Novel Sneak Peek: Sanctuary on Severn #2

 

Who doesn't love a (literary) peep show?😉... 

Please note: this excerpt is taken from a draft manuscript and may differ from the final published version.

Maven watched as Gerta and the other pigs made their usual route around the green. All six noses pushed up against the ground as they went and pushing through any other animal that go in the way. The warmth of their bodies billowed off of their backs like steam in the brisk cold air.

    Quick footsteps sounded to her right. Maven turned to see Theodrad running up to her holding two steaming blobs wrapped in cloth. He handed one to Maven, then unravelled the other to reveal a bun the size of their palms. She followed suit and cradled it in her hands to absorb the heat. The smell of fresh cooked dough made her salivate. As she shoved a chunk of the soft bread into her mouth, Maven closed her eyes; savouring the taste.  

    Her mind returned to a frost-filled morning when she was nine. Her first winter living in Lord Redstride's manor as Dulcina's maid. Her mother had passed a few months earlier and she has woken earlier than needed feeling alone and sad. Unable to go back to sleep, Maven had walked around the empty halls of the manor until she ended up in front of the kitchen. Clucky, the cook, probably the only other person awake, was taking the bread for the day out of the oven. The smell of cooked bread lured Maven into the room and when Clucky noticed she motioned for her to sit on a stool there. She handed her a roll and let Maven eat then grieve in silence when the tears came. Maven had cried a lot during that time, though never around Dulcina. She never could let her guard down around her.

    'Are you okay?' Theodrad's voice brought Maven back to the present. She brushed the tears running down her cheeks.

    'Just cold,' Maven chuckled. 'Thank you for the bun.'  

    She tore another chunk of bread and popped in her mouth. As they ate, Gerta came trotting over followed by the other pigs snorting and grunting indignantly.

    'I think they're upset you did not buy them any,' she said, nudging Theodrad's arm in jest.

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I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek from my novel - keep your eyes peeled for more news on my writing here and on my Instagram!