Morning all and welcome to the Fifteen Minute Novel. Here I take the start of a story idea and work on it for fifteen minutes a day. I started with an old writing prompt that interested me, cleaned it up a bit to fit the basic outline of the story I want to write and then set aside fifteen minutes each week day to see it grow. Each morning’s writing starts with the last sentence of the day before. And so now we have the story of Kasca…
Day 18: Despite the danger, Kasca was relieved by the sight of other living people.
Despite the danger, Kasca was relieved by the sight of other living people. She was in fact so relieved that it took her a moment to realize they were pointing their weapons at her even though she was still wearing her full concealment charm.
The charm prevented her from speaking so she thought she ought to lower it so she could explain why she washed up on their shores. Before she could one of the senior guards walked forward. At least she assumed he was senior as he seemed to have more decorations on his uniform than the others.
“Do not lower your containment shields,” he commanded. “Please nod if you can hear me.”
Kasca nodded and he looked relieved.
“Given the contamination of the shores we need to put you into isolation until we can determine that you are not contagious. The isolation will take two weeks, we have put food, water and any supplies we think you will need for the duration. It is not the hospitality we would normally afford our guests, but it is necessary at this time. Please nod if you understand.”
Kasca nodded. She didn’t particularly like the idea of isolation but given what she saw during her travels she could not blame them for their caution.
He smiled. “If you will follow me, but please remain in your containment shield until you are left in the isolation zone.”
Again Kasca nodded. She was pleased to see the others lower their weapons. The man speaking turned towards a pathway that wound around the edge of the island. The trail followed the slope of the land upwards. She could see they were moving away from the main building of the stronghold.
The walk was longer than she would like, her body being somewhat fatigued by the travel and the enforced rationing of her supplies. Eventually they wound up at the top of a hill. The top of the hill was levelled off. There was a small cottage with one or two rooms. An outhouse was placed behind the hut and was contained within a small palisade. The palisade was tall and looked strange protecting just a single cottage with its small garden and outhouse.
‘It’s also a relatively new addition.’ Kaska thought. The earth around the palisade was still raw in places showing its recent constriction. The wood was blacked from fire hardening and still smelled of char. Looking in, Kasca saw several large ewers of water lined up against one wall. The guard stepped to the side of the palisade entrance.
“Please enter and be at peace. Use what you find there. Once inside I shall lock the gate from the outside. In two weeks, a healer under a containment shield will visit and ascertain your condition and any possible contamination.”
Kasca nodded and seeing no other course, especially as the rest of the armed men were still standing on the path behind her, Kasca walked through the gates of the palisade.
Ten til Midnight 