WIP – The River Lords

I’ve been trimming The River Lords yet again, beginning the story still closer to the end. I’m liking what I’m seeing.

Back on the boat, I coaxed dried grass and twigs to fire in a bronze pan that had survived the Yan Gorge. I spitted the rabbits and placed them over the flames, turning them every so often. I collected the leavings in a shallow pan for broth.

When I offered the entrails to Krhaw Nohk, she hopped backwards and screeched in obvious disgust. I threw the innards into the water; the surface churned with feasting bloodfish. Krhaw Nohk seemed not to notice, so transfixed was her gaze on the cooking rabbits. Apparently roasted meat appealed more to the bird than cold guts.

Krhaw Nohk stepped from foot to foot in anticipation of the meat and broth I set before her. She glanced at me and then began to eat, tearing at the meat with her beak. I wolfed down bites too hot to enjoy. We ate in silence as the evening settled humid and heavy on the marshes.