Welcome to Stories from Among the Stars.

You're listening to Nettelin Bone by T. Kingfisher, narrated by Amara Jasper.

Chapter 6.

Mara had spent 15 years in the convent, all told.

Half her life, barring a few months.

She could embroider and sew and knit,

and she knew perhaps a little more of politics than an ordinary nun might.

But she could do nothing to save her sister.

She had thought that returning to the familiar routine of the convent would soothe her,

but it did not.

Days after her return from the Northern Kingdom, Mara still could not settle.

She went back and forth, her fingers itching with

inactivity, unable to bear the stillness of the convent. What could she do? She had to help

Kanye. But she could not. But she had to, but she could not. But...

Are you in love or pregnant?

Asked the sister apothecary.

Neither, said Mara, somewhat horrified.

Don't look so appalled.

You're as jittery as a grasshopper,

and those are the two ailments I know of that start that way.

No, said Mara.

She trusted the sister apothecary a great deal,

...