Tuesday Tales: 2021-6-1 Salt

Time for Tuesday Tales! Here you’ll find entertaining excerpts from a group of hard-working writers. This week’s word prompt is salt. My work in progress is a medieval romance featuring a knight, Nicholas de Beaumont. After reading the passage, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.

Exhausted, Sabina gritted her teeth and did her best to stay upright on the horse. Nicholas walked in front, leading the way up the latest incline. Champion had taken them a good distance from where they had first taken flight, but they both knew that Rothburg would follow at some point. The terrain had turned hilly and rocky the further toward the coast they veered. With his training and experience, Nicholas appeared tireless. She, on the other hand, longed to drop off the horse onto a cascade of leaves and sleep until the following morn. She said nothing, not wanting to do anything to impede their progress.

At last he seemed to notice her tendency to droop in the saddle. At the top of a hill, he removed the wineskin and insisted she have a fortifying drink. He took one himself. Then he enclosed her hand in his and gave her a smile that melted her heart. “A ruined keep lies not far from here. It belonged to a friend of mine before the wars. We can make it within the hour and will make haven there for the night.”

She nodded, relieved.

Before long he informed her that they neared the keep. Sabina’s spirits soared as the tip of the battlements came into view, and fell just as quickly as they rounded the hill to see the full state of the place. It was in sad condition, with the gatehouse and most of the battlements destroyed. Stonework lay about in big chunks. A fire had evidently raged in part of the tower itself. A sudden sorrow pricked at her. Men had once bustled here, ready to withstand attack and evil intent. Children had played. A garden had flourished. The lady of the house had strode the hall, keeping safe against her person the keys to the salt and food stores in protection of her people. “Where did the family go?” she blurted.

Nicholas helped her dismount, brushing away a tear. With tender lips, he kissed her temple. He took her hand. “Let us go around back. The conditions are better.” He gave a low whistle for Champion to follow. “Fear not for the family, Sabina. They took refuge with relatives to the north. Lord Barche hopes to rebuild here once the matter of the throne is decided. Of course warriors perished during the seige, but that is to be expected. You are overly tired, are you not? My apologies. We should have stopped sooner to rest.”

“Nay, do not apologize. I am tired but fine, really.”

He let go her hand to heave the rubble from the postern gate.

I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word prompt salt. Thanks for stopping by. Read the other remarkable excerpts at Tuesday Tales.

Happy Reading!

Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Spirited Stories

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