(Click her for links to previous chapters.) Clouds come in from the west, and we have more snow, but it is big flakes, drifting down gently.  Father can’t decide about Alan.  For him to be effective, we would have to tell him our conclusions about a traitor seeking the throne, and father does not want … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 41

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) After Alan promises, I send him back to helping Dryn.  I need to talk to father, but first I head out the East Gate.  I want to talk to Sister Mays. Her chairs are as uncomfortable as the ones in the council chamber, but I suspect for different … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 40-part 2

(Click here for links to prior chapters.) Three days later father orders the Spires lit again, one beacon for warning.  I watch them march across the horizon, coming to life one after another as their warders see the link before them lit.  It is a political decision more than a military one, father explained to … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 40-part 1

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) By the time the sun comes above the horizon, the castle has been busy for hours.  Dryn is  measuring windows, and making plans to put every smith in the city to work.  He is designing decorative openwork shutters mounted to the inside wall, and able to be open … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 39

(Click for links to previous chapters.) I was deeply asleep, dreaming pleasantly for a change, when the strident ‘Wielder’ wakes me.  Reflexively I roll from the bed and draw my Sword, seeing only my darkened bedroom.  I didn’t need the ‘attacker’ warning, I felt draft where there should be none, and a heavy shadow moves … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 38-part 2

(Click her for links to previous chapters.) The weather continues cold, but the snow is light, not adding much to the accumulation and sometimes the sky is almost completely blue.  We enjoy it, but know it won’t last; the norm is four or five blizzards throughout the winter. Father has a frustrating meeting with the … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 38-part 1

(Click for links to previous chapters.) We are meeting in mother’s solar again, just the family, her ladies sent away.  This is too important to risk them overhearing even a few stray words.  Mynar tends the fire, Jes makes sure the doors are firmly closed, and I pour wine.  Mother has finished her list of … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 37

(Click here for links to previous chapters.) Father has a semi-circle of chairs set before one of the fires in the great hall, with a small table before the one intended for Sister Mays.  The chest and cloth are already on the table, and Jes and I go to bring up the disk when we … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 36

(Click for links to previous chapters.) I waken in the middle of the night, reaching for the Sword before I realize the howling is just wind. “Storm,” my Sword reassures me.  Another blizzard has blown in during the night. My brother and Alan are going to be frustrated.  I turn over and go back to … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 35

(Click her for links to prior chapters.) The ball was a great success. Mother tells the Steward to inform the staff how pleased she is with their efforts, and father adds his thanks, so everyone is in a good mood.  Even Jes has volunteered that dancing is interesting.  My ladies have offered private lessons, and … Continue reading Spire: Chapter 34