Lady in Waiting is a flash folk-horror told through prayers. Each episode is just minutes long. This is an immersive audio drama. So, turn your volume up. A supplement to the audio drama The Thief.

Previously, the lady-in-waiting fled the cyngdón carrying a stack of papers, following the high road, underdressed and without provisions. She hopes to reach Lingwiloce, many days travel east, and she prays to her grandfather (called “áda”) for safe passage.

Day two

I am here, áda, at the standing stones. I did not sleep. I knew enough to douse the lamp I stole with me before dark, but - I didn't know.

You can still see it, even with no moon: Áendhrod. Candles in the tower windows; the glow from other torches behind the walls. Even off the road by a mile and in your tall shadow, I didn't feel safe. I kept imagining its wall-face turning toward me, Aelfsi in its dragon maw.

No, I didn't sleep.

And in the morning it set in to rain. I didn't realize the country was so low compared to the road.

I lost my slipper in the mud, but I need these papers to stay dry and I was too afraid to change how I was cradling them that I - just left it.

The sky is gray. I think it's been three or four hours. It's daytime but I can't find the sun. But three to four hours is twelve miles, maybe?

You can see the standing stones at a distance as long as you can see the road. There's nothing but rain-smeared horizon at either end, so I risked coming uphill.

I drank from the runoff.

Ginger, taken from the kitchen. I am hungry ..., but no. A snip of hair. Gall. I'm huddled against the standing stones and pray you find this in the ring. I kiss the letter so you know it's me. Help me.

Furbelow

Written and produced by Michael Schofield
Performed by Rae Witte
Introduced by Jeremy Roman
Inspired by S. Kaiya J. ’s game Her Odyssey

Lady in Waiting is produced by the fyrd: our thegns Nandi K, Amzylee, Trei Brundrett, Andy McLellan, Eudico, Rebekah Monson, Andy Priestner, Mike Atchley, and Patrick Myers.

You can join the fyrd and help me make this stuff through Substack or Patreon.