For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.
Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien. Frau Becker is helping Aksinya to recover from exposure. She learns that Aksinya is to be tried for sorcery...
Very quickly Otto returned with a tray that contained wheat mush, cheese, bread, and tea. Frau Becker placed it on the bench. Aksinya’s eyes were closed. Frau Becker tried to hand Aksinya a spoon to eat the wheat mush. Aksinya couldn’t hold it, so the frau fed her and held the tea for her. After a while, Aksinya was able to hold the spoon on her own. She had to grasp it in her fist, but she could get it to her mouth. She ate everything on the tray.
Frau Becker collected everything and returned it to the tray. Aksinya had already pulled out her rosary. She began to pray the decades. Frau Becker stared at her. Aksinya glanced up in embarrassment, “I did not pray before I ate. I couldn’t finish my prayers last night. Thank you very much for taking care of me.”
Frau Becker stepped out of the cell. She was the last one to leave. Secretary Schwab locked the door and pocketed the key.
Before Frau Becker departed, she gave the secretary a stern look, “Anyone who would try this girl is insane. Keep her warm and feed her or this will happen again. Keep the men away from her, or something worse will happen.” Otto returns with food for Aksinya. Eats with Frau Becker's help then she begins to pray her rosary. Do you see how out of character this is for a sorceress. Still, at the end, they lock Aksinya back in her cell. We see that Aksinya has won a friend. She didn't try to, but her new persona, and her natural strength make Frau Becker feel pity for Aksinya. The Frau gives a final warning. This is the kicker for the end of chapter 17. Tomorrow, the beginning of chapter 18 and scene setting.
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