The Last Word

Part 1: Beginnings (3)/Chapter 3: Garrou

Storm in the Forest of Fontainbleau by Narcisse Virgile Diaz de la Peña (1807–1876): held by the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, and understood to be in the public domain

As explained previously, i am putting up the first part of a full-length story, the tale of Zea and Jaditz: also a lot more about the origins of Cassonne. This is the third instalment: if you want to start from the beginning, click here.

This will eventually be the first Cassonne novel, The Last Word. I just need chiding to get me past my current block (a few chapters further on). So-o…if you like this, let me know.

Clap. Spread the word…and the last of Part 1 will publish over the next few days.

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Chapter 3: Garrou

For three days more, Zea wandered aimlessly through the woods. She’d skill enough to trap the odd rabbit, or squirrel: but was too afraid of discovery to build the necessary fire on which to cook it. So she confined herself to a simple diet of roots and leaves: burdock and dandelion and amaranth.

And on the second day, joy: she chanced upon a clearing in which wild morel clustered in abundance. No berries, though: the year was yet too early. For drink, she knew where to find the fresh streams, and also which to avoid. To slake her thirst, she’d grab handfuls of sorrel on which she’d chew, as she walked along, savouring its bitter juice upon her…