Summary Of Heida's Short Story: The Three Divines

Heida had always loved stories. Some of her earliest and fondest memories involved listening as her mother wove a tale for her family to hear. Heida did not care what the story was about, she liked everything. Epics about knights and fair princesses; myths about the Three Divines; popular tales every child grew up knowing, even personal anecdotes. As long as her mother told it, Heida was never disappointed, for her mother possessed the gift and skill of a wondrous storyteller, always knowing when to raise and lower her tone; she could captivate an audience with a tale told dozens of times just as easily as with a tale told never before. Everyone in their little village could recognize her gift; many a time Heida could remember someone jokingly tell
It’s early, I’d have thought you’d still be at the cottage, helping your mother.”

Winded from her sprint, she breathlessly said, “Father, something’s wrong with Mother...her skin is hot to the touch, she just had a violent coughing fit, and she was too weak to stand or even speak after…”

Father’s face darkened as if a storm cloud had passed over the sun. His lips tightened with worry, and Heida knew he was thinking about what she had earlier. Was it possible? Could Mother have the dreadful summer fever? “Take your brothers to the market and meet with Elmer there. I’ll send Lillith and Illa after you when I get to the cottage. Once they meet you, close the stall and go to your grandmother’s cottage; I’ll send news to you as I have it.”

Heida knew then that he must think the worst; Grandmother was father’s mother, and was an old, cranky, near blind woman they rarely visited on account of her temper and apparent hatred of mother. Father wouldn’t tell them to stay with her unless he thought the situation grim.

Heida stared at him. “Father...Mother’s going to be alright, isn’t she?” Her voice cracked a bit.

Father put his hand on her shoulder and said, simply, “Be brave,