15 YEARS AGO, YEAR 5 OF THE MARELIRIAN ECLIPSE
The abode, standing atop a giant oak tree, is one of many houses soaring above the sky in the area. Lined with straw walls and ceilings, the entire house rattles with the touch of the wind, whistling as they go along. With each step of the household's members, the house makes a distinctive rattle. Sitting precariously on the treetops, the house doesn't let a move go unannounced.
This is exactly the reason why Aedea looks up as the house rattles early in the afternoon.
It's still early, the children shouldn't be home until five, and Amil said he was coming home late tonight.
She looks around, her pulse suddenly erratic. The babe, Lemia, unlatches her hold on the mother's breast. Could it be? Aedea asks herself, her mind suddenly turning to more morbid thoughts.
