The fifteen minute novel writing experiment is a attempt to write a complete (and very rough) draft of a novel by writing for fifteen minutes each day. I have taken a timed writing from one of the daily prompts done in 2021, cleaned it up a little and used it as my jumping off point into a story. Each day I will take the last line of the story written the day before and use it as my sentence starter and write for fifteen minutes, growing the story as the year progresses.
Day 123: Taking the chance, Anya opened the panel.
Taking the chance, Anya opened the panel. Marta was bending down adding sticks to the fire. The kettle was filled with water and ready to be put over the fire as soon as it was hot enough. Anya stood inside the door unnoticed, watching. Marta was alone. There was no sign of the visitor. The older woman had deep frown lines folded into her forehead and her mouth looked pinched.
Anya knew that Marta couldn’t see her when she stood in the room any more than she could see the hidden study. For a long moment, Anya stood there wondering if she should take that final step into the room, wondering if it was better to make herself known or stay hidden. The blaze in the grate grew brighter and Marta swung the kettle over the fire and backed away, settling herself into one of the chairs. Finally it was the heat of the fire that won Anya over more than anything else.
She was cold.
She wanted answers.
Anya stepped forward And Marta stated with surprise as she saw her step into the room. “Sorry,” Anya said. “I didn’t want to startle you.”
Overcoming her surprise, Marta waved Anya to quiet and beckoned her forward into the second chair in front of the fire. Anya sank into the comfortable reading chair gratefully, basking in the warm the fire was putting out.
“One of Lord Mathis men was waiting,” Marta whispered. “He must have doubled back or been sent…”
“By Lord Mathis or the Matron?” Anya asked.
Marta sighed. “I…I don’t know.” The admission was difficult. “The snows will soon close the pass and any travel will be impossible, even if you wanted to leave us,” Marta said. “But I am …no longr sure it is entirely safe for you here. You need to learn…” Marta’s eyes drifted towards the still opened door leading to the study. Anya knew she couldn’t see it open any more than she could see it closed. She left it open in case she needed a quick escape.
“You found a way here through the hidden spaces.?”
“Yes,” anya replied.
“Is there,” Marta began slowly. Can you find a hidden space to use as a temporary living space?” she asked. We could strip the bed here and arrange a way to get you food. That way you can remain hidden and study until we figure out exactly what is going on. It may just be Lord Mathis. He could have had his man stationed here. Someone would have had to tell him though….We have had a few people through here so they might have seen….which one said anything…It might not have been the matron at all you see,,,,”
Anya nodded although it was clear several thoughts were shooting across Marta’s mind simultaneously.
“I think I can find a hidden space if I can find clean bedding and a working fireplace. The hidden spaces are pretty cold.”
Ten til Midnight 