Excerpt || A Scar for Leida Fantastic Wonder Stories, Ticonderoga, Russell B. Farr, ed., pub. 2007
Aurealis Award Best Young Adult Short Story winner
Ditmar Award Best Short Story shortlist
They passed Stefi on their way through the market, bundled in rags and curled deep into herself. Just as well, Katya explained. Stefi's skin was so marked and mottled from her magics it looked like soured candle drippings. Her eyes were scarred shut hard enough that her face appeared hollow. And her arms, her arms were forever bent, hands pressed against her ribs like broken wings. What benefits Stefi found in life were obscure. But sometimes life becomes a habit, Katya explained. People forget how to let go. "So if the magic scars you, witch, what will it do to me?" Leida asked. In the dusk, Leida proved to be attractive in the way of youth but no more. She had pale eyes that were more blue than green, and light, curled hair pulled back in a knot. "No scars for you, Lady, your coins are your protection." Leida raised a handkerchief to her nose. Perfumed, most like, to keep out the odour of the market .
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