Green Fox Chapter 2

Chimney smoke swirled above the cabin perched atop a little hillock. An ancient oak spread its gnarled branches wide, sheltering the weathered outbuildings and moss-blanketed roof.

A sudden gust flung the barn door wide, unleashing a chorus of bleating goats and clucking chickens. A few moments later, the door to the cabin creaked open, and an elderly woman emerged, clinging to the frame against the sudden hurricane barrelling through her home. Strands of white hair whipped out from under her headscarf as she crossed the yard. Time had shrunk Elise’s already small frame and left her with a stoop, but her eyes still sparkled as she weathered the approaching storm. The barn door swung back and forth, threatening to break free, but Elise caught it and, with a heavy shove, slammed it closed. Once the lock bar was in place, she took a moment to gather herself. The goats quieted in the stalls next to the barn, but one of them poked a nose over the gate. Elise gave him an affectionate scratch behind the ears. “Just a bit longer, and then you can wander.” From her pocket she produced a carrot, snapping it in half to share. “The storm will pass soon. They always do.” The goats bleated gratefully and nibbled at the sleeve of her robe. It had been nearly two decades since Elise had openly donned the robes of her priesthood, yet she still favoured the enveloping folds of the heavy garment. There was nothing quite like it for keeping the cold at bay. Since the queen of Arshen had outlawed the worship of Liandra in The Thousand Lakes, wearing the white robes of her order was now an act of heresy. Brown wasn’t Elise’s favoured colour, but Cilla, the village seamstress, knew her trade and sowed in extra pockets, just as Elise liked it. An embroidered white heart should sit above her own, but that was banned too. Neff, her old friend, often reminded her that Liandra lived on in their hearts, but it wasn’t the same. Elise had been a priestess of Liandra since she was old enough to take her vows, and she always would be. Arshen was far away, but Elise understood why they had to keep their faith hidden.

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