Tuesday Tales 2022-6-7 Simple

Welcome to Tuesday Tales, where authors write weekly excerpts based on word and picture prompts. The prompt this week is simple. I continue with my Highlander Time Travel romance featuring Torsten and Lana. When you finish reading my snippet, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.

The contents of the dwelling lay strewn about. Things had the appearance of being tossed here and there during a search. A small wooden casket, used for jewelry and keepsakes, lay open on the floor. A sharp blade had severed the binding rope with its simple knot. Part of the contents remained inside, and part lay in tangled heaps beside the chest. Tor sorted through the trinkets quickly, finding nothing of value. He spoke to Lew, who had raised an overturned basin to inspect beneath it. “Mayhap they also wanted the Bone Woman, but the ruffians were searching for something small.”

Lew looked up, his ruddy cheeks pale. “Ottar’s Brooch?”

“I’m thinking so. If they found it, ‘tis indeed a black day for the Gunns. We’ve no time to waste. We must discover the route whence they fled the ridge.”

Lew shook his head. “First, on the off chance they didn’t take her but left her tied up or hurt, we had best search outside before leaving.”

Tor started. “The earth cellar! I’ll wager she has one. I doubt the thieves would secrete her there, but it may be a clever hiding place for the brooch. That has to be our concern, too. You know it does. If the ruffians didn’t think of it…” He headed toward the door. “I’ll find the cellar. You examine the well. Agreed, cousin?”

“Aye.” Lew, also on the move, spoke from behind him.

Tor found the entrance to the earth cellar near the vestiges of the garden and covered over by rushes and needles. At first glance, he had almost missed it. A few scraggly, winter hardened herbs were all that remained of the year’s planting. Brushing aside the debris, or camouflage, revealed an iron ring attached to a flat wooden door. He leaned down and yanked at the attached rope. Heavier than it appeared, the door creaked as he pulled.

He allowed it to plop open to the ground and then stood a moment listening. Had he imagined the sound of movement coming from inside? He crept down the rope ladder and found himself in a large underground room. One section was filled with herbs hanging from the ceiling. Roots and other plants were neatly arrayed on rows of tables. Shelves were filled with containers of mysterious tinctures, liquids, and salves. His gaze narrowed. One section of shelves seemed oddly ajar.

I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word, simple. Thanks for stopping by. Check out the other excerpts at Tuesday Tales.

Cheers & Happy Reading!

Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance

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