Read Online Marie's Journey (Ginecean Chronicles) by Monica La Porta - Free Book Online Page A

retrieve a sweater for Darlene.”
    Marie was proud of her friend. Verena didn’t lower her eyes when she talked back to the haughty elder.
    “Well, don’t be wasting time. Go.”
    As the elder passed them, Verena raised her fingers in an obscene gesture while whispering, “Hope Captain Callista makes your day hell.”
     Marie almost choked but managed to keep quiet.
    Verena winked at her. “Remember, nod to Madame—”
    Marie stopped her. “I know the drill. Now run before you get in trouble.” She saw Verena hurrying upstairs, wondering if she had told the truth about fetching stuff for Darlene. Verena’s sentiments for the harpy hadn’t dimmed. If nothing else, she hadn’t missed a single occasion to be within an earshot from the elder. Marie didn’t like to see her friend suffering for someone so vain and shallow. On one of those endless Samarian nights, she even joked about them getting together if nobody else would have them in five years. Verena had smiled and said it was a good plan.
    She entered the infirmary a good hour later—she had wasted time on a long shower and precious minutes she hadn’t had to comb her hair. After long, wistful looks in the mirror, she opted to tie her wispy mane out of the way in a long, elaborate braid.
    “How long does it take to peel a bag of potatoes?” Madame Lana gestured for her to close the door and approach a long table full of numbered packages. “Take one and go to the men’s infirmary to help the nurses.”
    Marie forgot both Chef’s and Verena’s suggestions and she did exactly what she had been told to avoid doing. “But… but I thought I was needed here. I thought I was going to finally start training as a nurse—”
    “You must be kidding! Would you believe this one?” Madame Lana asked three nurses who hurried to scamper out of the way. “Tora!” The rector stormed outside as was her habit. Her minions normally ended what she started.
    One of the three women came forth and gave Marie a pitiful look. “At Redfarm we never allow nurses to start training on women first. You must prove useful.”
    For the second time, Marie couldn’t believe her ears. The first shock she had received once Carnia had told her she was expected in the kitchen, and now this. “But—you can’t be serious… I mean, no disrespect, but is it truly necessary I train on men?” She was so upset she had forgotten her place.
    “You better thank the Heavens we’re understaffed. Otherwise I’d kick you back to the kitchen.” Tora gave her a cold stare.
    Marie knew there was no way to change the situation, so she took the package the woman was not so gently pushing into her arms.
    Tora rotated her index finger to let Marie know she was to turn on her heels and leave. “Three floors down, under the cellars.”
    Marie did as she was told, dragging her feet down the stairs and dreading the moment she had to enter the men’s infirmary. If only Madame Carla knew… She would be so mad that one of her girls is being sent to work on men. Her mind heavy with clouded thoughts, she descended toward her destination, noticing how darker, more humid, and narrower the flight of stairs became. She could barely contain her rage when she knocked on the door, fist trembling. Madame Carla would’ve never, ever allowed this… this… Tears stinging in her eyes, she knocked a second time when nobody answered.
    “Come in!” a voice called, muffled by the walls.
    Marie gingerly opened the door and peered inside, not sure what to expect. The men’s infirmary looked like any other and that surprised her greatly. The space was large, illuminated by artificial light, and seemingly clean in stark contrast with the dampness of the stairs. Three rows of narrow beds lined the room, each numbered with a rectangular plaque at the foot. Several were occupied by workers either sleeping or waiting to be checked by the only woman present, who was busily moving from one bed to the other. Overall, a