Queer Windows Volume 2 Summer by Cay Fletcher

Author:Cay Fletcher
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fox Fern Books, LLC
Published: 2024-08-20T00:00:00+00:00

FALLING THROUGH THE well left Aysel standing in a circle of stones by a crossroads as the wind howled by. Taking the mask off, Aysel retreated to the edge of the woods that butted up against the road on one side. She sucked in a deep breath, letting the tension escape from her body. At least she wouldn’t have to go back there any time soon. Her watch had stopped just before midnight. A bit too close for her liking actually. Winding it again, it began to gently tick on.

While she waited, Aysel pulled out a sandwich wrapped in a cloth. As she unwrapped it, she found a marigold that had been lovingly slipped between the wrapping. Tucking it behind her ear, she started to eat, hoping that she wouldn’t have to wait long. There was still one other stop after the crossroads.

The wind whipped through the trees which gave very little protection. She doubted she’d even be able to light a fire for warmth. Nonetheless, drawing the attention of the locals with a fire was never a good idea. No matter how unseasonably cold it was for midsummer.

Howling slowly gave way to the sound of hooves and barking, the pandemonium thundering in her ears. A chariot surrounded by hounds and a cloaked warband burst from the clouds and came to a calamitous halt in the middle of the crossroads. As the band stopped, it became clear that the horse pulling the chariot was beginning to go lame. The driver of the chariot threw down her reins and quickly went to check on the horse, gently rubbing its shoulder.

“Shhhhshh, it’s alright,” she said to it as it made sounds of pain.

Aysel got to her feet and cautiously approached the band, “I might be able to assist you, my lady.”

White cloak rippling in the wind, the chariot driver turned towards Aysel, pulling her hood back to inspect Aysel more closely. She was at least a head taller than Aysel, and her cloak disguised her wide shoulders.

“Mortals should be wary of our band, lest they want to join us,” she held out a delicate hand for Aysel to kiss.

Pressing her lips to the woman’s knuckles, Aysel shivered as the air suddenly turned cold.

“You look familiar though. Have we met before?”

“No, my lady. Though some say I resemble my grandmother.”

“Ah.” Recognition dawned in her eyes. “That must be it,” the woman said with a sad smile.

“Can I see if I might be able to help?” Aysel asked.

“If you can spare the time.”

With a nod, Aysel approached the misty white horse, gently stroking its mane. The hounds watched her, but kept their distance. Carefully lifting the horse’s front hoof and inspecting it, it looked like they’d walked through a patch of thorns and had snagged their leg, leaving a web of cuts. Taking the marigold from behind her ear, she crushed the flower, rubbing it between her palms until it was paste-like. Then she carefully rubbed the paste into the wounds and wrapped the leg with the cloth from her dinner.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.