fern’s shoulder. “I’ll find Raven, and we’ll check how badly the Meadows’ rip energy is pooling before the elders arrive for your inspection.” He smiled kindly before heading for the front door.
She followed, her stomach churning. Ugh, Raven. The guy who didn’t listen. Told her what to do. Insulted her weight. “I suppose it’s too dangerous for you to check by yourself, but I wish you wouldn’t ask Raven. He doesn’t like me. I can tell.”
“You’re nae wrong,” Beri said. “Smooth over the rough patches. Let him get to know you, so he can tell you what’s bothering him.”
“Beri.” She exhaled his name sharply enough that he stopped. “That makes no sense whatsoever. It’s like he’s judged me before we even met and decided I wasn’t good enough for the Meadows.”
At her words, Hilda squealed. Fern took her from Beri. “It’s okay, sweet piggy.” She ran her fingers through Hilda’s long fur, but the guinea pig’s shrill cries continued. “Lady Lark will be back soon,” Fern cooed.
Hilda switched to unhappy teeth-chattering. Beri stroked the back of a finger over the animal’s forehead, settling her. “’Tis nae your gran she’s worried about. Your negative talk about Raven upsets her. Try meeting him again. Things will work out to be right, if you trust them to.”
She liked Beri, but he was too nice. Too willing to let others take advantage. Fern rubbed her nose. Yet, things at the Meadows had worked out for her. Quite well, in fact. Still… “Why Raven? If the Meadows is losing land, it’s serious. Lady Lark needs to know.”
“Fern!” Beri sounded as frustrated as she was. “Lady Lark is in a delicate position with regard to the council. Raven has worked this land, too, and his ties are important to helping you and your gran.”
Suddenly, his words registered. Your gran. “But Lady Lark is…” Oh hell. She’d given it away somehow, because Beri was too damned nice.
“I might have still thought you were a cousin if I had nae heard Lady Heather’s name before.” His mouth curled into a wry grin as he took Hilda and lifted her level with Fern’s face. “But neither does this one keep a secret as well as the rest of your family.” He placed her on the floor, and Hilda scampered under the counter and buried herself in her hide.
“Busted by a guinea pig,” Fern muttered.
***
Buy The Witch of the Meadows!
All 4 Windborne novels now in paperback!
***
A personal update: You likely didn’t come here to read about Coronavirus, but it is now such a part of our lives. My family continues to quarantine. Now, more than ever, this is “important” in the U. S. This morning I read a poignant warning from a ER nurse friend who lives in small mountain town where my family cabin is located. Here is her message to the townfolks:
The Surge – the Next 3 – 4 weeks
Every time I get called to the ER my prayer, my mantra is
“Nobody I know, nobody I know.”
If it is somebody I know the mantra changes “I’ve trained for
this moment. Deep breath. Get to work”
So here we are at the beginning of the surge. What does that
mean?
Since it takes 5 – 14 days for symptoms to show, the victims of
the surge are the ones going out and being exposed now.
If the virus was an army, up until now Colorado would only have
seen a few of the forward scouts, hiding out and taking pot
shots.
Today and for the next 3 weeks there are tanks in the streets.
That sh*t is everywhere.
These are the 3 weeks you’ve been stockpiling food for. Use it.
Don’t go out!
Yes, so far you’ve been doing great!
NOW IS THE TIME to give that germaphobe paranoid part of your
personality some respect and listen to it.
Stay home.
If you must go out: Really? Do you have to leave home? Wear
your masks, wash your hands, get back two alligator lengths,
(big alligators), remember the wind carries the one-niner like
cigarette smoke, etc. Be hyper-vigilant! Now is the time!
OK, I’m done.
You are dear to me.
Be safe.
Keep howling.
Kate, RRT
I admit, I had to look two things up. A one-niner… Knowing this person I suspect the reference is CB Slang, not Urban Dictionary’s definition, and therefore Google says: Bucket mouth/Linear lungs. Someone who will not shut up.
And RTT? Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Please note, Colorado implemented closings early and has already hit their projected peak resource use.
Lastly, today is my aunt’s 93rd birthday. I wish for all of you to be able to live so long. Happy Birthday, Aunt Eldona!
Stay safe, my friends!
Leave a Reply