It’s time for another SFF Saturday Snippet! What’s SFF Saturday? It’s a group of authors who post snippets of SFF prose and poetry for comment. You can check out other SFF Saturday posts, too.
I’m taking a bit of a break from Herald as I think I reached a good end to a chapter. I’m not sure where I’m going next in that book, so I need to let it sit. I’ve put all the previous Herald snippets together here, if you’re interested in reading them all at once.
For the next couple of weeks, I’ll be giving you snippets from a short story I wrote called Old Wounds.
This is the start:
Sorne heard her apprentice’s footsteps creaking the floorboards as he crossed the shop toward her closed door. His pace was halting, as if he weren’t sure he should be intruding. She set down her pliers and rod, least she mar the delicate gold of the coronet before her. Dilan was better than this. Her instructions had been very clear—no interruptions. She had a commission to finish by tomorrow and she was never late. She’d no plans to ruin that part of her reputation now, even if it meant a sleepless night.
Dilan rapped on her door. “Master Sorne?” His voice carried far too much fear in it.
Ann Laurel Kopchik 
It’s always hard to find good help that follows your instructions…though I have this gut feeling there’s a reason for such disobedience.
He’s a pretty smart guy… there probably is. (stay tuned!) 😉
Doh-oh. I think Sorne’s going to miss her deadline.
Yeah… never say never, Sorne. 🙂
Hmm, I sense trouble… Great snippet!!
Thanks! Yup. Trouble’s a coming. 🙂
Apprentice to just a metalworker, or something more?
He’s just an apprentice. She, on the other hand…
A very ominous start. You’ve packed a lot of info. about her character in less than 10 lines. Great snippet!
Thanks! 🙂
Interrupted by her apprentice? Fear in his voice? Not a good situation, but a good start to this story!
Nice snippet! I like the mood set already, particularly with her apprentice defying her command (and being much too fearful about it). Ohhhh, what will happen?!
I love that her name is Some. I love that she’s a master. I love that takes her craft ad reputation so seriously. Clearly Dilan has something important to share and he’s scared to interrupt, as he knows the rules. Excited for more!
Thank you!