The Tree of Life is the second in a series of short stories that take place in a far future world, after an event known as “the Freezing.” These stories follow the lives and doings of women in a town called Soledge, which is located in Scandinavia. The first story in the series, The White Stone, was published on this blog in 2022. Like The White Stone, this second story, The Tree of Life, was inspired by a verse from the book of Revelation.
“Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.” -Revelation 2:7
I am working on other stories in this setting which will be published in one volume summer 2024.
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The Tree of Life: Chapter 1
Sif pulled back the curtain and looked out across the blinding snow. The gales were so strong they were blowing the flakes sideways. Ulfrun was at the fire, gazing deep into the flames. Sif dropped the heavy fabric, shutting out the cold. She joined her sister at the hearth. “Can you see anything today?” she
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The Tree of Life: Chapter 2
Sif walked through the piled drifts, moving towards the woods without haste. The storm had stopped blowing after Ulfrun had commanded it, but the sun had not come out until the next day, and Sif had not felt like leaving the fireside while the clouds still hung overhead. She trudged through the snow, knowing she
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The Tree of Life: Chapter 3
Sif moved casually through the streets of the town, chewing on her thoughts. The main road with the shops had been cleared by Helga earlier. She felt the lingering presence of her sister Bairn along the avenue. The smell of woodsmoke was strong on the wind. She caught the scent of roasting meat. Hrist must
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The Tree of Life: Chapter 4
Sif liked to use the tame magic when no one else was looking. Her family had a gray, L shaped device that was light enough to hold in one hand. The handle was about the length of her hand, and the barrel was a little longer and had more girth. When switched on, it blew
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The Tree of Life: Epilogue
Sif stood outside the apothecary, watching through the window as Hrist and her granddaughter, Edda, worked. The girl was smiling as something the older woman was saying. Sif wondered if she was telling a joke, recanting a story, or offering praise for Edda’s work. Sif had watched the pair for well over an hour. The
The Quick and the Dead 