Welcome to Tuesday Tales, where authors write weekly excerpts based on word and picture prompts. The prompt this week is pipe. I continue with my Highlander Time Travel featuring Torsten and Lana. When you finish reading my snippet, make sure to visit all the talented authors of Tuesday Tales.
“How much further?” Tor inquired, high-stepping over a patch of briars.
Lew pointed. “See yonder wee ridge? We must climb it before the Bone Woman’s cottage comes to sight. ‘Tis solid ground and not a fierce rise, as I recall. There are plenty of ancient yews on the slant with roots to grab onto.”
“Her cottage is a far distance from the Keep. I fail to see how an old woman feeds and cares for herself alone in such deep wood.”
“She keeps stock and is wise with herbs and roots, as you might expect. As well, custom affords her a living in the form of a portion of grain, so many deer, hare, and such, as those of her line that came before, back to the time of Gunni. As a matter of fact…” Lew held a thumb and forefinger a space apart. “I came this close to being the one delivering goods to her every six moons.”
Tor frowned. “But the Chieftain chose Elaf. Why? When you are the superior hunter and tracker?”
The older man made a guttural growling sound.
Tor pressed his lips together to hold in a chuckle. Lew sounded like a man swallowing down a mouthful of colorful curses.
“There were reasons. The behind my back of Elaf, that wormy crook-nose, being the main one.” “Ah, well.” He stopped to shift his rucksack as they approached the ridge. “’Tis of no mind now. Old woes are best forgotten.”
Tor quirked his head, listening. His mouth fell open. “Do you hear it, cousin?”
Lew jerked his head around, his eyes alight. “Why, the sound of bagpipes!”
“Who in the name of seven devils would be playing the pipes way out here?”
“Mayhap the height of the place plays tricks on the ears. The pipes sound clear but somehow faraway.”
“Faraway, but the sound comes at me from all directions, as if the trees are making it.”
“Now you’re getting fanciful, lad.”
“Are you certain this wood is not haunted?”
“I cannot say that I am. ‘Tis said the Bone Woman’s ways are mysterious.”
Curiosity pricked at Tor, and the two men continued to climb, moving as fast as caution allowed.
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word, pipe. Thanks for stopping by. Check out the other excerpts at Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
All rights reserved, copyright @ 2022 Flossie Benton Rogers
I love the4 sound of bagpipes. I can imagine how w3onderful they would be echoing like that. Great scene and clever use of the prompt.
Right? Me, too! What a lovely place to be to hear them.
Great use of the word prompt. And I love the atmosphere you’re creating there. I can feel the dampness and shadows of the wood. Great excerpt.
Oh, I’m glad you like the atmosphere and can feel it. Thank you, Jean!
Well, Pipe was def a great word for your story. Love bagpipes. I have a good friend who plays them for an Irish pub here. Fun! Jillian
Once in a blue moon the word is almost already there!
Ach, now I’m a wantin’ to know who’s playing the bagpipes!
I loved this phrase “Elaf, that wormy crook-nose”
I’m so glad you like that line!
Oooh, I am intrigued to know where the music is coming from. I can’t wait to see what happens. Great job!
That music must sound eerie out there. Thank you, Tricia.