One Right Eye

Testing. Testing.

Winter 1813 - As If From Pandora's Treasure Chest

We heard screaming in the library. It was the wail of a man who had lost all hope, even the hope of a swift end. Uncle Billy drew his sword. Uncle Boris laughed. "Steel is not the weapon we need now," he said. "The prisoners of that box had no flesh to cut and no hearts to pierce."

Spring 1813 - The Endurance of Hate

The staircase was white marble. Once it must have been immaculate. Now each step was crusted with mud and moss and slime. 

The second floor landing was a chaos of broken furniture and torn bodies.

Summer 1812 - The Faithful Damned

Brother Innocent had a voice like a snake hissing through sand. "I see through your guises, demon," he said. "I know what thou art. I have not come for thee today but think not yourself safe. When I have fulfilled my calling I shall return for thee."

Father bowed. "Of course, good brother. I would be disappointed if you did not."

Spring 1812 - Mrs. Kindersley Has Guests for Tea

Mrs. Kindersley carefully refilled each cup upon the table. She smiled at me. "Miss Rose? Are you not tired of this place? Are you not weary of the heat and the wet and the smell? Would you not like to see better parts of this world?"

I politely sipped my tea. "I hope to visit more of the world, Ma'am, than I have as yet. I thank you for your offer but I am not ready to leave home just yet. And I am not willing to leave without my family and companions." 

Mrs. Kindersley's face hardened. "That is sad," she hissed. 

Spring 1812 - The Nanny Thing

Uncle Billy's eyebrows came together. He scratched the side of his nose. "The ship's been at anchor for more days than any of the men can remember. None of them can tell me when it arrived. No one has seen a crew. Yet, not a lad has been curious about it. They look at it like a rock or shoal to navigate around."

Summer 1811 - Tenets of an Old Religion

"It's not proper religion," said Mr. Dupre. "Their chants, their hymns - they don't sound like human voices."

Father nodded. "It's an old faith. And not a friendly one. It would be a good idea for me to call at their temple."