The fifteen minute novel writing experiment is an 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 236: ‘And I did like the bath.’
‘And I did like the bath.’ Anya turned away from the fields before her and entered the temple. As before there were archways with nothing but darkness between the columns. And as always Anya wondered where they led. That they were not actually empty spaces wasn’t something she needed to be told. She could feel that there was something in the darkness. It felt too heavy to be empty.
Leaving the thought behind, Anya walked passed them and up to the statue.
“You have been busy,” the statue said.
“I have,” Anya replied. “I have relocated to the quarters as you suggested,” Anya said. “Already they have proven far superior to those where I was before. Thank you.”
The statue inclined her head at Anya’s thanks. The stone braids of her hair shifted, the sound of stone shifting on stone with the movement was almost deafening. Anya was relieved when she stopped moving.
“You required a safe home,” The statue said. “While it is only a temporary one I am glad you find it comfortable.”
“The bath is especially excellent,” Anya added.
“Good,” The statue replied. “As it has been long since I troubled myself with the details of living in this world I have sought an advisor for you. Someone who will be better able to advise you on the best course forward for your future benefit.”
“That is most gracious,” Anya said.
Again the statue inclined her head in acceptance of Anya’s words filling the temple with the sound of grinding stone. When she was once again sitting up straight she lifted a hand from her knee and gestured towards the floor. There was a small wooden box placed by the statue’s feet.
“Open it,” Bendesea the statue of the moon goddess commanded.
Anya stepped forward and knelt in front of the box. The catch was easy to release and she lifted the lid. Inside was a pendant necklace. The center of the pendant was some sort of blue green stone the size of her thumbnail. The metal surround was carved with strange words and symbols.
“You have used the orb of sight?” Bendesea asked as Anya lifted up the necklace.
“I have,” Anya replied.
“Good, take the necklace and put it on.”
Anya did as she was told and hung the pendant around her neck. She then closed the box and stepped back so she could once again see the statue.
“Three hours after the sun sets, you will use the pendant to call your advisor. His name as Arkaron. If you wear the pendant when using the orb he can see and speak with you.”
Ten til Midnight 