It is time for Tuesday Tales, where you’ll find entertaining excerpts from a group of hard-working writers. I continue here with an adventurous medieval romance featuring a knight. This week’s word prompt is swim. After reading the passage, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
Nicholas whistled, a harsh, shrill command that pierced through the discord of crackling thunder and driving rain. A moment later Champion galloped to his side, cavorting to a stop with a snort and raised tail. The knight jumped astride. They were off in a flash. Nicholas kept the pace, despite following Rothburg’s irregular tracks that were fast disappearing into mud and water. His heart thudded in his chest. In his mind he imagined Sabina’s face, full of fear and loathing. He’d kill Rothburg for this. No time to think. Get it done. Get it done. Yet, he had to keep his mind clear. Rothburg had proven himself devious, cocky, and possessing a chilling ability to scheme and outwit. That he had dared to abduct her in broad daylight and under the monks’ noses! Brute force might not work this time. At least not until he got his hands around the bastard’s throat.
The knight praised God for his trusty steed and prayed for strength of will as he sped after the savage. Sabina’s life depended on him. She had declared she’d rather die than be tied to Rothburg. He had thought she was exaggerating, but she had been dead serious. He had to stop the brute from reaching his mealy-faced cousin who would perform the ceremony.
The pace slowed as Champion edged them up a rise. Wait, there was Rothburg’s horse, heading down the hill, riderless. Champion came to a halt at the edge of a steep ravine. The Devil’s River flowed below.
A strident voice floated toward Nicholas. Rothburg. “Come on, wench! Move!” The voice sounded as if he were down below somewhere.
Sabina answered, her words unintelligible.
The knight slid to the ground, giving the voiceless command for Champion to stay. The horse obeyed, despite the growing fury of the storm.
Nicholas ran toward the edge of the cliff, frantic for a sight of Sabina and her abductor. Off to the right the cliff sloped slightly, allowing for descent if you were a mad man or desperate. He caught sight of them. Rothburg half hopped, half slid down the decline, yanking Sabina along by one arm. A moment later they slid all the way down to the water. Rothburg tumbled one way and Sabina the other. Water pummeled over her head.
Already on the run down the decline, Nicholas prayed she could swim in the torrents. The water was rough. Lightning cracked beside him, and his footing cut loose. The bowels of hell swooped up to ensnare him.
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt swim. 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
Wow! What an awesome snippet. Great job, Flossie!
You made my day, Mae!
Very graphic. Love all the visual descriptions.
Your comment means a lot, Loretta.
Amazing scene. Love the last line. Well done.
I’m glad that last line made an impression. Thank you, Susanne!
You are a master wordsmith! Great snippet!
You’re so kind– thank you, Trisha!
oooh, very exciting. On the edge of my seat!! Well done- Jillian
Don’t fall off the seat! Thanks, Jillian!