Ganne


05 - What Parvis Wrote.


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It is passing strange that such a back water town as South Point has
become in recent times that it should boast a Bah Family as Ganne Witch.
A time ago, when this was a thriving and bustling port, and the wealthiest
town in the north, it would have seemed more appropriate to have an Old
Bah Family as Ganne Witch.  I am led to the conclusion by this odd state
of affairs that the position is maintained out of a grand tradition,
rather than any real need.  However, the present incumbent is The Lady
Genella Bar Dishone of Balan Tar (now, unfortunately, lost to the family
as the estate and house stands on the hill above North Point, across the
river in the Cursed Land).  I shall begin with a description of the Lady.

She is five foot nine inches tall and carries herself well.  She has the
classic Aristocratic features of the old Bah Families, so I shall not
trouble the reader with a lengthy description here - save to say that her
eyes are grey (which is unusual in a Ganne Witch - the eyes being
predominantly brown or black).  Her hair is an unfortunate shade of brown,
and is habitually worn loose to her shoulders.  All the while I staid at
the Residence, I never once saw it done up in the proper style to denote
her proper rank and standing in society.

As to dress, here, I am afraid, I must confess I found her somewhat
slovenly.  On more than one occasion, I had cause to notice food and wine
staines upon her bodice; and whenever the Lady ventured into the town, she
would insist on wearing a singularly unsuitable cloak that had seen hard
service on the back of some common soldier.

The townsfolk, I fear, do not hold her in very high esteem; a fact that
she is aware of, but which seems not to concern her overmuch.

As to other facets of her personality, I found her to be intelligent,
witty, and when she exerted herself, quite charming.  Alas, this was a
side of her nature not often exhibited.  Her usual demeanour was oft times
rather sullen and withdrawn.  I fear she has a great propensity for moody
introspection; and it seems to me that she finds the object of her
thoughts not to her mind.

The Doctor, who had been reading aloud, fell silent.  With a quizzical
expression on his face, he watched Sarah fall into a doze.  Then he
settled himself on his cot, and began to read to himself.

It was certainly sensational stuff.  Most of the Ganne Witches could be a
little touchy about their reputations; and Parvis had written down enough
here to earn himself a thorough working over.  They had long memories, and
a streak of vindictiveness, some of them, a mile wide.  Vaguely, he
wondered about the fate of Parvis Angmarr.


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