And Thrice Again is a short story written for Seanan McGuire's Patreon supporters.
Thrice to thine and thrice to mine
And thrice again, to make up nine.
—William Shakespeare, Macbeth
Author's Summary[]
This month we follow Simon Torquill, friend and family man, as he attempts to make things better for his beloved Patrick. But things are not always as easy as they seem, and sometimes the best of intentions can lead us down very dark paths...
Plot []
Simon returns to Amandine's Tower after the events of The Ambitious Ocean. He greets August and then begins making plans and potions for his upcoming meeting with Evening Winterrose. He intends to offer her his service in exchange for Patrick and Dianda's safety. Simon speaks with Amandine before leaving to let his wife know he will be away, although he lies about the reason for his renewed absence because he fears Amandine would forbid him to speak to Evening if she knew.
Simon enters Goldengreen and speaks with Dawn Winterrose, who Evening claims is her sister. She is pleased to see him, but only allows him through to meet with Evening on the condition that Simon host a harvest dance in her honor. Simon agrees, and meets with Evening. He reveals that he knows her true name - Eira Rosynhwyr, and begins the service to her that will lead to his downfall. He returns home, weary and ill and dreading the consequences of the bargain he has just made.
Characters []
Mentioned only []
- Sylvester Torquill
- Septimius Torquill
- Glynis Torquill
- Celaeno
- September Torquill
- Patrick Twycross
- Dianda Lorden
- Luna Torquill
- Gilad Windermere
- Siwan Yates
- Fómhar
- Titania
- Torcall of Albany