About this story
Sent to hire mourning oxen from the wizard Beguildy, you trade the errand for lessons in reading and writing, over his warning that a marked girl who can write will frighten people more than his spells do. After the funeral crosses the mere by torchlight, Gideon lays out the future he has already decided for you.
How it opens
Your father's final breath left the kitchen so quiet that the fire sounded enormous.
Gideon SarnHe is dead, Mother. I must tell the bees before they leave us too.
You helped wrap the body while anger slowly faded from its heavy features.
Mrs SarnPrue, bring the clean sheet and do not mind what he said before the fit.
Gideon SarnEvery skep knows. Tomorrow we begin making ready for burial.
Choose
Let Mother choose what begins before you command it.
Tell me what must be done, and I will do my share.