Category: Castle Keepers Vignettes

Beathas of Ailsa

Hauflin, sorceress who lives at Moon Meadow, first appeared in chapter 3 in Shadows in the Stone

The humid, evening air swirled softly around Beathas of Ailsa’s bare feet. The breeze caused the little tufts of hair growing on the tops of her toes to sway. She spread her toes further to dry them quicker. The swim in the pool below the waterfalls had refreshed her, removing sweat and dirt gathered from the strenuous workout with an apprentice earlier in the day. Now, with time to meditate and reflect alone, she felt her body relax and ease into a sleepy position on the porch.

Minor pricks caused by sharp rocks and sticks from travelling through the forest left a sting other hauflins did not suffer. Though she went shoeless frequently, she was incapable of growing the tough, thick souls as others, but she dismissed it for what it was: a shortcoming.

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Maisie Darrow

Dwarf, owner of Forest Bakery and Herb Shop, first appeared in 01 in Shadows in the Stone 

Through hidden vales little dwarf feet go,

Trailing their Kintale spirit safety home.

From ancient times it carried them afar,

To Rhunestone Castle on The Headlands of Mar.

Stay true to the magic inside, your kin and the past,

And let swift wings carry you home at last.

Maisie Darrow hummed the ancient song, taught to her by her mum, as she poured the mixture of dry ingredients into the large bowl. The wooden spoon scraped the inside, drawing together the contents. She had baked these muffins thousands of times over the years. They had always enticed a smile. Since her son left Maskil, the recipe now generated only apprehension.

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Catriona Wheatcroft

Human, sorceress, first appeared in chapter 01 in Shadows in the Stone

Taking a deep breath, Catriona Wheatcroft grasped the clay vessel and poured the mixture of water and dandelion oil into the shallow bowl. Her trembling hand picked up the wooden spoon and stirred gingerly. If she moved too quickly, the potion would fail and erupt into a puff of fowl smelling gas. If she moved too slowly, it would congeal, freezing the spoon within its grip.

Glancing at the tattered book laid out before her on the table, she took note of the next ingredient. She picked up a small dish and added the powdered contents into the bowl. Again, she constrained her hand to move at the precise speed, but her arm muscles fought against her.

The cuts and bruises inflicted at the public inquest had healed, but the scars and emotional torture she suffered remained. Though she strained to suppress the memories of that horrific ordeal, they resurfaced daily, reminding her of the fragile state of her mind and of those in the throne room.

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