The White Menagerie

By Mary Catelli

In a court of decadence and intrigue, only Maya's enchantments hold in check the snow-white creatures they keep in a menagerie to amuse themselves.  But when Lady Tatiana arrives, and all must outdo themselves to win her support for the king, Lord Dariko is certain that she can hold in check a gryphon as well, and will hear no warnings of danger.

Her most careful watch and her most powerful spells might not save them -- but nothing else will.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wizard's Wood Press
• Release date: Jan 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781942564119

Mary Catelli

Mary Catelli is an avid reader of fantasy, science fiction, history, fairy tales, philosophy, folklore and a lot of other things. (Including the backs of cereal boxes.) Which, in due course, overflowed into writing fantasy (and some science fiction).

Book preview

The White Menagerie

Mary Catelli

Published by Wizard's Wood Press, 2015.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

THE WHITE MENAGERIE

First edition. January 1, 2015.

Copyright © 2015 Mary Catelli.

ISBN: 978-1942564119

Written by Mary Catelli.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

The White Menagerie

Also By Mary Catelli

The White Menagerie

Her dove gray dress faded into the background and ensured no one took her for a lady.  She hoped.  She had to get through.

Maya sidled along the wall.  Courtiers who glanced at her quickly looked back to other courtiers, in white ruffles and ribbons over white silks, satins, and velvets, set with pearls and moonstones.  Pale blond hair in ornate coiffures bore white hats with white ribbons or artificial flowers.  Ladies hid pink smiles behind fans of white feathers, and glanced over them with gray or watery blue eyes.  Mirrors multiplied them and the pale burning candles, the vases filled with dry flowers, silvery in shade, and the silver gilt glittering on the walls.

Laughter and gossip rose.  Some, no doubt, arranged marriages or planned taxes.  It did not matter to a poor relation who could no more influence them than she could—pick her way through this crowd, it seemed.  Maya bit her lip and wished Lord Dariko had said more than that he needed her at the menagerie.

Why, one languid voice drawled, "there's no need for Lord Dariko to dress his poor