The salon has a pleasant hum of conversation, a warm crackling fire and the soft clink of glasses on silver trays carried by efficient liveried footman. From one corner of the salon comes the clipped twang of the harpsichord. Rayya sits next to Bianca watching her small fingers and whispering encouragement. At one table Charlotte, … Continue reading Chapter Twenty Five-Thermal Pools at La Roche-Posay, by Corso
ChapterTwenty Four-No Choice but the Path Before, by Corso
‘Open the gate!’ The guards look down from the ramparts at the horse and rider and call down the order. The massive gate at Glenay groans under its weight and Lucien rides into the central courtyard. Yawning stable boys quickly appear stuffing their arms into the sleeves of their jackets. He slides from the saddle, … Continue reading ChapterTwenty Four-No Choice but the Path Before, by Corso
Chapter TwentyTwo-The Red Herring and the Eel, by Corso
Lucien opens his eyes to darkness, sluggish with heavy sleep, the bed beside him empty. He shoves the drape aside and reaches for his cloak and the night candle. Cold air wakes him as he strides to the door and down the dim corridor where a light beckons from a slightly opened door. Sophia is … Continue reading Chapter TwentyTwo-The Red Herring and the Eel, by Corso
Chapter Twenty-The Château d ‘Glenay, by Corso
Mercenaries, wagons, and horses fill up the yard, the stable and the outbuildings. Some accompany the others, crowding into the tavern room, the serving women rush food to the tables, other servants carry jugs of steaming water and linens up the stairs. In between refilling flasks of wine and ordering his servants to hurry the … Continue reading Chapter Twenty-The Château d ‘Glenay, by Corso
Chapter Nineteen, Part II-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
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 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
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 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
Chapter Six-Mirror of the Heart, by Corso
…Between the mirror and the heart is this single difference: the heart conceals secrets, while the mirror does not…Rumi At Royaumont Estate Sophia picks at the crumbs on her plate, the remains from her breakfast to stop herself from studying Marie too closely. Even with a casual gaze, she can see the pallor that accentuates … Continue reading Chapter Six-Mirror of the Heart, by Corso
Twelve Years After 