The Flaying of Fander, She-Wolf of Winter, marks

the Dawn of Gedderone. The priestesses race down

the streets, strips of wolf-fur streaming from their

hands. Banners are unfurled. The noises and smells

of the market rise into the morning air. Masks are

donned, the citizens discard the year’s worries and

dance across the day into night.

   The Lady of Spring is born anew.

   It is as if the gods themselves pause their breath . . .

FACES OF DARUJHISTAN
MASKRAL JEMRE (B. 1101)