In March I started writing journal entries about the Covid-19 pandemic because it seemed clear that we were living through unprecedented times. A lot of people didn’t notice what was happening in Italy and New York City, or felt it didn’t affect them. I started noting the case numbers and deaths in Arizona because I […]
When Inglorion wakes the following morning, it’s already hot and muggy. He cleans up as well as he can, but the washbasin and pitcher are unequal to weeks of accumulated dirt from playing cowboys and Indians in the North Mountains. By alternating charm with pathos, he persuades a parlor maid to send up a hip […]
He’s gone when her water breaks. The pain yanks her into the open, impales her in her body and the cell around her. She’s bound, as always. The force is terrible — a series of rhythmic blows from the inside that warp her frame. It grips her by the nape, shakes her over and over, […]
He enters carrying a tray with a branch of lit candles and a jar of the viscous, violet-scented liquid. He’s quiet, but there’s a sense of barely restrained excitement about him. He feeds her quickly, and leaves her arms and neck strapped to the cot, the feeding tube taped in place. He watches her for […]
“I’ve wanted so much to get to know you,” says Tereus. “To share a meal, or the occasional smoke, or a drink. We both hold commands, after all. We’re powerful among our people. I’ve wondered if you felt doubt and regret about what happened — the troops you lost.” They’re sitting side-by-side on her little […]
Another episode of Man Raised by Spiders, the coming-of-age story of Valentine Shelawn. They arrive late on the third night of travel. Cantering through the city gates, Valentine feels as if a holiday is coming to an end. He’s starting to realize that they gray will regard his actions very seriously. He’ll have to account […]
Another episode of Man Raised by Spiders, the coming-of-age story of Valentine Shelawn. Valentine wakes up early the following day, long before breakfast is served even in a country house. He springs up, washes his face and hands, dresses, and resolves to explore the grounds until the rest of the household is up and about. […]
Another episode of Man Raised by Spiders, the coming-of-age story of Valentine Shelawn. The next few days of travel are uneventful. Though Aramil tries to take an interest in his surroundings, he’s subdued and sad as he reflects on the consequences of his actions. Valentine, on the other hand, is profoundly relieved to be freed […]
Another episode of Man Raised by Spiders, the coming-of-age story of Valentine Shelawn. The sun does rise, as expected. Valentine wakes up just before dawn to a sense of quiet, animal satisfaction. The ground is unpleasantly hard and imperfectly cleared; it’s cold and a stiff breeze has kicked up; he’s in dire need of coffee. […]
Another episode of Man Raised by Spiders, the coming-of-age story of Valentine Shelawn. The ceremony of banishment is simple, and quickly done. Marcus, in his role as head of the Shelawn family, leads Aramil to a guard house attached to the city gate. The magistrate is waiting there in full robes and wig, along with […]
