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 170: We could use this space to teach those who came to us with the Star’s own abilities, but there was a cost.”
We could use this space to teach those who came to us with the Star’s own abilities, but there was a cost.”
“A cost?” Marta replied. She leaned forward a little, frown lines forming on her brow. “there was a cost?”
“An ongoing cost,” the matron replied. “It was foretold that while those born to the star were welcome, this place was for the children of the moon and that one day they would return. We were allowed to stay here, so that all could be kept in readiness for their return and that once they returned, we would teach and protect them until they could stand on their own.”
“The children of the moon,” Marta repeated.
“Even though our tenancy is longer, we are merely guests in their house,” the matron replied.
“I see,” Marta said. Her tone was even, calm. Still the Matron frowned at her.
“Anya is one of the moon’s children. I…reacted poorly towards her arrival.”
“You were surprised,” Marta said. Again she used a calm even town. Again the Matron frowned.
“I reacted jealously and meanly,” the matron said. “After all why should not the true occupants of the hose know secrets that it’s guards do not have privy to?” There was a bitter note in her voice.
“I would not have said that,” Marta replied.
“You did not have to,” the matron said. “The Star did. She was most displeased.”
“Oh,” Marta said. She seemed to have nothing else she felt it was safe to add and once again lifted her cup to her lips.
“Oh indeed,” the Matron said.
Again there was silence. Anya listened to the crackle of the fire as the two women sat in silence.
“I am aware that she is still within the House although my sight can not find her,” the matron said.
“In the season…” Marta began.
“My sight will not extend when the season begins,” the matron said. Her voice was sharp. Marta snapped her mouth shut around whatever words she was going to add. “The extended sight was a gift of the moon and not the star and has been withdrawn.”
Marta wisely chose to say nothing and waited for the matron to continue. “I am certain you have been providing supplies to Anya.”
Marta opened her mouth and the Matron shook her head. “Even without my sight I am not blind,” she said. “You did not agree with my behavior and the girl could not have traveled out of the House, especially once the weather turned. I have seen the books changing in the library. The book you set out for a traditional study being set out, removed returned and replaced with the next in line. I suspect you might be giving her more than knowledge, but I ask for no details. I will merely assume you have done what needed to be done.”
“I meant no disrespect,” Marta said.
Ten til Midnight 