Continuing a scene from my first book, Ghosts of Innocence.
Shayla has stolen the identity of a newly-appointed senior public servant, and infiltrated the Palace in disguise. She has already fallen foul of her new boss, Mabbwendig ap Terlion, Master of the Emperor’s Domestic Household, but has since kept out of Mabb’s way while she establishes herself in her new position. However, she’s decided to face Mabb on her own turf - in the cavernous staff dining hall.
Brynwyn is Shayla’s stolen identity. Colin and Jojo are members of her new staff.
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Colin Bandolini had explained why Shayla's request to have food brought to the office on that first evening had been met with surprise. Although there was officially nothing against it, she had breached another unwritten rule of Mad Mabb's regime. There appeared to be no order to the seating in the thronged dining hall. Robes and uniforms showed a mixture of ranks and professions. But each place setting on the top table was labeled with a faded card. Shayla knew there would be one that read 'Master of Circuses'. Brynwyn bin Covin was expected to be there.
Shayla spotted the rotund figure of Jojo bin Duvin on the far side of the room. She turned her back on the high table and walked over to him. As she crossed the open space in the center of the room, the hairs on her neck prickled; a lull in conversation seemed to follow her.
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18 comments:
Love the name "Colin," which is our son's name.
That's interesting, Stephen. A hidden piece of trivia about the book (hidden, because it never actually comes out in the writing) is that here "Colin" is pronounced with a long "o", like former secretary of state Colin Powell.
I'm curious as to why she's caught their attention. Intriguing!
Had they been talking about her? Or is there something about her appearance?
Perhaps that open space in the center of the room exists to call attention to anybody silly enough to break the established order of things. Great excerpt, as always!
Interesting. The set up makes me want to disturb the order of things just because LOL! Can't wait to see what happens next.
Something is about to go down. Can't wait to find out what. Don't disregard that small little voice of warning, girl!
I agree with Nancy. Something is going to happen. That silence that fell as she walked is a dead giveaway. Great snippet!
Jessica, any newcomer at a senior level in a hidebound bureaucracy tends to catch people's attention, for all sorts of reasons ...
Ed, you've got the idea.
Marcia, Shayla is all about breaking the established order :)
Veronica, sounds like you have a rebellious streak like Shayla.
Nancy, you bet!
Jenna, that's what I was trying to get across.
Fantastic snippet.
Hi Ian - I wonder what Shayla can see or feel ... bringing that instinct of 'fear' via her neck prickles - oh so easy to feel ... cheers Hilary
Kimberly, thanks.
Hilary, ever had that feeling you're being watched? :)
Oh, such an atmospheric and tense snippet, her unease comes across so clearly.
Don't you hate it when you walk across the room and everyone is looking at you? You've got my curiosity up. Good job.
Hywela, she has very good reason to be uneasy, too!
Diane, yeah, that does feel awkward doesn't it?
You know people are talking about you when they fall silent when you walk by! She better find a way to smooth things over with Mad Mabb.
New to the story, but has my attention!
Caitlin, smoothing things over isn't as easy as all that ;)
Lyn, glad to hear it.
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