Welcome to Tuesday Tales, where you’ll find entertaining excerpts from a group of hard-working writers. Writing is our passion. You can enjoy stories and see works in progress unfold. The word prompt this week is deepen. I continue here with the adventurous medieval romance featuring the knight Nicholas Wycliffe. Make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Everard’s appearance was transformed into that of a wise man, aged well beyond his prime.
Breena’s lips crinkled in appreciation. “I watch as you apply each smudge and stroke to your face. Yet still I see not how you achieve the magic.”
He studied her with a slit-eyed look. “’Tis illusion. You, my dear child, are at this moment the ideal audience. To truly understand, you would need to become the player, the master of the platea. The audience wishes to believe and will greet the player halfway along the road, should he take particular care to convince. We must always do our best for them.” He returned to the reflection in the glass. Using deft fingers, he applied soot to deepen the facial lines and shadows so willingly prescribed by time.
Appearing satisfied at last, he donned a bleached wig, topped by a narrow circlet headdress depicting a lofty station. He then added a long swash of colorful cloth to cover one shoulder and a five-foot tall staff with a crook at the top. Even with no starry night backdrop or duo of accompanying regal companions, his disguise was complete.
“How about it, my lady? Am I kingly enough? Mysterious enough? Will I astound them in York?”
“Aye. You will indeed, and more.” Her tone was one of awe. “You are for certain the wisest of the Three Kings. Let us hope the remaining players are as well prepared.”
“They had better be, if they know what is good for their backsides.” His tone brooked no quarrel. Walking back and forth to test out his gait with the staff, he quoted several dramatic lines from the mystery play to be presented.
Breena took a stiffening breath and blurted, “I feel a bit useless. Is there nothing more I can do to repay your kindness to me, other than help with the costumes and assist Edwina with the daily cooking?”
Everard shrugged. “Who knows? The time may come, my lady. Until then, watch and learn. And remember to keep disguised and distant from strangers. Your safety, and ours, is at stake.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt deepen. Thanks for stopping by. Read the other remarkable excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2021 Flossie Benton Rogers
Another excellent snippet, Flossie. This story is so intriguing!
I appreciate your feedback, Mae, and am glad you find the story intriguing!
Well done. It’s amazing what theatrical makeup can do. Now I need to know why she has to remain disguised.
Ohhh, we shall see! Thank you, Susanne!
I love the description of the lengths he is going to disguise himself. And I’m intrigued why they must be disguised. Can’t wait to ready more!
I’m glad the disguise is intriguing. Thank you, Tricia!
Love the costume descriptions and his protective attitude with her. He certainly is masterful, and a little bit alpha, in the nicest way!
Thanks for the feedback, Jean!
Love the descriptions! So nicely done.
I’m glad you love the descriptions. Thanks, Vicki!
You are always so good with descriptions. Excellent snippett
Thank you for the compliment about my descriptions!