The SunderingZanthred was on one knee, holding a goose feather up to the woman who was widely credited to be the most beautiful woman in the world. Everyone in the inn was staring at him in outright astonishment, not least the woman he was propositioning.“My lady Janistor, I would be the most honoured man in the world if you would consent to take me as a troth.”“I’m sorry... do I know you?”Zanthred choked a little. Of all the possible responses that had gone through his mind, this was not one he expected. The little grey feather wobbled in his hand.“Er, yes. I am Zanthred. We danced here not two nights ago.”Janistor’s features settled into a smile.“Ah, I am sorry. I dance a lot.”There was a titter of laughter from the group around her. One young man raised a scented handkerchief to his face to conceal the broad grin that had formed. It did not do a very good job.“So tell me Zanthred, I have heard nothing of your deeds. Are yo
Digging up the DeadDigging up human skeletons is one of the highlights of being an archaeologist. But the opportunity is rare. I had been doing the job commercially for two years before I found my first adult burial. The moment I peeled back the earth and exposed that first, tiny fragment of the skull I knew I had something different. There is some instinctive way it is possible to recognise human bones without having to think about it.At first I was elated. I thought he was Roman so I dubbed the body Gaius. Gaius Baltar (there were a few Battle Star Galactica fans on site). Unfortunately I had found the body at precisely the wrong time. The archaeologists we
Sta.sh
