The only light in the dark room comes from the fireplace. The corners of the room are lost in deep shadows, the flickering firelight casts dancing shadows on the high ceiling and walls, over portraits of stern men and women. They look down from their lofty position on a wall, with dark expressions of disapproval … Continue reading Chapter Nineteen, Part II-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
Chapter Nineteen, Part I-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
‘Fils de pute!’ Lucien swears viciously, yanking his sword from the dead man’s body, pivots to drive his dagger into another belly, his sword slashing across another throat. He stumbles over the rocky terrain, cursing his attackers continuously dragging a man down with him grabbing for his face and banging his head repeatedly into the … Continue reading Chapter Nineteen, Part I-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
Chapter Eighteen-When the Devil Knocks, by Corso
‘Madame! Madame! ‘Gilo! You are not…’ Sophia de la Croix blinks as Gilo’s word register… …Men! Men coming down the road… Marchal. Sophia grabs Gilo, glares at Alban. The boys are wide-eyed and still. ‘Both of you to the chapel- now! Cousin Francois is there. All of you stay there until I come for you.’ … Continue reading Chapter Eighteen-When the Devil Knocks, by Corso
Chapter Sixteen-Road to Consequences, by Corso
‘Is there anything more to add?’ Lucien straightens up from the leaning over the map table, one finger still resting on the open map. The men ranged around the table are silent, each thinking of the task ahead of them, the length of the journey, the routes they have scouted – at least on the … Continue reading Chapter Sixteen-Road to Consequences, by Corso
The Art of Papercutting
Rosie and Renee Practice the Art of Papercutting The oldest examples of paper cuts come from 8th century China, although it is possible that the Chinese have been creating designs and cutting paper since paper was invented there in the 2nd century but the examples lost, due to paper's delicate nature. The art was practiced … Continue reading The Art of Papercutting
Chapter Fourteen-Piecemeal Truce, by Corso
She leans against the worktable, feeling slightly sick. The argument with Lucien drained her. He has never raised his hand to her, but there had been times when she felt his fury as a heated blast, and knew he stalked away before he lost control. This had been one of those times. She delays … Continue reading Chapter Fourteen-Piecemeal Truce, by Corso
Chapter Twelve-The Red Dress, by Corso
‘Messieurs, I am here to propose a solution.’ The men are standing bearing polite expressions, their eyes shifting to Lucien and Athos as the ones to acknowledge the Duchess and speak first. Both men hesitate, exchanging a considering glance, uncertain as to her inclusion in this meeting. In that interim, the Duchess d’ Aiguillon stands, … Continue reading Chapter Twelve-The Red Dress, by Corso
Chapter Ten -War Council, by Corso
Lucien opens the door quietly and pauses to let his eyes adjust to the dark. He carries boots in one hand, clothes under his arm. In the other hand he balances a basin of hot water. He crosses the room and sets the basin on a table, the boots and clothes near the wide settee. … Continue reading Chapter Ten -War Council, by Corso
“a la una yo naci”
A tune played by Yusuf, Bianca and Rayya https://youtu.be/kiRB5-gCxgQ?si=5nADHe_Q60rOWyZ-
Chapter Eight-A Family Dinner, by Corso
‘They are all coming,’ Sophia sits on the very edge of the settee, reporting to Marie, ‘children too and even the young priest, Father Ignazio who travels with the Duc d’Herblay. Rayya and Bianca will play their harps and then they will join Yusuf on the oud. It should be quite pleasant.’ She beams at … Continue reading Chapter Eight-A Family Dinner, by Corso
Twelve Years After 