A Game of Shadows by Irina Shapiro

A Game of Shadows by Irina Shapiro

Author:Irina Shapiro
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, Fantasy, Historical, Time Travel, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Publisher: Merlin Press LLC
Published: 2013-06-08T04:00:00+00:00


Chapter 46

Valerie wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting, but Loudun was no different from the towns they passed on their way from Calais. The narrow winding streets were flanked by buildings made of gray stone, fighting for space closer to the center of town. Loudon Castle could be seen in the distance, perched on a hill above the town like a stern overlord watching over his domain, and a Gothic church occupied the place of importance in the square, its spire the tallest point of the town, reminding its citizens that God was above all. If Valerie hadn’t known what year they were in, she might have thought that she was in medieval France since nothing much had changed since then other than some of the fashions. The common people lived much like they did in the Middle Ages, subservient to their nobility and God.

They happened to arrive in Loudon on market day, so the streets closer to the town square were congested with traffic, wagons and people making the streets almost impassable.

“Why don’t we get out and walk?” Valerie suggested. “We can meet Andre by the inn.” Alec just nodded, his mood grimmer by the minute.

Despite Alec’s stormy mood, Valerie enjoyed seeing the market. The square was choked with stalls boasting everything from fresh produce, to bolts of fabric and trinkets made of silver and bronze. Vendors called out their wares, trying to lure the customers with false promises and witty slogans. It was the modern form of advertising, and it seemed to work very well. Young girls drooled over colorful ribbons, while matrons argued over the price of fish and asked to sample the cheeses proudly displayed on a wooden counter. The smell of freshly-baked bread and rolls filled the square, making Valerie’s mouth water. She pulled Alec over to a stall selling pastries, the display a feast for the senses, especially for someone who hadn’t eaten in a while. Alec pulled out a coin, handing it to the vendor. “Whatever the lady wants,” he said, smiling at Valerie’s consternation as she tried to decide between a fruit tart with custard cream, and a cream puff sprinkled with powdered sugar. Valerie finally settled on the tart and turned to Alec. “Don’t you want anything?”

“No. I don’t have much of an appetite right now, but you go ahead. It looks wonderful.” He took her by the elbow, maneuvering her through the crowd until they came out on the other side of the square and across from the inn. Their coach was already there, the horses being watered and fed; Andre enjoying a tankard of ale in the taproom.

“I took the liberty of sending the trunk up to your room,” he announced. “Would you care to rest or will we be going to the convent soon?” The poor man looked tired, having been driving them for days with stops only for the night.

“Why don’t you rest, Andre, and we’ll walk to the convent when we’re ready,” suggested Alec. “It’s not far from the town and we could use the exercise after spending so many days in the carriage.



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