Tira was sitting on a stone wall, wrapped in a thick fleecy coat. She was drinking something hot from a pewter mug, and the steam curled around her. She looked up when Verity and Patience approached, initially surprised; and then she grinned broadly.
'Verity!' she said, standing. 'I can't believe it! I'm so glad to see you!'
It was an early winter afternoon, and the weak, yellow sun was gilding everything, staining the white threads in her hair gold. Her delighted laugh rang in Verity's ears, sweeter than music. She opened her arms, and Verity ran to her.
They hugged.
'Who's your friend?'
'Patience, this is Tira. Tira, this is Patience. I'm so glad we found you.'
'So am I! My, you look different. Have you grown? It can't be that long since I left you. What happened?'
Verity smiled.
'I have such a tale to tell you...' she said. 'But first, have you got any more of whatever you're drinking?'
'I absolutely do.'
YOU ARE READING
Devils on Starfall Isle
Fantasy'Death is coming in the Autumn.' That's what Tira tells Verity. But Verity is stuck in her life, and doesn't understand just what's at stake, until it's much too late... A novella written for ONC23. Guidance: mild horror, sex references.
