“Shenah. Shenah come on. Hurry. Shenah come.” The voice was distant, strange but familiar.

“Shenah” this was closer. Followed by banging that woke her fully from the dream with a start.

“Shenah” it’s 7:30 the fires are cold. What’s the matter?”

“Alright Nina, I’m coming. Settle down.” 7:30 she thought, I’ve not slept that late for years. Maybe something is the matter. She rushed to dress and then thrust the door open, to a startled squawk from Nina waiting outside. Useless girl.. She ushered Nina out of the way and headed to the kitchens.

What is this feeling? I feel robbed of something I never knew I had, She thought. I don’t know if it’s disappointment as such Shenah thought. Maybe I’m too old for that. Too experienced to expect anything other than what it was. This city. This life. This bloody Prime. Was this one worse or is my patience just wearing as thin as her socks. That feeling was just the cold reality of another days thankless work.

Breakfast done, and sent hurriedly upwards with Nina, she started on the washing. The simple familiarity helping forget her troubled night. She plunged her wrinkled hands back into the water. Working the material with skill and practiced ease.

Looking at her creases and crinkles hands; age and time seem to erode her now. When did she get so old?

Shenahs thoughts ran around themselves as she quietly worked. Face furrowed and taut. Clean water she thought. That will help. She grabbed the pail and headed out through the gardens to the well. Come on. Her arms ached already. Tired from the frantic morning.

As she approached the well, there was a blackbird pirched on the stone. “Hello pretty” she whispered quietly. “I’ve nothing for you today my dear. So sorry.” The bird cocked its head as if listening. Come on.

She started. “Don’t play silly buggers, I’ve had enough voices this morning, don’t you start.”

The bird flew off to a near by tree. Where it hoped around the branches. She lowered the bucket down, winding the handle round. Down. Deeper. What the bloody hell now she thought. She kept winding. Until with a clunk the rope stopped. That was a low as it went.

No water. Not possible she thought. The well had never run dry. She stared at the rope as if she could change the situation by looks alone. Her eyes caught sight of the ladder. So strange she thought. Why did it even have that.

Come.

She span right with a yell. “Nina? Jack? Was that you? Stop playing silly buggers.” Her back was sweaty she realised. Cold and clammy. On a warm spring morning.

Come.

The voice was behind her again. And she turned slowly this time. Scanning the hedges. She saw the blackbird perched on the well again. It hopped back and forth cocking its head to look at her.

Shenah smiled nervously. The bird seemed to be staring right at her. Through her even.

Come. It said and fluttered down into the depths of the well.