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Copyright © 1998 David Gullen.
All rights reserved and reproduction without written permission expressly prohibited.
The Gorgeous Fire
Ashana followed the Katerfelto through the courtyard, straw trailing
from her muddy hem. Crossing over the drawbridge the Katerfelto led her
along the forest road.
Fine weather returned, the sun dried the rutted paths and a warm
breeze blew between the hedgerows. After several miles Ashana's left
leg grew stiff, then her whole side. Lurching along awkwardly, her
dragging heel scored a furrow through the dirt. The Katerfelto halted
and she stood lopsided in the middle of the track.
"You newly dead often have this problem. It will pass in a few
hours," he told her. "Do you understand?"
Her head wobbled up and down.
"Say 'Yes', my sweet. You will need to breath in first."
"Uh..."
"Well done. There will be no pain as the stiffness goes."
Tenderly the Katerfelto stroked Ashana's cheek with the back of his
gloved hand. "Never pain for you."
Back inside his barrow, intrigued by her pale complexion, the
Katerfelto inspected Ashana completely. Inspired by the milky hair on
her head, brow and body, he devised a cantrap that caused her nails to
be stained cream. Her nipples and her secret skin he coloured a dusty
lilac. Lips, tongue and pupils became soft ivory.
"Blue is not for you, my child," he informed her. "In your life
beyond life, until your time comes to be fruitful, you will be white.
And that is also now your name: White."
[End of this extract. The full story was published in Gravity's Angels]
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