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Continuing a chapter from Ghosts of Innocence, Shayla has stolen the identity of a new high-ranking Imperial appointee, Brynwyn bin Covin. She’s been met by a soldier (Kurt) from the Imperial Palace Guard, who’s escorting her to the Palace. Outside in the square Kurt spotted a row of coin-operated punishment stalls. Shayla stopped in front of a young woman prisoner with two young children, and had no choice but to live up to expectations of her position by inflicting some pain on the woman. But she put a halt to an further torture, declaring that the woman has been punished.
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Shayla called the Overseer, who had been hovering at the edge of the crowd. She whipped out her notepad and scrawled briefly on it, then pressed a handful of coins into his palm. "See to it that these children are properly fed and clothed."
He looked blankly at the handful of money.
"I have just lodged a pledge that this gift be used appropriately in the spirit in which it was given," Shayla continued, "witnessed by all people present here. The timestamp will tally with surveillance records. You will ensure that this pledge is honored." The man didn't look overly dishonest, but it never hurt to be sure.
He bowed. "It shall be done, Magister Summis."
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19 comments:
Hi Ian - that's good news ... I just wonder how she works her way round her life in 'hiding' ... we shall see - good for you ... cheers Hilary
Delightful, my friend.
She was able to do something for the children.
Wow, she really knows how to turn this situation around and make others look guilty. I hope she can continue on with her mission in the same way.
Hilary, she's had a lot of practice at this kind of life.
Charmaine, thanks.
Alex, she had to do something, didn't she?
Jessica, she manages, for a while, before it all goes to hell :)
This scene is sure to get readers on her side.
Ed, glad you think so. That was the main point of this scene - it's hard to get people onside with an assassin hell-bent on revenge.
Interesting turn of events, glad she thought of a way to help her own conscience. Another smooth excerpt...
It's great she found an acceptable (in her disguise) way to help the poor woman. This story is fascinating. How she keeps in character is amazing.
Veronica, from her past, she has a special weakness for children in trouble.
Diane, she's extremely practiced at staying in character. Her life depends on it :)
Now this is the real Shayla Carver slipping through--in the guise of Brynwyn. :-)
Coin-operated punishment stalls...now there's a visual. You have quite the imagination, Ian! Another fabulous excerpt!
Teresa, even under cover, some of the real Shayla has to show through :)
Julie, yeah, I'm sometimes worried about what goes on in my imagination!
She's playing a tough role, but she's handling it with skill.
Ooo. Hope that choice won't backfire on her.
Wow, every move they make is documented. What a scary place!
Elaine, that's what I like about Shayla :)
Aldrea, you'll see next week.
Karen, pretty much like it is in Britain these days in every large city center.
"lodged a pledge' - Love it! Great scene, Ian.
Thanks Nancy :)
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