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.
“Master of Circuses” is the Shayla’s official title in the Palace hierarchy.
=====
The diminutive figure of Mabbwendig ap Terlion, Master of the Emperor's Domestic Household, appeared in a doorway near the far end of the hall. As she took her seat in the center of the top table, one of her Heads of Staff leaned over and whispered in her ear. Eyes turned towards Shayla.
Mabb smiled, slow and predatory. "So, Master of Circuses finally graces us with her presence." Her eyes glittered in the light streaming from windows set high in the wall behind Shayla. "Methought our company too poor for Her Provincial Highness."
Muted laughter swept the room; angry warmth crept up Shayla's cheeks. She remained silent, but half-stood and bobbed her head in Mabb's direction. The minimal show of deference would not be lost on the Palace functionaries.
=====
Posts
19 comments:
Let the showdown (or is it smackdown?) begin! Nice snippet, good tension.
She's courting danger all right.
Your excerpts always grab me right out of the box, Ian. Even if I miss some, the next time I come back I immediately get swept up.
Shayla's playing an interesting game all right. I find her strategies fascinating, in this fraught environment you describe. Great snippet!
Ooh, it is on! I have a feeling Mabb is quite the adversary.
Lyn, the showdown is indeed on!
Alex, well, Shayla's never been the quiet, stay-at-home kind of gal :)
Marcia, that's good to hear!
Veronica, the environment is very fraught, timidity won't get her anywhere.
Christina, Mabb is pretty nasty, as we'll see...
This snippet grabbed my attention right away. Game on.
I love this. Why? You have a deft touch, with hints of subtlety rather blatant obviousness.
Diane, game very much on! :)
Ed, that's great to hear. I am a big fan of subtlety, especially plotting and intrigue.
Hi Ian - I wonder what secrets the Master of Circuses has up her sleeve to thwart Mabb ... now I want to know ... cheers Hilary
Shayla's playing an intriguing game all right. Enjoyed the snippet.
Seems like she shouldn't be angering Mabb further, but I'd guess she knows what she's doing!
With a title "Master of Circuses", I suspect Shayla has a few tricks up her sleeve if things get much worse. Though, Mabb seems to be keen on keeping her in her place... does she suspect something, or is she just this rough on all the newcomers to her domain?
Holy Cats. Love 'Master of Circuses'.
Great attributes also. Definitely painting a picture in my mind.
love the subtle tension in this snippet (and also the 'Welshness' of Mabb's full name! :)
Hilary, not really secrets, but she does have talents to bring as we'll see.
Caitlin, you're right, but on the other hand she can't afford to appear weak.
Eden, Mabb is just ... Mabb :)
Huntress, I'm very proud of that title :)
Hywela, I like to draw setting and name influences from all kinds of places.
Karen, for some reason I had to rescue your comment from Blogger's spam folder. Don't know what happened there! Yes, she's playing a difficult game and the game is just beginning.
nice snippet. And I love her title.
That was a tough one for Shayla Carver to swallow! :-)
Post a Comment