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. This week’s word prompt is blue. I continue here with an adventurous medieval romance featuring a knight. Make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
A makeshift stage had been erected at one end of the great hall. In front of it, benches were lined up for an audience. Nicholas sipped ale, content in the small recess at the opposite end where he had stationed himself to await the king’s man. From his shadowed perch, he surveyed the bustle of servants catering to provide hospitality to the guests. They kept the wine and ale flowing and the long side table laden with provender such as cheese and candied red berries. A trio of musicians achieved a lively tune, while finely dressed visitors drank, nibbled, chatted, dawdled, and finally began to settle themselves to be entertained and instructed.
Nicholas had learned that tomorrow’s performance would be held outside for the townsfolk and commoners. With luck he would be gone by then, depending on the forthcoming orders. His thoughts turned to the north land and his small, hard won keep. It had been five winters since he had spent a Yuletide north of the Humber. For reasons he could not explain, he longed to do so now. The atmosphere would not be overly festive, with no family and few servants to care about his homecoming. He gave a self-deprecating snort. Mayhap the fierce birds of prey in the nearby marsh would shake their blue tail feathers in greeting, one warrior to another. After numerous wars and skirmishes, he simply longed to be home for the turn of the year. He told himself it mattered not if anyone else knew or cared.
He shifted restlessly in the small alcove and hoped de Palma would arrive before the show began. Sitting through a mystery play did not appeal.
A servant dipped before him. “More ale, Sir Nicholas?” The woman’s tone seemed to offer something other than liquid refreshment. A lock of dark hair had escaped her cap and accentuated the soft curve of her cheek. He held her gaze for a moment and held out his tankard.
Her full lips upturned. “I shall keep it replenished.”
Randall appeared with ale and a hunk of cheese. He handed Nicholas a small cloth bearing the royal badge—a flowering broom plant. “This allowed me admittance, Sire.”
Nicholas nodded. “Take a seat, in the back if there’s room or against the wall. Stay out of the swell. ‘Tis better if I greet de Palma alone.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the picture prompt blue. 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
Loved it, Flossie. Once again it resonates with atmosphere and period details. Superb!
Thanks for the positive feedback, Mae. With a medieval I can find needed tweaks each time I read my excerpt.
Excellent scene. His longing to go home is so natural. Well done.
I’m glad his longing to go home sounds natural. Thanks, Susanne!
I want to know more. Intriguing.
I’m so glad you’re intrigued!
He sounds so lonely! I know how it feels just to want to be home again. He’s three-dimensional and noticing the barmaid, too. Woo hoo! Looking forward to whatever you have in store for him next. Maybe a woman??
He does have some feelings playing about in him. Thanks for the three-dimensional comment and your positive feedback!
Such an excellent scene!
Thank you!
I love the way that you share his inner thoughts. I can sense just how much he wants to go home. I’m hoping there is someone he will want to be with even though he says not. Great job!
He has been on the road so long. He needs something else now. I’m glad that comes across.
Wonderfully written! I wanted to keep turning the pages and dive deeper into the story. I loved it!
That makes me feel so pleased, Trisha, that you wanted to keep turning the pages and dive deeper.