Quote from Habiatat by Vanda M Denton
Casually, unfazed by knowing they disliked this part of his job, Dominic walked over to hold out his hand to the nearest calligrapher. She frowned in irritation but made no comment as she handed over her two neat sheets of writing. Dominic took no chances; not even amongst these honest, placid people. He read every word, checking for hidden messages. He found only an extract of a play he recognised as an old classic: The Merry Wives of Windsor. As always he was courteous. He handed it back with a smile and a thankyou before moving on to the man next to Isla who seemed to be hastening his clearing away. Again when he held out his hand he was greeted with a frown and reluctance with handing over the script. Once more Dominic studied the text with care. These were words he hadn’t read before, including in the latest briefing for new literature passed for publication.
‘What is this?’
The man took a breath, ‘It’s a simple story for children struggling with their reading.’
Dominic glanced around. One or two had stopped to watch, a couple nudged others to keep their attention away from the scene but most were supremely unaware of the drama as they continued to pack their work and materials away.
‘Stop,’ he called to all. ‘Put all papers on your desks and stand by them.’
Gleaming eyes surveying the scene told all the writers that this Keeper would be missing no infringements and that included the mildest disobedience right now.
Dominic read the new words. It was a brief story about a sower of seeds and how they will set down roots and flourish only in good, well-prepared soil.
His posture demanded eye-contact with the writer of those words. ‘This has not been passed for publication.’
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