Escape into the Unknown

Meg Corbyn, a young woman with a mysterious past, escapes into a blinding snowstorm, desperate to evade her pursuers. She stumbles upon the Lakeside Courtyard, a place where human law does not apply, and seeks refuge. The Courtyard is inhabited by the Others, powerful beings who view humans as little more than meat. Despite the danger, Meg sees an opportunity for safety and a fresh start when she spots a sign for a job opening as a Human Liaison.

A New Life Begins

Meg secures the job as the Human Liaison, a role that involves managing deliveries between humans and the Others. She quickly learns the rules of the Courtyard, where the Others maintain a delicate balance of tolerance and fear with the human world. As she settles into her new life, Meg is determined to prove her worth and keep her secrets hidden, all while navigating the complex dynamics of her new home.

The Wolf's Den

Simon Wolfgard, the leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, is a Wolf who must balance his instincts with the responsibilities of managing human interactions. He is wary of Meg but intrigued by her presence. As he observes her, Simon grapples with the challenge of maintaining order in the Courtyard while dealing with the unpredictable nature of humans and the potential threat Meg represents.

Secrets and Lies Unveiled

Meg's past is a dangerous secret that threatens her newfound sanctuary. As Simon and the Others begin to suspect there is more to Meg than meets the eye, tensions rise. Meg is a cassandra sangue, a blood prophet whose visions are triggered by cutting her skin. Her value to those who would exploit her is immense, and her presence in the Courtyard could bring danger to all.

The Courtyard's Decision

The Courtyard's leaders convene to discuss Meg's future. Despite the risks, they decide to protect her, recognizing her unique abilities and the potential benefits she brings. This decision marks a turning point, as Meg becomes part of the Courtyard's community, bound by their rules and under their protection. The Others' choice to shelter Meg sets the stage for a deeper alliance between her and the terra indigene.

A Dangerous Game

As Meg settles into her role, she must navigate the treacherous waters of human-Other relations. Her presence attracts attention from those who seek to exploit her abilities, and she must rely on her wits and the protection of the Courtyard to survive. Meanwhile, Simon and the Others must contend with external threats and internal conflicts, all while maintaining the fragile peace with the human world.

Intruder's Intentions Unveiled

Meg Corbyn, the Human Liaison, encounters a suspicious deliveryman whose behavior sets off alarm bells. The man lacks the usual identifiers of a legitimate delivery person, and his insistence on her accompanying him raises her instincts. As Meg tries to handle the situation, Simon Wolfgard, in his Wolf form, intervenes, sensing the danger. The man flees, leaving behind a package that Simon suspects might be a bomb. The Courtyard's alarm is raised, and the police are called to handle the potential threat.

A Wolf's Protective Instincts

Simon's protective instincts kick in as he confronts the intruder who threatened Meg. His transformation into a Wolf and subsequent actions highlight the deep bond forming between him and Meg. Despite the chaos, Simon's priority is ensuring Meg's safety, revealing the complexity of their relationship. The incident underscores the tension between the human world and the Others, as Simon grapples with his dual nature and responsibilities.

The Courtyard's Tense Atmosphere

The Courtyard is on high alert following the intrusion. The presence of a potential bomb and the intruder's intentions create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. The Others, including the Crows and Hawks, are vigilant, watching for any signs of further threats. The incident serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between the human world and the terra indigene, with Meg caught in the middle.

Prophecy and Instincts Collide

Meg's instincts, honed by her past as a cassandra sangue, prove crucial in identifying the threat posed by the intruder. Her ability to sense danger without cutting herself highlights her growing independence and adaptation to life outside the compound. Simon's reaction to her instincts reveals his concern for her well-being and the potential dangers she faces as a blood prophet in a world that seeks to exploit her abilities.

A Community on Edge

The Courtyard's leaders convene to discuss the implications of the intrusion and the potential threat it poses. The incident exacerbates existing tensions between the Others and humans, with the possibility of conflict looming. Simon and the other leaders must navigate these challenges while protecting their community and maintaining the delicate balance with the human world.

The Aftermath of Fear

In the aftermath of the intrusion, the Courtyard grapples with the fear and uncertainty it has unleashed. Meg's role as the Human Liaison becomes even more critical as she works to bridge the gap between the two worlds. The incident serves as a catalyst for change, forcing the Others to reevaluate their interactions with humans and the potential threats they face.

A Storm of Betrayal Unleashed

The Courtyard is under siege as intruders, led by a special messenger, launch a coordinated attack. Explosions rock the Utilities Complex, and the Pony Barn is set ablaze. The Elementals, enraged by the assault, unleash a devastating storm upon Lakeside. Amidst the chaos, Meg realizes the intruders are after her and Sam, the Wolf pup. She makes a desperate decision to protect Sam, entrusting him to Erebus Sanguinati while she leads the attackers away, knowing it might cost her life.

Meg's Desperate Gamble for Safety

Meg's instincts drive her to protect Sam at all costs. She flees in a BOW, pursued by the intruders. As she reaches the creek, the ice shatters beneath her, and she plunges into the freezing water. Simon, Vlad, and Blair race to her rescue, pulling her from the icy depths. Despite the dire situation, Meg's actions buy enough time for the Courtyard's defenders to regroup and counter the attack.

A New Balance of Power

In the wake of the storm, a new balance of power emerges between humans and the Others. The Courtyard reopens its doors, cautiously welcoming human interaction. Meg, recovering from her ordeal, becomes a symbol of the potential for cooperation and understanding. As the city heals, both sides recognize the importance of working together to ensure a peaceful future.

Characters

Meg Corbyn

Meg is a cassandra sangue, a blood prophet whose visions are triggered by self-inflicted cuts. Escaping from a life of captivity, she seeks refuge in the Lakeside Courtyard. Her unique abilities make her both valuable and vulnerable, and she must navigate the complex dynamics of her new home while keeping her past hidden.

Simon Wolfgard

Simon is a Wolf and the leader of the Lakeside Courtyard. He is responsible for maintaining the balance between the Others and the human world. Simon is wary of Meg but intrigued by her presence, and he must decide whether to protect her or view her as a threat.

Tess

Tess is a member of the Courtyard with unknown origins and abilities. She is both feared and respected by the Others, and her unpredictable nature makes her a formidable ally or enemy. Tess takes an interest in Meg and becomes a key figure in her integration into the Courtyard.

Vlad Sanguinati

Vlad is a member of the Sanguinati, a race of blood-drinking Others. He is charming and sophisticated, with a dangerous edge. Vlad is intrigued by Meg and plays a crucial role in the Courtyard's decision to protect her.

Henry Beargard

Henry is a Grizzly and the Courtyard's spirit guide. He is wise and protective, offering guidance to Simon and the others. Henry's presence is a stabilizing force in the Courtyard, and he becomes a key ally for Meg.

Asia Crane

Asia is a human with her own agenda. She seeks to infiltrate the Courtyard and gain access to its secrets. Her ambition and cunning make her a potential threat to Meg and the Others, as she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.

Erebus Sanguinati

Erebus, the patriarch of the Sanguinati, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Sam during the attack. His willingness to defy the rules to protect the pup demonstrates his commitment to the Courtyard's well-being. Erebus's actions reinforce the Sanguinati's alliance with the Courtyard and their role as formidable protectors.

Nathan Wolfgard

Nathan's dedication to protecting Meg and the Courtyard is unwavering. His instincts and loyalty are crucial in identifying threats and ensuring the safety of those he cares about. Nathan's presence during the attack highlights the strength of the bonds between the Courtyard's inhabitants.

Plot Devices

The Courtyard

The Lakeside Courtyard is a place where human law does not apply, offering sanctuary to Meg but also serving as a potential prison. It is a microcosm of the larger world, where the Others maintain a delicate balance of power with humans. The Courtyard's rules and dynamics are central to the story, shaping the interactions between characters and driving the plot forward.

Cassandra Sangue

The cassandra sangue, or blood prophets, are humans with the ability to see visions through self-inflicted cuts. This ability makes them valuable and vulnerable, as they are sought after by those who wish to exploit their powers. Meg's status as a cassandra sangue is a key plot device, influencing her actions and the decisions of those around her.

Human-Other Relations

The relationship between humans and the Others is a central theme in the story. The Courtyard serves as a point of contact between the two worlds, where tensions and alliances are constantly shifting. The interactions between characters highlight the complexities of coexistence and the potential for conflict or cooperation.

Elemental Fury

The Elementals' response to the attack on the Courtyard is a powerful plot device that underscores the Others' connection to nature. The storm they unleash serves as both a defense mechanism and a warning to humans, illustrating the consequences of provoking the terra indigene.

Meg's Prophetic Instincts

Meg's prophetic abilities play a crucial role in the narrative, guiding her actions and decisions. Her instincts, honed by her experiences, allow her to anticipate threats and protect those she cares about. This plot device highlights the importance of intuition and foresight in navigating the complex dynamics of the Courtyard.

Analysis

"Written in Red" by Anne Bishop explores the delicate balance between humans and the Others, highlighting the complexities of coexistence and the potential for conflict or cooperation. Through Meg's journey, the story delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the power of intuition. The Courtyard serves as a microcosm of the larger world, where the rules and dynamics shape the interactions between characters. The narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting differences, as well as the consequences of exploiting power. Ultimately, the book offers a compelling exploration of the potential for harmony and the challenges of navigating a world where power dynamics are constantly shifting.

Last updated: February 26, 2025