Into Elurien (Skeleton Key) by Kate Sparkes & Skeleton Key

Author:Kate Sparkes & Skeleton Key [Sparkes, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sparrowcat Press
Published: 2016-06-14T18:30:00+00:00

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Auphel and I fell into a comfortable routine as the next month passed, and I settled into my new life in the city. The seamstress came as promised, though I had heard no more about her from Zinian. She turned out to be a deer-headed woman named Qinwan with nimble fingers and a quick wit, and we found we got along quite well. She helped me with my clothing situation, creating sturdy pants and fitted shirts that suited me better than the gauzy gowns, taking the waists in a little when hard physical work and the healthier food of Elurien made it necessary. She also found me absorbent cloth when my time of the month hit, and I found myself wishing I had read more crazy adventure stories to see how anyone ever dealt with this sort of thing. Qinwan accompanied me to the market a few times, which was slowly being re-established by the monsters.

In fact, most of the city was getting back on its feet quite nicely with its new inhabitants. Qinwan’s business was steadily growing. So were those of the candlemaker, the leather-worker (who created hard-soled slippers for me out of buttery leather), the butcher, and the farmers who brought goods to market. Money lingered, but bartering was making its way into the local economy. I heard all about the difficulties that were arising, but it seemed like things would only get better for the monsters. I still didn’t go out alone, but the residents of the city were beginning to accept me, to understand that I was no part of the old threat.

I’d made the little apartment on the second floor of the library my own. The space was tucked under the peaked roof, and though it had only one room plus a bathroom, it was plenty for me. Auphel chose a space for herself downstairs in what had once been a storage room and kept it dark and cave-like, as pleased her ogrish sensibilities. She’d grown calm and tranquil as she settled into the idea that she didn’t have to fight anymore—and since she no longer saw Zinian and the other military types.

Auphel and I occasionally ventured outside of the city walls and collected wildflowers from vast and colourful meadows that buzzed with bees and brightly coloured fairies. I cooked my meals in the kitchen, and Auphel kept me well supplied with firewood that she brought from the forest when she went on her personal hunting and gathering trips. We spent our days sorting through books and shelving them, trying to get a handle on hundreds of years of knowledge that was foreign to both of us. It was cozy, quiet, and after a time felt completely normal.

One sunny afternoon, Auphel decided to wander the city. I was happy to let her go alone. We were trying not to become too isolated from the city’s inhabitants, but I was usually content to let them come to me if I had the choice. There

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