It started as a lark: a single card, pulled from a deck in a New Age store in Camden Town.
Seven of Swords.
The proprietor, a vision of swishing purple scarves, took it from him, held it up with bejeweled nails.
“Betrayal,” she smirked. “Somebody peaching on you, love?”
He had thought nothing of it, but the seed took root.
He went to a different shop, took a different deck, cut and shuffled the cards.
Seven of Swords.
He asked the owner what it meant.
She shrugged, handed him a card.
Madame Nuri , Truth Seer
Chateau de Sable
Ménilmontant Paris
Love it–fresh and crackling with tension.
Enticing. Such a great lead-in.
Looks like Madame Nuri is advertising through the New Age shops. Could it be she’s a sorceress bewitching the card decks to increase business? Well done, Hardy. :) — Suzanne
Ah… who could really say.. but the seers are consistent in cards if not in interpretation
Hooked me in. I really liked the description of the proprietor of the first store. I think I’ve seen her before…
Most intriguing.
Nice twist. Like how you worked the sign into the story.
I’d like to have a closer look at those two decks, and know the percentage Mme Nuri pays for each new customer. Great scene, great description. Now, where does that patchouly smell come from, all of a sudden? ;)
He better check it out! And thereby hangs the tale.. . . Loved this!!!!
He needs a mojo, and he should never do the same thing twice. I enjoyed this.
I really like the unwritten implications of this one.
It just goes to show, we generally find what we are looking for.
An original way to hook customers – wonder how many took her up on it?